Black Diamond Helio 104 vs 105

[tomh79]

Has anybody skied both skis? I had the 105 (185cm) for 3 seasons and liked it. But I just gave it away (not much life left) and looking for a replacement. Don't like going narrower or shorter. Is the 104 (now 184cm) about the same ski? The BD rep explains in a video that the dimensions are the same - they just changed the name to 104 to make people realize it's a different ski Does anybody own both versions and can compare real mesurements? Thanks!

[tomh79]

bump. anyone?

[Climber Joe]

I like the newer BD skis quite a lot. They ski well for the weight, but I’ve only been on a couple of the narrow ones.

[Ørion]

The Mediocre Amateur dudes seem to think they're an improvement:

Helio 104
https://youtu.be/CR-TFq3YSzk

Helio 105
https://youtu.be/PBAD6QXwlE0

[tomh79]

Thanks! 104 seems to be an upgrade to the 105, indeed. Still have a hard time deciding between Armada Locator and Helio 104...the dimensions are almost identical...

Locator 104: 186cm, 23m radius, 1550g weight, 132-104-123 (Tip Waist Tail)
Helio 104: 184cm, 23m radius, 1550g weight, 132-104-118

[Ørion]

Thanks! 104 seems to be an upgrade to the 105, indeed. Still have a hard time deciding between Armada Locator and Helio 104...the dimensions are almost identical...

Locator 104: 186cm, 23m radius, 1550g weight, 132-104-123 (Tip Waist Tail)
Helio 104: 184cm, 23m radius, 1550g weight, 132-104-118

If you liked the Helio 105, odds are the Helio 104 will be moderate improvement with no downsides.

The Locator, on the other hand, is new this season. Could be a great ski, could be a miss. You could click with it and love it, you could possibly hate the flex pattern relative to the Helio.

Comes down to the devil you know vs rolling the dice again.


Just because I mentioned them previously, the Mediocre Amature dudes are actually running the Locator 112 this season too (start at about 2:50ish):
https://youtu.be/4qn1FkcIVV0

[tomh79]

If you liked the Helio 105, odds are the Helio 104 will be moderate improvement with no downsides.

The Locator, on the other hand, is new this season. Could be a great ski, could be a miss. You could click with it and love it, you could possibly hate the flex pattern relative to the Helio.

Comes down to the devil you know vs rolling the dice again.


Just because I mentioned them previously, the Mediocre Amature dudes are actually running the Locator 112 this season too (start at about 2:50ish):
https://youtu.be/4qn1FkcIVV0

Thanks, I think you're right! And I'll ask the Mediocre guys on Youtube...maybe they can comment. To add another decision factor: I can get the Locators for half the price of the Helio 104s....