2023 Liberty Evolv 84

The 2023 Liberty Evolv 84 returns unchanged but for graphics, and we’re still stoked on this ski from a front-side/all-mountain standpoint. We got to hop on this new build last February at first, and then again at our test in March, and we even got some feedback from ski family members in Colorado this spring, so we’ve really gotten a lot of time on the new Evolv skis, and in this case, the narrowest, the 84. Gone is the V-Series, and in its place, the Evolvs drop the narrower widths, and add the third metal strut to the core, resulting in a hybrid of the previous Evolvs and the outgoing V-Series. There was a bit of overlap between those lines of skis, so it makes sense for Liberty to consolidate. The core of the Evolv 84 consists of a blend of poplar and bamboo wood with three vertical metal struts. Carbon stringers, fiberglass layers, and a rubber foil laminate round out the materials, and they combine to make a smooth, powerful, and energetic ski that loves to be pushed in a carved turn. At 84 mm underfoot, these skis are the most on-trail oriented, although they do have the subtleness to handle some off-piste skiing as well, allowing skiers the flexibility to use these as a daily driver. Certainly not the powder ski that you’d want on the deepest of days, it’s happier on groomers, but can be useful in bumps and trees and other fun stuff.

On the 179, Bob St.Pierre noted that while it “felt okay, it is still a bit short. I’d take the 186 for sure.” That said, he still gave the ski top marks of 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, quickness, and maneuverability. He gave it 4’s for torsional stiffness, edge hold, forgiveness, playfulness, and stability. 3’s for versatility and flotation shows the more front-side aspect of the ski. Regardless, Bob notes that “The Evolv84 needs more attention. I'm not sure if it's me that really likes these Evolv skis and everyone's missing out, or if they're just tailor-made for someone like me. I can't quite figure it out, but at any rate, I really like them. They're smooth, easy to turn, and you can really stand on them to get the right amount of energy. I like the 90 and the 100 as well, but this 84 just feels right on my feet.” For most skiers who spend most of their time on groomed surfaces, there’s not a big need for anything wider than 84 mm underfoot.

Dave Hatoff was also on the 179 and he noted it was just right for him. He was all 3’s across the board, indicating that nothing really stood out for him. He calls it a “Nice carver. Good frontside specialist. Easy to engage in and out of turns. The metal in this ski made it stable but it was still playful like all Liberty’s are.” The fact that Liberty can combine their playful personality into their carving skis is a good sign for sure. Michael Rooney liked his 179, scoring it top marks of 5 out of 5 for forgiveness and stability. He gave 4’s for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, quickness, and maneuverability. Lowly 3’s for flotation and playfulness aren’t that surprising given the more front-sided nature of the Evolv 84. “Great intermediate ski! Turns even through chop easily. Easy to use on edge and slipping. Loves to go straight.”

Thanks to Liberty’s freeride influence, they make a very interesting all-mountain ski with these Evolv 84’s. They have a unique feel to them that doesn’t quite line up with what other companies are doing with their mid-80's front side/all-mountain skis, and I don’t think Liberty would want it any other way. You have to stand out and make something that’s different if you want to catch attention. The Evolv 84 with the VMT 3.0 build is a great ski from Liberty, and we’re loving it in a variety of conditions and terrain, but especially on the smooth groomers.