By Andrew Ingold
Head Crux 81 review
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First impressions and intended rider
Light, versatile and clearly aimed at backcountry users, the Crux 81 balances uphill efficiency with competent downhill manners. At roughly 1,450 grams per ski in 177 cm, it’s light enough for long skintracks and multi-day tours yet stiff enough to inspire confidence on steep, variable snow. The tip-and-tail rocker with camber underfoot keeps turn initiation predictable and reduces hang-ups, helping intermediate to advanced skiers push the pace without feeling overwhelmed. If you prioritize weight savings but need credible downhill performance, this ski is a tidy compromise.
On-snow performance
On snow the Crux 81 feels lively and agile. Its 81 mm waist suits firm snow and packed powder, delivering quick edge-to-edge transitions and crisp carving on groomers. The tip rocker eases turn initiation and softens chop, while the camber underfoot preserves pop and edge hold. In deep, unconsolidated snow the narrower waist limits float compared with wider freeride skis, but the rocker profile and lightweight construction still provide respectable buoyancy. Overall it rewards precise inputs and benefits from an active skier who likes responsive, nimble skis.
Construction and tech explained
The ski’s construction explains much of its character: a poplar core for a light, lively flex profile, reinforced by multilayer carbon and a graphene layer to boost strength-to-weight. Sandwich Cap construction and LYT Tech keep torsional stiffness without heavy mass, while the structured UHM C base ensures reliable glide and wax retention. A carbon jacket adds targeted dampening and rebound to tame chatter at speed. The tail notch is a practical detail for skins and touring hardware. Together these features make a ski optimized for uphill travel with credible downhill performance.
Specs breakdown and what they mean
Key specs influence everyday performance: a 124 mm tip, 81 mm waist and 105 mm tail form a tapered sidecut that turns responsively while maintaining surface contact. Tip-and-tail rocker with camber underfoot means easier turn initiation and better flotation up front, plus camber for edge bite and pop on groomers. Turning radius varies by length—from roughly 11 m to 18.5 m—so choose longer lengths for stability at speed and shorter for quicker turns. The weight (~1,450 g per ski at 177 cm) keeps uphill efforts efficient without rendering the ski flimsy downhill.
Pros, cons and who should buy
Strengths include an impressive weight-to-performance balance, precise edge response on firm snow, and materials that preserve stiffness without excess heft. Drawbacks are limited float in deep, soft snow compared with wider freeride skis and a slightly busy feel at very high speeds for the most aggressive experts. Compared with peers in the lightweight touring category, the Crux 81 stands out for its materials package and balanced downhill manners. Recommended for touring-oriented intermediate and advanced skiers who want a versatile, light tool.