By Andrew Ingold
Head Crux 87 pro review
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Overview
The Crux 87 Pro is a lightweight touring ski engineered to balance uphill efficiency with confident on‑piste performance. With an 87 mm waist and a tip‑tail rocker (rocker/camber/rocker) it blends nimbleness and enough surface area for varied snow, making it a versatile choice for mixed mountain days. The design targets advanced to expert users who prioritize saving grams without sacrificing composure at speed. Translucent Topless Tech and technical reinforcements underline the ski’s focus: a practical tool for skiers who split their time between skinning and committing to firmer descents.
Construction & Weight
Construction marries a Karuba lightweight wood core with Graphene and a Full Triaxial Carbon Jacket to deliver high torsional stiffness with minimal mass. The sandwich cap construction, Structured UHM C base, and tail notch round out a build that prioritizes durability and glide performance. Thanks to the Topless Tech finish the ski sheds unnecessary weight and hits about 1,220 g per ski in the 177 cm reference, which makes long ascents less fatiguing while retaining responsive energy transfer for precise turns on the descent.
On‑snow Performance
On snow the ski punches above its weight on hardpack and mixed conditions. The reported sidecut of 126‑87‑108 (177 cm) with an approximate 17.7 m turn radius favors medium‑to‑long turns and stable carves at speed. Torsional rigidity from the triaxial carbon and Graphene reinforcement gives secure edge hold and clean arc initiation, while the relatively narrow waist limits float in deep powder. Overall it excels when you need predictability and bite on firm snow rather than playful flotation in soft, deep snow.
Comparisons & Who It’s For
Compared to other lightweight tour‑oriented skis the Crux 87 Pro sits alongside models like Blizzard’s Zero G 85 or similar sub‑90 mm race/touring hybrids. It typically feels stiffer and more torsionally stable thanks to its carbon jacket and Graphene, offering more confidence on steep, fast descents versus the flimsier ultralights. For riders who want a single tool for long approaches and committed alpine lines it’s compelling; those chasing maximum powder performance would prefer a wider, more buoyant alternative.
Specs Explained & Buying Advice
Key specs explained: tip (126 mm), waist (87 mm) and tail (108 mm) dictate sidecut behavior — narrower waists equal quicker edge‑to‑edge response, wider tips/tails aid turn initiation and release. Rocker/camber/rocker improves turn initiation and contact underfoot for grip on hardpack. The ~17.7 m radius indicates a tendency toward medium/long turns. The Structured UHM C base reduces sticking, and the tail notch aids carry. Buying advice: size for your weight and preferred turn length — shorter for agility, longer for stability — and pair with a lightweight, reliable touring binding.