Rider Interview | Yuji Usui on the CORE ME
Rider Interview | Blending with the Snow, Riding with Flow – Yuji Usui on the CORE ME
In snowboarding, bindings are the critical connection between rider and board. They transfer every movement, every subtle adjustment, and every intention directly into the snow.
Among SP Bindings' lineup, the CORE ME has earned a reputation for delivering more than just lightweight performance and quick response. Its unique combination of flexibility, stability, and adaptability has made it a favorite among riders who demand versatility across a wide range of conditions.
This time, we sat down with Yuji Usui, a rider known for his smooth, flowing style and deep appreciation for efficient movement on the mountain. From carving and freestyle runs to natural terrain and high-speed riding, Usui has continued to rely on the CORE ME throughout the season.
We asked him what makes this binding stand out and why it has become an essential part of his setup.
Q1. What made you choose the CORE ME this season?
Yuji Usui:
Its versatility, without a doubt.
The CORE ME performs exceptionally well in every situation. Whether I'm carving, riding natural terrain, or simply cruising the mountain, it never feels out of place. That's what I appreciate most about it—it adapts naturally to whatever conditions I encounter.
Q2. Where do you feel the lightweight construction and responsiveness of the CORE ME make the biggest difference?
Yuji Usui:
When carving, the binding allows me to apply pressure evenly through both feet, giving me the exact edge engagement I'm looking for. It helps me create the kind of snow contact I envision before entering the turn.
In freestyle riding, it's easy to engage the nose and tail of the board, making it easier to initiate tricks and control movements naturally.
When riding natural terrain, the flexibility of the composite construction really stands out. It absorbs subtle changes in the snow and terrain, allowing me to react smoothly without feeling like I'm fighting the board.
That same flexibility is incredibly valuable on jump approaches. Even when the run-in is uneven or unpredictable, the binding naturally helps create a stable platform beneath my feet, giving me the confidence to commit and stay centered.
It's not simply a matter of being light or responsive. The CORE ME feels like it works with the conditions, supporting your movements exactly when you need it.
Q3. How would you describe the stability of the CORE ME at higher speeds or under aggressive pressure?
Yuji Usui:
Rather than feeling like it cuts through the snow, it feels like it blends with it.
Even at high speeds, I never feel rushed or unsettled. The binding allows me to stay composed and continue building pressure smoothly throughout the turn. That sense of control is one of its biggest strengths.
Q4. Are there situations in carving or freeriding where the quick response of the CORE ME really stands out?
Yuji Usui:
I notice it most during edge transitions.
Every rider has a different timing and style when transitioning from one edge to the other, but the CORE ME adapts to all of them. It has a level of forgiveness and versatility that allows you to ride naturally without feeling restricted.
I also notice it during ollies. As I shift my weight forward and backward, my knees and lower body move naturally into position. Everything feels smooth and balanced, making it easier to generate pop without forcing the movement.
Even subtle footwork feels intuitive. The binding creates a feeling of having a larger platform beneath your feet, which makes board control easier, especially in flatter situations where smooth, precise movements are important.
It's not just fast to react—it reacts in a way that complements the rider's movement.
Q5. What's the most important factor for you when choosing a binding?
Yuji Usui:
The balance between edge control and flat-base freedom.
At first glance, those two characteristics might seem contradictory, but during a run you're constantly moving between them. You need precise edge engagement in one moment and a relaxed, playful feel the next.
Finding a binding that delivers both is extremely important to me.
Q6. Tell us about the riding style and philosophy that matter most to you.
Yuji Usui:
For me, speed isn't just about going fast downhill. What matters most is maintaining speed throughout the turn.
I focus on carrying momentum smoothly rather than simply accelerating through gravity.
I also place a lot of value on clean, efficient movement. Understanding how my body naturally moves allows me to eliminate unnecessary motion and ride in a way that feels effortless and fluid.
Another important element is flow.
I believe transitions play a huge role in creating that flow. To move smoothly from one edge to the other, I constantly keep my center of gravity moving. The moment movement stops, the ride begins to feel disconnected.
Presentation matters as well. I like to create rhythm and variation in my riding through subtle body movements and anticipation. Those details help make turns and movements look smoother and more expressive.
What I like about SP Bindings is that they never interfere with that natural flow. They simply allow me to move the way I want to move.
Q7. What type of rider would you recommend the CORE ME to?
Yuji Usui:
I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to ride with a smooth, flowing style.
Nature is constantly changing. No two runs, snow conditions, or terrain features are ever exactly the same.
The CORE ME encourages riders to adapt to those changes rather than fight them. If you're interested in developing a riding style that works with the mountain instead of against it, this binding is an excellent choice.
Q8. What are your goals for next season with the CORE ME?
Yuji Usui:
Next season, I want to continue exploring different board shapes and lengths to deepen my understanding of snowboard performance.
I'd also like to create video projects that truly reflect my personal style. In particular, I want to express the flowing style of riding that I care about so much.
Competitively, I'll continue focusing on technical events. I've spent the spring refining new movements and techniques, and I'm excited to showcase that progress.
Lately, I've been paying particular attention to two things: speed and smoothness.
To pursue those goals, I've made significant changes to my setup. Because I understand my body's natural movement patterns, I'm always looking for ways to ride more efficiently and naturally.
Those adjustments have also reminded me how adaptable the CORE ME really is. No matter how dramatically I change my setup, the binding continues to respond exactly the way I need it to.
That's one of the things I appreciate most about it.
The CORE ME Feeling
The CORE ME is more than just a lightweight, responsive binding.
It naturally adapts to the snow beneath you and allows your movements to flow without resistance.
Whether you're transitioning between edges, navigating natural terrain, loading up for an ollie, or pushing into higher speeds, it supports your riding without ever feeling intrusive.
For riders like Yuji Usui—who value speed, style, and flow—that feeling makes all the difference.
Ride with the mountain.
Move with confidence.
Let your style come naturally.
That's the CORE ME.
Rider Profile
Yuji Usui
・Born: December 10, 1979
・Height: 175 cm
・Stance: Regular / 56 cm
・Binding Angles: Front +24° / Rear +3°
・Snowboarding Experience: 28 years
・Home Mountain: Aizu Kogen Daikura Ski Resort
・Setup:
・Binding: CORE ME
・Boots: PSI
・Instagram: @ussyyuji