Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95
They say that ‘recombination’ is the fastest kind of evolution, where two sets of genes collide to produce something entirely new.
We’ve been impressed with the recent direction of BD ski development, and applauding the Blizzard Zero G 95 as one of the ‘top five touring skis’ for a few seasons.
So when Black Diamond take the genetic material of the Helio ski line, and get the team at Blizzard to build them in Austria, our eyes were always going to be firmly fixed on the outcome.
Covid-19 may have prevented Martin trying out his test pair, but he’s ready and raring to put ’em to work this season: “These have a springy camber and elegant early rise 327mm (18.5%) tip rocker, plus a paulownia core. Shapely and full ABS sidewalls should dampen any carbon chatter – all in a 2.8kg per pair package.”
With bold graphics, paulownia wood cores, pre-preg carbon fibre layups for improved dampness, torsional stability and balanced flex, the new Helio Carbon series are one good-looking, remote ripping bunch. The Helio Carbon 95 is the most versatile of this exploratory crew, hence why we gave it our One To Watch award in our top touring skis for 2021.
Black Diamond have tamed the carbon with full-length ABS sidewalls, with no compromise to that incredible weight. The ski has titanal inserts at the binding for stability and strength, and the wood of choice in the core is paulownia – one of our favourite mega-light woods popular for its predictability and composed feedback.
Verdict
The Helio Carbon 95 skis more like an alpine rig than ever before so it will have you flying down the mountain with as much ease as you flew up to the top.
- Brand:
- Black Diamond
- Model:
- Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95
- RRP:
- £650
- Width:
- 95mm
- Lengths
- 162, 169, 176, 183
- Radius
- 19m @ 176
- Dimensions
- 124-95-113 @ 176
- Weight per ski
- 1400g @ 176
