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Oyuki, a Niseko-based clothing store most well-known for its Japow-inspired gloves and mitts, collaborated with optics and helmet heavyweight Smith on a capsule of limited-edition gear this winter.
The collaboration facilities round Smith’s new helmet (the light-weight Methodology), the cylindrical Squad MAG Goggle, and Oyuki’s irreverent Shaka Mitts. Oyuki and Smith additionally made positive to incorporate a balaclava within the lineup (a midweight iteration with GORE-TEX Infinium).
Every bit of substances shares the identical stellar artwork — snowy, Niseko landscapes and detailed depictions of “yōkai,” supernatural spirits and monsters central to Japanese folklore, painted by muralist Mike Shankster.
As knowledgeable gear tester, I do my finest to method every task objectively, however I’ve acquired to be trustworthy. It was not possible to not nerd out on this collab. Oyuki makes a few of my favourite gloves — the Pep Fujas professional mannequin, specifically, is a flawless, downright attractive set off mitt that completely marries kind and performance.
There’s additionally the light-weight Nikko GORE-TEX Infinium Mitts, and the 3-Layer YamaPro Mitts I exploit throughout sub-zero storm days. (Verify ‘em out when you haven’t already.)
And, after all, Smith makes some fairly standard goggles. The Japanese yōkai contact cranked my stoke ranges to 11.
For sure, I had excessive hopes for this collaboration, and the gear exceeded my expectations. Why? I had the chance to check the total assortment throughout a powder-blessed journey to Oyuki’s Hokkaido hometown, being the primary exterior of the Oyuki and Smith model to get my fingers on the limited-edition drop. Excessive stoke, but additionally, excessive stakes relating to testing.
Briefly: Out of the entire assortment, my focus was on the helmet and goggles in testing, in addition to the performance and sturdiness of every piece of substances. This assortment is much from nearly model — it’s acquired to carry out like every other high gear from every model. After Hokkaido, I continued testing upon my return house to Lake Tahoe, throughout a sequence of storms that resulted in a few of the deepest, finest days of using of my life. Oyuki specifically payments its gear as constructed for pow — “oyuki” really interprets to “massive snow” in Japanese — and I undoubtedly scored the circumstances this gear is meant for. Beneath, I’ll break down my ideas on the gear within the collab, however when you’re pressed for time, I’ve acquired three phrases for you: snag the lot.
Oyuki x Smith Collaboration Gear Overview
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Supplies
In-mold development, polycarbonate shell, EPS foam, zonal KOROYD, MIPS -
Certification
CE EN 1077 -
Audio appropriate
Sure -
Detachable earpads
Sure -
Detachable goggle strap lock
Sure -
Weight
19 oz. (dimension medium)
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Light-weight -
Resort and backcountry prepared -
Appropriate with a wide range of goggles -
Very inexpensive -
Is available in 4 sizes
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Not one of the best air flow -
No dial for dimension adjustment
The very first thing you’ll discover while you peep the Smith X Oyuki Methodology MIPS Helmet is the two-tone, matte yōkai artwork wrapping the helmet. Whereas I dig the extra flamboyant, brighter artwork on the Squad MAG goggle strap and Shaka Mitts, I’m glad the designers went with a extra muted sample on the helmet — it will increase the flexibility if you wish to rock it with extra refined goggles whereas nonetheless trying contemporary.
A Helmet Surprisingly Prepared for Backcountry Missions
Artwork apart, the Smith Methodology is light-weight, pretty priced, and succesful in each resort and backcountry situations.
Smith retains weight low by utilizing an in-mold development, a preferred development method that melds the shell and foam liner collectively. Smith additionally outfitted the Methodology with Koroyd. This tech is rows of light-weight, hole, robust plastic cylinders that crumple within the occasion of an impression.
An extra advantage of the Koroyd? They assist with air flow, which is appreciated, because the Methodology solely has eight fastened vents (in comparison with, say, the ever-popular Smith Vantage, which has 21 adjustable vents).
The Methodology was so gentle, I virtually forgot I used to be sporting it in-bounds. I made a decision to apply it to many backcountry days, too, mountaineering roadside pillows in Hokkaido and embarking on longer excursions at house. It’s not well-ventilated sufficient that you simply’ll need to put on it whereas touring (neither is it licensed for rock fall), nevertheless it’s hardly noticeable when you toss it in your backcountry pack’s helmet-carrying system.
Once I in contrast the burden of the Methodology to my go-to backcountry helmet, the Giro Grid, it turned out that each helmets weigh in at 400g for a dimension medium. The Grid is definitely higher ventilated, and the vents are adjustable in comparison with the Methodology’s fastened vents, nevertheless it’s additionally almost twice the value. When you’re a skier or snowboarder on the lookout for a light-weight, inexpensive helmet that you simply’ll love in bounds and out, the Methodology could possibly be a sensible selection.
Smith Methodology Options & Match
Whereas the eight fastened vents aren’t notably ground-breaking, the Methodology options Smith’s AirEvac vents above the eyebrows, which assist jettison heat air from the goggles and hold your lenses from fogging up. Extra options embody a detachable goggle clip and heat and comfy (and detachable) audio-compatible ear pads. Past that, options are fairly minimal, which helps hold each price and weight low.
When you’re used to a BOA-style dial, Smith’s “self-adjusting match system” can take some getting used to. Basically, there’s a pair of stretchy bands alongside the again of the helmet, fastened to a plastic harness that cradles the again of the pinnacle. The plastic harness has arms that snap into holes within the helmet’s foam liner, which is the way you set sizing. The professionals of this method are that there’s no twiddling with dials; you set the sizing as soon as, then throw on the helmet and go.
Nevertheless, when you like a decent match, otherwise you trip with a beanie at some point and nothing the following, chances are you’ll miss one-handed dial techniques. An vital word on match, too: I like an additional comfortable helmet match, and once I was using with a balaclava, the match was excellent for me. But when I ditched the balaclava, there was extra wiggle room than I’d like.
MIPS and Security
Discussing helmet security is at all times tough. I don’t have the healthcare mandatory to check helmets like a crash dummy. And after extra concussions than I care to rely, I attempt to bonk my noggin as little as doable on the slopes. Nevertheless, my notion of the Methodology is that it’s a strong, middle-of-the-park performer.
First off, it’s accessible with MIPS, which I at all times go for. MIPS (Multi-Directional Affect Safety System) is the friction-free plastic layer that permits the helmet to rotate independently from the pinnacle, decreasing probably catastrophic rotational forces within the occasion of a crash. Moreover, using the Koroyd tech earns extra security factors.
Generally, lighter, skimpier helmets aren’t as confidence-inspiring as a extra beefy and substantial cranial bucket, however I felt strong within the Methodology and despatched a few of the greater drops of my winter on this helmet.
Goggle Compatibility: Close to-Common
One of many greatest attracts of the Methodology’s flat brim model is its near-universal goggle compatibility. The Methodology works tremendous properly with the Smith Squad MAG, however I additionally examined it with XL Oakleys, frameless Giro Contours, and extra choices from different manufacturers. That mentioned, it really works finest with goggles with a flatter forehead.
Briefly: The Oyuki-collab art work makes this Smith helmet actually stand out. Minimalist, light-weight, and versatile, it’s a strong decide for any snowboarder or skier who needs one helmet that may deal with each resort using and backcountry days — all with out breaking the financial institution. The Smith Methodology MIPS helmet is one to observe for this yr.
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Model
Cylindrical -
Match
Medium/giant -
Lens
On a regular basis crimson mirror, low-light storm rose -
Lens system
Magnetic, locking lever -
Weight
5 oz. -
Worth
$250
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Traditional cylindrical model -
Wonderful peripherals and optics -
Stable venting -
Safe lens interchangeability system
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Body will be on the large aspect for some of us -
Increased worth level -
Just one lens colour selection for the collab
Much more so than the helmet, the very first thing you discover with this Smith x Oyuki Squad MAG is the art work. The colourful yōkai characters stand out in opposition to the white strap, which in flip pops in opposition to the black and grey of the Methodology Helmet.
There’s additionally a leather-based patch stamped with each manufacturers’ logos and the enduring Mt. Yotei, the volcano that rises excessive above Niseko and calls to powderhounds like sirens singing to sailors. When you’re into subtlety, look elsewhere. In any other case, this strap earns the Squad severe model factors.
Goggle Visibility and Readability
In my view, Smith’s ChromaPop wavelength-filtering lenses produce readability and distinction that’s on par with one of the best goggles within the recreation. The Smith x Oyuki Squad MAG goggle comes with two ChromaPop lenses: the on a regular basis Crimson Mirror lens for sunny days, and a Storm Rose Flash lens for stormy days.
On semi-rare bluebird days in Japan and Tahoe this winter, I used to be stoked to be rocking the crimson lens. It supplied crisp, clear optics, and the reflective tint helped mitigate glare. However I ended up utilizing the storm lens fairly a bit extra — final winter was a whirlwind of pow — and it delivered top-notch distinction whereas navigating pillow traces and glades in graybird and blizzard circumstances.
Thanks largely to the lenses, the Squad MAGs are among the many finest cylindrical goggles I’ve used. There’s minimal optical distortion, and the peripherals are unbelievable, specifically due to the sheer floor space of the massive lenses. When you swear by cylindricals, you’ll be stoked on these lenses.
Lens Tech, Match, and Helmet Compatibility
Anon’s magnetic goggle system is, in my eyes, the gold customary of lens interchangeability techniques. It’s quick, straightforward, and pretty safe. Nevertheless, I do have an older pair of Anons, and a few the magnets lately popped out of the lenses, making the connection much less strong than most well-liked. That’s the place Smith’s MAG system has the benefit.
The Squad MAG sports activities two plastic locking mechanisms on the edges of the goggles. You disengage the levers, after which you may pull the magnetic lens off of the body. It’s undoubtedly slower than Anon’s system and has extra transferring elements, nevertheless it’s nonetheless fast, and it’s undoubtedly safer. Plus, if magnets ever pop unfastened over time, the MAG system lock counsel the goggle will nonetheless work moderately properly.
As I discussed within the helmet evaluation above, the Squad MAG pairs exceptionally properly with the Methodology helmet. I’ve a medium-size face, and the medium-to-large-size goggle by no means felt prefer it was too massive for me, nor did I ever crave higher peripherals. Lastly, because of the comfortable triple-layer face foam, I used to be in a position to comfortably rock this goggle from bell to bell, day after day.
Briefly: When you’re a fan of Smith goggles already, these giant cylindrical lenses with nice readability and safe lens interchangeability, in all probability have your identify on them — particularly when you don’t thoughts investing a bit more cash for wonderful discipline of view, readability, and air flow. However you probably have a small or smaller-size face, we gotta be trustworthy — the Squad MAG could or is probably not a match.
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Cheeky, distinctive mitt model encourages throwing shakas -
Surprisingly useful dexterity -
Mid-weight insulation is heat sufficient for many days on the hill -
Chairlift dialog starter and enjoyable
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Not as heat as common mitts -
Not as dextrous as gloves or set off mitts
A Set off Mitt in Reverse
Everyone loves a set off mitt. This glove-meets-mitt hybrid frees up the index finger for higher dexterity, and homes the remaining fingers in a mitten-like pocket. However have you ever ever seen a Shaka mitt? It frees up the pinky as a substitute, permitting you to, properly, throw shakas. It’s similar to a set off mitt, however means much less sensible, and far more enjoyable.
Due to the orange leather-based insert on one mitt and the illustrated yōkai gildings on each mitts, the Oyuki x Smith Shaka GORE-TEX Mittens are as loud as will be — and I imply that as a praise. They’re a enjoyable chairlift dialog starter, little doubt.
Mitten Performance
Between the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, water resistant goatskin leather-based, and PrimaLoft insulation (133 g within the backhand and 80 g within the palm), the Shaka is heat sufficient for many winter days, and labored nice in dry to moist circumstances. Nevertheless, when the mercury dropped towards and under zero, my pinky did get chilly.
It’s shocking how far more mobility and performance you’ve gotten with the Shaka’s free pinky in comparison with a normal mitten. (In fact, it’s nonetheless much less useful than a pair of gloves.) The free pinky did turn out to be useful when twiddling with pesky zippers, tightening splitboard {hardware}, or wrangling snacks on the chairlift.
I spent in all probability 20 days using with these final season, and except for their occasional performance, throwing the shaka and watching buddies’ confusion flip to laughter by no means acquired previous.
Briefly: When you wish to fake you’re browsing a white wave on a powder day, this may develop into your favourite pair of mitts. And did I point out the mitts include a pair of chopsticks? That’s value a double shaka, when you ask me.
Oyuki and Smith Gear: Conclusion
Over the previous few years, I’ve watched Oyuki rework from a comparatively boutique Japanese model right into a ski city staple. All through that journey, the model hasn’t misplaced its Hokkaido soul, nor its diehard dedication to high-performance, powder-primed gear — a reality evident by this collab with Smith. Collaborations like these are about uniqueness on high of (not as a substitute of) extremely technical efficiency.
These two manufacturers go collectively like gasoline station sushi and roadside pillow traces, overworked legs and onsens, slurpable ramen and frosty Sapporo. That’s to say, they pair collectively completely.
Little doubt, I’ll be retaining an eye fixed out for extra Oyuki gear and collabs sooner or later. And I can’t wait to place extra gear to the take a look at in Japan and within the circumstances it was constructed for … hopefully sooner relatively than later. Within the meantime, I’ll be ready for it to snow.
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