I'm looking for a relatively soft-flexing, easy going mountaineering ski to replace my Hagan Ultra 82s, which are too stiff and unforgiving for my mediocre ability level. I don't ski super steeps, just want something light that is friendlier on the downhill. Happy to give up some edge grip for easier turning.
I'm looking at the Ibex 84 Carbon XLT along with the Voile Objective, BD Cirque 84, and Black Crows Ova Freebird. The sale price of last year's Ibex 84 is particularly appealing, what do the experts recommend?
Elan Ibex 84 Carbon XLT Ski
The Elan Ibex 84 Carbon XLT is the antithesis of unforgiving or twitchy carbon skis. A buttery smooth flex-pattern contributes to a drastically fun, worry-free attitude with pleasant flotation in the soft stuff. Modern torsional rigidity and dampening qualities make it a fine performer on firm snow and a ripper on corduroy. If you have been put off by the idea of skiing nervous lightweight skis and instead prioritize the fun-factor, the Elan Ibex Carbon 84 XLT will let you have your cake and eat it, too. Plus, being as light as it is, you don’t have to feel guilty about eating that extra slice. Enjoy!
- Bridge Technology is a longitudinal reinforcement along the length of the ski and ensures edgy performance without compromising the friendly demeanor.
- Mountain Rocker provides easy turn initiation and float in powder and deep summer mush without sacrificing precision on hard snow.
- Carbon Power Shell is a carbon wrap around the core for excellent torsional rigidity and weight savings.
- Two 5mm carbon tubes following the contours of the sidecut called Tubelite Wood Core provide additional stiffness and power at a minimal weight.
- Burly aluminum mounting plate ensures binding-retention without detrimentally affecting ski performance and scarcely changing the weight.
- Vapor Tip Inserts at both ends deaden the ski’s vibrations so it stays calm and collected under pressure.
Update 2019/20: Elan tweaked the highlight colors on the paint job.
Specifications | |
Lengths (cm) | 156, 163, 170, 177 |
Weight |
1020g [156] 1080g [163] 1145g [170] 1165g [177] |
Weight (pair) | 2040g [156] 2160g [163] 2290g [170] 2330g [177] |
Dimensions
|
118-84-103 [163] 120-84-105 [170] 120-85-106 [177] |
Turn Radius
|
17.0 / 16.0 [156] 18.0 / 17.0 [163] 19.0 / 18.0 [170] 20.0 / 19.0 [177] |
Skin Fix
|
Tip notch, flat tail |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
Profile
|
Mountain rocker, moderate tip and tail rocker, camber underfoot |
Shape
|
Tapered tip and tail, medium radius |
Construction
|
Carbon power shell, Bridge technology |
Core
|
TubeLite Wood Core |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Ski touring, everyday adventure |
Notes | Inserts reduce vibration in the tip and tail |
Bottom Line | Easy going touring ski with emphasis on fun |
Compare to other Low-fat Skis |
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Questions & Reviews
3/2/2021
3/2/2021
Hey Ben, of the skis you're considering the Voile Objective is going to be the softest, lightest, and easiest one to ski. The Ibex 84 Carbon will have a little more pop and power, as will the BD Cirque. The Ova Freebird will be the heaviest and most aggressive of the bunch. For what you're looking for I would suggest the Voile Objective.
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