Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis

Hagan integrated a traditional rocker/camber/rocker profile into the Boost 99 POW Skis. With a generous early rise in the tips, they can easily float in deep snow, chop and challenging snow conditions. The camber underfoot provides better bite on firm snow and allows the ski to carve more aggressively while still being playful and fun thanks to the generous rebound from one turn to the next. The rocker profile on the tails is minimal which allows the ski to complete the turn efficiently while being more allowing for easy kick turns on the skin track.

Hagan used a 3D Cap Construction which includes a brushed touring top sheet with fibreglass, a poplar core, reinforced carbon tips and tails, a Titanal and Fibreglass reinforcement binding mounting area and ABS semi-sidewalls.

The tails of the Boost 99 POW Skis are relatively flat and have a rubberized tail cap for increased durability. There is also a built-in skin notch which easily accepts the skin tail clip and ensures they will not migrate off the skis.

A 3D cap construction provides more lateral rigidity which allows the Boost 99 POW Skis to stay on edge and track a reliably smooth arcing turn without compromise.

The Boost 99 POW Skis were mounted with Hagan Core 12 Evo Bindings. Designed and manufactured by ATK, the Core 12 Evo is a free touring binding with a ski brake, 5-12 release value, 25mm adjustment and an integrated crampon mount. Designed with easy entry in mind the toe piece features an adjustable locking option which allows you to progressively lock out the toes relative to the terrain you’ll be skiing. The heel piece has a three-position magnetic climbing aid and a built-in Elastic Response System which automatically compensates for the ski’s flex and ensures a reliable release every time. Based on the Hagan Core 12 Bindings which we reviewed several years ago, the new Core 12 Evo is an updated more robust binding. Priced at $755.95 CAN and weighing just 700 grams for the pair, the Core 12 Evo Bindings are an ideal pairing with the Boost 99 POW Skis.

• Freeride Rocker: Tip 410 - Tail 210 mm @ 178 cm
• Titanal reinforced at binding area
• Carbon Tip & Tail
• Fiberglass bottom layer
• Die-Cut-Graphite base
• ABS-Semi-Sidewall
• Freeride wood core
• Tail Lock

Having never skied on a pair of Hagan skis I was looking forward to testing out their new Boost 99 POW Skis but I was also apprehensive as they are fairly lightweight and I was worried that they’d just get pushed around in challenging snow. Upon first glance, the Boost 99 POW Skis, have an ideal geometry. Generous rocker in the tips, plenty of camber underfoot, and minimal rocker in the tails with a cap contraction and some pretty appealing graphics. At only 99mm underfoot these skis are on the edge of what I like to ski here in the Kootenays as we get our fair share of pow and I typically ski something more in the 105mm range.

After a slow start to the winter ski season, I got the Boost 99 POW Skis out for a few inbound laps while I patiently waited for the backcountry base to build to cover any obstacles before venturing out. I had a good feeling about these skis and my suspicions were immediately confirmed. They have an astonishing amount of edge hold on hardback, especially for such a light ski. The camber underfoot allowed the ski to flex and bite into the snow while providing a fun rebound on each turn. Turn initiation and edge-to-edge transitions were snappy and easy. The ski popped and provided fun turns over bumps and on softer snow but was never shy when it came to hard-pack and compacted groomers. Their wide shovel ensured that they tracked well over broken crud with only minimal deflection which was to be expected for a ski in the 3.5-kilo range. The cap construction ensured lateral stability in technical terrain and allowed me to really lay them on edge with confidence. Each turn I laid down was precise and flowing from start to finish thanks to the flat tail that completed each turn.

After patiently waiting for snow I was able to finally get the Boost 99 POW Skis into some real pow to see how well they’d float. With a 99mm waist, I was skeptical they’d be able to keep me on top as much as I would like but the narrow waist which is responsible for their nimble performance on drier days proved to be just the right amount when combined with their fat 131mm tips. Generous rocker in the tips prevented the Boost 99 POW Skis from diving and skiing fresh lines were fluid and effortless.

The Boost 99 POW Skis combined with their pre-cut skins and the Core 12 Evo Bindings proved to be a versatile and worthy kit for any conditions I encountered. Although ATK designs and manufactures the Core 12 Evo Bindings, Hagan brands them as their own which allows customers to purchase a full touring setup in one place via their website. The Core 12 Evo Bindings are impressively light and simple to use, they are made with very little plastic which instills confidence given their minimal size and weight. With the ability to integrate a ski crampon and their two riser levels the Core 12 Evo Bindings completed this ideal ski combo.

If you are looking for a pair of lightweight touring skis that are solid performers and fun to ski, which can also hold their own on groomers then I would highly recommend that you take a pair of Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis out for a test drive. If you are wondering what other skis I’d recommend in the same category then put these skis on your list as well: G3 FINDr R3 Skis, Elan Ripstick Tour 104 Skis, Volkl Rise Beyond 96 Skis, Blizzard Zero G 95 Skis and of course my faves the Blizzard Zero G 105 Skis.