Helio Carbon 102 Skis 26/27
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- Backordered, shipping soon
The Helio Carbon 102 is a redesigned, hard-charging, do-it-all backcountry ski with a brand-new shape. It pairs a pre-preg carbon fiber layup with an engineered poplar core and full-length 5 mm beveled ABS sidewalls, and it is made in Austria. Dimensions at 178 cm are 128-102-116 mm.
The carbon layup delivers dampness, torsional stiffness and balanced flex, and Black Diamond built it slightly heavier to minimize chatter. The trade-off is that at 2,700 to 3,200 g per pair, it is not a skimo race ski; it trades a few grams for real downhill performance.
It is for touring skiers who want one ski that handles pow, variable snow and technical terrain year-round. An early rise tip, camber underfoot and rockered tail make slashy turns easy, and the ABS tail protector has an integrated skin-clip notch.
Available in 164, 171, 178 and 185 cm, with turn radii from 20 to 23 m. We are happy to help you choose a length and binding at the shop.
This is a ski we love for big touring days, light enough to climb all day and fun enough to make every descent worth it.
Tech Features
Pre-Preg Carbon Layup
Improves dampness, torsional stiffness and balanced flex.
Poplar Core
Engineered wood core for a lively, durable ride.
5mm Beveled ABS Sidewalls
Full-perimeter sidewalls for edge hold and durability.
Skin-Clip Tail Notch
ABS tail protector with an integrated notch that keeps the skin clip in place.
Complete Specs
| Length (cm) | Tip / Waist / Tail (mm) | Radius (m) | Weight per pair (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 164 | 127 / 102 / 115 | 20 | 2700 |
| 171 | 127 / 102 / 116 | 21 | 2800 |
| 178 | 128 / 102 / 116 | 22 | 2990 |
| 185 | 129 / 102 / 117 | 23 | 3200 |
Details
- Profile: Early rise tip, camber underfoot, rockered tail
- Core: Engineered poplar
- Construction: Pre-preg carbon fiber, 5mm beveled ABS sidewalls
- Skin attachment: ABS tail protector with skin-clip notch
- Best for: Do-it-all backcountry skiing in variable snow and technical terrain
- Made in: Austria
This guide is for alpine (downhill) skis. Ski length depends on your height, your ability, and how you like to ski. Use this chart as a starting point, then talk to us about the ski itself: rocker, width, and turn shape all change how long a ski feels.
Recommended Alpine Length (cm)
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" / 147 | 120–130 | 130–140 | 140–150 | 145–155 |
| 5'0" / 152 | 125–135 | 135–145 | 145–155 | 150–160 |
| 5'2" / 157 | 130–140 | 140–150 | 150–160 | 155–165 |
| 5'4" / 163 | 135–145 | 145–155 | 155–165 | 160–170 |
| 5'6" / 168 | 140–150 | 150–160 | 160–170 | 165–175 |
| 5'8" / 173 | 145–155 | 155–165 | 165–175 | 170–180 |
| 5'10" / 178 | 150–160 | 160–170 | 170–180 | 175–185 |
| 6'0" / 183 | 155–165 | 165–175 | 175–185 | 180–190 |
| 6'2" / 188 | 160–170 | 170–180 | 180–190 | 185–192 |
| 6'4" / 193 | 165–175 | 175–185 | 185–192 | 190–192 |
Quick Rule
- Beginner: ski tip around your chin. Shorter skis turn easily.
- Intermediate: tip between your nose and forehead.
- Advanced: tip around the top of your head, for stability at speed.
- Expert: about 5cm longer than advanced, for hard charging and big-mountain terrain.
Adjust For
- Go longer: heavier build, fast skiing, deep snow, lots of tip rocker.
- Go shorter: lighter build, tight trees and moguls, uphill touring.
- Telemark: if you want a ski for tele, we recommend going down about 10cm from the length you normally like.
Not sure? Call us at (802) 253-4531 or stop in. Want to try before you buy? Demo a ski and we deduct the rental from the purchase.