The Liberty Origin 106 gets a performance boost for 2022, with the addition and implementation of the VMT 1.0 core. 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 Laminate
PREFERRED TERRAIN
All Mountain, Powder, Big Mountain
Matt McAlary was on the 182, and said “It felt shorter than its stated length. I would buy that length, but if it was my dedicated pow ski, I would probably go longer.” It’s funny that for eastern skiers like us, the 106 is considered a dedicated pow ski, but in reality, there aren’t many days around here that more ski is needed, especially for most of the day, as we kind of lack in the real estate department around here. Matt scored 5’s out of 5 for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and overall impression. All other scores were 4’s so it’s safe to say that Matt had a very positive experience on these skis. “My assumption was that I was not going to enjoy this ski, but I think it was the sleeper pick of the day for me. It's hard to really get a good feel for a ski in the soft conditions we had, but I had no problem laying this ski over at high speed. It had great float and it planed over the soft snow with ease. I could see a lot of freeride skiers using this as an all-mountain park ski as it had a snappy flex and a low swing weight. I felt like the sweet spot of the ski sat more centrally on the ski and might not be preferable for someone who likes a bit more of a forward stance. Once I figured out this aspect of the ski, it became very intuitive and felt like it linked up quicker than most people would anticipate. It lacked a bit of power and dampness but it was still very fun nonetheless. Advanced to expert skiers with a playful style and a preference for something a bit lighter in weight would enjoy this ski.” The central part of the ski holding up a lot of the dampness and performance is definitely something that we see from all of these Origin skis.
Matt Testa (lots of Matts) was also on the 182, noting that the size “felt short. This is probably the length I would have bought but definitely feel like could go bigger. Would have guessed this ski was low 170's.” That’s a pretty big discrepancy between sizing, and for those of us that have skied Liberty, it’s pretty consistent with these Origin (and Genesis) lines. He scored the ski 5’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, and playfulness. Flotation was a 4, stability a 2, and the rest of the scores were 3’s. A bit of a span for Matt on this ski, but a high overall average nonetheless. “The Origin 106 was a playful, jibby ski. This ski felt at home popping off every little hit you see and making really quick smeary turns. I was blown away at how quick this ski turns. This ski definitely excels in softer snow types and it was quite fun in the slush. While it was fun to pop around on, I felt myself needing to hold back a bit in order to stay in control. I had skied a previous version of ski a few years ago and this ski feels much lighter and more playful. I found myself needing to be a bit more centered on this ski than my usual driving forward stance, it almost felt like this ski was center mounted. I would recommend this ski for somebody who is searching out side hits, jibs and likes to ski in a playful manner, probably not for somebody who is looking for a carver or for max stability.” Sounds like a playful winner to us!
Whether it’s an eastern pow ski or a western daily driver, the Liberty Origin 106 benefits from the VMT 1.0 for sure, especially providing a boost to the stability and dampness of the ski, while not taking anything away from the playfulness and freeride character of the ski. It’s all on the up-and-up for the Origin series, and we’re loving how the VMT contributes to the 106.
