Review: SkiLogik Howitzer BC Skis

The SkiLogik Howitzer BC skis cut through the crud, floated on the powder, and were stable on the flats. Yes, it was a widely variable day on the mountain. SkiLogik is based out of Breckenridge, Colorado and makes skis using Black Locust wood and their own Vector 8 carbon fiber/fiberglass. Each pair is made together at the same time so your left and right ski are identical twins.

Design and Aesthetics ★★★★★
These skis are beautiful works of art. Along with the custom graphics that can be done for a fee, their standard lines are artistic, while rustic due to the wood look. You won’t see similar skis in the lift line, unless it’s another pair of SkiLogiks. There is a convenient tail notch on the bottom for attaching skins as this is a versatile ski for backcountry as well as resort skiing.

Durability ★★★★
The Howitzers are lighter than they look. The wood look would lead you to believe they are heavy but they are not. I was able to throw them around with ease on some pretty big moguls. I used the 176cc length Howitzer with a 110mm waist. This is fat enough, along with the slightly rockered tip and tail to keep me up and on top of the powder. The bumps that followed were big and hard packed. The ski flexed well in the troughs and turned with ease. The edges bit into the bumps and the rockered tail helped tremendously in what I latter discovered was a Double Black bump run.

Functionality ★★★★★
The top of the mountain was crusty but they dug right in. After the bumps came the flats and they flew down without so much as a chatter. For such a light ski and a bit shorter than I’m used to, they felt very stable and secure with no wobble at all.

Value ★★★★
The graphics are gorgeous but if you do want them personalized or custom painted, and I’m not sure why you would, that is available. The Howitzer BCs all come with a 110mm waist size but lengths of 166,176,186,194cm are available. Along with custom art work you can customize the flex of the ski by visiting their shop and having a pair made just for you. They’re not cheap, but for how awesome they look and work, it’s worth every penny.

Beautiful graphics and great all-mountain performance make this a good addition to your ski quiver. Its versatility as a back-country ski, with the notch for adding skins, allows use in the back country as well as looking good at any ski resort.