Icelantic Torrent 96 — Review

The Torrent 96 is the freeride-leaning member of Icelantic's new 26-27 all-mountain line, sitting between the piste-oriented Torrent 88 and the wider Torrent 102. Verified sidecut at 182 cm is 137-96-121 mm with an 18 m radius, and Blister measures about 2000 g per ski at that length. Like the rest of the line, it uses a poplar and birch wood core paired with Icelantic's V12 Carbon Matrix — stacked carbon stringers shaped like a V in the tip and tail — rather than a titanal laminate.

At 96 mm underfoot with a directional shape and 18 m radius, the Torrent 96 is aimed at skiers who spend real time off piste but want an approachable ride rather than a heavy titanal charger. The measured weight of roughly 2000 g at 182 cm is on the lighter side for the segment — comparable to a carbon Head Kore 94 rather than a Volkl Mantra M7 — so it swings easily through tight terrain but gives up a little authority in high-speed crud. The V12 Carbon Matrix adds rebound out of the turn rather than mid-turn damping, which pairs well with a centered stance and short-to-medium radius arcs. In powder the 96 mm waist floats up to hero-day depth but is not a dedicated powder tool.

Poplar and birch build the base torsional platform, with the V12 Carbon Matrix stringers providing rebound rather than stiffness. Sidecut is 137-96-121 mm at 182 cm; the moderate tail width (121 mm) keeps the ski directional and predictable rather than surfy. 18 m radius makes medium-to-long turns natural on groomed sections and rewards a committed edge angle in variable snow. Available lengths are 166, 171, 176, 182 and 188 cm, base is sintered. Compared to the outgoing Pioneer 96 that it broadly replaces, the Torrent shape uses a less aggressive taper at the tail.

Compared to the Head Kore 94 Ti the Torrent 96 is slightly wider and lighter, with a livelier V12 Carbon Matrix release rather than the Kore's damper feel. Against the K2 Mindbender 99Ti the Torrent gives up mass and titanal-driven stability but gains agility in tight, treed lines. Within Icelantic it takes over the all-mountain slot previously held by the Icelantic Pioneer 96, which stays in the catalog while inventory lasts.

Pros

• Measured ~2000 g at 182 cm is manageable for tighter, treed lines and long days.
• V12 Carbon Matrix delivers snappy release out of medium turns.
• Directional 137-96-121 shape keeps the ski predictable at speed.
• Five-length range (166–188 cm) covers most adult skiers.

Cons

• Less damping than titanal rivals in heavy crud and high-speed chop.
• 18 m radius is not ideal for pure short-turn preference.
• Not a dedicated powder ski — 96 mm floats but does not surf like a 105+.
• Resort binding only — no touring compatibility.

Verdict: A lighter, more energetic 96 mm directional all-mountain ski that replaces titanal damping with V12 Carbon Matrix pop. Best for skiers who mix piste and off-piste and want an approachable partner rather than a heavy charger.