Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Ski
While a 95mm underfoot ski could be a powder ski for lightweight enthusiasts, it's a versatile ski mountaineering ski for others. The Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 ski is ready to adapt to either role. With a lightweight Paulownia wood core and pre-preg carbon fiber layup, the Helio Carbon 95 is meant for some serious millage while being intuitive in both soft and firm snow. Adding to the reliability, a full-perimeter ABS sidewall ups the durability and edge hold, making for predictable jump turns when things get dicey. ABS is also added as a tail protector with a skin clip notch, adding a nice touch that works with most tail clip styles. If you're looking for a capable one-ski quiver, don't hesitate to give the Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 ski a ride.
- Paulownia wood core and pre-preg carbon fiber layup are lightweight and torsionally stiff.
- Full-perimeter ABS sidewall adds both durability and dampness with minimal weight penalty.
- Versatile 95mm waist width and early rise tip offer outstanding performance for various skiers.
- ABS tail protector and dedicated skin tail clip cutout are underrated features.
- Titanal mounting plate provides excellent retention with little extra weight.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 155, 162, 169, 176, 183 |
|
Weight |
1150g [155] 1200g [162] 1285g [169] 1360g [176] 1410g [183] |
| Weight (pair) | 2300g [155] 2400g [162] 2570g [169] 2720g [176] 2820g [183] |
|
|
123-95-112 [155] 123-95-112 [162] 124-95-113 [169] 124-95-113 [176] 125-95-114 [183] |
|
Turn |
16m [155] 17m [162] 18m [169] 19m [176] 20m [183] |
|
Skin |
Round tip, reinforced flat-notch tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Subtle rise, traditional camber |
|
|
Rounded tip, medium radius, flat tail |
|
|
ABS sandwich with pre-preg carbon layup |
|
|
Prepreg fiberglass, Paulownia wood core |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Daily driver |
| Notes | Rubber in the sidewall behind heel for dampness |
| Bottom Line | Willing to adapt to any role |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
10/1/2025
I am deciding between the 155 and 162 option. I am 5’ tall, but typically use skis on the longer end for me. I’m hoping to use them as a (recreational) skimo race ski and as a thinner option in my quiver. I live in the Colorado rockies. I’m worried that the 155s will feel really small, as my other backcountry skis are 161 armada locators. My boots are the technica zero g pro.
10/1/2025
Hi Hannah,
The shorter length will make kick turns easier and uphill more efficient! The longer ski will be a bit more stable at speed. If you plan to do some racing, I would recommend the shorter length.
The shorter length will make kick turns easier and uphill more efficient! The longer ski will be a bit more stable at speed. If you plan to do some racing, I would recommend the shorter length.
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8/15/2025
Question from
Dhruv 
Hi
I'm 177cm, 180lbs and ski guide in the Indian Himalayas
I use Hannibal 96 169cm
The Hannibal has been great for me.
Spring steeps, icy slopes, high altitude uphill battles, knee deep pow shredding, no fall zone traverses. Unfortunately it has worn out.
I need a replacement.
The things the Hannibal lacked :
1. Less stable on very variable snow, crud
2. Poor wet powder or crusty snow performance
I want something similar or better. Part of me wants to get the Hannibal again but maybe in a longer size .
I'm now also considering
1. BD helios 95
2. Salomon MTN 95
3. Dynafit ridge 95 ? Or any other similar spec dynafit
I want something fun, that handles well in these spicy himalayan conditions and also is complaint enough for me to work when guiding regardless of conditions.
I'm 177cm, 180lbs and ski guide in the Indian Himalayas
I use Hannibal 96 169cm
The Hannibal has been great for me.
Spring steeps, icy slopes, high altitude uphill battles, knee deep pow shredding, no fall zone traverses. Unfortunately it has worn out.
I need a replacement.
The things the Hannibal lacked :
1. Less stable on very variable snow, crud
2. Poor wet powder or crusty snow performance
I want something similar or better. Part of me wants to get the Hannibal again but maybe in a longer size .
I'm now also considering
1. BD helios 95
2. Salomon MTN 95
3. Dynafit ridge 95 ? Or any other similar spec dynafit
I want something fun, that handles well in these spicy himalayan conditions and also is complaint enough for me to work when guiding regardless of conditions.
8/16/2025
Dhruv-That sounds like a cool place to be a guide. Two of your choices make the most sense to me for what your looking for, the Salomon MTN 96 and the Dynafit Ridge 95. The Salomon is easy to ski in all conditions, very damp and good edge hold. The Dynafit has a little more rocker tip and tail so on crappy snow and crusty snow is where it shines, although still has good edge hold on hard snow and is easy to ski. Both will be step forward for what you are lacking out of your Hannibal 96. With that said the Hannibal in the next size will help with stability and get bit more float on wet powder.
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4/3/2025
I’m debating between the 176CM & 183 CM, I’m going to be doing Ski Mountaineering. Mainly in the Sierra Range and sometimes the Cascade Range. For example like Mount Whitney Mountaineer Route. I’m 6’2 180 pounds. How much of the difference between the skis matter ? For Skimo? I’m intermediate/advanced.
4/3/2025
You could go either way - the 176 will be easier to hop turn and kick turn, and more maneuverable for bushwhacking and such. The 183cm will hold up to speed a bit better, and float better in soft snow. I would also consider what boots you have - if you've got lightweight boots, a shorter ski will be easier to handle.
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