By Andrew Ingold
Head Crux 93 review
No images available
Quick overview
The Crux 93 is a lightweight touring ski engineered to blend uphill efficiency with confident downhill performance. Its 93 mm waist gives a versatile compromise between flotation in softer snow and edge precision on firmer snow. The tip-tail rocker with camber underfoot enables smooth turn initiation and reliable edge hold when you load the ski. It’s aimed at advanced touring skiers seeking a single quiver ski for long approaches and technical descents without carrying excessive weight in the pack or on the climb.
Construction and technology
Construction is where the Crux 93 stands out: a Karuba/poplar core reinforced with Graphene elements and a full triaxial carbon jacket delivers notable torsional stiffness at a low mass. Topless Tech trims or removes the traditional topsheet to shave grams and reduce snow build-up, while a sandwich-cap layout with a structured UHM C sintered base offers durability and good glide. Practical touches include a tail notch for skin attachment and anti-snow coatings, useful on long backcountry days with varied conditions.
On‑snow behavior
On snow the Crux 93 feels lively and responsive: the relatively narrow waist favors precise carving on piste and firm snow, while the tip rocker helps in softer or variable snow. Camber underfoot preserves pop and stability through compressions and quicker turns. Carbon reinforcement gives torsional rigidity, which breeds confidence at speed or on rough, tracked terrain. In very deep powder the 93 mm won’t float like wider touring shapes, but for an all‑mountain touring ski it punches above its weight in versatility.
Comparisons and alternatives
Compared to direct rivals in the 92–95 mm category, the Crux 93 leans into downhill performance thanks to its carbon jacket and Graphene LYT Tech. Some ultralight competitors save more grams uphill but can feel less planted on hardpack; conversely, wider resort/touring hybrids offer more flotation but cost weight and agility. If your priority is pure uphill speed, there are leaner race-focused skis, but if you want a balanced tool that climbs well and skis confidently on descents, the Crux 93 is a compelling choice.
Specs and buying advice
Practical specs and buying tips: available lengths are 163, 170, 177 and 184 cm with a sidecut of 130-93-113 mm (reference 177 cm) and radii of 15.0 / 16.7 / 18.6 / 20.4 m respectively. Weight listings vary between retailers (commonly 1280 g per ski for 177 cm, though some list ~1595 g/ski or ~2360 g/pair), so verify the exact spec for your chosen length. Match bindings to your weight, touring style and desired DIN, and consider sizing down a touch for more maneuverability on technical tours.