I will watch this tomorrow. But I'm stoked to see a review! I was just at a shop this afternoon and had never heard anything about them. Can't wait to see your opinion. Keep up the great work Elliott!
Since there is already 96 out there, it's hard to find a reason of 101. If one needs floatation, 106 is there and that should be able hold edges okay enough in most condition.
The fact that they send the Origin instead of their Evolv makes me ask : did they watch any of your videos ? Or did you ask specifically for the origin ? Cause you would definitely prefer the Evolv 😅 And for the record I have never skied a liberty ski, but just based on the shape and profile of the ski, and your preferences, its the obvious choice.
Lol the bent slander is here to stay… update, I bought them and have skied them a lot, I love them, they don’t carve and get thrown around easily, but that isn’t the point! I hucked my first 20 foot Cliff on them yesterday and they did great! The edge hold and float is wonderful and the pop makes them perfect for launching off everything, they are my favorite ski I’ve tried! Definitely not a do everything ski, they don’t hold up at speed, but for my technique be damned, jump off everything and stay off the corduroy style they are perfect!! Also dang are they floaty in the pow!
I have owned the Origin 96 ski for many years (bought when it first came out). I have skied the 177, 182, and 187 lengths. Based on my experience with the ski, I think you, Elliot, need to be on the 187 length. If you are not the 187 it explains the lack of float. My 187's float great, one of my best skis, so something is off with your pair, especially as the 101mm width should have better float. I will add the ski tip "planes up" in powder and the tails sink a bit. But they are very easy to ski in up to 2 feet of fresh snow. I am pretty sure what is off is your bindings are mounted to far forward for someone your weight (I weigh a little more than you). Please move them back at least 2 cm or more, from the furthest back factory line and ski them again. I have my 187's mounted - 4 cm from the rear most factory line (-11 from true center). Another thing the ski needs is a race tune to make it carve on its short effective length. I use a 0.5 base, 3.0 side bevels and it drastically changes the ski's carving performance. This ski needs some dialing in to bring out its best performance, if you want to have an honest evaluation of this ski, it is not set up optimally for someone your size. I am not claiming your published review isn't honest, you are very honest and real, but you are judging the ski with it being handicapped by your size and mount position. A lot of what you say I agree with based on my experience, but some of your negative impressions are due to poor setup for you. BTW, the ski has a bamboo and wood core and you are feeling the bamboo effect. I absolutely agree the ski is very springy or poppy which I find to be fun. I am a very directional race style skier, but I have a blast on this ski (especially in the trees) due to its very different characteristics than say your Atomic Maverick ski.
I bought the 22/23 skied twice on them. They are up for sale now with only about 5 hrs of use. I undersrand is freeatyle ski. Its Very flickable and manuverable but doant hold an edge well. They kept washing out on me .
Your favorite QST fan here. This was the ski I got to replace my QST 98. They are local to me and the reps were really cool to me. That said, when compared directly to the QST, I think it's a bit of a disappointment. I weigh a lot and flex the ski in the tips to start my turns and I felt the Origin was too surfy. It really likes to be skied more centered, and aggressive skiers will feel like it doesn't have much edge hold in the tails. That said, they are really intuitive in bumps and tight spots. I agree on the float, it's not as good as you'd think for it's weight/width. It feels like a wider park ski. Springy, yes.
I'm gonna weigh in here because I bought the 2022 Origin 101's with the same construction as these (VMT) and I'm gonna sell them. This ski is from the rockies and is meant for the rockies. Nice, soft snow. It would be a great choice for a first ski as an intermediate where you get a lot of snow, as it is a great easy platform to learn powder on. It took me some time to admit this to myself, but this ski just doesn't hold up at all on any kind of hardpack, and it's too light to really charge in the powder, as well as too narrow to handle the really deep stuff. I'm a big fan of 100-width skis, but if you are considering this ski, get the 106. Just skip the 101. If the type of skiing you're doing (i.e. carving or ripping down a groomer at speed) would make you think 106mm is too wide, you need a different ski. I know they make an Origin 96, and as far as I'm concerned that is absolutely a "first ski" kind of ski. Anyone on the skilled side of intermediate is going to feel let down by the 96, and if they are on the 101 they'll be wishing they're on the 106. Just look at the tip splay. This is not a ski for pushing an edge into firm snow. It's for weaving and bobbing a meandering line through powder or soft trails. Maneuverable, Flickable, predictable, but not happy at speed. It's knocked around more than the Bent 100, despite being heavier than it. I've been grateful for the nice easy entry into soft snow that the liberty gave me, and it did allow me to push my envelope a bit more than my used Rossignol Soul 7's would allow in both soft and firm conditions. But I am a tahoe skiier, and in anything even slightly hard or refrozen these skis hate speed on groomers. They're for nice quality snow taken at a leisurely pace, and for that use case, you want the 106's.
Glad to see you review them. I love my Origin 96 and I am considering getting the 106 too. The Origin's I have are before the VMT, I'm curious how different they might be. I do really like the energy and stability without being dull and hard to ski for no reason in the 96. It seems like your complaint is odd since you said it does everything pretty well, but expected it to float and carve better than skis that are more specific to those applications? being a 101 ski i would expect the carving to not be good compared to others and not float as well as others. This ski screams good at a lot of things but great at nothing because it isn't a specific ski in shape or construction. Wish more companies used bamboo.
I have the 106 before VMT also but just got the new 96 with VMT. Will let you know how it feels, getting them mounted right now. Just by hand flexing it the tails are a tad stiffer. I love the origins. For the record I also have the Kore 93 which Elliot seems to love (I can attest that it is an amazing carving ski however I am light (145 lbs) and in anything besides perfect predictable roy the rebound will surprise me out of the turn so much so that I have to tone back how much I push through the flex. Not only that but the ski completely delaminated so now its my rock ski. You really have to be driving the ski the whole day and sometimes at the end of the day its pretty tiring especially in tight bumps.
I keep looking for something that's gonna give me second thoughts about getting the QST 98 as my CO one ski quiver set up, 80% resort with touring capability, with Salomon Shift boots and Duke Marker PT or Look/Cast Freetour bindings....
@@RicketySkiReviews have you tried the Black Crows Atris? That was a top prospect before I started looking at the QST. And now I found a phenomenal deal for Atris + Marker Duke PT 12 + climbing skins....it's making me second guess my decision to go with the QST because I would pay almost the same for the skis + Duke bindings, but still need to buy skins later....
Before you even get into your review... I am jealous that you are skiing and I am not.. Hopefully soon.. Get Bent.. Sorry I couldn't resist.. You keep bringing them up and that is what comes to mind.. ha ha.. You did cover that the ski is heavy.. You might cover if the conditions were a light powder or a heavy powder but if not what was it? Ok you covered that it was wind blown snow.. That can also make the snow grippy and it is easier to go head over heals.. That is more of a balance where a lighter more reactive ski we can go head over heals easier than a sluggish less reactive ski.. That is something to take into the equation.. BRECK or as I call it Breaking Wind gets a lot of windblown snow.. 6.9/10 as a powder ski.. i would say that i ski 75% on the groomers.. now to have those groomers be rock hard and in pristine shape i would say that 25% they are like that.. some rare days we will have all day that they are like that.. i would say that 75% of the time the groomers turn to crud after 25% or skiing.. so realistically i am skiing crud 75% or more of the time.. i haven't skied in a couple weeks because the weather has been so unstable but i would imagine that BRECK did not even open the top of the mountain.. so i couldn't even access the POW unless it is on the bottom of the hill... at least 75% of the time when i get to the POW it is either crud, windblown, or slush.. i guess what i am getting at is maybe you can have a separate category for crud, windblown, or slush ski;)
It's funny, even when a ski doesn't get a "top" score, I'm more likely to try /buy skis just because I know the full picture, and what to expect
I will watch this tomorrow. But I'm stoked to see a review! I was just at a shop this afternoon and had never heard anything about them. Can't wait to see your opinion. Keep up the great work Elliott!
Thanks!
Since there is already 96 out there, it's hard to find a reason of 101. If one needs floatation, 106 is there and that should be able hold edges okay enough in most condition.
Wonder if you can try the new Nordica Enforcer 2025. I'm intrigued to see if they made any positive changes.
The fact that they send the Origin instead of their Evolv makes me ask : did they watch any of your videos ? Or did you ask specifically for the origin ? Cause you would definitely prefer the Evolv 😅
And for the record I have never skied a liberty ski, but just based on the shape and profile of the ski, and your preferences, its the obvious choice.
Lol the bent slander is here to stay… update, I bought them and have skied them a lot, I love them, they don’t carve and get thrown around easily, but that isn’t the point! I hucked my first 20 foot Cliff on them yesterday and they did great! The edge hold and float is wonderful and the pop makes them perfect for launching off everything, they are my favorite ski I’ve tried! Definitely not a do everything ski, they don’t hold up at speed, but for my technique be damned, jump off everything and stay off the corduroy style they are perfect!!
Also dang are they floaty in the pow!
Would highly recommend the Atomic Backlands 117 under foot. Great flotation and very good in the trees.
Oh man, been jonesing to try those as well
I really like the “I think this is going to be a great ski for the right person” sentiment👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Totally agree!
I have owned the Origin 96 ski for many years (bought when it first came out). I have skied the 177, 182, and 187 lengths. Based on my experience with the ski, I think you, Elliot, need to be on the 187 length. If you are not the 187 it explains the lack of float. My 187's float great, one of my best skis, so something is off with your pair, especially as the 101mm width should have better float. I will add the ski tip "planes up" in powder and the tails sink a bit. But they are very easy to ski in up to 2 feet of fresh snow. I am pretty sure what is off is your bindings are mounted to far forward for someone your weight (I weigh a little more than you). Please move them back at least 2 cm or more, from the furthest back factory line and ski them again. I have my 187's mounted - 4 cm from the rear most factory line (-11 from true center). Another thing the ski needs is a race tune to make it carve on its short effective length. I use a 0.5 base, 3.0 side bevels and it drastically changes the ski's carving performance. This ski needs some dialing in to bring out its best performance, if you want to have an honest evaluation of this ski, it is not set up optimally for someone your size. I am not claiming your published review isn't honest, you are very honest and real, but you are judging the ski with it being handicapped by your size and mount position. A lot of what you say I agree with based on my experience, but some of your negative impressions are due to poor setup for you. BTW, the ski has a bamboo and wood core and you are feeling the bamboo effect. I absolutely agree the ski is very springy or poppy which I find to be fun. I am a very directional race style skier, but I have a blast on this ski (especially in the trees) due to its very different characteristics than say your Atomic Maverick ski.
I bought the 22/23 skied twice on them. They are up for sale now with only about 5 hrs of use. I undersrand is freeatyle ski. Its Very flickable and manuverable but doant hold an edge well. They kept washing out on me .
Are you planning on reviewing the Armada Declivity series?
Yes trying to, but they won't respond to me so I'll have to get creative
good shit liberty
Your favorite QST fan here. This was the ski I got to replace my QST 98. They are local to me and the reps were really cool to me. That said, when compared directly to the QST, I think it's a bit of a disappointment. I weigh a lot and flex the ski in the tips to start my turns and I felt the Origin was too surfy. It really likes to be skied more centered, and aggressive skiers will feel like it doesn't have much edge hold in the tails. That said, they are really intuitive in bumps and tight spots. I agree on the float, it's not as good as you'd think for it's weight/width. It feels like a wider park ski. Springy, yes.
Yeah, thats a fair assessment, I could see certain skiers loving them. The guys at Liberty have been super cool when I talked to them as well.
Coming from a shop guy, watch out for the top sheets they get damaged easily and I see them in my shop a lot (in Colorado)
Great tip, I didn't notice anything in my short time with them, but shop guys are gonna be the first ones to see it.
I'm gonna weigh in here because I bought the 2022 Origin 101's with the same construction as these (VMT) and I'm gonna sell them. This ski is from the rockies and is meant for the rockies. Nice, soft snow. It would be a great choice for a first ski as an intermediate where you get a lot of snow, as it is a great easy platform to learn powder on. It took me some time to admit this to myself, but this ski just doesn't hold up at all on any kind of hardpack, and it's too light to really charge in the powder, as well as too narrow to handle the really deep stuff.
I'm a big fan of 100-width skis, but if you are considering this ski, get the 106. Just skip the 101. If the type of skiing you're doing (i.e. carving or ripping down a groomer at speed) would make you think 106mm is too wide, you need a different ski. I know they make an Origin 96, and as far as I'm concerned that is absolutely a "first ski" kind of ski. Anyone on the skilled side of intermediate is going to feel let down by the 96, and if they are on the 101 they'll be wishing they're on the 106. Just look at the tip splay. This is not a ski for pushing an edge into firm snow. It's for weaving and bobbing a meandering line through powder or soft trails. Maneuverable, Flickable, predictable, but not happy at speed. It's knocked around more than the Bent 100, despite being heavier than it.
I've been grateful for the nice easy entry into soft snow that the liberty gave me, and it did allow me to push my envelope a bit more than my used Rossignol Soul 7's would allow in both soft and firm conditions. But I am a tahoe skiier, and in anything even slightly hard or refrozen these skis hate speed on groomers. They're for nice quality snow taken at a leisurely pace, and for that use case, you want the 106's.
Glad to see you review them. I love my Origin 96 and I am considering getting the 106 too. The Origin's I have are before the VMT, I'm curious how different they might be. I do really like the energy and stability without being dull and hard to ski for no reason in the 96. It seems like your complaint is odd since you said it does everything pretty well, but expected it to float and carve better than skis that are more specific to those applications? being a 101 ski i would expect the carving to not be good compared to others and not float as well as others. This ski screams good at a lot of things but great at nothing because it isn't a specific ski in shape or construction. Wish more companies used bamboo.
Yeah it just sank more than I would expect for a ski that width. But overall a capable ski when it came to less than ideal conditions.
I have the 106 before VMT also but just got the new 96 with VMT. Will let you know how it feels, getting them mounted right now. Just by hand flexing it the tails are a tad stiffer. I love the origins. For the record I also have the Kore 93 which Elliot seems to love (I can attest that it is an amazing carving ski however I am light (145 lbs) and in anything besides perfect predictable roy the rebound will surprise me out of the turn so much so that I have to tone back how much I push through the flex. Not only that but the ski completely delaminated so now its my rock ski. You really have to be driving the ski the whole day and sometimes at the end of the day its pretty tiring especially in tight bumps.
I keep looking for something that's gonna give me second thoughts about getting the QST 98 as my CO one ski quiver set up, 80% resort with touring capability, with Salomon Shift boots and Duke Marker PT or Look/Cast Freetour bindings....
If you're able to try them, I loved the Black Crows Draco Freebird. Though admittedly on the pricey side.
@@RicketySkiReviews have you tried the Black Crows Atris? That was a top prospect before I started looking at the QST. And now I found a phenomenal deal for Atris + Marker Duke PT 12 + climbing skins....it's making me second guess my decision to go with the QST because I would pay almost the same for the skis + Duke bindings, but still need to buy skins later....
Before you even get into your review... I am jealous that you are skiing and I am not.. Hopefully soon..
Get Bent.. Sorry I couldn't resist.. You keep bringing them up and that is what comes to mind.. ha ha..
You did cover that the ski is heavy.. You might cover if the conditions were a light powder or a heavy powder but if not what was it?
Ok you covered that it was wind blown snow.. That can also make the snow grippy and it is easier to go head over heals.. That is more of a balance where a lighter more reactive ski we can go head over heals easier than a sluggish less reactive ski.. That is something to take into the equation.. BRECK or as I call it Breaking Wind gets a lot of windblown snow..
6.9/10 as a powder ski.. i would say that i ski 75% on the groomers.. now to have those groomers be rock hard and in pristine shape i would say that 25% they are like that.. some rare days we will have all day that they are like that.. i would say that 75% of the time the groomers turn to crud after 25% or skiing.. so realistically i am skiing crud 75% or more of the time.. i haven't skied in a couple weeks because the weather has been so unstable but i would imagine that BRECK did not even open the top of the mountain.. so i couldn't even access the POW unless it is on the bottom of the hill... at least 75% of the time when i get to the POW it is either crud, windblown, or slush.. i guess what i am getting at is maybe you can have a separate category for crud, windblown, or slush ski;)
I can’t believe I’m gonna be the first to ask. “What does Zach think”…. 😂