SKI CANADA TEST 2022
BLACK DIAMOND IMPULSE 104 * FREERIDE/POWDER
BEST FOR: Advanced and expert skiers looking for a slackcountry companion.
There’s something addictive about the Impulse 104. Testers who loved it couldn’t get enough. “The more I put into this ski, the more it gave in return,” said Ryan Stuart. “I didn’t want to give it up.” Black Diamond’s refresh on its freeride line, the Impulse is made in Blizzard’s Austrian factory from an engineered poplar core, carbon fibre, Titanal underfoot and full ABS sidewalls. It has quite a bit of rocker: at the tip it makes the ski easy to initiate a turn; at the tail it gives it an easy release for dumping speed or smearing. Together it makes the ski feel short for its length, handy for hunting powder in tight trees, and quick to plane and bouncy in deep snow. The full ABS sidewall and poplar core had it railing groomers and slaying the steeps, especially when we hit the pedal. It was too much for less powerful and less fit skiers, but stronger, more aggressive skiers who ski from a centred stance loved it. “Felt great when initiating a turn and held an edge all the way through,” said Scott Ballhorn. “Super confident in the crud,” added Chris Baikie. “Point and go.” With a versatile touring binding, like the Salomon Shift, Marker Kingpin or Fritschi Tectron, this could be your do-it-all weapon.
LENGTHS: 165, 172, 179, 186
DIMENSIONS: 130/104/124 @ 186
RADIUS: 18 @ 186
WEIGHT: 2,030 g @ 186
OTHER MODELS: Impulse 112, Impulse 98
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $850
