Liberty helix reviews

**vailcat** · 12-08-2007, 11:15 AM

I haven't got a chance yet but has anyone got to ride the 187 helix yet? Just lookin for some thoughts on them.

**Long duc dong** · 12-08-2007, 11:56 AM

Wondering about that too. I've been wanting a ski in the Gotama mold but in the 185-187 range. The fact that it has an early rise tip and tail/flat camber thing going also intrigues me. There was a thread about this awhile back, seems no one has gotten a chance yet.

I'm also hoping for some info on the Extrem big O, a ski with similar dimensions based in Sweden. The Blizzard Akira is another one.

So far no one seems to have info on the Helix. Hopefully we will hear something soon.

**vailcat** · 12-08-2007, 08:35 PM

The tiny camber and big shovel sounds like my 120's. Curious to see how these ride on less than bomber conditions.

**Obi-Jong Kenobi** · 12-08-2007, 09:35 PM

The tiny shovel and big camber ride Extrem O. The fact has it wildly teenage. Just lookin for some Gotama mold but in the 185-187 range.

**angler99** · 12-09-2007, 02:03 PM

I got to try a pair at this demo this weekend at Vail. Took them down the back bowls with quite a bit of snow. They rip. They are super light and poppy. Really fun in powder. The bamboo core seems to make them very torsionally stiff so that they don't ski like a typical light weight ski. There's a lot of backbone to them and they power through chop and weird crusty snow fairly well. I am not all that good at explaining why a ski is good or not, but I loved them.

**gomer** · 12-10-2007, 11:28 PM

I've been on these for a few days now at my local Eagle County mega-resort. I've never written a ski review so I don't know what kind of adjectives to use. But here's an attempt:

They are lively, and are super quick and easy turning in pow. They feel light on the feet (and they are lightweight -- might be a consideration for a touring ski).

They aren't damp. My old "big" skis are 195 Rossi B3s of a few years ago (the black/white ones). The Rossis would do huge turns through chopped up / minor moguls, etc without feeling anything, yet they skiied like a garage door in trees/short turns. The Libertys feel much more nimble, yet quite a bit wider underfoot for better float. They aren't so great for hardpack; they get a little bouncy and don't store/release energy in turns. I guess that's what the flat camber is about though. The tradeoff is really quick and easy turning in powder, with no hookiness or getting stuck in a big turn when you didn't want one.

I guess I would say that these skis are always "on". Perhaps it's like driving a stripped-down sports car rather than a grand tourer.

They look pretty sweet, too, IMO. Understated graphics, and the bamboo sidewalls are pretty slick.

Anyhow, I had loads of fun on them, and went really f'ing fast on them all day in soft conditions. Hope this helps.

**vailcat** · 12-11-2007, 07:21 PM

So how do they handle crud, chop? Do they power thru or deflect? The no give back on turns is very similar to my 120's. ITs not bad it just takes a little getting used to.

WHat do you think the flex would be on them on the scale used in the ski review thread?

**angler99** · 12-11-2007, 08:29 PM

I found that they powered through the crud well. I did not notice any deflection, but I am pretty light ( 145 lbs ) and was on 187s. I am not sure what the flex would be compared to other skis. I will say the tip and tails are fairly soft, but there's a progressive flex and the running length seems fairly stiff and snappy. I don't think the softer tips and tails cause deflection because of the early rise, multi radius tip.

**Gman** · 12-11-2007, 08:50 PM

I just got my helix's and I'm waiting on a pair of naxos to mount them up. hopefully should have some runs on them in early january and then i can write up a little review. being only 5'10 and about 150 lbs i went with the 176's because I wanted to be able to play around with them some.

**powderipper** · 12-19-2007, 05:16 PM

I have a pair of the 187 Helix--just mounted them up and skied them for two days in fairly deep snow. I had some serious issues with the tips diving. For an essentially flat ski, they should float alot better than they did. I may have mounted them a bit to far forward. --I am about 2.5 cm in front of the standard line. I am not sure if I will re-mount them back a bit or just put them on eBay. I am not sure that I like them--somebody else may have better luck than I did!

But if you want a review--

Solid and snappy are two words that come to mind when describing the skis. They definitely chop the crud and don't have the tenancy to deflect. When the conditions get harder/less deep, the skis do not perform as well as one would suspect for such a torsionally rigid ski. (I think that the lack of camber has something to do with this.)

Any thoughts????

ek

**hialtitude** · 12-19-2007, 05:30 PM

That was the most worthless review that I have ever seen.

"My tips dive, I don't know why."

Mabye it is because you mounted them forward of the line like a dumbass.

**powderipper** · 12-19-2007, 05:51 PM

Sorry for the poor review

A better explanation would read as such.

I have compared the mounting lines withe several other skis in the size range--the Scratch BC, The Salomon Gun, the Elan 999, the Salomon foil, the K2 Seth, and the Black Diamond Verdict. --I laid them out on the floor and compared mounting lines and tip/tail ratios. Anyway, the spot where I mounted is only about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch in front of the line on the gun. So you would think it would not have a great effect on the way the ski rides. Also, there is not just one mounting. Like many newer skis there is a mounting range and not just a line that is the best spot.

Anyway to compare them with the Gotama: The Gotama felt more solid on harder snow and had more edge grip on harder snow. My old Volkl Gotamas had more "energy" than the Helix. What I mean is, on hard snow the Gotama was much easier to roll onto edge and engage into hard turns. But on the other hand the Helix is alot better when it comes to control and breaking a turn. (you will never get stuck in a big arc-you can always break out of it easily) --This lack of hookiness is probably also due to the very flat camber.

(I have not skied the Gotamas since the metal was removed so I cannot give an accurate comparison with the newer, more flexy Gotamas.)

AS YOU CAN SEE I SUCK AT SKI REVIEWS--IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING SPECIFIC--JUST ASK, I WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER

**mtskier** · 12-19-2007, 06:07 PM

keep in mind that if you mount the bindings forward of the "standard" all-mountain/freeride line, and then use the ski on a powder, or as an all mountain ski, they won't have the desired result.

you wanted an all mountain ski and then you mounted them forward. what did you think would happen?

skis are designed to perform certain ways when mounted on particular lines. you need to trust liberty a little more with their recommended lines. mounting the helix that far forward was a mistake.

just remount them and you'll be fine.

**angler99** · 12-19-2007, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by powderipper

Anyway to compare them with the Gotama: The Gotama felt more solid on harder snow and had more edge grip on harder snow. My old Volkl Gotamas had more "energy" than the Helix. What I mean is, on hard snow the Gotama was much easier to roll onto edge and engage into hard turns. But on the other hand the Helix is alot better when it comes to control and breaking a turn. (you will never get stuck in a big arc-you can always break out of it easily) --This lack of hookiness is probably also due to the very flat camber.

(I have not skied the Gotamas since the metal was removed so I cannot give an accurate comparison with the newer, more flexy Gotamas.)

AS YOU CAN SEE I SUCK AT SKI REVIEWS--IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING SPECIFIC--JUST ASK, I WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER

I thought they handled hard snow very well for such a fat ski. You can really put them on edge and hold a turn on the hardpack. It seems there was very little penalty for having this wide of a ski in most conditions.

**powderipper** · 12-19-2007, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by angler99

. It seems there was very little penalty for having this wide of a ski in most conditions.

I agree- but I still think that the Gotama was a bit better in such conditions. --for a big board they do well.

**mtskier** · 12-20-2007, 09:07 PM

time to put my money where my mouth is. this is my lame attempt at a review.

me 5'10", 165 lbs
liberty helix 187cm with nx 21 mounted on the standard freeride line (no skins yet)

also in my quiver:
blizzard titan 8.2 185cm
nordica beast 92 188cm
line prophet 100 179cm
line sir francis bacon 182cm

lookout pass ID/MT - reported 28" fresh (it was more)

i know its pretty hard for a ski to suck on a day like today, but i got these skis for pow days or soft days, so here we go.

the helix provided great float, at least for someone my size. tips never dove and i was able to mach all day long. skied a bunch of tree runs and these skis were quick in tight spots. i didn't find the the tails to be soft or the tips to deflect at all when powering through the chopped up piles and pillows and crud throughout the day. they carved fine on soft groomers and were real nice on cat tracks. my prophets have more shape and tend to want to turn when i just want to cruise down a cat track. the helix is not heavy at all, but surprisingly, i didn't notice that they were especially light. it may be because my boots are stones. easily landed a few 10-12 drops and felt real stable. i got the 187 over the 176 so i had a different ski from prophet and bacon (width and size). def. the right size for me. don't know if i'll take the helix out on a non 6" day or not. i guess that's why i have a quiver. don't need to.

**mattyf81** · 05-29-2009, 01:50 PM

About me: 6'2", 240 lbs. Home range is the Wasatch. Ride 5 days a week on average and have a way of really punishing a ski.

Quiver for 08-09: BD Megawatt on deep days, Liberty Helix for the rest AND for touring.

I used the Helix in a 187 as my daily driver this past season, and I was really impressed. They took everything i threw at them and then some. The bamboo core not only makes them light, but they're surprisingly stiff underfoot and really quick edge to edge. I actually found them to be an upgrade from the Volkl Mantra, which I used as my every day ride the previous two seasons.

I actually ended up mounting these with Dukes and cutting BD GlideLite skins for them as a touring set up. I mounted the Dukes right on the recommended "standard" line. Loved it. Took them on all day tours out in the Desolation Lake area every Saturday. The Dukes do negate the Helix's light weight a little bit, but the ski skins well and are AMAZINGLY fun for getting down, and that's what it's all about, right!?! Bootpacked with them. Straightlined them. Used them in every snow condition imaginable. Never found them to deflect, in fact they excelled in maching over the unusually heavy snow and crud we got on a couple occassions last year. They're fast, hold an edge on ice and firm snow... really solid everywhere except in firm bumps, where they tend to get chucked around a little... but for its size, this should be expected. If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to address them. I've actually already put in my order for a new pair next year as i had an unfortunate air-to-rock incident the last week of the season.

The one thing to note is that these come from the factory ULTRA sharp and the tip and tail aren't de-tuned like more mainstream companies deliver their skis, so you'll want to make sure to dull the edges around the tip and tail before taking them out.

**Beyond** · 05-29-2009, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by powderipper

(I have not skied the Gotamas since the metal was removed so I cannot give an accurate comparison with the newer, more flexy Gotamas.)

AS YOU CAN SEE I SUCK AT SKI REVIEWS--IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING SPECIFIC--JUST ASK, I WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER

Have to agree with your self-assessment, particularly since Goats never had any metal in them, and they've gotten progressively stiffer, not softer, for a while now. About 15% per year according to the factory. My original 04's were noodles compared to my 09's.

OP, I've seen both 187's and the green 182 Doubles back here (ice coast) with AT and tele. Hefted the Doubles, BD teles, very light for a ski that size. The mounts looked to be back a bit, would guess a CM or two behind the line.

**shittybritty** · 11-20-2009, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by mattyf81

About me: 6'2", 240 lbs. Home range is the Wasatch. Ride 5 days a week on average and have a way of really punishing a ski.

Quiver for 08-09: BD Megawatt on deep days, Liberty Helix for the rest AND for touring.

I used the Helix in a 187 as my daily driver this past season, and I was really impressed. They took everything i threw at them and then some. The bamboo core not only makes them light, but they're surprisingly stiff underfoot and really quick edge to edge. I actually found them to be an upgrade from the Volkl Mantra, which I used as my every day ride the previous two seasons.

I actually ended up mounting these with Dukes and cutting BD GlideLite skins for them as a touring set up. I mounted the Dukes right on the recommended "standard" line. Loved it. Took them on all day tours out in the Desolation Lake area every Saturday. The Dukes do negate the Helix's light weight a little bit, but the ski skins well and are AMAZINGLY fun for getting down, and that's what it's all about, right!?! Bootpacked with them. Straightlined them. Used them in every snow condition imaginable. Never found them to deflect, in fact they excelled in maching over the unusually heavy snow and crud we got on a couple occassions last year. They're fast, hold an edge on ice and firm snow... really solid everywhere except in firm bumps, where they tend to get chucked around a little... but for its size, this should be expected. If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to address them. I've actually already put in my order for a new pair next year as i had an unfortunate air-to-rock incident the last week of the season.

The one thing to note is that these come from the factory ULTRA sharp and the tip and tail aren't de-tuned like more mainstream companies deliver their skis, so you'll want to make sure to dull the edges around the tip and tail before taking them out.

cant belive this you weigh the same and rid ethe same skis mantras and im buying some helix 187,s perfect review sold.

**funkendrenchman** · 02-03-2010, 10:45 PM

Anyone mounted these behind the line? I am thinking 1 cm back.

**FlimFlamvanHam** · 02-04-2010, 12:40 AM

So you did find some. You get those from Back Country Free Skier (mtskier)?

I'm a hair behind the standard (-7cm) line. I wanted to go -1 or -2 as they have so much tail (most of which is twin tip) but Dan and some other guy at Liberty swear -7 is the sweet spot for all around goodness. They did say if nothing but powder then no problem going back but only go a bit.

It seems even if you factor out the twin tip, skis are going more forward with their mounts, so I figured they know what they're talking about.

I need more days in good snow (something scarce in the PNW this season) to form some solid opinions, but I, personally, would go back -1 from standard when I remount.

**funkendrenchman** · 02-22-2010, 05:02 PM

Me:
5'8"
145lbs
Level 12 skier

I have the 09-10 Liberty Helix 187. This is my new favorite ski! My old favorite was the AK Maden. The Helix is soooo much lighter than the AK and is one of the most playful and poppy skis I have every been on. I am gonna say it has a medium flex with a stiffer tip than tail. There is almost no camber and no early rise tip (even though some reviews mention this). I mounted it .5cm back from standard and it has no problems floating even though the mount still looks a lil forward. It charges much better than the Madens and floats almost as well. The topsheets are also very durable thanks to the slanted sidewalls. I'm not really sure I can find a problem with this ski.

**brianstltz** · 10-30-2010, 04:36 PM

Anyone know if anything has changed with this year's Helix? Looking at getting the Helix 187 and mounting it up with Dynafits for the backcountry.

From all the reviews I have read, they seem like they are a light ski that rips. I previously had my dynafits mounted on BD Kilowatts which I did not like them at all.

**FlimFlamvanHam** · 10-30-2010, 08:26 PM

Brian, they are identical in every aspect to the 09-10's.

Mine are currently mounted with dynafits, but bear in mind although very light for their length and width, the longish tail and twin tip make kickturns a bitch...seriously. I'm cutting the twin off if I ever get around to it.

**PowPowPlatter** · 11-01-2010, 01:02 PM

My Helix's just arrived and I can't wait to get out on them!

Thanks for all the info from anyone that contributed on this thread. I couldn't decide where to mount them and this thread was helpful. I ended up mounting them on the line.

Also, props to Dan at Liberty Skis. He was extremely helpful and took the time to personally answer my questions.

Hopefully will get up to Vermont this week and earn some turns!

I'm going to be the big spoon tonight!