Porsche 106 series review

Overview

The Porsche 106 Series is the freeride ski in Head's Porsche collaboration, developed with Aksel Lund Svindal and Porsche chief designer Michael Mauer and inspired by the Taycan Cross Turismo. For 26/27 it comes in 177 and 184 cm as a set with a Tyrolia Attack binding: the Attack Hybrid 14 MN/PT in the headline set, with the Attack 14 GW, Attack 14 MN, Attack 17 GW or the Almonte 12 PT pin binding as alternatives. The construction is the talking point: a Flax-Rattan layup over a rattan-poplar wood core, Graphene, a structured UHM C race base and no topsheet, so the natural fibres are exposed. The sidecut is 133-105-126 mm at 177 cm (16.7 m radius) and 135-106-127 mm at 184 cm (18.5 m). Head rates it Freeride / Advanced–Expert / Fast / Long Radius.

On-snow performance

The spec sheet describes a stable, directional freeride ski. Powder Rocker gives it 30% tip rocker, 50% camber and 20% tail rocker: a long, early-rising shovel for float and easy turn entry in deep snow, a shorter tail rise so the ski still finishes a turn, and half the length in camber for grip on firm snow and the run back to the lift. The 16.7–18.5 m radius favours medium to long turns at speed rather than quick pivots. Flax fibres are known for vibration damping, and Head says the rattan-poplar core distributes weight for stability; the construction suggests a smooth, quiet ride in chop. At roughly 2.3 kg per ski at 184 cm (Sport Conrad figure) this is a substantial ski that wants to be driven. Riders report the Porsche series as stable but not overpowering, but there is no titanal here, so edge hold on true ice will trail the Kore 106 Ti.

Construction & specs explained

• Construction: Flax Rattan Construction — flax fibres over a rattan-poplar wood core.
• Reinforcement: Graphene, placed strategically for strength at low weight.
• Topsheet: none — Head removed the topsheet to save weight and expose the natural fibres.
• Base: Structured UHM C Base, the same material as Head's race skis with a textured structure.
• Profile: Powder Rocker — 30% tip rocker / 50% camber / 20% tail rocker.
• Binding: sold as a set with a Tyrolia Attack binding (Attack Hybrid 14 MN/PT headline set; Attack 14 GW, 14 MN, 17 GW or Almonte 12 PT optional). PROTECTOR ready.
• Sidecut and radius: 133-105-126 mm, 16.7 m (177 cm); 135-106-127 mm, 18.5 m (184 cm).
• Weight: 2,280 g per ski at 184 cm (Sport Conrad; Head publishes no weight).
• Lengths: 177, 184 cm.
• Made in Austria.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Porsche 106 is for advanced and expert freeriders who ski fast in soft snow and chop, want a damp, directional ski, and are willing to pay a premium for the Porsche design and natural-fibre construction. Within Head's range, the Head Kore 106 Ti (106 mm, 18.5 m at 184 cm, 2,215 g) shares the waist and radius but adds titanal and comes in five lengths at a fraction of the price. The Nordica Enforcer 104 (104 mm, 18.5 m at 179 cm, 2,160 g) is the classic damp, metal-laminate all-mountain freeride ski; the Atomic Maverick 105 cti (104–105 mm, 19 m at 185 cm, 2,050 g) is a lighter carbon-and-titanal alternative; and the Blizzard Rustler 11 (112 mm, 19 m at 180 cm, 1,930 g) is wider, lighter and more playful in deep snow.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Flax-Rattan construction with Graphene for a damp, stable ride in chop.
• Powder Rocker (30/50/20) balances float with camber for firm snow.
• Structured UHM C race base and Austrian build quality.
• Unique exposed natural-fibre design with a Tyrolia Attack binding in the set.

Cons

• Premium price for a ski whose specs mirror the far cheaper Kore 106 Ti.
• Only two lengths (177 and 184 cm) and no option for shorter skiers.
• Around 2.3 kg per ski is heavy for anything beyond lift-served freeride.
• No titanal, so hard-snow edge hold will trail metal-laminate rivals.

Verdict: The Porsche 106 Series is a damp, directional freeride ski with a construction and look nothing else offers, aimed at strong skiers who value the design as much as the performance. For the same waist and radius at a far lower price, the Kore 106 Ti is the rational choice.