By Andrew Ingold
Head Crux 105 pro review
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Overview
The Crux 105 Pro is a lightweight freeride‑touring ski aimed at riders who split time between skinning and big‑mountain descents. With a 105 mm waist it balances uphill efficiency and flotation in soft snow, while construction choices emphasize weight savings without sacrificing torsional stiffness. It targets intermediate to advanced backcountry enthusiasts who want a confident downhill feel on varied snow but still care about grams on the ascent. Its available lengths and moderate turn radii make it versatile across terrain, and the ski’s overall character leans toward playful yet stable freeride performance.
Construction and technology
The construction blends a Karuba wood core infused with Graphene and a full triaxial carbon jacket, resulting in a ski that is remarkably light yet torsionally stiff. Sandwich‑cap construction and a reduced topsheet ('Topless Tech') shave grams while maintaining durability where it matters. The Structured UHM C base and anti‑snow coatings improve glide and reduce snow buildup. A dedicated tail notch simplifies skin attachment. Together these features produce a ski that climbs efficiently, resists chatter on firm snow, and still offers energetic rebound for surfy turns in softer conditions.
Specs explained
Key specs translate directly to on‑snow behavior: the 133 mm tip promotes easy turn initiation and float in powder, the 105 mm waist is a versatile mid‑fat width balancing flotation and edge control, and the 122 mm tail aids release and surfy pivots. The tip‑rocker/camber/tail‑rocker profile boosts float and maneuverability while camber underfoot maintains edge bite on firm snow. Listed turn radii (≈21–26 m depending on length) indicate mid‑to‑long radius carving ability. Weight figures (≈1.2–1.45 kg per ski by length) mean strong uphill efficiency without overly compromising downhill dampness.
On‑snow performance and comparisons
The Crux 105 Pro climbs with a lively, efficient feel — lightweight construction makes long approaches less tiring and transitions quick. On descents it rewards committed skiers with precise turn initiation and surprising stability for its weight, especially in soft to variable snow; hard‑pack performance is good but not as damp as heavier resort freeride skis. Compared to peers like the Salomon MTN Explore 104 or Atomic Backland 107, the Crux is stiffer torsionally and feels more downhill‑biased, while still staying in the touring weight class. It’s a strong pick for mixed missions where descent quality matters.
Verdict and buying advice
Overall the Crux 105 Pro is an excellent choice if you prioritize a balanced uphill/downhill ski that leans toward freeride performance. It suits intermediate to advanced alpinists who want a confident, floaty feel in soft snow and responsive edge behavior in varied conditions. Potential drawbacks include a price premium for the carbon and Graphene technology and slightly less damping on very firm high‑speed runs compared with heavier resort skis. For those seeking alternatives, consider the MTN Explore 104 for a lighter, more playful uphill bias or the Backland 107 for a softer, more touring‑centric flex.