Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95

Suitable for: MALE

Categories:: Skis | Touring
Season:: 2025

Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 review

They say

Our mid-sized Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 touring ski is built to slay backcountry turns from the Cordillera Blanca to the Canadian Rockies. The Helio Carbon 95 balances playful, soft-snow performance with precision.

We say

Just because it’s not new doesn’t mean it’s not newsworthy. The Helio Carbon 95 continues to impress with its top-tier blend of uphill efficiency and downhill reliability. Whether you’re knocking out a hut-to-hut mission or skinning for a cheeky powder stash before work, this ski does it all with grace and guts. Light on the feet but far from featherweight in performance, it’s a quiet contender for the best all-round touring ski in the sub-100mm category.

Overview

Black Diamond’s Helio Carbon series spans from a svelte 88mm up to a float-happy 115mm underfoot, all sharing a similar lightweight carbon construction. Of the bunch, the 95 hits the sweet spot for versatility—light enough for serious skinning yet capable enough to charge the descent. While the 104 has its charms for deeper days, the 95 is the go-to for everyday missions.

Spec performance

This ski might be lean, but it’s got substance. Built with a paulownia wood core enhanced by pre-preg carbon fibre, it maximises weight savings while boosting torsional rigidity. A Titanal plate underfoot reinforces the binding zone—an essential detail for skiers who drive their gear hard. An elastomer layer smooths out vibrations, while the tip rocker, although subtle in height, is generously drawn out to help the shovel surf and initiate turns seamlessly. At 1,400g per ski in a 176cm, it’s one of the lightest skis in its class without compromising ride quality.

Skier compatibility

From skiers new to the touring scene to seasoned guides logging hundreds of days each winter, the Helio Carbon 95 delivers. Its balance of responsiveness and composure makes it accessible for developing tourers while offering enough pop, grip and float to satisfy demanding veterans. If your touring involves big climbs, mixed conditions and the odd spicy descent, this is the ski to take. If you lean more towards deep days and high speeds, consider stepping up to the 104 or even the 115 for max float.

Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 summary

Sublimely balanced mid-fat touring ski
Pre-preg carbon build with Titanal plate and elastomer for smooth ride
Light enough for long missions, powerful enough for serious descents
Ideal for intermediate to expert tourers
Our top pick in the narrow touring category

Conclusion

Black Diamond has refined its Helio Carbon 95 into a true backcountry all-rounder. With a build that fuses lightweight construction and downhill poise, it’s a ski that doesn’t flinch when the terrain gets tricky. It remains our top pick in the narrow touring category, and for good reason. Reliable, responsive and remarkably fun, it’s a ski you’ll keep reaching for.

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