Ski Reviews

2021-2022 Liberty Helix 98, 179 cm

Reviewer Username: Joe Humphries

Reviewer Height: 5’9″

Reviewer Weight: 160 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 12 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Various resorts in British Columbia

TEST CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 6/10

FORGIVENESS: 6/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 5/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 8/10

STABILITY: 3/10

SUSPENSION: 3/10

EDGE HOLD: 5/10

PLAYFULNESS: 7/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

Stiffer than expected but once you lean into it, it rewards you with a good amount of energy/pop

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (179 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Terrain Park

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Softer, but not deep snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Freestyle all-mountain skiers who prefer to ski with a bit more of a “lazy” upright style, make lots of quick turns on the sides of trails and in trees, seeking out side hits and take a playful approach to the mountain.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

The ski was stiffer and stronger than I was expecting based on brand reputation and hand-flex, especially through the back half of the ski. Really good mogul ski because it provides a supportive tail so you don’t wash out but light enough to maneuver quickly. Not a noodle. Also not outstanding in any particular way. Just kind of lives right in the middle – decent but not great float for a 98, playful but not overly loose/soft, stiff enough but not a plank, etc.