Down CountDown Carbon 114 — Review (24/25)

The Down CountDown Carbon 114 (CD114) is a modern 114 mm freeride platform that blends float, stability, and a now‑more‑durable 24/25 construction. With hybrid rocker, a long turn radius, and a poplar‑ash core reinforced by carbon, fiberglass, and a new underfoot titanal zone, it targets skiers who want real powder performance without sacrificing confidence when the snow gets tracked or firm.

Key takeaways

Speed‑friendly stability: long radius (23–27 m) keeps the ski calm in chop and at pace.
Easy float: 114 mm waist + elliptical tip rocker plane quickly and initiate turns smoothly.
24/25 durability bump: thicker 1.8 mm base, 2.2 mm edges, plus a 605 mm titanal insert underfoot.
Carbon + fiberglass build: relatively light feel for the width, with rubber damping to tame vibration.
Not the loosest or most playful: prefers a neutral, directional style over butter‑happy jibbing.

On‑snow performance

Powder & trees: The low, elliptical tip rocker helps the ski rise fast and pivot predictably; the nearly flat tail keeps landings and traverses composed. The 5‑point shape adds maneuverability without tip flap.
Tracked snow & crud: The long radius and underfoot camber maintain composure when the resort gets rough. The new titanal zone adds bite and damping. It won’t bulldoze like a full‑metal charger (think heavier Rustler 11 builds), but it’s impressively settled for the weight.
Groomers & firm: For 114 mm, edge hold is solid. The ski prefers longer arcs at speed; on true ice it’s still a wide freeride board—capable, not a dedicated carver.
Drops & landings: The flatter tail supports stomped landings, and the reinforced underfoot zone improves screw retention and impact resistance.

What’s new for 24/25

605 mm titanal zone (0.5 mm) centered at BMP for strength and damping.
Thicker UHM sintered base (1.8 mm) and 2.2 mm steel edges for better longevity.
50K Sigratex carbon + triax fiberglass + Semperdur rubber layup for responsive yet damp ride.
Standard core: poplar‑ash. “114 L” variant: paulownia for lighter touring bias.

Who it’s for

Skiers who want a floaty, directional freeride ski that stays quiet when conditions get variable. Great as a deep‑day resort choice with sidecountry laps and the occasional tour using hybrid bindings. If uphill efficiency is the priority, the lighter 114 L is the better fit.

Comparisons

Black Crows Anima (118): surfier and more playful, but less composed at speed.
Blizzard Rustler 11 (112): heavier with more metal; mows through refrozen chop better, pivots a bit less freely.
DPS Pagoda 112 RP: shorter radius, ultra‑pivoty in trees, but not as calm flat‑out.
Moment Wildcat 118: very floaty with a looser tail; heavier and more big‑mountain oriented.

Specs explained

Rocker profile: Hybrid freeride rocker (tip/tail rocker + camber) — float and easy pivot with edge grip and rebound underfoot.
Dimensions: 138‑114‑130 mm — plenty of surface area for float; the slightly narrower tail releases cleanly.
Radius: 23 m (182), 25 m (189), 27 m (196) — favors longer, faster turns and stability in chop.
Weight (manufacturer‑claimed, likely per pair): 196 cm 4550 g; 182 cm 4460 g; 189 cm not listed — light for the class, not ultralight; sensible for hybrid setups.
Construction: Sandwich with Sigratex carbon, triax fiberglass, Semperdur damping, 1.8 mm UHM sintered base, 2.2 mm edges, and an underfoot titanal insert — a balanced mix of response and durability.
Lengths: 182 / 189 / 196 cm — size by terrain and speed (see below).

Length and mounting guidance

Length: Choose 182 cm for tighter trees/technical terrain and lighter riders; 189 cm as an all‑rounder; 196 cm for high speed, open faces, and heavier skiers.
Bindings: Hybrid systems (Shift, Tecton, CAST) for 50/50 use; alpine for resort; pure tech and long tours—consider the 114 L.
Mount point: Start at the recommended line for the best balance of float and edge hold.

Potential drawbacks

Less forgiving/playful than short‑radius, soft‑flex powder twins.
Still a 114 mm ski on ice—competent, but not a hard‑snow specialist.
Lighter than full‑metal chargers, so a touch less plow‑through power in concrete crud.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Are the listed weights per ski or per pair?
A: The page doesn’t state it explicitly, but the magnitudes (e.g., ~4550 g) strongly suggest per pair. Expect roughly ~2250 g per ski for the 196 cm CountDown Carbon 114.

Q: How does the CountDown Carbon 114 compare to the 114 L?
A: The 114 L uses a lighter paulownia core and weighs significantly less. It climbs easier, but the standard 114 is more damp and composed in resort chop and at speed.

Q: What bindings pair best?
A: For 50/50 resort/touring, hybrid systems (Shift, Tecton, CAST) balance downhill and uphill. For pure resort, go alpine. For long tours, consider the lighter 114 L with tech bindings.

Q: How does it carve on groomers?
A: For a 114‑mm ski, it carves clean, longer turns with credible edge hold thanks to its camber and radius. It’s capable on firm snow, just not a specialist for icy days.

Verdict

The Down CountDown Carbon 114 delivers real powder float with uncommon composure in variable conditions, and the 24/25 updates add meaningful durability and damping. If you want one wide ski for deep resort days, sidecountry, and the odd tour—prioritizing stability with a modern, maneuverable feel—this is a smart, confidence‑inspiring pick.