By Andrew Ingold
Head Crux 87 review
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Overview
The Crux 87 is a lightweight touring-oriented all-mountain ski built to balance uphill efficiency with credible descent performance. It targets ski tourers who prioritize weight savings for longer approaches but still want a ski that can handle varied conditions on the way down. With an 87 mm waist and tip & tail rocker, it suits mixed snow from packed spring corn to variable backcountry crusts. The ski’s personality is lively and responsive rather than damp and overbuilt, making it a strong contender for fit, athletic tourers.
Construction & Key Specs
The construction uses a poplar/karuba wood core reinforced with multilayer/triaxial carbon and graphene to raise strength-to-weight ratios. Tip/waist/tail dimensions of 126-87-108 mm mean easy turn initiation from the relatively full tip, a nimble midsection for quick transitions, and a tapered tail for release. Radius values from 11.3 m (149 cm) up to 19.5 m (184 cm) indicate how the ski’s turn shape changes by length. Rocker in tip and tail aids flotation and turn entry. Note: sources list either 1520 g per ski @177 cm (common) or an outlier 1220 g per ski; verify if exact weight matters.
On-Snow Performance
On-snow the Crux 87 climbs like a proper touring ski: light underfoot, energetic in tight switchbacks and with easy pivoting properties. On the descent it rewards committed skiers with quick edge-to-edge response and predictable behavior in short-to-medium radius turns. In very hard, icy conditions it requires deliberate edge pressure and won’t match the bite of heavier, full-power piste/all-mountain skis. In soft snow it holds its own for an 87 mm waist but won’t float like wider backcountry powder-specific models.
Comparisons & Alternatives
Compared to other lightweight 85–90 mm touring skis, the Crux 87 stands out for its carbon/graphene layup and slightly fuller tip and tail, which bring a more confident feel in softer snow and better tip control. It’s lighter and more efficient uphill than heavier all-mountain touring options but sacrifices some absolute stability at speed and dampness on big, chopped descents. For a skier prioritizing uphill performance without giving up a competent downhill tool, it’s a well-balanced choice in its segment.
Buying Advice & Final Thoughts
Buying advice: choose length based on your weight and priorities—shorter for agility and quick turns, longer for stability and float. If pack weight is critical, confirm the correct ski weight with HEAD or a trusted dealer because of conflicting listings. Consider binding and boot choices that match the ski’s lively, light character to avoid a harsh mismatch. If you want, I can fetch the official HEAD product PDF/spec sheet or compare retailer listings to confirm the exact weight and current pricing.