The Black Diamond AMPerage is supposed to be one for all freeride conditions. Decent width, twin tip, modern shape. Whether the "AllMountain"freeride ski from Black Diamond really masters all areas of use, from the piste to backcountry freestyle sessions to deep powder, was put under the microscope by the PG editorial team in the freeride practical test.
The Black Diamond AMPerage is, according to the ski developers at Black Diamond, a ski for everything. The dimensions of 142-115-124 (in mm) with a test length of 185 cm, the rocker shape and longer reverse section at the tip and tail should make this possible. The profile of the AMPerage reads like a freeride ski of the latest generation: rocker at the tip and a little rocker at the tail, with camber in between. It is noticeable that the negative camber is rather low for a ski of this type. On the other hand, the reverse sections in the sidecut tend to be slightly longer than on most competitor models.
Practical test
We tested the AMPerage in the outstanding Tyrolean freeride winter with the support of test pilot Leo Rauch and photographer Jonas Blum in many different conditions between Hochfügen's powder stress and the solitude of the Valais mountains.
Powder snow: The AMPerage performs very satisfactorily in deep powder snow. The heavier the rider, the more likely they are to tip dive. Test rider Leo with his approx. 70 kg had no negative points to notice here. The author, with 10 kg more on his ribs and a heavy freeride backpack (5-10 kg), would have liked a harder tip to prevent unintentional dives. The AMPerage behaves similarly on big mountain lines. Light riders like Leo can push the throttle all the way down to "terminal velocity" without any restrictions, while heavier riders sometimes want a more stable feel at high speeds. For this target group, the AMPerage is a little soft and doesn't offer the support you get from some hard "men's skis". However, pleasure turns in the medium speed range are a real joy. Every wedel group will be envious when looking at the noble and effortless curves.
Jumps, cliffs and flight characteristics: Test pilot Leo on the flight characteristics on natural and artificial jumps: "At first I was a bit skeptical, as the AMPerage seemed very soft when flex testing. Surprisingly, my landings with the AMPerage were very solid. Despite the soft tail, I had no problems with backseat landings. What I find great is the low weight of the ski. This also made spins and flips a lot of fun and they also go very well on cliffs or BC kickers."
Other snow conditions: Like most wide freeride skis, the AMPerage behaves very well in soft conditions. Firn, soft slopes, crushed powder or even broken snow are mastered with ease. One positive aspect, particularly in hard snow conditions, is that the AMPerage has a very low tendency to snow up. The long sections with reverse sidecut do an excellent job here. On the piste as well as in other rather hard snow conditions, you can of course feel the width of the ski. Although you can manage a decent ski instructor turn, the AMPerage will certainly not become a slalom ski with its 115 mm waist. Nevertheless, the sections of piste run to our satisfaction. The low effort required to change turns thanks to the short effective edge length has a positive effect on suitability for the piste. The classic camber under the binding does the same.
Advantages
- Tail sinks in super -> Ski is very maneuverable
- Elongated ski tip is forgiving in turn initiation (hardly any blending)
- Playful and easy to ski in almost all snow conditions
- Low weight, well suited for BC freestyle
- Very good in set, but soft snow
Drawbacks
- A little soft for good and medium skiers who prefer high speeds
- A slightly soft tail for big cliffs
Who is the BD AMPerage suitable for?
Beginners and advanced freeriders who are looking for one ski for everything. They will be impressed by the easy handling and the many possibilities that the AMPerage offers. So will lightweight freeriders (under approx. 80 kg): Whether freestyle, full-throttle freeriding, deep powder or a bit of everything, the AMPerage not only does it all here, but also reliably supports the rider in every situation.
Who had better keep their hands off this egg-laying wool-milk sow?
Heavy riders from an advanced freeride level who like to go fast or like very deep powder. Powder addicts or big mountain riders over approx. 80/85 kg, on the other hand, should rather reach for other models.
Conclusion
The BD AMPerage is one for everything. Its special advantages of the forgiving tip and low weight should appeal to both freeride beginners and advanced skiers. But the AMPerage is also a very successful ski for good and rather light skiers as well as the freestyle faction. Whether deep powder, mixed terrain or even a trip to the piste, with the AMPerage (almost) everything goes to great satisfaction.
Information
Price (RRP): 649.- Euro
Dimensions: 142-115-124 (in mm), 22 m radius at 185 cm
Weight (pair): 4.6 kg
