BD finally hopped on board and put in the notch so I don’t have to hardware hack (sorry Lou). I went so far as to file a notch into my Helio 88s. I really like skimo style tip-fix attachments on my skins, and think they are downright necessary in some ski mountaineering contexts (and obviously have a huge race application). 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. I skied it both on-piste and in the backcountry, but given how few runs I have had on the ski, these are only initial impressions.īlack Diamond has been making the Helio ski in 88, 95, 105, and 116 underfoot sizes for two seasons. I skied the 171 length mounted with Vipec Evos (understandably heavier than most will have set up on this ski) in La Sportiva Spitfire 2.0 boots. I have only had a chance to spend a couple of days on the Helio 76. With that in mind, Black Diamond has some very interesting ski mountaineering gear coming our way.ĭisclaimer : This is a first look. Fast, light, and versatile ski mountaineering gear helps in such pursuits. Elio Motors assumes no obligation to update the information within this website.I love skiing pow as much as the next ski goof, but sometimes it’s nice to go as fast as you can uphill, carry around heavy things, or take skis to silly far away places. ![]() ![]() Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the Company on the date of this website. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. ![]() Vehicle shown is the gas powered version.Ĭertain statements within this website including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated commencement of commercial production, targeted pricing and performance goals, and statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements. *MSRP excludes destination/delivery charges, taxes, title, registration, and options/installation.Īnticipated production date is based upon timely receipt of requisite funding.
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