10 things you should know before buying kids gear.Part 1 (5-XNUMX)

Photos: ONOZUKA AKIRA
Text: Haru Aki
Model: Raito Honda
Special thanks: Murasaki Sports
* From the article published in 2017 FREERUN BEST GEAR CATALOG

Everyone hopes that a person who is completely addicted to snowboarding will have a child and a certain number of years will pass. "I want to snowboard with my kids."When that happens, I'm sure it's kids gear.Therefore, in this project, we will introduce tips for not failing in gear selection and recommended gears.(Parts 1 to 5)

When buying children's gear, there are concerns such as "how many times a year can I go?", "Can I really continue?" And "how many years can I use it?"So, personally, I think it's an ant to challenge with rental gear at first.However, some rental shops have been used for many years, and some of them are hard to say that they support your progress.If you're snowboarding and your legs hurt or your butt gets wet, your child's tension will drop immediately.Just keep in mind that good gear leads to a more comfortable snowboard.

Also, if you want to improve first, it's a shortcut to always use the same gear.So, even if you rent it, choose the same brand, the same model, and the same size as much as possible.However, I think you should buy only boots if possible.It can also be used as snow boots locally, and it will be the key item for the most comfort!

Priority when buying gear
If it's hard gear, give priority to boots first.The boot size is decided, and the size of other gears is also decided.However, before buying a board or binding, if playing in the snow is also the purpose of the trip, I think it is ant to prioritize clothing and gloves.If you have new and highly functional boots, clothing, and gloves, you should be able to play comfortably on the snow!Of course, there are rentals, but since it is an item that comes into direct contact with the skin, it may not be hygienic depending on the maintenance.

The order in which you should buy from this gear can be changed to some extent depending on the needs of each family.Also, when buying kids gear, it's basically a good idea to choose something that can be used for two to three seasons.

If it is just too big, it may not be usable in the next season, but if it is too long, it will be too heavy for the child's physique and difficult to handle.Therefore, the total length of the board is a guideline for the child's eyes.However, not only height but also weight is a checkpoint.Each board also has a recommended weight, so don't miss it.

Longer boards are more stable for skidding, fall lines, and slower turns.If you start working in earnest and your child's skills improve, I think you can enjoy it even if it is shorter than the standard length.

Camber board or rocker board
If you can't graduate from skidding or fall line, camber is recommended.It has a solid sense of stability.However, in terms of moving the board, the locker will be better off.It's easy to move the board even with the weak force of a child, so if you repeat the turn, a locker is recommended.However, if you reach the level where you want the sharpness of the turn, you should switch to camber.

It is a major premise that the size fits the boots with an adult.Also, I don't think there are many models that are hard for kids' bindings, but at first I like the soft flex model that makes it easy to move the ankle.

In addition, we recommend the one-strap model, which is easy to put on and take off by yourself.Especially when the glove is a mittens, the one-point fastening type is overwhelmingly easier.When the level of slippage becomes high and you want a quicker reaction, you should replace it with a XNUMX-strap model.

When considering the growth of a child, it is easy to choose oversize.However, if it is too big, the heel will float when slipping.Also, because the centering of the snowboard and boots is not good, there is a high possibility that it will be difficult to make a turn on the tip side of the knob. However, it doesn't matter if it is slightly larger than the just size.There are also models that can be used for 2 to 3 seasons by removing the insoles.Keep in mind that the key to improving is to fit your child's size as much as possible.

BOA is a good type to tighten.All you have to do is toss your heels on the floor through your feet and then turn them.It requires less force than the Velcro type, and I think that even a child can tighten it.After that, let's choose a soft flex model.

If it is just the size, the wear will be stretched and it will be difficult to move.On the contrary, even if the size is too large, it is difficult to move and it is heavy, so it will be a burden on the child, so it is better to avoid it.If you oversize it too much, it will be easier for snow to get inside the wear.Basically, I think it's better to choose a slightly larger one, but for pants, it's a good idea to slacken on your boots.When I snowboard or play in the snow, it's easy to move around that size.

In addition, some recent clothing models are equipped with a function that allows you to adjust the size as your child grows.I want you to choose a design that is warm, easy to move, does not get wet, and that your child likes, and use it for a couple of seasons.

Recommended items
Bib pants are especially recommended.The advantage is that snow does not enter the wear from around the waist.Parents are worried about the toilet, but the effort is the same as normal type pants.Also, even if you take off your jacket when it gets hot, the hem of your jacket won't come out of your pants, so it's hard to get sick.It's really cute when worn by children!

Cold child or hot child
For children who are cold, we recommend clothing with high heat retention, such as a fleece fabric on the lining.However, for hot children, it is better to layer the inner properly and choose a model with excellent windproof function for the outer.If you sweat, your body will get cold.It is also important to choose clothing that suits your child's constitution.

Continue to the second part (6 to 10)