Black Diamond needs little introduction in the backcountry world. Born from a brand synonymous with mountain hardware, their ski lineup is known more for consistent change than for consistent contenders in the touring market. (The Helio line, in some form or another, has been part of the brand’s lineup since around 2016.) The Helio Carbon 108 sits comfortably at the widest end of their Helio lineup. Having already spent some time with these skis in my first look earlier this season, I now have enough days on snow to offer a fuller picture.
The Helio Carbon 108 is positioned as a sturdier, more confidence-inspiring touring ski, one that prioritizes downhill performance without fully abandoning weight savings. Updated for this season, the ski features a poplar wood core rather than the previous paulownia construction, with carbon presenting as stringers rather than a full sheet. The change adds a touch of weight but was intended to improve performance in chopped-up and variable snow. For those less kind to their gear, the full ABS sidewall should assist with long-term durability. The regally purple topsheet doesn’t hurt either.
While reviewing these skis, I skied on the 187cm length mounted with ATK’s Rent Me 12 EVO bindings. I ski with Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro boots and am 6’1 “, 180 pounds.
Design Highlights
The poplar core paired with carbon stringers defines the character of the Helio Carbon 108 from the first run. At 1650g/ski in the 187cm length, it sits in an interesting spot in the market; roughly 500 grams lighter than the comparable Draco Freebird 110 at 189 cm from Black Crows (my daily driver), while coming in only slightly heavier than competitors like the Atomic Backland 109 (1505g/ski in a 189cm) and DPS Pagoda Tour CFL 105 (1643g/ski in a 184cm).
The rocker profile leans toward stability and versatility. A substantial early-rise tip and rockered tail are paired with camber underfoot, a combination that signals confidence in variable conditions. The tail rocker is less pronounced than the updated Backland 109, sitting closer in character to the beloved older Backland 107. The 108mm waist puts it squarely in the modern all-mountain touring sweet spot, and the 22-25m turn radius across lengths suits both open powder skiing and more deliberate turn shapes in consequential terrain.
Field Testing
Powder/Soft Snow
This is where the Helio Carbon 108 earns its keep. In soft snow at speed, the ski is stable and surprisingly maneuverable. While true “powder” was hard to come by this season, I found the ski shining in denser “fast pow.” It planes well, pivots quickly underfoot, and maintains composure when the pace picks up, which I was surprised to see in a ski this light. My go-to powder ski has been a Renegade, and I was shocked by the amount of float and support offered up by this 108mm powder-oriented touring ski. In open terrain at speed, this ski goes where you want with minimal effort.
In any conditions even resembling new snow, I primarily ski on 4FRNT’s 120 underfoot Renegade. I found the experience skiing on these in this season’s powder to be shockingly similar (which is high praise). But then again, 108mm underfoot is still substantial.
Five-star powder performance with a quick, maneuverable character that makes the most of everything the 108mm platform has to offer.
Firm Snow/Variable Conditions
Coming from primarily skiing the Draco Freebird for the last three years, I had low expectations for my first “carbon” ski. Here is where the Helio Carbon 108 is most honest about what it is. On firm and consolidated snow, the ski is noticeably chattery. It holds an edge adequately, but the carbon construction lacks the dampness I prefer in variable and wind-affected snow. At speed on hard snow, the ski requires active management and has a clear speed limit in truly firm conditions.
But that is to be expected, for a ski this light and wide, I was not expecting to just push through variable conditions. I still had plenty of fun on the ski and was pushing the speeds that most would ski in those conditions.
Uphill/Skin Track
The relatively light swing weight makes the Helio Carbon 108 a natural on the skin track. The tip profile is straightforward and compatible with most standard wire-loop and tip-clip systems. The ski does not get in its own way going uphill.
Conclusion
The Black Diamond Helio Carbon 108 is a strong, directional powder touring ski for the skier who prioritizes lightweight performance and soft-snow maneuverability above all else. At 6’1″ and 180 lbs, it felt well-matched in size and delivered real float and quickness in the conditions it was designed for. The chatter on firm snow is to be expected from a ski in this weight class.
While I personally prefer a heavier ski for the uphill in exchange for its performance on the down, this ski is perfect for a dedicated backcountry skier in areas with deeper snowpacks.
For the pow chaser willing to accept those firm-snow limitations, the Helio Carbon 108 is a capable, fun, and well-executed pair of planks. If I could keep them, I would happily add them to my touring lineup.
Specs
Available lengths (cm): 166, 173, 180, 187 [tested]
Weight: 3,300g [187cm]
Dimensions (mm): 134-108-121 [187]
Turn radius : 25m [187]
Core: Poplar
Build: Carbon stringers, full ABS sidewall, rubber tip/tail inserts.
Rocker Profile: Early rise tip, camber underfoot, rockered tail.
Similar Models: Atomic Backland 109, Moment Wildcat Tour 108, DPS Pagoda Tour CFL 105, Black Crows Draco Freebird 110.
Price: 949.95
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