Extrem Icon 96 – Women’s all‑mountain/freetouring review

Handbuilt in Åre, Sweden, the Extrem Icon 96 blends touring‑friendly weight with real all‑mountain composure. At 96 mm underfoot with tip and tail rocker, it grips confidently on groomers, stays playful in soft snow, and is light enough to take deep into the backcountry. The feel is directional and secure without being demanding.

Who is it for?

Skiers who want one pair for lifts and touring: all‑mountain/freetouring versatility.
Intermediate‑plus to expert riders who prefer a lighter, lively ski that isn’t nervous.
Tree, bumps and mixed‑conditions skiers who still value solid on‑piste performance.

On‑snow performance

Groomers and edge hold

The Icon 96 is trustworthy on firm snow. Fiberglass laminates and the beech binding plate provide torsional strength underfoot, and the factory 88°/1° tune delivers clean bite. With a 15–17 m radius, it likes medium‑to‑long turns and remains composed at speed if you stay centered.

Soft snow and powder

Tip and tail rocker help it plane and pivot. For a 96 mm platform there’s ample float—especially in the 172 cm. The rocker makes it forgiving in wind buff and tracked powder; you can smear and shut down speed without the tail grabbing.

Crud and chop

Despite the low mass, the 1.5 mm race‑rubber dampers in the tips and tails take the edge off chatter nicely. In refrozen, dense crud a heavier ski (e.g., Nordica Santa Ana 96) will still plow better, but the Icon 96 holds a line impressively for its weight.

Bumps and trees

Low swing weight and a supportive, not punitive tail make it easy to find rhythm and change direction quickly. It’s a confidence builder in tight spaces.

Touring capability and weight

At roughly 1400–1660 g per ski depending on length, the Icon 96 is genuinely tour‑capable. Long approaches feel efficient, and the poplar core gives energetic rebound without twitchiness. Pair with a hybrid or pin binding if you climb often, or a lighter alpine binding for resort days.

Mount point and factory tune

Recommended mount is rearward (−65/−70/−75 mm by length) for stability and skin‑track balance. If you want a quicker, more centered feel, try +5–10 mm forward of the line.
Factory tune: 88° side / 1° base. For all‑mountain versatility, lightly detune the rockered contact points.

Build and sustainability

Poplar wood core: lively, medium‑light character.
Prepreg fiberglass: torsional grip without the weight of metal.
1.5 mm race rubber in tip/tail: meaningful vibration damping.
CNC‑milled beech binding plate: screw retention and power transfer.
Isospeed 7515 sintered base: fast and wax‑hungry.
Extra‑wide edges and rubber foil: durability and smoother ride.
Sustainability: recycled ABS (~70%), topsheet (~50%), and steel (~20%) content.

Sizing advice

158 cm: shorter, tighter spaces, lighter riders or tour focus.
165 cm: the do‑it‑all length for most skiers.
172 cm: more stability/float, aggressive style or frequent soft snow. Choose nearer your height for stability; size down for maneuverability and uphill efficiency.

Comparisons

Blizzard Sheeva 9 (96 mm): looser and more playful; a bit heavier and damper. Icon 96 is lighter and more touring‑oriented while staying composed.
Black Crows Camox Birdie (97 mm): versatile and friendly; slightly heavier and steadier at speed, but less efficient for touring than the Icon 96.
Nordica Santa Ana 96: class‑leading grip/damping with metal; much heavier. Icon 96 is the better one‑ski quiver if touring is on your menu.
K2 Mindbender 96C W: similar weight; K2 is a touch more precise on boilerplate, Icon 96 feels livelier in mixed snow.
Elan Ripstick 94 W: even lighter and very quick; Icon 96 offers stronger edge hold and high‑speed calm.

Key takeaways

Light yet composed: a true all‑mountain/freetouring blend.
Reliable edge hold: 88°/1° tune and fiberglass give bite without harshness.
Playful in soft snow: tip/tail rocker keeps it forgiving and nimble.
Touring‑ready: low weight and rearward mount aid skin‑track balance.
Not the most bulldozer in refrozen crud; heavier skis still win there.

Specs and what they mean

Rocker profile: tip + tail rocker. Increases float and eases turn initiation; shortens effective edge for a more playful feel.
Dimensions (L x T/W/T):
- 158 cm: 125‑96‑113 mm, 15 m radius, 1400 g/ski
- 165 cm: 126‑96‑114 mm, 16 m radius, 1560 g/ski
- 172 cm: 127‑96‑115 mm, 17 m radius, 1660 g/ski A 96 mm waist balances grip with soft‑snow versatility; slightly wider tips boost planing.
Turn radius: 15–17 m. Suits medium turns and adaptable steering on and off piste.
Weight: 1400–1660 g per ski. Great for touring and quickness; slightly less brute damping in rough chop than heavier builds.
Available lengths: 158/165/172 cm. Match to size, speed and terrain.
Mount point: −65/−70/−75 mm. Enhances stability and float; less freestyle‑centered.
Factory tune: 88°/1°. Solid edge hold with all‑mountain forgiveness.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Extrem Icon 96 handle icy mornings?
A: For a 96 mm platform, edge hold is strong. The 88°/1° tune and torsional support underfoot keep the Extrem Icon 96 calm and predictable on firm groomers; it prefers a centered, directional stance rather than race‑ski aggression.

Q: Is the Extrem Icon 96 good for ski touring?
A: Yes. At 1400–1660 g per ski, it climbs efficiently and descends with more confidence than many ultralights. If touring regularly, consider a hybrid or pin binding and cut skins to the sidecut.

Q: What length should I choose in the Icon 96?
A: Most skiers will land on 165 cm. Go 158 cm for maneuverability or if you prioritize uphill; choose 172 cm if you ski fast, want more float, or spend lots of time in soft snow.

Q: Where should I mount the bindings on the Icon 96?
A: Start on the recommended line (−65/−70/−75 mm). If you want quicker turn‑in and a more centered feel, try moving +5–10 mm; for maximum stability, stay on the line.