2023 Liberty Origin 96 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- Jeff and Bob chat about the 2023 Liberty Origin 96. Adding VMT 1.0 to this ski for 2022 really upped its capabilities and overall strength and we're psyched to have it back for another season with just a new topsheet graphic.
Written Review: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
1:45 - Construction
5:05 - Shape
7:05 - On-piste performance
9:45 - Off-piste performance
I own an Origin 96 and use it on soft snow and powder in western NY. The real hard pack and ice give it some trouble especially late in the day. Overall good ski.
I bought the 21-22 version of the origin 96 (which has a better graphic than this one imo)and absolutely love it. Real icy hard pack is probably not it’s strong suit, but everything else is great. If you drive it right it carves a super clean turn and it’s comfortable at high speeds. In bumps it’s super easy going and intuitive. It definitely can find a zipper, but is also comfortable taking a more weaving and rounded line. In technical terrain it feels maneuverable and easy to pivot. It’s comfortable in the air and supportive if you land a little back seat. It’s stiff enough but not too stiff. Overall a great ski that doesn’t get talked about enough. Can’t wait to get back on it next season!
Appreciate the feedback! I do love the '22 graphics too. The ski is a lot brighter than the '23 version. I feel like that bright, energetic graphic really matches the performance of the ski. The darker look of the new ski makes it look more serious.
Is there any difference in the build of the ski between the 2021-2024 models?
I always watch how teh ski responds in the line. Can´t see no deflection or nervios behavior. This seems to be a pretty nice frreride ski. This would probably be my ski for next season. Long time i´ve seen a ski behave like this. Nice
hate when somone does this to my daughter, she loves to carve and we are super careful and only do it when slopes are empty, still we get 2-3 very close calls per season.
In the moment, I genuinely couldn't believe it. I also looked uphill a few hundred yards before starting those turns and there wasn't a single person on the trail. That guy must have literally straight-lined just to catch up to us just so he could pass 2 feet next to me. Blew my mind. There were a total of 3 of us on the tail including that guy. He could've slowed down for 5 seconds and had the whole trail to himself. Or he could've gone far left or right and safely passed as I was making the other turn. Just so hard for me to understand the mentality you have to be in to do something like that...
Oh Chico es genial !!!!
Great review. Awesome to see the Liberty brand. I ride the Helix 88 as a all mountain ski. I enjoy the twin tip, full camber and side wall for precision - effective turning edge of 90%. But in any chop or clumped snow it’s not the best. I’ve always considered trying the Origin 96 but I know the Helix 98 being a bit wider, still at 85% effective edge makes me think would that be better out west(not deep powder at all -resorts) vs the Origin 96 at 70% edge with a lot more rocker…Do you guys feel there isn’t enough precision on the Origin 96 if I really like the helix series? Personal preference, would love to hear your feedback. I tired the BC 100, it was definitely fun but looking for something with a bit more flex. Thanks!
That's an interesting conversation as the vertical metal in the Origin 96 actually increases precision and responsiveness from a construction perspective. So, despite having a shorter effective edge, it's hard for me to say the Origin is less precise than the Helix. Does that make sense? That said, I'm not sure the Origin is the ski for you as I wouldn't necessarily describe it as having more flex than the Bent 100. If anything, I'd say it's a little bit stiffer because of that metal application.
Only possible explanation to the man giving Jeff the finger: He thought: “There they are, Jeff and Bob, the guys who got to test the new Stöckli Montero AX and AR but haven’t posted a video review…” Then he proceeded to give you the third digit warm greeting. Just joking. You guys are not only the best in the industry, and nobody comes even close; you keep getting better. You guys are not just reviewers, you are educating and motivating the ski community. God bless you.
Hahahah! Appreciate the comment. We're listening. Montero reviews are coming right up!
What's everyone's thought on the mounting point for this ski (-8.15)? My wider skis (moment deathwish 112) are mounted farther forward (-5) and I feel like it matches my ski style much more. Those are also twin tips. Would it be a mistake to mount these skis farther forward, too? Around -6?
Hey Adam! I don't think there's anything wrong with mounting these a little further forward than the recommended line. I wouldn't go close to center, but certainly -6 would be fine. I think even -4 or -5 would still work well. Further forward than that, they might start getting a little weird. Hope that helps!
Are you guys planning to do a Line Blade Optic 96 review? Highly considering it or the 104 version of it.
Definitely! Bob spent a lot of time on the 96 this season. I skied it too, but I skied the 104 more often. We'll likely have that up in the next month or two.
What would be a good reason to pick this ski over a rustler 9, and vice versa or which one would match up better with the Ranger 102 as powder ski as the Ranger 96 dose not have much tail rocker
Thanks kindly
Michael
If you're looking for a smeary, slashy, sideways-style of ski, then the Origin is fantastic--it's super-playful and easy to maneuver. The Rustler feels more businesslike in comparison, preferring to lock into turns on the groomers and takes a bit more work in the bumps and trees. I'd say the Rustler would be a better complement to the 102 Ranger.
Hi Jeff & Bob, Would love to hear a comparison on the Origin 96 and the Nordica Unleashed. Peace
They are pretty similar overall. Some differences in how they feel, but I'd say more similarities than differences. The Origins feel a touch lighter to me, and also a little more agile in bumps and trees. A lot of that is coming from a different tip and tail shape. The Origin is pointier, which allows for slightly easier edge release. On the other hand, I think the Unleashed feels a bit stronger overall. More vibration damping from the horizontal metal laminates rather than the VMT in the Origin. It also makes a cleaner, rounder turn when carving. Overall, they're both highly versatile, playful, yet strong twin tips. Like I said, more similar than different, but those are the differences I feel between them.
@@SkiEssentials THANK you for the reply. Can you tell me how you would compare these to the 2018/19 model Icelandic Nomad 105's that I currently have? The nomads are pretty playful but nosey in super deep and steep powder. Very fun in East coast trees & powder. Thanks again! JB
I am a beginner plus / advanced skier, having just skied 4 weeks this year on piste. Hoping to ski 5 weeks next year also on piste. Male, 41, 90kg, 181 cm. I hate ice and hard packed snow with passion. Everything else is ok. Looking for a grippy ski that would do well with hard surfaces yet forgiving. What do you advise?
You probably mean “beginner plus/intermediate skier.” Ice and hard pack is what we ski here in New Hampshire 95% of the time.
@@dick91p sorry yes, intermediate.
This Origin 96 is actually a pretty good example of what you should be looking for. You want to get a ski that has relatively strong construction, but a forgiving shape. You could also consider going narrower. The new 2023 Fischer Ranger 90 would be a good example, or a Blizzard Rustler 9. Those two skis, and add in this Origin 96, have partial metal construction with a decent amount of tip and tail rocker. You could also consider going even narrower into the mid-80 category. Salomon Stance 84, Volkl Kanjo 84, Stockli Montero AR if you want to go premium... those are a few good examples. Hope that gives you some clarity!
I'm looking at some smaller width skis. Currently, I have some K2 mindbender 99ti's. I'm looking for a west coast daily driver. I have kids that like trees. So quick turns and good performance in moguls would be great. I'm looking at the Origin 96, QST 92, and the Atomic Bent 90's. I'm 5'9" 200lbs. Any thoughts?
I think if you're thinking narrower, then go narrower, so the Bent 90 makes more sense to me in this realm. For quick turns and bumps, it doesn't get much better than that. There are some other fun options like the more directional Armada Declivity 88C, Elan Ripstick 88, or Head Kore 87 that all use carbon to power the ski--not quite as flexible as the Bent, but very engaging for both with and without kids.
Thanks. I think Atomic it is then!
Are there any similar but cheaper alternatives?
Slightly narrower, check out the Salomon QST 92. Hopefully that one fits the budget and application!
SE
Origin 96/101 vs Nordica Unleased 98?
Hey Rob! Good question, interesting comparison. The Unleashed 98 is basically right in between those skis in width, of course. If I had to point to individual strengths, I'd say the Unleashed carves better and has more vibration damping, while the Origins feel quicker, more agile, and more energetic. I do, however, think it's fair to say that there are realistically more similarities than differences between these skis, especially in regards to what they accomplish. They have a different feel, that's for sure, but certainly a similar purpose. Hope that helps!
I am 6 2 215lbs, Want to ski trees as much as possible can I get away with the 182s
Absolutely. I think that's a great size for your stats and application. Great skis in the woods for sure!
Art the beginning, you were using the entire trail for you turns which is perfectly all right. Your should look up the hill with each turn to see if traffic is coming because you Are using the entire trail. It is the overtaking skiers responsibility to time their pass so they go by when you are on the opposite side of the trail And to announce their pass. Common sense and courtesy all around.
Now That is how you test a pair of skis. Consistent, Technically Correct turns where you allow the skis to make the turns without forcing them in any way. Be careful about that ad-stemming later on. Standing on the inside ski and pushing the tail of the downhill ski away from you. Then the ski isn't performing, you are. Something to keep in mind with any ski you try, YOU, are going to have to adapt your input to it's design characteristics. That's why it's good to pick a category that fits the type of skiing you do most and then pick the ski that you think looks the best.