Down CountDown Carbon 104 — Review (2024/25)

Overview

The Down CountDown Carbon 104 (24/25) is a modern all‑mountain freeride ski that blends directional stability with easy pivotability and playful pop. The latest update adds thicker base/edges, a stouter 50K carbon layup, slightly more rocker with a shorter camber line, and flax plus rubber for better damping. The net effect is a precise, durable 104‑mm platform that charges confidently yet stays lively and versatile across resort and sidecountry.

Who is it for?

Advanced to expert skiers who prefer medium‑to‑long turns, speed, and predictable landings, but still want to slash, smear, and explore off‑piste. Primarily resort‑focused with 50/50 potential; consider the 104 L if touring efficiency is a priority.

What’s new for 24/25

• Thicker 1.8 mm base and 2.2 mm edges: meaningful durability for hard use and multiple seasons.
• 50K carbon + flax + rubber: stronger torsional hold with improved vibration control versus typical carbon builds.
• More rocker, shorter camber line: quicker initiation, easier pivoting, more playful feel without losing support.

Shape & specs (explained)

• 128‑104‑120 mm sidecut: 104 mm underfoot balances stability with float. The 128‑mm tip aids soft‑snow planing and turn entry; the relatively flat/supportive tail (120 mm) adds precision and landing confidence.
• Turn radius 25 m (187) / 23 m (181): prefers medium/long arcs and speed; not a slalom specialist.
• Rocker profile: freeride rocker with camber underfoot. Camber = edge hold and energy; rocker = float, forgiveness, and easy transitions.
• Weight (pair): 4417 g (187) / 4110 g (181). Stable for its class while staying maneuverable. 104 L is lighter: 3720 g (187) / 3370 g (181).
• Construction: poplar/ash core, 50K carbon, triax fiberglass, flax fibers, rubber damping, titanal binding insert, 8° sidewall, Supersap epoxy. Built for precision, strength, and durability with above‑average damping for a carbon ski.

On‑snow performance

Groomers & firm snow

For a 104, edge hold is strong thanks to the camber/sidewall build. The longer radius encourages clean, GS‑style arcs at speed, with good composure. In tight, slow turns it asks for more input; skidding and feathering works predictably when you don’t want to bend it hard.

Powder & soft snow

The low‑rise elliptical tip and increased rocker provide reliable float to knee‑deep. The flatter tail tracks true and supports landings—less ultra‑surfy than loose twin‑tails, but more precise and confidence‑inspiring in steeps and trees.

Chop & crud

Carbon can feel pingy; here, flax and rubber take the edge off. You still get feedback, but the CountDown 104 stays impressively composed for the weight. It rewards an active, centered stance; it won’t bulldoze like a heavy, metal‑laminate charger.

Bumps & trees

Shorter camber and more rocker help with pivoting and line changes. Swing weight feels moderate; keep forward and it flows nicely from trough to trough.

Jumps & drops

The titanal insert and supportive tail inspire confidence on takeoffs and landings. It’s not a dedicated park twin, but it’s all‑mountain‑freestyle friendly with solid pop and speed stability.

Comparisons

• Nordica Enforcer 104 Free: heavier and damper; calmer in resort chop, less lively. Down is lighter, more energetic, with slightly less “autopilot” smoothing.
• Blizzard Rustler 10: shorter radius and looser tail. Down is more directional and composed at speed.
• Moment Wildcat 108: surfier and looser; great for slashes. Down is more precise with stronger edge hold and landing support.
• Fischer Ranger 102: lighter and quicker edge‑to‑edge. Down is calmer at speed and burlier on landings.
• Black Crows Atris: very accessible and versatile. Down feels more technical with a higher speed ceiling.

104 vs 104 L (tour‑friendly variant)

• The 104 L’s paulownia core cuts significant weight—great for touring and 50/50 setups. In resort chop, the standard 104 is noticeably calmer and more durable for heavy use.
• Binding picks: resort/sidecountry — alpine or CAST/Shift on the 104; 50/50 and touring — Shift/Kingpin/Tecton, especially on the 104 L.

Key takeaways

• Directional charger that prefers medium/long arcs and speed.
• More playful than many chargers: quicker pivoting from added rocker/shorter camber.
• Damping exceeds typical carbon builds thanks to flax and rubber.
• Durable update: thicker base/edges and stout layup.
• Not ideal for short‑turn carving or super‑surfy tail tastes.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the CountDown Carbon 104 compare to the 104 L?
A: The 104 L is much lighter (paulownia) and better for touring/50‑50. The standard 104 is calmer in chop, more durable, and better as a lift‑served one‑ski quiver.

Q: Which length should I choose?
A: Pick 181 cm for quicker, all‑mountain agility and moderate speeds; 187 cm for more stability, float, and longer arcs. Choose based on typical speed, terrain, and snow.

Q: How is edge grip on hard snow for a 104‑mm ski?
A: Strong for the width: camber and sidewalls deliver secure hold. Expect GS‑style arcs; for short carves, use a lighter edge or accept some drift.

Q: What bindings match well?
A: Resort focus: robust alpine or CAST/Shift on the 104. For 50/50/touring, Shift/Kingpin/Tecton, particularly on the 104 L.