The Reforma Test
I’m into these. They are not an easy ski on Reforma, nor are they particularly quick. I’ve rarely found myself unable to bring the skis around to make quick turns, but they are powerful and stable and require strong input to pivot quickly.
I prefer the Variant 113’s straighter shape and overall flex pattern to the 190cm Q Lab on Reforma, and I can’t wait to do a proper comparison of the late 191 Katana and the 186 Variant 113….
Trees / Narrower Chutes / Tighter Spaces
Again, these skis demand strong and deliberate input, but when that is provided, I’ve found them to be quite compliant, fun, and “confidence-inspiring.” They go where you tell them to, they aren’t going to slide out from under you in steep terrain. Nor will they fold on you in steep, bumped-up terrain.
Skiing these down some steep, bumped sections on St. Bernard, Oster, and Fabian off Taos’ West Basin, I was working pretty hard, but the skis were doing what I wanted them to. No surprises. Solid. Stable.
And then, when the terrain does open up, it’s game on.
Normal Moguls / Pivotability / Quickness / Variant 113 vs. the old, metal Volkl Katana
This is related to the previous section, but in fairly consistent, lower-angle bump lines, I actually quite liked these skis. I generally like straighter shapes in bumps. And in addition, the Variant 113 has very little camber underfoot (maybe a millimeter or two; they are nearly flat underfoot).
And that flat profile seems to go a long way toward enhancing the pivotability of this fairly heavy, fat-tailed ski.
At the same time, I have yet to have the skis swimming around or feeling washy when running more bases-flat while nuking around — which is something that Will Brown and I both have experienced on the fully-rockered Katana — both the carbon version and the metal version.
So … Katana-esque performance without the kind of scary experience of finding your ski swimming around if you’re running bases flat?
(And yes, I will try to write a fuller Katana vs. Variant section soon.)
A Few Final Comparisons
• 184 & 191 Volkl Katana – carbon & metal editions
The 186cm Liberty Variant is definitely more ski than the 184cm V-Werks Katana, period.
We have yet to see how it compares to the old 191cm metal Katana. I think it will be in the same ballpark, with one of them feeling a touch more demanding … and I don’t know which.
But I suspect that the 191 Katana will still have the even higher top end.
Again, I will update soon…
• 187cm ON3P Wrenegade 112
I don’t know how these two skis compare, but I’m dying to find out. On paper, these two skis are extremely similar—dimensions, weight, incorporation of bamboo, intended purpose.
This “Vs” review really needs to happen.
Who’s It For?
– Anyone who prizes stability and a high speed limit, and doesn’t mind working a bit harder / skiing with strong, deliberate input to gain these attributes.
– Bigger guys—200, 220, 230 lbs, etc.—who are also strong skiers that like a very stable ski, but not necessarily a long ski … you should take a very serious look at the Variant 113.
Bottom Line
The Variant 113 is pretty much exactly what Liberty says it is, and I really like their execution of this ski.
So if you like the sound of a ski designed to allow you to “demolish your resort” (best product description ever??), then check out the Variant 113.
And given its very high speed limit and considerable stability, the Variant 113 is intuitive, predictable, and well-behaved.
Great job, Liberty.
And if you’re still reeling over the disappearance of the metal Katana, you really ought to check these out.
NEXT: Rocker Profile Pics
Great review. Looks like there is a pair of new 186s on ebay for $200 right now- nice!
Jonathan,
Sounds like a fantastic ski and with a titanal layer now is the perfect time to ask, why do so few of the microbrewski’s use titanal?
Thanks for the insiders view Big K
It is a fantastic ski. And I think as a very gross generalization, one of the reasons some smaller companies don’t use titanal is that it can be difficult to work with.
And some companies say that they prefer the on-snow feel and performance of non-titanal skis.
Will you be getting around to skiing the Wrenegades and if so when? I am curious to see your impression of the newest iteration (tweaked for 2014-2015 I believe). Inquiring minds want to know!
Appreciate all you guys do.
Thank you, Jim. But I’m afraid that a new Wrenegade comparison is not imminent. My suspicion is that the 186cm Variant 113 will feel like more ski than the 187cm Wren 112, but I can’t say that with certainty yet…
Great work as always. Any comparison to the 186 Governor? Sounds like the Variant may be a little more stout and not as quick. Is that accurate?
Thanks, Ben. The Variant 113 is definitely more stout than the Governor. For sure. I keep saying it, but the Governor is truly not that demanding of a ski – it’s just a nice ski.
So yes, the Governor is probably a bit quicker and more maneuverable. But the Variant is so stable – and stable at speed – that I don’t find it to be sluggish. You’ll work a bit, but you can ski fast and hard with a ton of confidence.
Sweet! Looking for a less-washy Katana. Something to replace my Wrenegade and Head m103. Really want to know how the dampness compares to the Katana 191. Is it just as silky? Also, powder performance – just as good or better? Mount point sounds perfect, too – love -9ish. And in a 186 is great too! Really excited about this ski.
Hey, sorry for the late reply, Lindahl. The Variant is certainly less washy than the Katana.
And I’m afraid that we’ve been so busy with the new stuff that I haven’t yet A/B-ed the Variant against the 191 metal Katana.
But I think you of all people ought to check out this ski. As far as dampness – I’ll say very close. I have not wanted or needed more dampness out of the Variant. And as for pow performance, I never really skied the 191 Katana in deep pow, but I can tell you that in fresh pow (not necessarily super deep, but light untracked and heavy untracked) the Variant performed very well.
I really, really like this ski.
Sounds like the Variant is the quickest from edge to edge if you are carrying any type of speed, would you agree? On balance that one definitely sounds like the best one for my kind of skiing: 50% groomers, 25% side country, 25% crud.
Thanks for all that you do for us!
Hey, sorry – quickest from edge to edge – which skis are you specifically wondering about?
would you deviate (forward) any from the standard line mount point if you have a 306mm BSL?
just picked up a pair of these 113 Variant’s and some Governor’s. Will be a fun and interesting comparison. Thanks for any reply.
Hi, Mike – I’ve only skied the Variants in a 306 BSL (Fischer Vacuum 130s), so nope, I wouldn’t (and didn’t) deviate.
And yes, Variant vs. Governor will be fun. I think both are really good, interesting skis, the Variant 113 is more ski – but I guess we’ll see if you agree.
Any updates vs. the Katana?
I guess we’ll see if this is the real deal or not. Just ordered some closeout Liberty Variant 113s in 193cm. Looking forward to comparing them to my 191cm Katanas, 183cm Head m103s, 191cm ON3P Wrenegades and 191cm ON3P Billygoats. Quiver overlap much? haha
Looks like they’ve been re-designed for this year. The ’13-14 pair that I received has a little more than 1cm of camber (quite a bit), and has very little, if any, tip rocker. It’s more early-rise. The profile of the skis look very different than what’s pictured above. I’ll be sending them back – they won’t be as loose as I would want them to be.
Yep. You still need to get on the 14/15 or 15/16 186cm. If you can’t find a pair to demo near you (except that you should just buy this ski) then come down to Taos this winter and get on our pair.
Thanks for the review! I’m convinced.
Hi Jonathan awesome review! I’m really interested in the smaller version of the Variant, the Variant 97, it has identical dimensions and turn radius as the Bonafide, but with the same flex pattern and construction of this larger version variant. Was wondering if you’d tried out that ski and if not what you think it would ski like given your experience with these two skis. Thanks and looking forward to demolishing my resort this year!
We haven’t skied the Variant 97, but we look forward to reviewing it this season – and a number of other Liberty skis.
How would you say it compares to the cochise? Rocker profile looks similar….
I’ve been riding the Liberty Helix and found it lacking a bit when traveling with speed through chop, crud and other variable conditions. Feels like the tips deflect more than I would like. But I really enjoy the energy and rebound of the Helix in light pow in trees and on groomers. Also appreciate the maneuverability. Basically looking for a more stout/beefier Helix that I can push harder in variable conditions. Is the Variant 113 the answer? Going to be a daily driver in Telluride so it needs to able to handle firm/variable conditions and be able to rally the groomers. Have a dedicated powder ski already. Thanks for the review!
And has anyone at blister experimented with different mounting points?
This review nails it. These are my favorite groomer skis since my old school Dynastar Course GSs. No speed limit. Absolute confidence on edge. I got a pair of the originals in the 193 cm in clearance as a lark. I’m a big guy who likes to ski fast. As stated, you won’t be noodling these in the trees. Skied them till the bases are paper thin. Found and bought another identical undrilled pair last spring for 4 times the price I paid for the first pair. That’s how much I love them.
So, if you can find a pair, grab them. Or send me the link :)
I just wish Liberty would make the same ski with a bit of a tail rocker (early rise tail?) so they’re a bit easier to turn in the heavy stuff (Cascade concrete) we get here in the PNW.