Boasting turning performance comparable to carving skis,
many park models and lightweight tour models are also available
It is the thinnest waist width group in the freeski category, but considering that the waist width of general carving ski models is in the range of 60 to 70mm, it is sufficiently voluminous. While the carving model is premised on leveling turns, the free-skiing model allows you to ski on any kind of snow on any slope, from the park to the backcountry. That is why it has a wider waist width than the carving model.
The advantage is that you can ski without stress even when leveling. Switching between turns is also agile, and even on hard packs, it demonstrates the direct edge grip of a carving ski. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that the foot is narrow, so it is unstable in powder, and the deeper the snow is, the more difficult it is to make long turns, so you need reliable short turn technology with a pivot.
*Ski specifications: D (dimension = sidecut), L (length = length), R (turning radius), T = tail, N = nose
[DIRECTIONAL model]
While demonstrating a certain degree of operability in powder and spring corn snow, the effect of the metal layer allows you to enjoy sharp high-speed carving turns on compacted snow. A ratio of 6 to 7 on leveled land and 3 to 4 on unleveled land.
LINE｜BLADE
D=154-95-124mm｜L=169, 176, 181cm｜R=TIGHT｜105,600 yen
The waist is narrowed down from a very thick nose like a deep powder model. With this extremely narrowed and radical outline, you can freely make deep turns with your body leaning down, quick and sharp turns, and moderately slant sliding. It creates the enjoyment of freeski-like turns that are a bit different from carving models.
VÖLKL｜M6 MANTRA
D=135-96-119mm｜L=163, 170, 177, 184cm｜R=30/18/24m (177cm)｜96,800 yen
Volkl has a full line-up for mountaineering, backcountry, and freestyle, and has produced many famous freeride models. The 6th generation of the Mantra, which has been highly evaluated since its introduction, adds carbon that spreads like a mesh to the well-established Titanal frame. It cuts through the rough barn without difficulty.
FISCHER | RANGER 99 TI
D=130-97-121mm｜L=174, 181, 188cm｜R=18m (181cm)｜¥110,000
Directional model from Fisher's freeride model. This "99 TI" has a wide nose of 130mm and a waist of 99mm to create buoyancy in powder, and a double titanal layer and a long contact edge demonstrate stable edge grip on rough burns and hard packs. There is also a freestyle "FR" series.
https://www.goldwin.co.jp/fischer/alpine2021/
HEAD｜KORE 99
D=134-99-120mm (177cm)｜L=170, 177cm｜R=17m (177cm)｜93,500 yen
Head freeride model "Core" series. The lightweight poplar wood core is layered with multiple layers of carbon, graphene, and glass fiber to combine lightness, buoyancy, and operability. There are 6 men's models with a 7mm pitch from 87 to 117mm, and 4 women's models from 85 to 103mm.
[FREE STYLE model]
For park rides where the so-called twin-tip ski DNA lives on. The waist width, which is not too thin, improves the stability of jumping and landing, as well as the operability in gracing.
ARMADA｜EDOLLO
D=131-98-121mm (172cm) L=164, 172, 180cm R=19.9m (172cm) 91,300 yen
A freestyle model produced by the well-known Henrik Harlow from Armada, a leader in freeskiing. Moderate nose and tail rocker for buttery tricks and camber underfoot. With a durable 2.5mm edge, a racing sole, and a lightweight, rigid poplar core, it's made for the real freestyle skier.
WAPAN｜HO
D=125-100-125mm｜L=171cm｜R=18.5m｜107,800 yen
A unique Japanese brand that is planned and designed in Japan and produced in an American factory. The Japanese-pattern graphics are by a domestic creative unit that is a former ski racer and is active mainly in apparel. From the powder model with a waist of 122mm to the park model with a waist of 90mm, there are 4 models, "I", "Ro", "Ha" and "Ho". HO is a park model that can be used widely with a center of 100mm.
LINE｜BLEND
D=133-100-122mm｜L=171, 178, 185cm｜R=20m｜ 77,000 yen
A line that has evolved with the evolution of freeskiing. "Blend" is a masterpiece that continues to evolve while strongly inheriting the DNA of the brand's birth. The twin tips are mixed with gentle long nose and tail rocker to facilitate buttery tricks, and the well-balanced medium flex supports free riding from jib to park.
[TOUR model]
This class has the largest lineup of tour models. In addition to the thin body, the lightweight wood core that uses a lot of carbon makes it super lightweight, and there are various models that can be used for long tours.
BLACK DIAMOND｜HELIO CARBON 95
D=124-95-113mm (176cm)｜L=162, 169, 176, 183cm｜R=19m (176cm)｜102,300 yen
A lightweight tour model from a brand that specializes in the backcountry. Sandwich structure with supple paulownia wood core, grid-like prepreg carbon that produces response, and ABS resin sidewalls. It's very lightweight, but the latest technology keeps the turn fluttering. All 4 models are available from waist 115 to 88mm.
https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c1030/
K2｜WAYBACK 96
D=128-96-115mm｜L=170, 177, 184cm｜R=22m (177cm)｜93,500 yen
Popular tour model of K2 which continues a longtime seller. A lightweight wood core with finely arranged carbon in a stringer shape, and titanium used only around the feet to achieve both light weight and gliding performance. It suppresses the flapping feeling that is common in lightweight carbon models, and features sticky and smooth turns that make use of the characteristics of the wood core. Wide variety of waist widths.
VÖLKL｜RISE BEYOND 96
D=138-96-119mm｜L=156, 163, 170, 177, 184cm｜R=24/17/22m (177cm)｜¥110,000
Völkl's ultra-lightweight tour model with a hybrid core material that combines multiple woods and synthetic materials and a lightweight and durable carbon for the top shovel. With nose rocker, camber and straight tail, it responds to snow conditions and creates a sense of stability during turns. Equipped with a special skin system (sold separately) that is easy to put on and take off, there are 4 models with waists from 82 to 96 mm.