Black Crow
Nevis Freebird, 173.4cm, 102mm, 19m, 3# 10.3oz / 3# 9.4oz
Corvis Freebird, 176.2cm, 107mm, 21m, 4# 2.4oz / 4# 2.80oz
La Sportiva
'23 Tempo, 179cm, 103mm, 18m, 3# 14oz / 4#
'25 Tempo, 179cm, 103mm, 18m, 3# 3oz / 3# 4oz
Movement
'23 Alps Tracks, 177cm, 106mm, 19m, 3# / 3# .02oz.
'25 Alps Tracks, 178cm, 106mm, 21.5m, 2# 14.5oz / 2# 14.oz
I bought both the older model and the newer model Alps Tracks late last season. And it was an internet comment that really got me wondering just how much different the new version might be from last year's version.
But frankly what I was really looking for was the widest ski I could find that was @ or under 3# per ski. The Dynafit Denali's had simply spoiled me @ 98mm under foot and 2# 12oz per ski at 176cm. The Denali will ski literally any snow condition I can ski. Even as It is not an easy one to replace no matter what anyone wants to say about the latest and greatest.
Gear reviews | Dynafit Denali | PowderGuide
The big indication they were different is the turn radius. The '23 version is @ 19m. The newer version is at 21.5m. Less rocker on the '23 106 and more rocker on the '25 106 than the original Denalis. And that is pretty indicated how each Alps Tracks would ski. The '23 holds an edge better, and is more stable everywhere. The '25 is more playful and even with a 21.5 radius still quick under foot. Both are very light weight and a pleasure on the ski track or on your back.
"Who prefers a more precise ski?" That would be me, thanks ;) And without a doubt '23 106 is a very precise ski. I was able to ski some of my best runs of the year (technically most difficult for snow and terrain) on the '23 version of the 106. I really like the ski. Being mounted online which is pretty far forward helps that ski IMO. No question the older ski, even in a 106 width, is scalpel in bad snow and on steep terrain. I can't say enough good things about the ski. Either version is way more solid than it should for the weight at speed. The newer version is surfier, and releases a lot easier. The older version, because it has an almost flat tail and little rocker reacts better at some speed. You need to be on top of that ski. If you are, the ski will pay dividends for sure. This year's model? It is mounted 2+ cm back from the previous ski. Which had me concerned when I was mounting. But, in for a penny in for a pound on Movement's skis. A bit more rocker was added to tip and tail on the '25 version. A hand flex test tells me the tail is a bit softer as well. Overall, I'd say the new ski is a little softer over all as well. Not a noddle but softer than the previous year. Frankly none of those changes were giving me high expectations over last year's Model. Turns out there really are times a ski company improves a ski, instead of just changing the top sheet. Almost but not quite dramatic in the 106's comparison. I've skied slush, powder, some nasty mank, both wet and dry in both. Loved the newest 106 everywhere I have skied it. May be a bit more than the earlier version. I simply love the newest version. Really a fun ski to skin with and even better to carry. I've skied some glare, spring ice and some hard freeze-thaw, in bounds, spring ice. None of that was any fun but the skis managed well enough. This is a very, very forgiving ski. Much more forgiving than the previous version of the 106. I like them both. But the new version just takes less effort and is simply more fun for me to ski. In the world of lwt 100+ touring ski, both are outstanding pieces of engineering. I was wondering if I would ever find a ski as light as, or lighter than, the Dynafit Denali-Dhaulagiri series? I have no doubt in my mind that I found, better skis than either, which is saying a lot for width, weight and versatility. And that is saying something in my book. I grew up on old school Rossi GS skis from the 80s. Boards you could rip around on at 35 or 40 mph with not too much effort. My Slopes phone app says the 106 is good for 35mph, no issues, and big smiles ;) Pretty much 40mph being my max on any ski on a typical day of lift skiing. I typically like making lots of turns these days. But really fun to have a ski that seems capable of doing both without having to tightly crimp your toes in either venue. This makes a really fun ski for me!
DPS
'25 Kaizen, 179, 105mm, 18m, 4# 2.7oz / 4# 2.3oz