NEW '24-25: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 104

You won't struggle to find a skier who argues that 100-105mm underfoot is the sweet spot for backcountry users seeking one ski that does it all. Engineers at Black Diamond hit the nail on the head of that sweet spot with Helio Carbon 104. With plentiful early rise in the tip, the skis will stay afloat in soft and manky snow. Sometimes a downfall for lightweight backcountry layups, the Helio 104 still performs excellently in the hardpack and variable snow thanks to Full Perimeter ABS Sidewalls and dampening materials in the core that reduce chatter and vibration. The Helio Carbon's pre-preg carbon fiber layup and Paulownia wood core keep the weight low for those big vertical days. Balanced yet subtly stiff, the BD Helio Carbon 104 blends several ideal characteristics in a ski that will have users reach for it daily, from the Wasatch to the Cascades and beyond.

• 104mm width provides ample float, yet can still be laid over on hard pack.
• Pre-preg carbon fiber layup and Paulownia wood core provide balance between weight and performance.
• Full-length ABS sidewalls give both dampening properties and improved durability.
• ABS tail protector with a dedicated tail clip slot is always welcome in a backcountry ski.
• The Titanal binding mounting plate offers excellent retention at a low weight penalty.