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gear reviews

Short test | Black Diamond Carbon Convert

Lightweight for ski tourers and freeriders

by Jan Imberi 01/21/2015
With its Aspect, Convert and Megawatt carbon construction ski lines, Black Diamond now has a series in its range that is aimed not only at freeriders, but above all at ski tourers who are looking for downhill-oriented, wide touring skis for powder tours.

Test conditions

I've had the opportunity to test the new Carbon Convert since the end of December. With its 180 cm length and the mounted Fritschi Diamir Vipec 12, it is a set-up that is clearly geared towards touring and freeriding.
My test report is limited to a period of four really good days with fresh snow in sub-alpine terrain, as the winter has been a bit poor so far - but one should never give up hope ... The report can therefore only reflect a part of the range of use of these skis - fortunately super dry powder conditions as well as use on soft slopes.

Test

The Carbon Convert is a downhill-oriented touring ski in ultra-light construction. Basically a shrunken big mountain ski, its smaller dimensions and low weight have been designed for longer tours in alpine terrain.
Compared to the "normal" Convert without carbon construction, 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 even more (or less). In my case, the Vipec 12 puts the weight saving into perspective somewhat.
The low weight of the ski becomes very clear on the ascent. The effort required when climbing is noticeably less. Pointed turns in steep terrain over 40° can be mastered easily and without additional effort, even with a ski length of 180 cm.
With its 105 mm under the binding, the Carbon Convert 180 meets the requirements of a powder ski with sufficient flotation. The long, rockered shovels typical of BD give the ski sufficient lift and enable fast planing even in flatter terrain. However, the ski shows its real potential at higher speeds and on steeper terrain. Tight turns in steep terrain are just as easy to control as long turns on wide open slopes. And the power transmission is always very 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. On the piste, however, the large radius of 23 m and the low sidecut of the ski have a rather negative effect and make the ski appear sluggish.

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Conclusion

The Black Diamond Carbon Convert is definitely not an all-round ski, but a touring and/or freeride ski specifically designed for use in open terrain. The pre-preg carbon construction makes it extremely torsionally stiff. At the same time, the rebound is somewhat brittle due to the pre-tension. The lack of pop is hardly noticeable on soft ground and is well compensated and transmitted by the balanced and even flex line over the entire length. On the piste or presumably also in hard old snow conditions (not tested), the ski is not quite as agile. For backcountry days or multi-day tours, the Carbon Convert is certainly a very good choice!
If the conditions are right, you can really make the most of its performance. In mixed conditions and hard firn it probably reaches its limits. (To be verified).

Details

RRP: 699.95 euros
Weight per pair: [180 cm] 2.9 kg (6 lb 8 oz)
Dimensions: [180 cm] 133-105-117
Radius: [180 cm] 23 m
Available lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188
Construction: Formula One 3D Light Sandwich, Pre-preg Carbon Fiber Construction, Ultralight engineered wood core, ABS 5mm Sidewalls, Power Edge, Stainless SkinLock Clip

Here is the Black Diamond website with further information, here you can find the Carbon Convert at our partner store Bergzeit.de

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This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

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