I think BD really hit the sweet spot with this ski design : perhaps slightly heavier than other stupid-light skis, but in exchange for solid downhill performance. However, these Twizzlers hold an edge pretty darn well. Be warned : the 76 still feels a bit like you have Twizzlers on your feet. Other skis in the same category have often felt too soft or too unruly, but the Helio turn is snappy when you want it and stiff when you need it.
This all adds up to the Helio 76 being a tad heavier than some competitors at the size, but built like a bigger ski, which really helps them with the down.įive pounds (227 gr) a pair is still darn dainty and easily qualifies as a “one kilo” ski. For comparison, the lighter weight Voile Objective is a cap construction ski, and the Dynafit Speedfit sports a ‘micro-sidewall’ (I guess it’s like a sidewall but smaller?). The Helio is built with 5mm ABS sidewalls – pretty rad for such a small ski. BD has added rubber to their sidewall and layup to help damp the chatter. The Helio 76 sports early rise in the tip and the Helio tail design, prepreg carbon layup, and an ultralight wood core (balsa reinforced with flax). A few other brands have been doing well with similar skimo inspired skis, and the Helio 76 now offers a BD made option. The Austrian Alps make for a fine testground.Īs a big fan of the Helio construction, 76 is the size I have been waiting for. That said, 88 is also a big ski to an increasing number of people who like skinning in bounds, use skis to go real far, carry heavy packs, ski couloirs, or even like to rip corn in the spring. Some strong skiers are taking 65s out into the mountains and doing impressive things with them, but generally speaking it is a limiting size.
This size is really an uphill oriented tool (though world class racers do attain high velocities on the down), but it is gaining in popularity for fitness uphilling at ski resorts. Skimo skis are generally 65mm underfoot and only 161cm in length. The BD website says that the 88 is made for “ski mountaineering races, high-altitude objectives, and long-distance tours.” I have put it to use in Alaska and Colorado for expeditions, hut trips, and 14ners a plenty - but skimo races? NO WAY. Both skis rock.Īlong with the other Helio sizes, BD has made a ski for most skiers, however the skinny ski has made a comeback, and 88 is just not that small. The Helio 105 has been my go to touring ski of late, and the Helio 88 is my go to spring ski. They are fast on the up and stable on the down. Black Diamond has been making the Helio ski in 88, 95, 105, and 116 underfoot sizes for two seasons.
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