With some of the prettiest mountain graphics out there, we were really hopeful we'd get to flaunt the Liberty Genesis 96 on the chairlift (and from the chairlift, since the graphics are mirrored on the bases) every day. Unfortunately, after a few days on the Liberty Genesis, we were ready to pack them up in storage. While we have a soft spot for independent ski companies, the construction of this ski seemed unable to compete with the big dogs. They disappointed us in most metrics, excluding bumps, where they were decently matched to some of the other average skis. An important reminder not to judge a book by its cover, or a ski by its pretty face.
Liberty Genesis 96 - Women's Review
If you're a beginner or intermediate skier looking for something affordable that's pretty to wear, these skis could be appropriate.
Price: $550 List | $548.95 at Amazon
Pros: Gorgeous graphics both topsheet and bases, very affordable, light and quick
Cons: Erratic at speed and in steeps, only good in light powder
Manufacturer: Liberty
Cons: Erratic at speed and in steeps, only good in light powder
Manufacturer: Liberty
By Renee McCormack ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Oct 16, 2019
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Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
While beautiful to look at, the Liberty Genesis was inconsistent in nearly every metric. There seems to be something about its flex pattern which makes it bend in funny ways, and at unexpected times. This makes it unpredictable, and we didn't feel confident trusting the them in most conditions.
Performance Comparison
They sure are a pretty accessory!
Stability at Speed
None of our testers felt confident going fast, in any terrain, on these skis. They did not hold their edges on firm snow, and would shudder and shake when we tried to put on the brakes. If we could manage to make a perfectly rounded, smoothly arced turn, they would be OK, but when we wavered for a moment they got freaky. The flex pattern across the length of the ski is unusual; they seem to bend and release frantically in the middle of a turn, without the skier's consent. While they are able to make a tighter, quicker turn in steep terrain, they felt unstable underneath us, making them an unreliable companion.
We didn't feel our most confident at higher speeds on the Liberty's, but they would be fine for the speeds commonly accessed by beginner and intermediate skiers.
Carving
This ski is definitely more adept at buttering a turn rather than carving one. It prefers to skid (and sometimes skitter) rather than rail a smooth edge. Because of the strange flex we mentioned, we felt we couldn't rely on the edges maintaining their course in a carved turn. One tester called them, "Bendy in a bad way".
Their odd flex pattern makes them feel a little wobbly while carving, unless the snow is very soft and forgiving.
Powder
We made a few good turns in a few inches of powder on the Genesis, but anything deeper and we were all over the shop. They feel noodley both at speed and under the fresh snow; even the flex and rebound we felt against the packed powder platform under the surface was unpredictable.
Crud
The Liberty's just can't hang here. They bounced us around like kids in a blow-up castle, but with less giggling. They're light, so they try to skim across the surface, but get bucked into separate (from one another) trajectories along the way. Not confidence-inspiring.
The Genesis gave us a jarring ride in the crud
Playfulness
One tester told us this ski was "playful like an angry puppy". You know, the one that would be really cute if they'd just stop tearing at your socks and fingers? It is lighter-weight and easy to get airborne - it's just what happens when you land that's concerning. We didn't have very much fun on these beautiful skis, sadly.
Bumps
In soft slush bumps, they are fairly flexible and maneuverable. They like to make a shorter turn, so they performed the best in this metric of any. If you're getting into firmer, bigger bumps though, the Genesis is better traded for something more reliable.
Their flexibility and quickness made them fairly adept in moguls
Value
They sit in the middle of the pack in terms of cost, but one tester told us that she wouldn't ski these every day even if they were free.
Conclusion
There are certainly skiers out there who love the Liberty Genesis, but our panel did not. They're aesthetically stunning, though, and could make fabulous wall art.
Also, if you are a beginner or lower intermediate skier, and you mostly plan on cruising around at slower speeds on green and blue groomed terrain, they may not be a bad first ski purchase.
— Renee McCormack