20/21 ZAG UBAC 102 Skis Awarded Gear of the Year by Backcountry Skiing Canada

ZAG may be a ski brand you've not yet heard of but we hope to change that. They make amazing skis and our favourite is the UBAC 102 which is a touring machine. Light, stiff, fat and fun—everything you want in a backcountry ski and more. These skis do not disappoint which is why we've awarded them our Gear of the Year Award. Congrats ZAG.

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You may not (yet) heard of ZAG Skis and for this, I’ll forgive you as they were just recently introduced to Canada this winter. They have been a staple in Europe for the last 15 years where they are developed in Chamonix France. ZAG's off-piste freeride heritage shines through in their UBAC 102 Skis which are the lightest freetouring ski in their line-up. They come in a 95 and 102 version and are a dedicated touring ski which can still carve at the resort. If you are looking for a more freeride orientated ski then be sure to give my review of ZAG’s SLAP 104 Skis a read here.

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Like their bigger brother, the SLAP 104 Skis, the ZAG UBAC 102's are a high-performance ski that not only looks great but can tame pretty much anything you throw at them.

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PROS:

  • Light yet stiff.

  • Relatively flat tail for completing turns and easy kick turns on the skin track.

  • Tail protector.

  • Made for touring but just as fun in bounds.

CONS:

  • 102 width is a little narrow for deep, deep pow days.

  • Advanced ski which is not as forgiving as some.

  • Pricey.

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SPECS:

Price: $1099CAN / $859US
Weight: 1.69kg / 3.73lb (188cm length, per ski)
Lengths: 174, 184, 188
Dimensions: 136.5 / 102 / 119.5mm
Turn Radius: 22m

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RATING: 9/10

Powder Performance: 1.5/2
Groomer Performance: 2/2
Stability: 2/2
Weight: 2/2
Value: 1.5/2

Marty Carriganglobal sales guys, specialty retail, ZAG Skis, Backcountry Skiing Canada, Gear of the Year 2021Comment