Short test and presentation | Black Diamond Freeride Skis 2014

The North American company Black Diamond is best known for its wide range of climbing equipment, but they have also been producing more and more winter sports equipment for a number of years. The backpacks - especially those with an integrated avalung system - and climbing skins are just two of the many pieces of equipment that have long since established themselves on the market thanks to their quality.

The ski line is still somewhat less prominent in Europe, although it has been continuously improved for years and some freeride professionals, such as Samuel Anthamatten from Zermatt, rely on the skis with the black diamonds. As a long-standing partner, PowderGuide had the opportunity to test some of next year's models on various occasions.

Own ski factory in China

In contrast to other ski manufacturers, Black Diamond is currently taking an acyclical approach. Although many companies are now foregoing their own production for cost reasons, Black Diamond decided to set up a ski factory in China in 2011. Black Diamond skis have been produced in this factory since 2012. The biggest advantage is better control of all production steps and easier implementation of new manufacturing methods.

The first skis from this factory will be launched on the market next fall (winter 2013/2014). The factory will mainly employ specially trained engineers and Black Diamond is trying to meet modern sustainability requirements through sustainable management. A large proportion of the electricity consumed is generated by solar power and all skis produced are shipped by ship to the European warehouse in Basel on the Rhine. For quality reasons, however, only materials from Germany are used for ski construction (except for the wood).

A major change in production that clearly points in the direction of greater quality and durability: All skis are now built as a sandwich construction and therefore with ABS sidewalls without exception (previously only on the Zealot and Verdict models). The different layers are glued together using the so-called prepreg technique. This means that it is no longer necessary to spread liquid epoxy adhesive, as this is already present in the respective layers (in dry form) and is activated by the pressure. A technique that was developed for aircraft construction and is now used in many industrial manufacturing processes. This ensures perfect distribution and utilization of the adhesive. This results in a more homogeneous flex (even distribution) and less weight (superfluous - in a double sense - glue is avoided). The result is that all ski models will be lighter next year. The three-dimensional surface structure that has been used for a few years now will be retained on all ski models due to the increased torsional stability.

Zealot
192 cm (136-110-125), 4.9 kg
182 cm (135-110-123), 4.6 kg
The Zealot is the ski that has been changed the least. Mainly because of the feedback ("Please don't change anything on the ski!") from the two BD riders in the FWT Sam Anthamatten and Jonny Collinson. Still equipped with a Titanal plate and slightly lighter than the previous model.

Verdict
188 cm (133-100-119), 4.5 kg
180 cm (132-100-119), 4.3 kg
172 cm (131-100-118), 4.1 kg
164 cm (130-100-118), 3.9 kg
The Verdict is no longer just the narrower counterpart to the Zealot. The ski has been completely redesigned and has become a real fun machine - anyone familiar with the old one will know that it is an (almost) 180° turn. Like the Zealot, however, it still has the metal insert, which ensures extremely good damping. The all-round ski par excellence.

Carbon Megawatt
188 cm (147-120-127), 3.6 kg
178 cm (145-120-127), 3.2 kg
The Carbon Megawatt has also been completely redesigned in terms of shape and flex. It is no longer quite as wide as the previous model (125 under the binding) and the new hybrid freeride shape is intended to ensure that a sportier (more aggressive) ride is possible in rough conditions, making the ski suitable for more variable conditions.

Convert
188 cm (134-105-117), 3.5 kg
180 cm (133-105-117), 3.3 kg
172 cm (132-105-116), 3.1 kg
164 cm (131-105-116), 2.9 kg
The counterpart to the AMPerage: playful, easy to ride and forgiving, but significantly lighter. Same shape as the AMP, but narrower. Can be used in all conditions and for all desires - a classic all-day ski

Short test of Megawatt, AMPerage, Carbon Megawatt and Convert

The two all-mountain models Zealot and Verdict have not (yet) been tested, but have also undergone the fewest changes compared to their predecessors. The other models were mostly tested for a few descents, which is why the test is titled as a short test.

Megawatt 188 cm - surfboard and charger for deep snow

The new Megawatt impresses above all with its great maneuverability. I only took it on one descent and turned off into a steep gully to test it in terrain for which it is not really made. And the Megawatt didn't disappoint. The new shape and flex make it really agile. Especially when you consider that you have a 125 cm wide ski under the sole, which is not fully rockered but has a normal camber under the binding, turns are surprisingly easy. As soon as it gets icy in the steeps, it naturally reaches its limits due to its width, but with a little soft snow cover you feel absolutely safe.

The flex is very well distributed across the ski overall and the nose doesn't seem to tend to undercut (like older generations of the Megawatt). If you give the ski the right radius, you can also perform a carved turn very well on harder surfaces (or the piste). However, this can also be easily converted into a drifted turn by shifting your weight a little. Despite the sidecut and the camber, it was quite easy to make surf turns with sufficient speed and space.

Definitely a ski for deep powder days. Then you can do almost anything with it. Whether it's charging or powder surfing. Thanks to the new sidecut, it is now much more maneuverable and can also be used in tighter passages, but the focus is definitely still on open terrain. However, it provides a lot of stability in any snow conditions and with any degree of roughness.

Carbon Megawatt 188 cm - easy touring with wide battens

For its width, it is of course an extremely light ski (it has lost some width and weight compared to its predecessor). However, the rather heavy Guardian 16 from Salomon was mounted on the test ski, which in my opinion somewhat negates the effect of the weight. However, I didn't go touring with the ski either, but I was already very impressed with its predecessor.

The new Carbon Megawatt skis like the real Megawatt in fresh powder. That's amazing (and pleasing) considering the weight. Just like its big brother, it is also easy to get into a surf turn - and just as easy to get back onto the directional edge. If the conditions get a little rougher, you quickly notice its (lack of) weight, but here too I have to emphasize that I prefer a heavier ski to one that is too light. The Carbon Megawatt is also definitely not (yet) made for charging in the rough terrain of a ski resort, but it works surprisingly well for its conditions. It provides much more security in tougher conditions than its predecessor. In any case, the adjustments to the sidecut and flex contribute to the fact that the all-round capability has been further improved.

Convert 180 cm - turns a mediocre skier into a good one

I have only skied the Convert very briefly and the first impression confirms the proclaimed thesis that you can do (almost) nothing wrong with this ski. I have rarely skied a ski that is more forgiving than the Convert. The sidecut and flex make it even more agile than the AMPerage. I would have liked to have skied the longer version to be able to judge the effect of the length. In terms of flex, it's a tad too soft for me personally - definitely softer than the AMPerage and therefore not quite as stable in tougher conditions. Even in steeper couloirs, it didn't provide as much security as the AMPerage, although it is narrower.

Of course, its weight speaks for itself and you can quickly cover a longer distance to find untouched snow. It also seems to be made for this. In untouched snow, it makes its way as long as it doesn't get rough and too fast. Personally, I prefer a slightly harder flex (also because of the rebound) and more width, but I can imagine that this ski will become the all-day ski for others. For example, the photographer Baschi Bender was very convinced of this ski after a more extensive test (a full day) and spoke of his all-round off-piste ski for next season. I would describe it as an all-rounder with a tendency for off-piste.

Test conditions, riders and binding system

Test conditions: Open terrain with light and also wind-pressed powder snow, partly glaciers, steeper, untracked and rutted terrain; forest with very light snow that has fallen without the influence of wind; heavy, sun-influenced snow at lower altitudes.

Test rider: 180 cm and 82 kg; sporty rider who likes to push the limits of the ski to challenge it (and himself).

Binding system: Marker Jester bindings were mounted on Megawatt, Amp; the Salomon Guardian 16 on Carbon Megawatt and the Dynafit Radical binding on Convert.

All information can be found on the Black Diamond homepage from fall...