I knew where to find the new BD skis and snuck in for a spy shot. The guy packing the skis tried to block the shot but only succeeded in covering the Kilowatt logo, and we’ve already seen that so too bad BD, everything else is outed!
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| Check these guns out, nice graphics and quite the lineup for 2007/2008!. Interesting how smaller ski companies are coming out with fairly complete lines decorated with beautiful graphics. Who ever said corporate homogenization was taking over ski equipment? Think of the options out there: PM Gear, Trab, Scotty Bob, Dynafit, Black Diamond, to name only a few. It’s a veritable cornucopia! Black Diamond is making a big effort to produce skis that truly work and I was very happy with the Kilowatt when I tested it, so I’ve got high hopes for all the Black Diamond line. Click photo to enlarge. |
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While sneaking around I also grabbed a product manual:
From left to right. Zealot, fattest of line. Cult (yellow), is a lightweight rando-race type ski which I guess is named in honor of Utah style shannaigans. Killowatt is “user friendly,” and turns variable snow into “hero” — a bit of koolaid in there, but I’d say that’s a reasonable statement based on my having skied them. Havoc, a favorite from last year, is revamped with wood core and I suspect will still satisfy.
To right of Havoc is the Voodo, a plank for he who likes something with some width but “fears weight.” That’s me. They’re mine, Louie. Mine.
Next in line is the Stigma (orange with white lettering). This is more a classic touring ski for trad guys like me. In fact, I’ll be testing a pair here at WildSnow.com headquarters as soon as I get them mounted (as in, when am I going to find time for that!?). Then we have the Machine, which is designed to carve, yep, like a machine.
And for the ladies Black Diamond presents the Joule, which is defined as the “flow of energy derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources.” Otherwise known as hormones? Seriously, a fat ski for the chicks, dig it. Next in line, Velvet is a women’s ver of Havoc (a bit lighter and more nimble than the Joule).
And lastly (with bindings already mounted, if that tells you anything), is the Verdict. Only this revamp of the venerated Verd’ increases in width by 4 mm and contains a damper wood core. Previous Verdict is amazingly light for it’s size, but was indeed a bit lively. It’ll be interesting to ski on this version.
There you go boys and girls, spy shot complete. Now I’ll have that Weissbeer, neither shaken nor stirred.
Support WildSnow, shop for BD skis here.
13 comments
A whole new line with wood cores and snappy graphics–ain’t it nice? The wood core thing sounds great to me, and who wouldn’t enjoy new graphics? Nice work, Spyman.
Bond, James Bond
Lou,
I heared that Atomic was manufacturing this years Black Diamond skis and next year that was going to change. Is there any truth to that? By the way I have a pair of Verdicts and I love them, its such a lively ski for the weight.
That’s right. I heard that BD is building their skis in a Chinese manufacturing site; hence, the quick introduction of several models.
According to my inside source, BD makes the 07/08 skis in Asia at a new factory that also does some snowboard work.
mr. lou, i hope this isn’t inappropriate….delete as you see fit! i enjoy your reviews and chose bd mira’s a few years ago per your review. i can be lazy, and may not have the right tune down (i did re-mount about 4cms forward, driving these planks with lazers).
but i like those skis very much. specially for pow, though my bc stuff has been primarily spring hardpack/corn as i am han solo.
i know you’re one man (well, wait, lisa and louie test too), but what are your opinions on the g3 line? again, please delete if that is not a cool question.
and peace out to dav and his efforts, like you, my sense he’s going to make long’s, but nonetheless, a beautiful thing!!!!!!!! go mr. chris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lou,
Look at all those skis! You could start a shop. This is my second season riding the Ethics great boards. If you need any test driving help I’d be happy to help you out of a tight spot but know I ride the dreaded tele setup.
Lou,
would the use of wood affect the weight of the skis compared with the first generation?
Taking the Havoc for example?
Alex
Ray, G3 makes some good skis, we just don’t have time to work with all the skis out there. Even with this new BD lineup we’ll only be testing selected models. Alex, it appears the wood added a slight bit of weight. Our philosophy with ski weight is that if a lighter weight ski rides great, then fine and we like it, but since our boots and bindings are so light these days we don’t worry too much about ski weight.
Thanks Lou; any idea on dimensions or at least waist width…especially for the Zealot? 🙂
I was thinking of picking up a pair of Verdicts, maybe I should wait for these.
Brad, I’d try BD customer service. I didn’t have time to keyboard all the dimensions, and don’t have the workbook here anymore.
Hey Lou, I found this on ttips for those interested in the Zealots:
Dimensions: 136/110/126. Sizes: 182, 192. Weight (pair) 9.2 lbs (182). Turn radius: 33.0m (192), 30.0m (182). Price: $639
BD will offer the Zealot in a more user-friendly 182 length and they will also make a limited number of 192s.
Lou, When is the review of the stigma coming? I’m looking for a lite-weight setup this year, going to dynafits. I”m 145lbs, 5’10”. I’ve got big skis (mantras + freerides) I’m really debating between the 174 stigma, and the 175 voodoo. This will be my multi night touring ski, but I still want a good stick for the decent…… What’s your feeling on the Stigmas? Thanks!
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