2025 Head Oblivion 116 Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: May 19th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (4.67/5)
We had three employees put the 2025 Head Oblivion 116 Skis through their paces, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. This ski is what any advanced skier looks for in a twin pow ski. Ryan van den Meerendonk, a former competitive freeride and freestyle skier, praised the medium flex for its stability and maneuverability, highlighting its performance in both tight trees and high-speed situations. Griffin Prime found the 189cm length perfect for his needs, noting the ski's stability at high speeds and its ability to ski switch comfortably. Jarett Grimm, testing in slushy and skied-out conditions, appreciated the playful flex profile and its capability to handle tight turns despite its 30-meter radius.
All testers commended the Oblivion 116 for its versatility and performance in various conditions. Whether carving high-speed turns on groomers or navigating through deep powder, this ski delivered an impressive blend of stability, maneuverability, and fun. It's not just a one-dimensional pow ski but a reliable all-around performer that stands out in its category.
Technical Details
"This is Cole Richardson's vision of "the perfect powder ski." A playful shape and responsive pop inspire self-expression on the mountain, while the stiff construction backs you up when things get rowdy. These are the skis to take you to oblivion and back."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 181, 189 |
| Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail, mm) | 142 - 117 - 132 (189cm) |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | TNT Rocker (Rocker/Camber/Rocker) |
| Radius (m) | 30.8 (189cm) |
| Core | Recycled PET + Poplar Wood |
| Laminates | Carbon, Carbon Biaxial, Diagonal Glass Fiber, Dampening Layer |
| Weight (g) | - |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Head — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the 2025 Head Oblivion 116 Skis:
In assessing the 2025 Head Oblivion 116, we enlisted three of our evo employees, bringing a mix of professional to expert skiing abilities and styles that include all-mountain, freeride, freestyle, backcountry, and groomers/carving. These evaluations unfolded at Mission Ridge, WA, challenging the skis across a spectrum of conditions and terrains. The testers' varied experiences ensure our review encapsulates a comprehensive and unbiased perspective, making it a reliable resource for those considering the Oblivion 116. Read on for each tester's perspective.
Ryan van den Meerendonk
Store Lead - Seattle Store
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Professional
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Amazing Pow ski, could be for 2" to 4 Feet and this ski will shine. Fun yet stable.
"Former competitive freeride and freestyle skier. This is what any advanced to pro skier looks for in a twin pow ski. Medium flex keeps it stable but maneuverable. Twin shape makes it so the tail can break loose in trees but the camber gives it stablity for high speeds and airs of any size. Even could carve high speed switch down the groomer. Would be an awesome pick for an all around pow ski in and out of bounds, as it's fun and poppy but solid to get you through the chop."
Griffin Prime
Sales Associate - Seattle Store
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 189 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Composed skiing forwards and backwards, very reasonable price point..
"At 5'10" and 155 lbs the 189cm length is definitely a big ski but it felt just right for what i would be looking for in a pow ski. If you've seen Cole Richardson ski it would make sense to you that the oblivion 116, his signature ski would feel very stable at high speeds and composed skiing switch. Anyone looking for a freestyle pow ski should seriously consider the oblivion and it doesn't hurt that they are offering the oblivion at a lower price point than many other skis, Good job Head."
Jarett Grimm
Store Supervisor - Seattle Store
Tester Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 185 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Dollar for dollar best all-around pow ski on the market
"This was one of the last skis I tried on a very slushy, skied out mission ridge demo day. Having owned a pair of Kore's before, I knew this Oblivion would be a different take and it did not disappoint. While the Kore is directional, lightweight, and stiff, the Oblivion series gets more centered, less weight-conscious, and more playful in the flex profile. I personally think because of the flex & rocker profile it can rip much tighter turns than that 30 meters radius suggests. I think the longest length (previous 189 cm, now maybe a little longer) would be ideal for somebody my size (6ft, 185 lbs). 116 is a little bit wide for an everyday driver, but would definitely throw this in there with other pow-specific crud busters in the 115-120 cm range. This is is for the progressive new-school PNW freeride skier that still wants a ski with the tried and true performance of a Head Ski."
Pros
Versatility: For a wide ski, the Head Oblivion 116 performs exceptionally well in various conditions, from deep powder to groomed runs, providing stability and maneuverability.
Playfulness: The medium flex and twin shape allow for playful skiing, making it easy to break the tail loose in trees while maintaining control at high speeds.
Affordability: Despite its high performance construction, the Oblivion 116 comes at a lower price point compared to many other freestyle pow skis, offering great value for the money.
Cons
Wide for Everyday Use: The 116mm width may be too wide for many skiers as an everyday driver, making it more suited for specific conditions rather than all-around use.
Weight Sensitivity: Some testers noted that the ski's performance could be affected by rider weight, requiring a more tailored choice of length for optimal handling.
Slushy Conditions: While the Oblivion 116 performed well overall, its playful flex might not be ideal in more chunky, skied-out conditions where a stiffer ski could offer better stability.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Head Oblivion 116 is best suited for advanced skiers who thrive in deep powder and variable terrain. This ski is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of freeride and freestyle skiing, seeking a balance of stability, maneuverability, and playfulness. Its medium flex and twin shape make it ideal for skiers looking to break loose in tight trees, carve high-speed turns, and land airs of any size. However, due to its 116mm width, it may not be the best choice for those looking for an everyday all-mountain ski, especially in less powdery conditions.
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