Zag UBAC 89 Ski Set + Bindings

The ZAG UBAC 89 is the lightest and narrowest model in its line, designed for advanced ski tourers looking to combine efficiency on the ascent with authentic fun on the descent. With a waist width of 89 mm, it offers an all-mountain profile with a freeride focus, performing equally well on firm snow and light powder. Its versatile profile makes it the perfect companion for long mountain excursions, where every gram saved counts and where downhill performance must not compromise the comfort of the ascent. It’s designed for advanced to expert skiers capable of handling a stiff flex on varied and demanding terrain.

A freeride ski designed for long mountain outings

The Zag UBAC 89 skis are designed for challenging excursions far from marked trails. Their preferred terrain is open mountain terrain: couloirs, north-facing slopes, and packed or crusty snow at the end of the day. They promise an authentic freeride experience, with maneuverability enhanced by a multi-radius shape that facilitates direction changes in technical sections. The stiff flex ensures controlled power when exiting turns, without losing energy on fast sections. This ski isn’t designed for ease; it rewards skiers who know how to push it to its limits.

Dimensions and radius: precision and versatility on all terrains

With dimensions of 125-89-110 mm (tip, waist, tail), the Zag UBAC 89 features a balanced profile that provides both grip on hard snow and sufficient float in fresh snow. The turning radius ranges from 16 to 20 m depending on the size chosen, which corresponds to medium- to long-radius turns, ideal for fluid lines on open terrain. The multi-radius shape complements this design by offering enhanced maneuverability in tight spots, without sacrificing stability on challenging sections.

Rocker and camber profile: performance on snow adapted to varied conditions

The Zag UBAC 89’s profile combines a 25% rocker at the tip and a 15% rocker at the tail with a moderate central camber. This technical choice is deliberate: the front rocker facilitates turn initiation and prevents the tip from sinking into soft snow, while the central camber maintains grip and power transfer on firm snow. The more subtle tail rocker slightly releases the ski at the end of the turn for a smoother ride. This hybrid profile is particularly well-suited for skiers who ski on transformed or variable snow conditions throughout the day.

Lightweight Construction and Eco-Friendly Materials

The ski’s construction is based on several technical choices worth noting. Here are the key elements that define the ski’s performance:

• Paulownia wood core: a lightweight wood that reduces the ski’s overall weight, making it easier to climb long distances.
• Carbon fibers: These provide longitudinal stiffness and responsiveness without adding weight to the construction, which contributes to responsiveness on the descent.
• Fiberglass: It complements the carbon by absorbing vibrations and providing some forgiveness on uneven snow.
• Semi-CAP sandwich construction with ABS sidewalls: this process ensures good durability of the sidewalls and consistent force transmission to the edges.
• Eco-designed base and edges: the base incorporates 85% recycled materials, and the high-strength steel edges are made from recycled metal, as part of a responsible manufacturing process carried out at the ZAG Laboratory in Chamonix.

The Zag UBAC 89 skis, available in 155- and 162-cm lengths, are designed for advanced ski tourers who don’t want to choose between lightness on the ascent and performance on the descent. Their hybrid profile, meticulous construction, and clear focus on open-mountain skiing make them a well-rounded choice for long outings on varied snow conditions, provided the skier’s technical skill level allows them to fully utilize the skis’ stiff flex.