DescriptionFrom Black Diamond:
"Our widest ski, the Zealot is built for skiers who personify a “no boundary” energy and vision, and features a balanced and smooth longitudinal flex that excels in soft snow and is torsionally charged for excellent edge hold and responsive carving on hardpack. The crud-busting, 110 mm waist and solid 3D CNC wood core encourage a forceful and energetic ride. Formula One Technology and integrated damping create a solid, substantial feel underfoot. The Zealot is ideal for big-mountain steeps and high-performance resort laps."
www.bdel.com/gear/zealot.php
Skiing Magazine:
"Black Diamond redesigned its entire 2008 ski lineup. Full wood cores throughout provide exceptional snap and dampness. The Zealot know one speed: hell-bent. Gripes: Unwieldy at low speeds and anything tighter-than-super-G turns. Props: An AK-style charger. Give this monster lots of space and gradient. Tester's Take: 'BD has found a perfect ski construction for the ripping skier.'"
Powder Magazine:
"By far the biggest ski ever from Black Diamond, the new, all-wood-core Zealot is designed to match the muscle of the best skiers, and even outdo them. Whereas some fat skis are soft in order to reduce the feel of riding a big stick, the Zealot makes no apologies for being stiff and rigid. The 192 is simply a badass."
Backcountry Magazine:
"BD's fattest-ever ski, in a 'user-friendly 182cm' and a limited edition 192cm aimed to 'express our relevance in ski culture,' according to BD. Translated: a statement ski for big lines and forces. But as nearly all west coast testers noted, the big, hard-charging ride comes at the price of easy turn initiation. Said one: 'Lots of mass [and] feels heavy. Flows in pow like napping in a La-Z boy. Tough to make quick turns.' Said another: 'Like standing on an aircraft carrier. Smooth at speed but slow to turn. Plows through everything.' Eastern skiers mostly thought that there had better be an alert body in the pilothouse. 'Not a quick turner - you've got to stay on top of them,' said one. 'All -terrain surfboards,' a veteran commented, 'they prefer wide-open spaces."FeaturesPowder Magazine's 2008 Skier's Choice Award
- Formula One Technology with integrated 3D dampening
- CNC-machined solid wood core wrapped in torsion box construction
- The widest ski in the line, built for powder but comfortable on the hardpack
Length, Dimensions, Turn Radius, Weight (per pair)
182 cm, 136-110-126 mm, 30.0 m, 4.2kg
192 cm, 138-110-127 mm, 33.0 m, 4.4kg
retails for $639.99 Images |
Reviews
| sisyphus | Love These Skis | | 
Hasn't voted | These monsters aren't for the faint of heart (or thigh), but they have set the standard for super-fat touring skis. Since they're 110mm underfoot, they of course won't turn that easily, but that's probably not what you're looking for when you buy a ski this big. I use these as my deep powder backcountry ski. I wouldn't purchase these as an "only" pair of touring skis.
For pure bottomless Utah coldsmoke, you can't do any better. These skis almost make powder skiing too easy and fun, and you'll quickly forget the hell you endured skinning with these fatties.
Pros: BIG as hell. Fantastic float in pow.
Cons: BIG as hell. Wide turning radius. Limited edging capability in tight spots due to insane width. | | Posted Jan 25, 2008 4:17 pm |
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