Small-batch producers like Liberty have a tough row to hoe. Aside from zero name recognition, they have to either work with an established factory or try to start their own facility, both of which have their disadvantages. Their other two biggest problems are how to differentiate themselves from the pack and thereby generate a sense of mission when it’s highly unlikely they’ll have unique materials or processes, and how to make a consistent product when limited demand dictates they work in short production runs.

Small batch producers also have to decide how to reach potential customers, with almost all of them settling on a direct-to-consumer model as that’s the only way they can create enough gross margin to cover their higher costs. As Realskiers.com is dedicated to the survival of specialty retailing, we only review brands that distribute their skis primarily through brick-and-mortar retailers.  (I’m obliged to say “primarily” as every brand in Christendom sells a certain amount of their stock directly.)

So, what first attracted us to Liberty was their clear objective of establishing a viable dealer network, despite the added costs of charting this course. Its brand identity was defined by its lightweight bamboo and carbon construction which was well adapted to wide-body, off-trail skis, a domain overrun with small-batch brands.

Then Liberty broke from the pack with Vertical Metal Technology (VMT), just at the same time that industry powerhouses Rossignol and Blizzard introduced vertical struts in some of their top race-class models. Stunningly, the Liberty version with two aluminum struts seemed to deliver the glued-to-the-snow sensation this design is meant to deliver at a level at or above the big boys.  Very impressive.

As is often the case with new technologies, Liberty has spent the last couple of years trying to find the best formula for VMT’s deployment, settling two seasons ago on a three-struct configuration in its all-mountain evolv series. The vertical strips of alu are encased in bamboo stringers within a bamboo and poplar core that’s reinforced with carbon and glass.  It’s a very rich and sophisticated construction that rises well above the norm among indie brands.

As executed in the evolv 100, VMT accentuates its carving traits, tipping its on-tail/off-trail ratio towards rocking groomers over ripping up crud. In a category in which most models can’t wait to smear, the evolv 100 prefers to carve, slicing long arcs (19m@179cm) that don’t deviate far from the fall line. To tighten your turns, apply a higher edge angle.

The evolv 100 skis best when the skier is pressing forward into the tip, as one would on a Technical ski, as opposed to the more centered stance favored by all-terrain skiers. It’s possible to execute the top of a snug, slalom turn by maintaining a high edge angle combined with early pressure (that would be wasted on most heavily rockered skis), but the stiff tail wants to straighten out the arc rather than finish in a big, cross-hill bottom. Its insistence on carving and snow connection limits its enthusiasm for foot-swiveling and smearing, and it’s not light enough to throw sideways on a whim. Its unusual amalgam of traits gives the evolv 100 a unique dedication to snow connection among skis 100mm wide.

Over the past five seasons, our experiences with Liberty have illuminated a point we tend to brush over, namely the vital importance of base prep.  All brands, big and small, struggle with ex-factory finish.  To loosen up the evolv 100’s tight grip, consider using a grind like a thumbprint or chevron that will improve its willingness to drift and move laterally, a must in tight quarters off-trail.