Carbon Fiber Skis – Yay or Nay?

The carbon fiber eco concerns have been a part of the freeride ski industry for quite some time now, yet many brands continue to carry it close to their heart, still considering it a core component of their skis. Us included.

When it comes to freeride ski construction, there’s no carbon fiber alternative atm. Known for its lightweight and durability, it’s increasingly used by high-performance brands to achieve unique properties of the skis. So, get ready for a bit of a nerd attack – today, we’re answering the question…

“Are we the bad guys, putting our joy for skiing over the well-being of our little green planet?”

THE PROS

1. AS LIGHT AS A FEATHER: Trying to mimic the properties of carbon skis, achieving this with other materials gives a huge surplus in the weight of the skis. High levels of happiness, low levels of fatigue.

2. STIFF FOR AN ENERGY RELIEF: It enables excellent energy transfer, resulting in swifter transitions and a snappier response. Skiing is not a relationship – quick and aggressive response is what we need here.

3. LAST LONGER: Due to its density, carbon fiber is stronger than Popeye and almost as resistant to wear and tear as a Toyota Land Cruiser. So, a bit more dough, for a lot longer show!

4. TECHNOLOGY TO THE RESCUE: We’re not gaslighting ourselves - traditional carbon fiber production can have a significant environmental affect. Yet, working with the best ingredients providers in the supply chain, using the latest recycling technology and bio-based resins,the carbon fiber footprint is no longer the one of the Bigfoot.

THE CONS

1. MORE BUCKS TO START: The carbon fiber sheets (especially the ones on the more sustainable side) aren’t cheap, pushing the price points away from the freeski enthusiasts. But hey, you can always choose a DTC brand to minimize this effect!

2. VIBRATION CHECK FAILED: What seems too good to be true, usually is & so even the carbon fiber as building block of a ski has its down side. Being as stiff as it is, this means less of the energy gets absorbed. What’s not absorbed, gets reflected and the skier will feel a certain amount of vibration. That’s why all of DOWN skis have carbon inside, but never alone. We always blend carbon with more elastic and absorbing materials. Although we do proudly say “carbon in every ski model”, we don’t want to sell you what does not work (full carbon skis). But hey, to trust the quality you choose, always look for a brand that has an own factory and therefore an unrestricted capacity for testing and improving.

3. NOT A JACK OF ALL TRADES: Skis including carbon fiber are a matter of high-performance brands, meaning these skis are built for a specific purpose & aren’t DOWN for doing a “lil bit of everything”. But hey, you’re on our website, so it looks like you already found your purpose.

4. GOOD FIBRE, BAD FIBRE: Despite recycling improvements, the production of carbon fiber still requires significant energy and resources. Brands that do not prioritize sustainable practices may contribute to environmental degradation. It’s important to research a brand’s commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing. But hey, you’ve already got that covered!

SO … AN OVERALL YAY OR NAY?

Carbon fiber skis offer humongous advantages for those who value performance, durability, and lightweight gear. At DOWN, we’re confident in the power of this composite to push the boundaries of ski performance & as we aim to reach even higher altitudes in the eyes of true freeski enthusiasts, we’ll stay loyal to carbon as a core component of our products, but not at all costs – we promise to only do business with the best suppliers with state-of-the-art sustainability approaches. 

How we do that, and why we partnered with one of the leading German institutions in carbon manufacturing, will be a topic here shortly…