Throwdown carbon 99 review

Overview

The Down Throwdown Carbon 99 (TD99) is a playful, all‑mountain freestyle twin with a symmetrical rocker profile, a poplar wood core, and a full‑length carbon stringer. On snow it feels light, quick to pivot, and just as happy riding switch as forward. A 19 m radius and short running length create a surfy, slarvy ride that links park laps, side hits, and natural features with ease.

On-snow performance

• Lively and loose: the symmetrical freestyle rocker makes butters and quick pivots effortless.
• Pop with control: the carbon stringer delivers strong rebound while the PU sidewalls and rubber damping keep chatter in check.
• Speed ceiling: it’s impressively composed for its weight, but not a metal‑laminate charger. In late‑day chop it can feel a bit lively.

Park and playful moves

• Switch and spins: true twin rocker and a progressive, near‑center mount make switch takeoffs and landings intuitive.
• Rails and durability: 2.3 mm heavy edges and the new mini‑cap top‑edge bevel (25/26 update) help reduce topsheet chipping and boost longevity.
• Jumps: plenty of pop for ollies and side‑hits; supportive underfoot for takeoffs without feeling punishing in presses.

Groomers and stability

• Carving: happiest in medium-radius arcs; quick, slarvy short turns are easy thanks to the short running length. Edge hold is solid but not race‑ski precise.
• Damping: it skews lighter and more energetic than many competitors; at very high speeds on hard snow, heavier directional skis feel calmer.

Powder and chop

• At 99 mm underfoot with twin rocker, float is surprisingly good up to around 8–10 inches. For truly deep days, a wider directional shape will win.
• In tracked‑up chop, the lighter build feels lively and maneuverable, though it won’t bulldoze like a heavier, metal‑laminate ski.

Construction and durability

• Sandwich build with poplar, triax fiberglass, full‑length carbon, full PU sidewalls, and 2.3 mm edges strikes a nice balance of energy and strength.
• Sintered UHMW base (CPS) runs fast and waxes well. Textured topsheet and a mini‑cap bevel help resist chips.

Mounting and sizing

• Recommended mount: about 35 mm behind true center. That keeps the ski balanced for switch without giving up too much tip drive.
• Lengths: the product page lists 172 cm. Bigger or more aggressive riders may want more length; check past or upcoming seasons for additional sizes.
• Weight: 3413 g (172). The page doesn’t state per ski vs per pair. Many brands quote per pair; that would imply ~1706 g per ski. Verify with Down/retailer if exact per‑ski weight matters.

How it compares

• Armada ARV 100: ARV is heavier and damper; TD99 feels lighter, snappier, and pivots quicker.
• Line Chronic 101: Chronic is softer and more butter‑friendly; TD99 has more pop and better composure at speed.
• Faction Prodigy 2 (98): Prodigy carves a touch stronger; TD99 is looser and surfier around natural features.
• Atomic Bent 100: Bent is very light and soft; TD99 offers beefier edges and a bit more underfoot support.

Who is it for?

• Freestyle‑inclined all‑mountain skiers (intermediate to expert) who ride switch, hunt for features, and want a playful daily driver for park, groomers, slush, and soft snow.
• Less ideal for those prioritizing maximum high‑speed stability on hard, rough snow or a directional, metal‑damped feel.

Key takeaways

• Playful all‑mountain twin: quick pivots, easy switch, strong pop.
• Lighter and livelier than many peers; less bulldozer damping in rough snow.
• Durable details (2.3 mm edges, PU sidewalls, mini‑cap) suit park use.
• Limited size listed on the page; check season‑to‑season availability.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who should buy the Down Throwdown Carbon 99?
A: Skiers wanting a playful all‑mountain freestyle ski for park‑to‑pow days. The Down Throwdown Carbon 99 excels if you ride switch often, hit natural features, and prefer a light, energetic feel.

Q: How does the Down Throwdown Carbon 99 handle on hardpack?
A: It carves best in medium turns with dependable grip, but it’s not a race‑edge carver. On firm, high‑speed groomers, a heavier directional ski will feel calmer.

Q: Is the listed 3413 g weight per ski or per pair?
A: The product page doesn’t specify. Many brands list per pair; interpreted that way it’s about 1706 g per ski. If you need certainty, I can confirm with Down or a retailer.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: The current page shows 172 cm. If you’re bigger or advanced and want more stability, you may prefer a longer size—check other seasons for additional lengths.

Specs and what they mean

• Rocker profile – Symmetrical freestyle rocker: short running length for easy pivots and switch balance; camber underfoot adds grip and pop.
• Tip/Waist/Tail – 122/99/120 mm: 99 mm is an all‑mountain sweet spot; wider tip/tail aid float and stable landings.
• Radius – 19 m (172): favors medium turns; predictable slashes over ultra‑short slalom cuts.
• Weight – 3413 g (172, likely per pair): light, energetic feel for tricks; less plow‑through damping.
• Available length – 172 cm (listed): suits medium‑sized riders; check other seasons for more sizes.