Black Diamond Helio Carbon 104 Ski
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.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 160, 166, 172, 178, 184 |
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Weight |
1250g [160] 1310g [166] 1360g [172] 1410g [178] 1530g [184] |
| Weight (pair) | 2500g [160] 2620g [166] 2720g [172] 2820g [178] 3060g [184] |
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130-104-117 [160] 130-104-117 [166] 131-104-118 [172] 131-104-118 [178] 132-104-118 [184] |
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Turn |
19m [160] 20m [166] 21m [172] 22m [178] 23m [184] |
|
Skin |
Round tip, reinforced flat-notch tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
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Low rise tip and tail, traditional camber profile |
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Rounded tip, medium radius, flat tail |
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Flat sandwich with pre-preg carbon layup |
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Paulownia wood core |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Lightweight powder laps, aggressive ski mountaineering |
| Notes | ABS tail protector is a nice touch |
| Bottom Line | Versatile width and balanced performance |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
12/3/2025
I'm looking the Helio 104 at 172cm and trying to decide what touring binding to get. Ideally not breaking the bank! Any suggestions?
12/3/2025
Moragn- There ae a whole world of bindings out there. We like to base that decision based off of what features you want and dont want. Use our binding finder and we can dive in.
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10/27/2025
How would you compare this ski to the Armada Locator 104? Seems like overall they have similar specs but perhaps the BD Helio Carbon 104 is a bit more soft-snow oriented?
For reference, I ski most of my days in the Sierra Nevada and am looking for a soft-snow leaning ski to compliment a lightweight volcano setup as a 2 ski quiver. But something that can still handle the occasional crud or windboard would be nice since I'll still likely be taking this out on days with variable snow
For reference, I ski most of my days in the Sierra Nevada and am looking for a soft-snow leaning ski to compliment a lightweight volcano setup as a 2 ski quiver. But something that can still handle the occasional crud or windboard would be nice since I'll still likely be taking this out on days with variable snow
10/29/2025
Hi Tyler, overall very similar skis, yep - the big difference is the Locator is quite a bit more energetic and poppy, where as the Helios are damp and won't spring too much out of turns. I would say the Locator is a more playful ski, but the Helio will handle crud a bit better.
10/30/2025
Thanks Emmett! Appreciate the insight
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9/5/2025
How do you think the Helio Carbon 104 (184cm) would pair with ATK Kuluar 12 binders driven with Salomon MTN Summit boots? I’m 6’2” - 225lb, “expert” skier.. I like to ski aggressive from time to time.. I have been skiing Dynastar M-Tour 99 “F-Team” (186cm) paired with Trab Vario.2 and same boots with great success for all snow types and long/short outings.. Those skis are pretty beat up now and I’m going to move on to a new pair. I’ve also skied the Kuluar 12 on the BD Cirque 84s and thought they were an impressive binding.. so will they do well on a wider ski? Helio vs mtour stiffness?… Appreciate the advice!
9/5/2025
Hi Cory, sounds like a sweet setup! The Kuluar is a great simple binding. They'll ski wider skis great in good snow. On hardpack/resort crud sort of conditions, some people find they aren't as stable laterally. Same for any lightweight tech binding. The Slatnar ST Touring could be worth a look if you think you want to ski hard on firm snow - it has a freeride spacer which will help you feel connected to the ski for harder impacts.
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6/23/2025
I am 186cm heights but only 146lbs weights, should I choose 178 or 184cm given my status? I use it spring touring in Baker/Rainier/Shasta etc but I am open to go to east sierra or chute next seasons. Really struggle right now
6/23/2025
Tao, being under 150lbs, and for spring skiing, the 178cm.
For spring and chute skiing, you should also consider the Helio 95. Narrower skis make hiking up on firm snow easier, and edge better on firm, steep slopes.
For spring and chute skiing, you should also consider the Helio 95. Narrower skis make hiking up on firm snow easier, and edge better on firm, steep slopes.
6/23/2025
Thx Jeff! For 95 183/104 178, which one do you suggest more? I have a Impulse 98 182 and pretty confident riding this.
6/24/2025
For a spring volcano ski, or chutes. Most people ski a ski a size shorter then usual.
Also narrower. I suggested the Helio 95 as you asked about the BD 104.
But again, most of us and others use skis in the 78-90mm width for spring conditions.
I feel weight is a more important parameter then height in choosing a ski length. So for the Helio 95 , the 176cm is plenty long.
Also narrower. I suggested the Helio 95 as you asked about the BD 104.
But again, most of us and others use skis in the 78-90mm width for spring conditions.
I feel weight is a more important parameter then height in choosing a ski length. So for the Helio 95 , the 176cm is plenty long.
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