Black Diamond is starting to see the Light. With their new carbon fiber series of skis, you get BD durability and ski-ability with more tour-ability. The Carbon Aspect has these abilities and more, featuring a classic touring shape with a lightly rockered tip and traditional tail. It’s light enough to go far yet burly enough for less than ideal conditions. It’s also fun to ski.
Built with “flat sandwich” construction, the Aspect has a sidewall and is cut flat. The sidewall is in contrast to cap construction, offering improved edge hold and core protection. The flatness is in contrast to the Carbon Convert, e.g., which has 3D grooves running the length that tend to collect snow. Also sandwiched inside is a layer of carbon fiber that allows the ski to be torsionally stiff without leaving your legs stiff the next day. It’s an odd sandwich because it leaves you hungry for more.
- The 90mm width is the right one for one-ski quivers such as the Carbon Aspect.
- Semi-Rocker tip helps ski in 3D while not drastically shortening the running length.
- Paulownia wood core is wrapped with carbon fiber and pre-preg fiber glass.
- 5mm ABS sidewalls protect the core while transferring more power to the edges.
- Racing Edge is thinner to shave grams and sharp enough to shave your face/legs.
- SkinLock tail notches are flat, stainless steel tabs ready for most skin attachments.
- P-Tex 4000 base is reasonably durable and can handle more than one tune.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 166, 176, 186 |
|
Weight |
1225g [166] 1310g [176] 1350g [186] |
| Weight (pair) | 2450g [166] 2620g [176] 2700g [186] |
| Dimensions | 125-90-112 [166] 127-90-113 [176] 129-90-114 [186] |
| Turn Radius | 18m [166] 19m [176] 20m [186] |
| Skin Fix | Round tip, reinforced flat-notch tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Profile | Traditional camber w/ 260mm "Semi Rocker" |
| Shape | Rounded tip, medium radius, flat tail |
| Construction | Flat Sandwich w/ pre-preg carbon |
| Core | Paulownia wood |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everyday touring |
| Notes | Racing edges save 80g per ski |
| Bottom Line | Lightweight, stable workhorse |
Questions & Reviews
11/21/2018
Looks like BD replaced the Aspect lineup with the Helios. However, comparing the two skis next to each other, the profile are quite different. The Aspect has a noticeable camber while the Helio does not. The Helio also has an early rise. How do they compare when it comes to skiing downhill and what are the applications for both?
11/21/2018
Hi Zhesen, it's really going to be an individual preference when it comes to comparing the downhill performance of these two skis. The applications are similar for both, but the Helio will have a much more modern feel with it's tip rocker and tapered profile. The Aspect was a bit more traditional with it's camber, and flatter tail.
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3/26/2017
Probably not the best place to ask this question, but if I can get an answer here, it hopefully increases the community knowledge base...
I have some 176 Carbon Aspects that I intend to use for mountaineering / longest days in the backcountry where powder-seeking is not necessarily the end game. I like the camber and how that makes them glide uphill, but am struggling a little to get used to the "traditional" shape (flat tails, etc) on the downhill. Is there a common preference for boot center mounting relative to the factory line on these skis? I'm thinking of messing around with a forward-shifted binding mount. I'm pretty good at mounting bindings, but not great at understanding the tuning aspect.
I have some 176 Carbon Aspects that I intend to use for mountaineering / longest days in the backcountry where powder-seeking is not necessarily the end game. I like the camber and how that makes them glide uphill, but am struggling a little to get used to the "traditional" shape (flat tails, etc) on the downhill. Is there a common preference for boot center mounting relative to the factory line on these skis? I'm thinking of messing around with a forward-shifted binding mount. I'm pretty good at mounting bindings, but not great at understanding the tuning aspect.
3/27/2017
Hi Chris, generally the mounting location on the Aspects works for most setups, though it can depend on which binding and boot you're using as they have different ramp angles, forward lean, etc. It's possible going forward would help; feel free to send us an e-mail to help with a specific diagnosis for your setup.
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2/9/2017
Hi
my size is 180 cm but I'm a bit thin 65kg. so I just think that maybe aspect 166 is better choice for me than 176..
any recommend?
my size is 180 cm but I'm a bit thin 65kg. so I just think that maybe aspect 166 is better choice for me than 176..
any recommend?
2/11/2017
Hi Amin, I'd go with the 168 Helio!
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2/15/2016
Same question as Jeff, but I'm 6'0", 210 lbs. I usually tour on 181 Voile Chargers, but now I'm looking for a volcano ski. Do I want 176 or 186?
2/15/2016
Hi Peter, skiing-wise I would probably recommend the 186 for your size, but since you're used to skiing a bit short, you'd do fine on the 176s if you want them to be a bit more manageable on the uphill and in tight spots.
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1/30/2016
Does anyone know if BD is discontinuing this ski? I can't find it on their website anywhere...
1/30/2016
Hi Ryan, this series is being replaced by the Helio for next season. Get 'em while you can!
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1/4/2016
I'm really having a difficult time trying to figure out which length to get - 176cm or 186cm. I'm 5'10" 165lbs and am an aggressive skier but I plan to use it mostly for uphilling. Any advice?
1/4/2016
Hi Jeff, I'm sure you could handle the longer length skiing but I have to vote for the 176 when you factor in the uphill. Not a huge rocker on these so you get a good edge out of the stated length.
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