By Noah Carter
Moment Deathwish 96
Overview
The Deathwish 96 is a versatile all‑mountain / freeride ski that emphasizes precise edge hold on firmer snow while remaining playful enough to surf softer days. Its true twin tip layout gives forward and switch capability, and the relatively narrow 96 mm waist keeps the ski quick edge‑to‑edge for playful short turns. Designed as a “Low Tide Hero,” it’s intended for skiers who want one ski that can carve clean, confident lines on groomers and still bop through variable, softer snow without feeling bogged down.
Construction and specs explained
Construction blends a full‑length poplar/european beech core with a triaxial fiberglass plus carbon hybrid laminate, extruded ABS sidewalls, and a 7500 series carbon‑infused sintered base. The Triple‑Camber Twin‑Rocker (rocker in tip and tail with two micro‑camber zones around the binding) gives energetic rebound and controlled pressure underfoot. Tip/waist/tail of 129/96/119 mm delivers a balance of initiation, edge grip and some float. Radius choices affect turn size; weights influence swing and stability — all key to the ski’s on‑snow feel.
On‑snow performance
On snow the Deathwish 96 shines for its stability at speed and strong edge hold thanks to the beech element and VDS damping foil that tame chatter. Turn initiation is lively because of the micro‑camber sections, while the rocker tips allow forgiveness and surfy behavior in softer snow. The twin‑tip makes switch skiing and playful park moves natural without sacrificing freeride capability. In deeper powder the 96 mm waist limits float, but the ski remains surprisingly fun and surfy in wind‑blown or soft spring conditions.
Strengths and potential drawbacks
Strengths include precise carving ability, a responsive yet forgiving profile, robust construction and a fast, durable sintered base. Drawbacks are the limited float in deep powder compared with wider freeride skis and the relative weight if you’re chasing the lightest touring setups. Also note Moment’s progressive mount recommendation: sizing and mounting position can materially change how short or lively the ski feels, so set bindings with that in mind.
Who it’s for and comparisons
Who should buy the Deathwish 96? It’s ideal for skiers who want one ski that covers groomers, variable snow and playful park‑style moves without sacrificing edge bite and high‑speed confidence. Compared to other 95–100 mm twin‑tip all‑mountain skis, it leans toward a stiffer, more precision‑oriented character rather than pure float or soft‑snow specialization. If you value crisp turns, pop and a versatile twin‑tip attitude, this ski is a strong contender.
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