Anyone skied Liberty Origin 96s?

[kittywampus]

Strongly considering a pair of these as a spring daily driver/all mountain ski, but i still want to be able to take them in the park and ski switch. I haven't been able to find any reviews of this ski that even mention freestyle use... but they sound pretty rad to me as a light all-mountain / wide park ski. Has anyone used these or have an opinion on taking them in the park? I'm curious if the amount of swallowtail on them would make switch skiing noticeably more difficult

 

[powpatrol]

By swallow tail do you mean the rocker profile? Or am i just blind :/

 

[kittywampus]

By swallow tail do you mean the rocker profile? Or am i just blind :/

I just mean how much narrower the tail is than the tip (it's a difference of 12mm). Most freestyle oriented skis that are meant to be ridden switch have a smaller tip/tail width differential, often more like 4mm. I know that directional shape will affect switch skiing a little bit, just not sure how much.

Also not sure if swallowtail is the right term for this... i think some ppl say "pintail" but most would just call this shape directional or asymmetrical

**This post was edited on Apr 26th 2018 at 3:09:57pm

 

[powpatrol]

Oh right i get you now,was thinking pescado kinda vibes.

People definitely have loads of different names for it,haven’t heard of pintail being said in skiing but coming from a surf background i like it!

 

[kittywampus]

Oh right i get you now,was thinking pescado kinda vibes.

People definitely have loads of different names for it,haven’t heard of pintail being said in skiing but coming from a surf background i like it!

For sure, tons of names out there. Could be way wrong but my understanding is:

- Fishtail = scooped out (like a Pescado)

- Swallowtail = tail is about 10mm+ narrower than tip (like most directional all mountain skis)

- Pintail = more extreme version of above and visibly noticeable (seen on directional pow skis like Super 7, real skinny tail)

 

[OregonDead]

Swallow tail is the same as what you mean by fish tail. Google image swallow tail and you'll see it's the ones with the big notch cut in the tail like a swallow birds tail.

 

[patagonialuke]

It's definitely a fun ski, but wouldn't be my top pic if you're gonna be spending more than roughly 30% of your time in the park. They have a pretty directional shape and flex.

Not sure how much you'd notice the difference between tip and tail width, but it is worth noting that the 18/19 Origin 96 will have a slightly more conservative rocker profile, so it has even less of a rockered tail. Neither the current version or 18/19 version are true twins, though their tails are raised a few cm's (around 3-4 cm). The 18/19 version has similar tail splay / height, but its rocker lines are not as deep as the 17/18.

I've spent a good deal of time on the Origin 112 and 106, and with the bindings pushed a few cm's forward of the recommended line they're definitely playful, but they still feel pretty directional and not very freestyle-oriented. Really fun skis in my mind since I don't spin a lot or ski switch a ton, but worth noting.

 

[kittywampus]

It's definitely a fun ski, but wouldn't be my top pic if you're gonna be spending more than roughly 30% of your time in the park. They have a pretty directional shape and flex.

Not sure how much you'd notice the difference between tip and tail width, but it is worth noting that the 18/19 Origin 96 will have a slightly more conservative rocker profile, so it has even less of a rockered tail. Neither the current version or 18/19 version are true twins, though their tails are raised a few cm's (around 3-4 cm). The 18/19 version has similar tail splay / height, but its rocker lines are not as deep as the 17/18.

I've spent a good deal of time on the Origin 112 and 106, and with the bindings pushed a few cm's forward of the recommended line they're definitely playful, but they still feel pretty directional and not very freestyle-oriented. Really fun skis in my mind since I don't spin a lot or ski switch a ton, but worth noting.

Dang, that's all good to hear. Didn't realize it's not a full twin... I read somewhere online that it is, but that must've been wrong. The photos from the Blister review make it look like it has quite a bit more tail rocker than the diagram shows, but I'm a little hesitant to go for it now. I would only be spending about 25% of my time in the park, but I like trying to spin and stuff all over the mountain and I'm realizing these don't seem ideal for landing/skiing switch.

Thanks so much for the input! Gonna call Liberty tmrw and see what they say - there are some hot deals right now on the Origins so I've gotta make sure

 

[Rockhound]

They ski switch fine, don't let that bother you. they're super light with a very low swingweight so I think they would actually be super fun in the park. If anything I thought they could use a stiffer nose for all mountain charging

 

[kittywampus]

They ski switch fine, don't let that bother you. they're super light with a very low swingweight so I think they would actually be super fun in the park. If anything I thought they could use a stiffer nose for all mountain charging

Sick man that's a relief to hear, I've probably been over-thinking it quite a bit. Where did you have them mounted? I was thinking -2 from center

 

[kittywampus]

Think I've got this settled (just in case anyone is interested lol) - talked to their national sales manager on the phone today and he said he rides them switch just fine, and that some of their team riders use them in the park with no issue and ski switch a lot. So friendly! Really tight to be able to get someone on the phone first try, great customer service.

Also was able to go check some out locally... I put em on the ground right next to some Liberty Transfers (traditional camber, full twin), and when de-cambered the Origin has just as much, if not a little more, tail rise than the actual park skis. So there you (I) have it - totally viable for park use and not as fully directional as I was worried about.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

 

[brockgomez]

Bump, has anyone else had any more experience with these? Strongly considering them after reading the Blister review. I ski 75% east coast all over mtn and mostly like hitting stuff off the sides of groomers and trees. Starting to dabble in the park but no rails.

 

[patagonialuke]

Bump, has anyone else had any more experience with these? Strongly considering them after reading the Blister review. I ski 75% east coast all over mtn and mostly like hitting stuff off the sides of groomers and trees. Starting to dabble in the park but no rails.

Yep, I got more time on them this year and they're really fun. Great all-mountain ski that carves quite well but beats many skis of similar widths in terms of float in fresh snow. If you're not throwing huge spins or don't mind a more directional feel they're awesome. Very light but pretty stable for their width, strong but forgiving, and super poppy. There are plenty of better skis if you mostly want something that can lay down trenches on straight-up ice or want something that's super damp and can straightline through crud. But if you like a lighter, poppier, more energetic ski, the Origin 96 is awesome.

 

[brockgomez]

Yep, I got more time on them this year and they're really fun. Great all-mountain ski that carves quite well but beats many skis of similar widths in terms of float in fresh snow. If you're not throwing huge spins or don't mind a more directional feel they're awesome. Very light but pretty stable for their width, strong but forgiving, and super poppy. There are plenty of better skis if you mostly want something that can lay down trenches on straight-up ice or want something that's super damp and can straightline through crud. But if you like a lighter, poppier, more energetic ski, the Origin 96 is awesome.

Awesome, sounds like the type of ski i am looking for. I heard some negative reviews on durability on the older models, how have your skis held up so far?

 

[patagonialuke]

Awesome, sounds like the type of ski i am looking for. I heard some negative reviews on durability on the older models, how have your skis held up so far?

I've only put about 15 days on our pair, but they were all either very late season at A-Basin or early season at Crested Butte (aka, pretty harsh conditions in terms of rocks and stuff to hit). Haven't had any durability issues with the Origin 96 or any other recent Liberty skis we've tested. From what I've seen, their durability does seem to have gotten better vs. several years ago. And they have a 3-year warranty, FWIW.

 

[brockgomez]

I've only put about 15 days on our pair, but they were all either very late season at A-Basin or early season at Crested Butte (aka, pretty harsh conditions in terms of rocks and stuff to hit). Haven't had any durability issues with the Origin 96 or any other recent Liberty skis we've tested. From what I've seen, their durability does seem to have gotten better vs. several years ago. And they have a 3-year warranty, FWIW.

This is great info, would you recommend any other ski that is similar to the origin 96?

 

[patagonialuke]

This is great info, would you recommend any other ski that is similar to the origin 96?

There are a bunch, but the Atomic Bent Chetler 100 is one of the closer comparisons. It's a bit lighter and less stable, but feels even poppier and might do a bit better in deeper snow.

 

[brockgomez]

There are a bunch, but the Atomic Bent Chetler 100 is one of the closer comparisons. It's a bit lighter and less stable, but feels even poppier and might do a bit better in deeper snow.

Ha...I just realized I read your Blister review on the origin. Solid review man, its the main reason i started considering this ski vs the kartel or pb&j.

 

[nate1445]

I've been skiing the 2017 Liberty Origin 96s (length is 182cm and I'm 6'0" 180 lbs) for almost a year now all over Colorado and they are an amazing pair of skis. The only time I do not ski them is when we get 6+ inches of fresh snow, which is not that often, to ski my wider set of faction CThovex 4.0s (which rock too btw).

Pros: Lightweight, Durable, Very quick turning, Handle switch skiing just fine, Cut through the crud, Overall just fun lively poppy turns that inspire you to dig in and ski hard with complete confidence at high speed. Once you get down the compression they sling you out of and into your next turn its an amazing feeling.

Cons: A little chatter at high speed, but its really very hard to notice; It isn't bad unless you're hauling @$$. They tend to be a little grippy in fresh snow on the front shovels as the Blister review (it's a pretty spot on review) calls out. I've learned to ski it and don't mind that much, but a detune of the shovel/tip edge might not be a bad idea.

Beside that I have nothing negative to say. I consider myself a decent skier, and it took me 4-5 days to really begin to understand the ski and how to ski it well, but I also had new boots so that definitely was a factor. I still feel like i'm discovering new things about this ski almost a year in and I love that. Once it clicked they've been all I could ask for out of an All-Mountain Ski. If you're looking for a 1 ski quiver I may consider the Liberty Origin 106 as it'll give you that slight underfoot bump for extra float in the powder that is the only "weakness" of this ski if you can even call it that.

9.2/10 would recommend.

 

[kittywampus]

Bump, has anyone else had any more experience with these? Strongly considering them after reading the Blister review. I ski 75% east coast all over mtn and mostly like hitting stuff off the sides of groomers and trees. Starting to dabble in the park but no rails.

Just saw all these replies - but in case you haven't gotten a pair yet or are still considering... I did wind up buying them and I love em! I've been skiing them in the PNW in all conditions other than 6+ inches of fresh, and they're really something. Totally agree with nate1445's review; they're very lively, energetic skis and they feel super agile to me. They do feel like they have a speed limit at some point, but you've really gotta be hauling to get there.

I mounted mine -2 from true center, and they took some adjustment at first (a few days). Felt awkward initially, but i find that if you really actively get in the front of your boots, they're ridiculously responsive and snappy. Durability seems good too, I've used them about 25 days so far and they still look and feel brand new. I'd say go for it! Easily a 9/10 in my book, and they can be found surprisingly cheap... I got mine brand new for like $310