Black diamond helio carbon 95 skis
TESTED BY MARTIN CHESTER
I had been eyeing the Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95’s up and looking forward to skiing these throughout the whole of lockdown. And I wasn’t disappointed!
Opening the winter of 2021-22 powder account, we had over one mighty metre of snow in just five days. The mountain went from grass and rocks; through icy piste and grainy old snow; to bottomless powder and wind hammered crud. So the skis got hammered all around the mountains in almost all conditions.
Following a redesign, and now weighing in at just 2.8kg for a pair at 176cm, you get a lot of bang for minimal buck. On the way up they are light, yet the nose rocker keeps the tips afloat with ease. On the way down, they don’t feel anything like such a lightweight chatter-fest as some in this weight range. Is that really down to the ABS sidewalls? Whatever, it works – and they are a truly great “playful yet smooth” little ski that can really charge!
With a paulownia wood core (I wouldn’t touch anything without) and a 19m turn radius, they are springy and responsive. Equally at home around the bumps as well as the chop. In crust, crud and ice they are forgiving and easy. I don’t really know enough about ski design, but that rounded tail just never catches!
They pack a serious punch for such a light ski with grippy edges, buttery smooth turns in the pow, yet can carve on the piste as well as any.
Once the snow fell I feared I would want a bigger board, but they ski just like one. The 327mm nose rocker keeps ‘em flying even when it’s waist deep. Furthermore, the 95mmm waist keeps them nimble and all the more fun for it. They suit my outdated desire for ‘80s powder wiggles, as well as hooning through pillows in a more modern stylee!
The combination of features was utterly dependable in the worst slab and crust. The tail of the ski sinking and slicing around under the surface without hanging up in the ruts. Forcing the tips of the skis up to fight for another turn in the tricky stuff. I was impressed – but quite enough of that stuff – thanks . . .
They pack a serious punch for such a light ski with grippy edges, buttery smooth turns in the pow, yet can carve on the piste as well as any.
