Liberty Variant 97 Skis 2017

Liberty Variant 97 Skis 2017

CONFORMITY

Liberty’s 2017 Variant 97 skis provide advantages in every terrain setting. 97 millimeters is a waist width that represents adequate surface area, without significant concessions to turn ability on hard pack.  On groomed terrain, the Variant’s let you poach left over snow along the trail edge by engaging in the turn at only a slight edge angle. A Bamboo core, backed by a Titanal spine gives the Variant 97’s edge hold throughout the entirety of high edge angle, downhill radius arcs. The combination of Hammer Rocker and multi radius tips makes this breadth of versatility possible. Slight taper in the tips causes the skis to move nimbly, and efficiently through crud, pow, and wet granular. Protecting the core of the ski and minimizing chatter are the primary functions of UHMW Polyethylene Sidewalls. HRC 48 Edges are simply bigger and badder than the edges you’ll find on most skis. P-Tex 4000 base material is some of the burliest plastic used in ski bases, characterized by its high-end impact resistance and suerior ability to retain wax.

Construction

MetalCore - A Titanal reinforced Bamboo core puts up the rigidity required to lay down on-trail arcs, and dampens the straight line ride in tight spots. Unwavering edge contact is a product of the torsional strength of Titanal.   

Bamboo Backbone - Bamboo’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it an ideal core material. Liberty positions Bamboo stringers along the edges of nearly every ski they make, and thereby create skis that grip ice at a high edge angle while remaining maneuverable in trees, deep snow and big mash bumps.

UHMW Polyethylene Sidewall - Polyethylene sidewalls devour vibration, keeping the ski awesomely stable at high speed. This material is highly resistant to abrasion, and pairs with HRC 48 Edges in order to protect the wood core of the ski from repeated edge-to-edge impacts.

P-TEX 4000 - This is among the most rugged, high speed base material being used in ski manufacturing today.

Core

QuadAxial Fiberglass - This custom 4 way fiberglass weave provides torsional rigidity while maintaining consistent lengthwise flex.

Bamboo/Poplar/Paulownia Wood Core - Bamboo provides power and edging ability on hard pack, in addition to smooth, weightless transitions in heavy snow and pow. Paulownia at the center of the core gives the Variant’s a balanced, maneuverable high end feel. Low mass High energy.

Shape

Hammer Rocker - Consisting of conservative early rise in the tip, and a slightly cambered tail, this profile provides a sense of buoyancy in pow, chopped up trail conditions, and spring mash.  Hammer Rocker allows on-trail carves to be executed at a lower edge angle, and therefore with less effort.

BC Tail - Just slight camber in the tail is enough to firm up edge grip in the steeps without feeling hooky in deep pow or heavy spring corn. Combined with some rocker in the tip for float and turn initiation, The Variant's BC Tail creates a secure, versatile feel.

Multi Radius Tip - This modern sidecut shape pairs with a tip rocker profile to facilitate turn entry at a low edge angle, giving wider skis a much more nimble, lag free feel.

Additional Awesomeness

HRC 48 Edges - Hardened by heat and manufactured with a broader profile, and bigger anchors, the HRC 48 edges are beefy as heck, and provide edge grip tune after tune.

Fiber Reinforced Polymer - Liberty positions this ultra high density material under binding to contribute rigidity to the cambered under-foot portion of the Variant skis. Mats of FRP also increase binding screw retention. Liberty know’s how hard you rip.

Skin Compatible - A notched tail and low profile tip allow you to clip your climbing skins in place, and forget about them until it’s time to do the fun part.

Binding

The Liberty Variant 97 does not come with a binding. We recommend you use a binding that will accommodate your skiing needs (backcountry, touring, all-mountain, freestyle etc.). Be sure the brake width and release settings will work for your particular activity. Questions about what's best for you, contact an expert at TheSkiMonster.com.