2027 Head Oblivion 102

The 2027 Head Oblivion 102 returns with a graphic update for this year but otherwise returns unchanged. While some of the narrower Oblivion skis have a gentler flex pattern, the 102 is decidedly stiffer due to the carbon, and that gives it an improved level of performance and sophistication for advanced and expert skiers who are looking for a wider-bodied twin tip for freestyle and freeride applications. For how well it works in the park, it carves an amazingly crisp turn. That said, you do have to be aware of a longer turn radius and a preference for higher speeds if you’re not in the park.

We don’t see a ton of freestyle-oriented skis that use carbon this way and it does make for a more unique overall feel and style. Starting with a poplar wood core consisting of four stringers that are separated by three PET recycled bottle stringers, this core is sustainable and green. If a ski can produce a similar level of performance while getting more eco-friendly, then this is a good thing for all involved. The ski also gets two layers of carbon, much like what we see in the Kore line of skis, as well as dampening layers and fiberglass. While the poplar and carbon keep it light, they also make it quite stiff. This is an interesting blend of construction techniques, keeping pretty consistent with what we see in Kore and Supershape in terms of innovation. The 181 cm length tips the scale at 1850 grams, so it’s kind of in the middle when it comes to weight in this range of skis. The stiffness, though, especially torsional, is on the stiffer side of the spectrum. Grant Wieler notes that “There’s more ski here than let’s on on the basis of the aesthetic and weight when you get it under you. I was immediately comfortable in it. It was happy doing short, quick snappy turns and a bunch of different radiuses and was pleased that when I leaned it over there was a decent amount of ski there to support me. This is an all mountain ski certainly more off piste and free ride oriented. A pleasant ski, I was pleased with its personality, being responsive and quick, and giving me a little feedback in the turns. It didn’t necessarily excite me, but I think if I had sized up, I may have appreciated the platform a bit more.”

The uniqueness certainly extends past the carbon use in the build and into the straighter overall shape. At 102 mm underfoot, this ski is built to handle a lot of different terrain and snow conditions. While it’s on the wide side for a true park ski, it’s still got the pop and flex to make it great for a run from time to time. It’s happier when posted in a freeride format, offering flotation, smeariness, drifty behavior, and an energetic bounce in softer snow and crud. All the while, this thing holds on groomers surprisingly well. Thanks to the longer turn radius, this ski can roll from edge to edge with ease and grace. In the 181, we’re getting a long 22.8-meter arc which is quite an anomaly for skis like this. It makes sense, though, since the carbon makes it stiffer and more reactive, you don’t need a shorter arc to get the fun-loving performance. Like the other Oblivion skis, the 102 doesn’t focus a whole lot on taper when it comes to shape. We get a reasonable balance of rocker and camber, but the taper is still very much on the traditional side of the spectrum. While this makes it a bit less playful in deeper snow, it boosts the length of the effective edge and makes it very smooth and predictable. Matt Stromecki calls it “Super unique! Not a lot of rocker and taper with a stiff build and long turning radius makes it not the most intuitive or easy. But if you have the right style and the right vision of the mountain for this ski it is great. Super fun in the park but not the most relenting. It's a great carver, but you need room to let them run and do their thing. This ski is not for everyone and it can take time to get used to what it likes to do.”

Due to the specificity of the build, shape, and style, this isn’t a 100% ski for the people. While many skiers of the advanced and expert realm will fit well, they may be on the stiff and reactive side for intermediates looking for a wider and more playful twin. The build and shape make a lot of sense for this new addition to the line, as it brings a new level for the other skis to look up to, and that makes for better brand health and exposure. If you’re looking to mix energy in the park with high speed freeride pursuits, this Oblivion 102 is a fantastic option.