Extrem Icon 102 Review

The Extrem Icon 102 is a women‑focused freeride all‑mountain ski built in Åre, Sweden. With a 102 mm waist, tip and tail rocker, and notable vibration damping, it’s designed to be calm and confidence‑inspiring across soft snow, afternoon chop, and firm groomers. Two lengths (167 and 176 cm) keep sizing simple, while a mature, moderate weight delivers stability without feeling cumbersome.

On‑snow performance

• Groomers & hardpack: For a 102‑mm ski, the Icon carves with surprising bite. The 19–20 m radius favors medium‑to‑long turns; the faster you go, the more composed and precise it feels. Rubber damping in the shovel and tail keeps chatter in check on morning corduroy and late‑day firm.
• Mixed snow & chop: This is where the Icon 102 shines. It tracks straight, absorbs deflections, and feels planted without the harshness of full metal skis. Compared to many lighter women’s models, it’s notably calmer in rough snow.
• Powder & soft snow: A modern tip/tail rocker profile plus 102 mm underfoot provide reliable float up to about boot‑to‑knee‑deep. It pivots easily in trees and steeps; for truly deep storms, something 108–112 mm will float better.
• Bumps & trees: The moderate mass and smooth flex make quick line changes intuitive. The 20 m sidecut likes a bit of speed; smaller/lighter skiers will find the 167 more nimble day‑to‑day.

Who is it for?

• Advanced to expert‑leaning skiers wanting one ski for soft snow days, sidecountry laps, and tracked‑out afternoons, with enough edge hold to enjoy groomers.
• Riders who value damping, predictability, and directional stability over ultralight builds or freestyle playfulness.
• Occasional tourers: the skins‑ready tail insert is handy, though the weight is more resort/sidecountry than big‑mission touring.

Construction, sustainability, and finish

• Poplar wood core with CNC‑milled beech binding plate: strong screw retention and stability underfoot.
• Prepreg fiberglass laminates: consistent flex and torsional strength without metal weight.
• Haberkorn rubber damping inserts in tip & tail plus rubber foil near the edges: tangible vibration reduction.
• Isospeed 7515 high‑density race base with arrow‑shaped stone grind: fast, durable, wax‑friendly.
• Extra‑wide ABS sidewalls (70% recycled), topsheet (50% recycled), steel edges (20% recycled): durability with lower footprint; made in Sweden using renewable energy.
• ABS tail insert for skin clip; factory tune and recommended mount points listed on Extrem’s spec page.

Comparisons

• Blizzard Sheeva 10 (102 mm): Lighter and looser, more poppy; less composed in chop. Icon 102 offers more damping and edge precision, a touch less play.
• Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free: Stiffer and damper with metal feel; very stable but more demanding and heavier. Icon 102 is friendlier and easier to ski all day.
• Black Crows Atris Birdie (105 mm): Surfy and playful in soft snow; less precise on hardpack. Icon 102 is more exact on edge and better as a true all‑mountain.
• K2 Mindbender 106C W: Light, quick, and smeary; less damping at speed. Icon 102 feels more planted when conditions get rough.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Excellent damping and composure for the width.
• Pros: Rocker profile pivots easily yet holds a line on edge.
• Pros: High‑quality build, eco‑minded materials, made in Åre.
• Cons: Only two lengths (167/176 cm).
• Cons: 19–20 m radius prefers some speed to come alive.
• Cons: Not the pick for big, weight‑conscious touring days.

Specs explained

• Rocker profile: Tip + tail rocker. Rocker rises ease turn initiation and add float; camber underfoot preserves grip and energy on firm snow.
• Tip/waist/tail (167: 130/102/119 mm; 176: 131/102/120 mm): Balances float and edge contact; slightly wider tips aid initiation without feeling hooky.
• Weight (167: ~1780 g; 176: ~1850 g per ski): More mass improves stability and damping; heavier than skimo, ideal for resort/sidecountry.
• Turn radius (167: 19 m; 176: 20 m): Medium‑long arc bias—stable at speed, less “slalom‑quick” at very low speeds.
• Available lengths: 167 and 176 cm—choose by height, weight, and how fast/aggressive you ski.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What size should I get in the Extrem Icon 102?
A: As a rule of thumb, go near your height for all‑mountain use. Lighter/technical skiers often prefer 167 cm; faster/heavier riders or those seeking stability can size to 176 cm.

Q: Can I use the Extrem Icon 102 for touring?
A: Yes for short tours and sidecountry, thanks to the tail skin insert. For long, vertical‑heavy missions, consider a lighter touring‑focused setup.

Q: How does the Icon 102 handle icy groomers?
A: Impressively for its width. The camber and torsional stiffness deliver solid edge hold, and the damping cuts chatter. It won’t feel like a race ski, but it’s secure and predictable.

Q: What bindings pair best?
A: For resort/sidecountry, a robust alpine freeride binding is ideal. If you plan some uphill, a hybrid pin binding (Shift/Kingpin/Tecton) complements the versatility of the Extrem Icon 102.

Key takeaways

• Damped and composed: excels in chop and firm afternoon snow.
• Versatile 102‑mm platform: trustworthy float with real groomer grip.
• Easy to live with: friendly flex with a high top‑end for advanced skiers.