The 2023 Liberty Origin 106 got a performance boost for 2022, with the addition and implementation of the VMT 1.0 core. This build carries forward into this year with a graphics refresh. Still with the bamboo and poplar wood to start the build, they add carbon stringers for stiffness and one vertical metal strut for stability and dampness. This single strut goes a long way in adding to the overall composure of the ski, and it just adds to the fun-factor of the already-amazing 106. Built for softer snow and more freeride skiing, the Origin 106 is happier in deep snow, but is a surprisingly capable performer on the groomers and in firmer snow as well. Poised in between the new Origin 101 and the returning 112, the 106 occupies its own spot in Liberty’s line, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. With rocker and taper to match the shape of the ski, this one can make any type of turn it wants, but it wants to make playful and smeary turns for sure.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
Carbon Fiber
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Big Mountain, All Mountain, Powder
Steve McKenzie was on the 182, noting it was true to size. He gave it top marks of 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability, with 4’s dominating the rest of the card save for a lone 3 in forgiveness. Steve’s a pretty powerful skier, so it’s great to get his feedback on a freeride-specific board like this. he calls it a “Killer all mountain ski. Good play all around. Super nice snap popping side hits and rollers and stable at high speeds.” Even for strong skiers, there’s a lot of fun to be had from a playful and maneuverable perspective, and it’s great to hear from a skier like Steve that these skis will hold up to that type of application and use. Also on that length, Dana Allen notes that it skis true to size. He scored it top marks of 4 out of 5 for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, forgiveness, and overall impression. “To be fair to this board, I skied it on very hard conditions. But, that could be indicative of bad back country conditions as well. Quick edge to edge, but not super stiff so not super stable at speed on hard pack. Easy to ski, and lightweight. I wouldn’t mind dragging this around the hills. Definitely more of a soft snow specialist than a icy or wind board condition ski. Overall, not a bad choice for a more traditional cambered backcountry ski option.”
Brad Moskowitz got on the 176, noting that they’re “just right for me! Skis a bit short for a 176, due to the rocker.” Brad scored it 5’s out of 5 for overall impression and flotation, with 4’s for versatility, forgiveness, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. Due to the shorter effective edge, Brad also gave the ski a 3 for stability, and more still for torsional stiffness and edge hold. Brad notes: “I expected this ski to be somewhat heavy and slow and suited only for having fun in deep powdery conditions, and boy was I wrong! In spite of the variable conditions of corn and mashed potato snow, the Origin was super fun and surprisingly quick and nimble for such a wide ski under foot. This ski was able to rip trenches on groomed terrain while being fun and playful in the variable. As one would expect from a ski with this girth, it was easily deflected in heavy manky conditions, but with a more aggressive forward stance, I could power right through. I loved this ski!”
With a round shape, a sturdy build, and a playful flex, the 2023 Liberty Origin 106 is a fantastic option for fans of the freeride. If you ski mainly in a snowy zone, you’ll love the versatility, and if you use it as a snow-day ski, you’ll be totally impressed with the range and the float of the 106. Sure, there are stronger skis out there in this category, but these are some of the most fun, no doubt.
