Black Diamond now has a carbon construction as a lightweight version in the Aspect, Convert and Megawatt ski lines, which are aimed not only at freeriders, but above all at touring skiers who are looking for downhill-oriented, wide touring skis for powder tours.
This season I had the opportunity to test the Carbon Convert from Black Diamond's new carbon series (Carbon Aspect / Convert / Megawatt). With its 180 cm length and mounted Fritschi Diamir Vipec 12, it is a set-up that is clearly designed for touring and freeriding.
My first impression, which was published as a short test on PowderGuide.com in mid-January, was limited to a period of four really good days with fresh snow in sub-alpine terrain. It could therefore only reflect part of the range of use of these skis. Over the past three months, I have had time to test the ski in other situations and different conditions.
Construction
The Carbon Convert is a downhill-oriented touring ski with an ultra-light construction. Basically a shrunken big mountain ski designed for longer tours thanks to its smaller dimensions and low weight.
Compared to its predecessor, the BD Convert, the pair weighs almost 400 grams less: 2.9 kg in total to be precise. Its low weight is really impressive when you hold it in your hand for the first time. Depending on which type of binding you mount, this impression can of course be more or less clear. In my case, the Vipec 12 puts the weight saving into perspective somewhat. The low weight is achieved by using a carbon fiber laminate and by optimizing the weight of the wood core construction made from Paulownia wood. Personally, I have the impression that, for example, the thickness of the covering and the steel edges have also been reduced. Also, the steel edges are not bent all the way around the nose and tail. The sidewalls are made of 5 mm thick ABS.
On the top of the ski, BD has made two notches in front of and behind the binding to allow the snow that accumulates on the ascent to slide off more easily. In terms of color, the ski is kept in monochrome white tones to achieve a relatively high degree of reflection and thus prevent the accumulating snow from thawing and freezing.
At the tail, the BD Carbon Convert also has a metal skin-lock fix point to hold the clip of the skins in position.
The shape of the Carbon Convert is strongly reminiscent of BD's freeride and big mountain ski series. With its 105 mm under the binding, it meets the requirements of a powder ski. The long, rockered nose typical of BD gives the ski sufficient float and enables fast planing even in flatter terrain. The tail of the ski is also rockered.
With its dimensions of 133 / 105 / 117 mm and a radius of 23 m with a ski length of 180 cm, the waist is quite moderate. This gives the ski a very straight cut.
The Carbon Convert is quite low in torsion and has an even flex line. The camber and its behavior during rebound appear soft and rather sluggish.
Ascent
The BD Carbon Convert is a real lightweight. Even with a pre-assembled Fritschi Vipec 12, its weight is very low. This is clearly noticeable as soon as you shoulder the ski for the first time. Its lightweight construction is a clear advantage on ski tours with large differences in altitude. Its rather narrow width and straight cut allow it to adapt to any ascent track. But it is also easy to handle when toe-in. Lifting and pushing the ski forward requires little effort. In fact, the amount of snow adhering to its surface is less than with other skis I can compare. However, the snow does not slide off due to the notches in the surface. In steep terrain and in hard snow conditions, it can be guided cleanly on the edge. The low sidecut is an advantage here and allows the steel edge to grip into the snow under the binding. Turns are easy, even in steep terrain. In situations where you have to shoulder the ski or strap it onto your backpack, the additional weight is hardly noticeable. To be honest, I found even smaller climbing passages with the ski strapped on to be almost pleasant and not weighed down by the feeling of being pulled backwards.
Downhill
The assessment of the downhill characteristics of the BD Carbon Convert varies greatly depending on the snow conditions.
In powder or dry, soft snow conditions, the ski can fully exploit its potential.
Tight turns in steep terrain are just as easy to control as long turns on wide, open slopes. Power transmission is direct. Although the ski is relatively soft, it runs very smoothly even at higher speeds thanks to a balanced flex line. No fluttering or flapping of the shovel can be detected.
In dry, powdery and soft conditions, it behaves playfully and is quite easy to turn despite its radius of 23 m and low sidecut.
The situation is different in hard or changing snow conditions. Steering is difficult and the ski is cumbersome. The low sidecut not only has a negative effect on the turning behavior here; the ski also tends to cut into the snow.
The large radius makes it appear somewhat sluggish and what just felt playful in the powder-filled couloir becomes a feat of strength on wind-blown slopes and crests.
The BD Carbon Convert is out of place on the piste. Slightly carved turns can only be made at high speed and you constantly tend to tip into the center of the turn due to the low centrifugal force.
Conclusion
The Black Diamond Carbon Convert is definitely not an all-round ski, but a touring / freeride ski specifically designed for use in open terrain. For my height of 179 cm and my weight of 72 kg, I find the ski length of 180 cm to be the right size.
Thanks to its carbon construction, the ski is extremely torsionally stiff. At the same time, the rebound is somewhat brittle due to the camber. The lack of pop is hardly noticeable in soft terrain and is well compensated and transmitted by the balanced and even flex line over the entire length.
The BD Carbon Convert scores points in terms of ascent and alpine activities. For backcountry days or multi-day tours, the Carbon Convert is certainly a very good choice due to its low weight. If the conditions are right, you can take full advantage of its performance. In mixed conditions and on hard firn, however, it quickly reaches its limits. The ski is also not exactly agile in hard old snow conditions or on the piste.
These disadvantages make the BD Carbon Convert a ski with a limited range of use. Skiing ability is an absolute prerequisite to be able to control it safely in any situation and in a wide variety of snow conditions. In combination with the high purchase price, this makes the ski more attractive for a niche group.
Personally, I think it is only suitable to a limited extent for the conditions that usually prevail in Europe. Precisely because it was designed for touring, the combination of larger amounts of fresh snow and alpine activities, where weight really matters, can only rarely be combined in this hemisphere. This may be different in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and Canada, for example.
Advantages & disadvantages
+ Very light
+ Good in soft snow
- Power-intensive to ride in difficult conditions
- Expensive
Details
Weight per pair :[180 cm] 2.9 kg (6 lb 8 oz)
Dimensions : [180 cm] 133-105-117
Radius : [180 cm] 23 m
Construction : Formula One 3D Light Sandwich, Pre-preg Carbon Fiber Construction, Ultralight engineered wood core, ABS 5mm Sidewalls, Power Edge, Stainless SkinLock Clip
Hereis the manufacturer's website with more information
