Freeride skis
Product 2027
Lady
Officially labeled as a women’s model, the Black Diamond Impulse Ti 98 transcends gender categories and will suit male skiers without any hesitation. Tested in an XXL length of 189 cm—which initially left our testers very skeptical regarding its maneuverability—this ski proved to be an outstanding surprise. It is a wonderfully well-designed model whose double rocker profile (very pronounced at the tip, well-balanced at the tail) reduces the effective edge length to deliver astonishing pivoting ease, even on hard snow or on-piste.
As soon as you turn up the pace and speed increases, the Impulse Ti 98 answers the call. Its refined, lightened tip performs an efficient absorption job: it glides effortlessly over crud, variable spring snow, powder, and smooths out patches of ice without flinching. By actively driving your shins forward into the boot tongues, the tip locks down with authority and delivers irreproachable hold in straight-line runouts and large-radius turns alike.
Underfoot, it is solid through and through. The ski possesses the power and composure needed to satisfy an advanced skier looking to charge hard, while maintaining impressive accessibility in drifted and skidded turns. It pivots sideways in a handkerchief to negotiate a tight tree run or dodge an obstacle on piste. On the other hand, its radius versatility on edge is more exclusive: locked into its natural 19-meter turn radius, the ski needs speed to fully express itself and prefers rolling through grand, sweeping arcs rather than being forced into short turns—the blame lying on a firm underfoot structure that requires genuine technical skill to deform.
On the comfort and finishing side, the verdict is just as positive. Exceptionally well-balanced in terms of mass distribution, its weight does not feel heavy underfoot at all. Very smooth, it transmits zero vibrations into the thighs and immediately builds confidence during high edge angles. Noteworthy features include a relatively flat tail that greatly facilitates storing the skis in gondola racks, and an elegant frosted topsheet, although it tends to hold a bit of fresh snow.
Black Diamond delivers a ski of remarkable coherence here. Accessible, forgiving for daily use, and capable of handling high speeds in freeride terrain and crud alike, the Impulse Ti 98 is a true success.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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