![]() ![]() Testers all admitted to feeling surprised by this ski, which was more capable than many had anticipated given past models of the Helio skis. As a result, Larsen pinged this one as ideal for “a skier who likes higher speeds and wants to push this thing in the backcountry.” He also noted that it’s best skied with some forward pressure, since it gets a little loose and catchy if you get in the backseat. Several testers found the Helio Carbon 95 lacked some playfulness and suffered a bit in deeper snow thanks to its slim waist, but that it’s confidence-inspiring in terrain that requires precision. Black Diamond also increased the size range in this line this year, adding a 155cm length for shorter skiers. Testers agreed it’s a sturdy ski that can take a beating on long backcountry adventures. Related: Eight ways to use ski straps in the backcountry.ĭurability was an obvious priority when BD added full-perimeter 5mm beveled ABS sidewalls and a tail protector with integrated skin-clip tab. “I like the direction Black Diamond is heading. “It’s strong and stable and feels at home on steep fall lines and technical terrain,” commented tester Luke Larson, owner of Salt Lake City’s Lifthouse Ski Shop. It also zips through the trees without having to put too much muscle into it, which is great when you’re slogging back to the car after a huge day of climbing. While testers agreed the Helio Carbon 95 wasn’t the most playful or creative ski, it inspired confidence in committing lines, which is no doubt what the ski was made for. A lightweight paulownia wood core maintains energy and snappiness, and an early rise tip allows for easy steering. Raring to tackle steep skin tracks, the lightweight Helio Carbon 95 is ideal for uphill chargers with big mountaineering days on their agenda when weight and reliability count. The 95 sits on the sleeker end of the Helio series (which includes an 88, 95, 104, and 115), making it a solid tool to tackle long missions in the backcountry. The Scores (out of 10)īlack Diamond re-designed its popular Helio Carbon series this season, revamping the skis with a pre-preg carbon-fiber layup that has improved the dampness, torsional stiffness, and the flex pattern of the ski. Affirmed a Bozemanite, “I’d ski this all winter long and would not complain about getting a bigger ski.This article was first published by. “A reliable daily driver for Rocky Mountain West skiers, regardless of conditions,” one tester wrote. Upgrade-words like playful and smooth peppered test forms with a frequencyĪs for versatility, testers nearly universally agreed that the 95 could handle wide-ranging conditions. Vibrations commonly felt with carbon skis. Layers of rubber in the tip and around the ski’s perimeter to reduce the harsh ![]() Sibling relies on a lightweight build that utilizes a barely there balsa/flaxĬore reinforced with layers of stiff, light carbon. Helio family (measuring 76, 88, 95, 105 and 116 mm underfoot), the middle Stiffness, light weight and turnability.” Most ski days,” “This little gun proves bigger isn’t always better,” and “Theīest of the Black Diamond Helio line. Performance.” Others piled on the praise: “Solid, stable and versatile pick for These skis hit the sweet spot of stiffness, light weight and turnability.” “The best of the Black Diamond Helio line. That blew away the mid-90 mm competition-on both the uptrack and the descent. This season, BD takes a victory lap, with top honors falling on a ski Helio 116, earned an Editors’ Choice Award for its best-in-class weight-to-width Their Helio line of touring-specific skis last season and the widest model, the ![]()
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