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Renoun Citadel 106 Freeride Ski 2022 – 2023 | Review

Strap in for a science lesson, the lab coats at Renoun have been busy tinkering away

Why we chose the Renoun Citadel 106: Innovative, lightweight, damp 

Lengths (cm): 191, 184, 178 & 169
Sidecut (mm): 136 / 106 / 126
Radius: 18m
Rocker Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Weight (per ski): 1,635g
Price: $999

More Info

Founded in March 2011, Renoun have quickly become known for producing carbon skis with anti-vibration technology built in to help fight off the unwanted ‘tinniness’ feeling carbon produces We’ll get stuck into all the technical nitty gritty in just a moment, but VibeStop, Renoun claims, “absorbs unwanted ski vibration for a more controlled, enjoyable ride.”

The Mpora test crew didn’t quite understand why this construction technique was being brought into the 88 mm waisted piste-focused Endurance ski, as why use the lightweight, snappy properties of carbon when you can use metal for lift-served skiing? But when it’s applied to a 106 mm waisted freeride ski, you’re left with a pair of skis that are impressively damp on the downhill and which come in at a phenomenally low weight.

Renoun Citadel 106 Construction

Given that Renoun’s VibeStop technology is the main talking point with this ski and the brand as a whole, we’re just going to jump straight into exactly what it is and what it does. The Citadel 106 makes use of a typical carbon sandwich (that’s two full length carbon laminates above and below an Aspen wood core), but it’s within the core where things get interesting.

“Renoun’s VibeStop technology is the main talking point with this ski”

Renoun have channelled columns out of the core material (both in the tips and tails) and filled those columns with the VibeStop material. This material is called Polydimethylsiloxane, for all the scientists out there, and it’s essentially a non-Newtonian polymer that changes viscosity under force. In other words, it changes between liquid and solid.

What this means is that under slow, smooth skiing, the skis can remain softer for easier turn initiation. When the speed increases and the polymer is pressured though, the skis become stiffer and vibrations are absorbed by this material. The (lack of) weight of the polymer also means that the sections where the polymer is used are 50% lighter. This, combined with the lightweight power of carbon, creates a ski that’s impressively light and, dare we say it, actually pretty damp.

Renoun Citadel 106 Shaping

Looking at the shape of the Citadel 106, you’ve got a regular rocker-camber-rocker profile that’s all too common on modern freeride skis, although the rocker in the tails is pretty subtle. What rocker you do have in the tips rises up quite aggressively, presumably done to fight any unwanted tip dive (especially considering the subtle rocker).

You’ve also got a good deal of camber underfoot which will help apply even pressure to the edges when you do begin to flex those dual carbon laminates. Finally, the 106 mm freeride waist provides the ideal platform for a range of conditions while combining with the technical build to give confidence at speed.

Who Is The Renoun Citadel 106 For?

Coming in at a weight of 1,635 grams per ski, the Citadel 106 is one of the lightest freeride skis we tested last season. We were left pleasantly surprised at how well the Citadel 106 managed to handle a mixture of conditions, at a range of speeds.

It’s certainly a ski you’d want to try before you buy, but if you’re looking for a lightweight directional charger then you no longer have to stick with the metal laminate skis. Renoun has made carbon a serious choice in this category.

What Is The Renoun Citadel 106 Good At?

Versatility: 9/10
Carving: 7/10
Soft Snow: 7/10

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