Liberty V92
Dimensions: 133-92-110
Radius: 17.5m@179cm
Size tested: 179
Design: All New
The V92 might be the most fun, most forgiving, most capable ski I have had the pleasure to click into. At the same time, it is a high performer that does many things extremely well. Simply stated, it's a blast!
My test pair was mounted with Attack demos on the manufacturer's suggested line. I took it for a shop tune (thank you, Steamboat Ski and Bike!); however, the factory tune was actually pretty good. I skied four days at my home mountain, Steamboat, in fresh groomed snow, boot-high untracked and broken, soft bumps, and even sidecountry.
The hand flex is even without being hinged. The tips are soft (6) but the ski stiffens progressively; it feels like an 8 at the toes, stiffer (10) underfoot, and 8.5 from the heel back. It is a rare combination where a ski flexes so evenly despite the varied stiffness throughout the ski. The shape is very traditional overall, with no taper in the tip and only a bit in the tail. Tip rocker is conservative but present; the tail has a very slight rise. I found it to be quite similar to a Kästle FX85 without taper, which is one of my favorite skis.
The quality of the ski is apparent from the first look. Liberty did a fantastic job with the graphics, using a classy mountain scene with sunset (or is it sunrise?) and a unique teal-blue color with orange sidewalls. The topsheet material has a matte finish that is slightly dimpled. Fit and finish is spot-on and exudes quality. Tips and tails have integrated protectors, which is a really nice touch. When I brought the ski in for prep, my local ski shop (which doesn't carry Liberty) was totally impressed with the quality. Everyone wanted to ski it.
Once out on snow, the V92 proves to be a true western all-mountain ski that you can take out on any day from hard pack to 8 in. of fresh. It is more of a finesse ski than a charger but can be enjoyed by all but the burliest bad-ass skiers or those seeking a stiff, demanding ski. It exudes pop and energy but is still quiet, stable, and precise. It is happy to be skied at any speed and would make a great ski for instructors. The Vertical Metal Technology (VMT) and carbon construction provides a damp, glued-to-the-snow feel that absorbs vibration. The combination of a soft tip plus camber and core provides one hell of a fun ride. You can load it up and pop out of turns for grin-inducing arcs. The V92 is a pretty lightweight ski, so it's easy to pivot and foot steer. Despite its traditional look, the V92 has a lot of technology and skis like no other in its class.
Groomers are just fun. The V92 is a wolf in sheep's clothing; yeah, it's light, yeah, the tips are softish, but this ski can hang with burlier skis that require much more skier input. The vast majority of skiers won't find a speed limit. I really enjoy how this ski feels throughout the turn. It has a huge sweet spot, and turn initiation is buttery smooth and engages effortlessly. When the ski is on edge, the tail will hold as long as you want; when flat, it has just enough rise to allow you release easily without being loose or sloppy. The V92 skis intuitively, happily taking skier input, never fighting or punishing you. This is a ski that many skiers who are building skills should be on; skiers who already have skills will be rewarded.
If I have one issue with the V92, it's that the ends of the tips are soft and can be overwhelmed during high-speed, high-angle carving. Once you realize that you don't need to pressure the tips as much as a carver, you'll be fine; again, most skiers won't have this problem. When comparing notes with Phil, he said it best: "Let the ski do its job." The V92 is a great ski for any turn shape, transitioning from long to short with aplomb. To top it off, it is quick edge to edge, too!
The V92 also excels in off piste and bumps. The soft tips allow the ski to flex and absorb uneven terrain and bumps beautifully. In the bumps, it absorbs energy in the troughs, and the tail is easy to drift and pivot. In boot-deep broken snow, the V92 is quiet and does not deflect at speed. I never felt the need for more tip or tail rocker. The soft tip seemingly planes up, providing more float than the profile suggests.
Dimensions: 133-92-110
Radius: 17.5m@179cm
Size tested: 179
Design: All New
The V92 might be the most fun, most forgiving, most capable ski I have had the pleasure to click into. At the same time, it is a high performer that does many things extremely well. Simply stated, it's a blast!
My test pair was mounted with Attack demos on the manufacturer's suggested line. I took it for a shop tune (thank you, Steamboat Ski and Bike!); however, the factory tune was actually pretty good. I skied four days at my home mountain, Steamboat, in fresh groomed snow, boot-high untracked and broken, soft bumps, and even sidecountry.
The hand flex is even without being hinged. The tips are soft (6) but the ski stiffens progressively; it feels like an 8 at the toes, stiffer (10) underfoot, and 8.5 from the heel back. It is a rare combination where a ski flexes so evenly despite the varied stiffness throughout the ski. The shape is very traditional overall, with no taper in the tip and only a bit in the tail. Tip rocker is conservative but present; the tail has a very slight rise. I found it to be quite similar to a Kästle FX85 without taper, which is one of my favorite skis.
The quality of the ski is apparent from the first look. Liberty did a fantastic job with the graphics, using a classy mountain scene with sunset (or is it sunrise?) and a unique teal-blue color with orange sidewalls. The topsheet material has a matte finish that is slightly dimpled. Fit and finish is spot-on and exudes quality. Tips and tails have integrated protectors, which is a really nice touch. When I brought the ski in for prep, my local ski shop (which doesn't carry Liberty) was totally impressed with the quality. Everyone wanted to ski it.
Once out on snow, the V92 proves to be a true western all-mountain ski that you can take out on any day from hard pack to 8 in. of fresh. It is more of a finesse ski than a charger but can be enjoyed by all but the burliest bad-ass skiers or those seeking a stiff, demanding ski. It exudes pop and energy but is still quiet, stable, and precise. It is happy to be skied at any speed and would make a great ski for instructors. The Vertical Metal Technology (VMT) and carbon construction provides a damp, glued-to-the-snow feel that absorbs vibration. The combination of a soft tip plus camber and core provides one hell of a fun ride. You can load it up and pop out of turns for grin-inducing arcs. The V92 is a pretty lightweight ski, so it's easy to pivot and foot steer. Despite its traditional look, the V92 has a lot of technology and skis like no other in its class.
Groomers are just fun. The V92 is a wolf in sheep's clothing; yeah, it's light, yeah, the tips are softish, but this ski can hang with burlier skis that require much more skier input. The vast majority of skiers won't find a speed limit. I really enjoy how this ski feels throughout the turn. It has a huge sweet spot, and turn initiation is buttery smooth and engages effortlessly. When the ski is on edge, the tail will hold as long as you want; when flat, it has just enough rise to allow you release easily without being loose or sloppy. The V92 skis intuitively, happily taking skier input, never fighting or punishing you. This is a ski that many skiers who are building skills should be on; skiers who already have skills will be rewarded.
If I have one issue with the V92, it's that the ends of the tips are soft and can be overwhelmed during high-speed, high-angle carving. Once you realize that you don't need to pressure the tips as much as a carver, you'll be fine; again, most skiers won't have this problem. When comparing notes with Phil, he said it best: "Let the ski do its job." The V92 is a great ski for any turn shape, transitioning from long to short with aplomb. To top it off, it is quick edge to edge, too!
The V92 also excels in off piste and bumps. The soft tips allow the ski to flex and absorb uneven terrain and bumps beautifully. In the bumps, it absorbs energy in the troughs, and the tail is easy to drift and pivot. In boot-deep broken snow, the V92 is quiet and does not deflect at speed. I never felt the need for more tip or tail rocker. The soft tip seemingly planes up, providing more float than the profile suggests.
- Who is it for? The V92 is a fantastic ski for just about any skier from intermediate to expert. It's a fun ski that isn't demanding but can dish out high-level performance: a rare combination of traits and abilities.
- Who is it not for? Super hard chargers or those looking for a stiff, race-like ski.
- Insider tip: If you are looking for an all-mountain ski, don't overlook the V92. It holds its own against just about any other ski in the 88-95 class, and does so with a unique feel.
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