The Raven is the culmination of Eric Hjorleifson’s love for skiing powder and his yearning for innovation. It’s the perfect blend of optimal weight efficiency and maximum downhill performance.
Equipped with the ground-breaking 4-LOCK™ Skin System, the Raven is more capable of backcountry expedition than any other ski in its category. The 4-LOCK™ system consists of an inconspicuous 12x9mm hole in the tail of the ski that has been rigorously tested to ensure it has zero effect on the skis downhill performance. By inserting the self-locking skin strap through this hole, the skin becomes locked to the ski, eliminating frustrating gear failure forever. The Pomoca skin weighs in at less than 240g per skin and folds up impossibly compact, saving you more weight on your feet and more space in your pack than any other set up on the market. It's simply the lightest, most reliable, and easiest to use skin system to date.
Get more details on the 4-Lock Skin System HERE
Graphic by Maciej Kamuda.
Raven Awards
Carbon Fiber
When stability and energy are a must and weight is a factor, we add pre stretched carbon fiber stringers to the core. Far superior to the flex and pop of traditional fiberglass, carbon fiber gives you the liveliness you want at a weight that keeps your skis feeling light on your feet. These
United StatesThe Ravens handle really well as an all mountain and the 4 lock is truly amazing for the backcountry!!
United StatesThe Raven lives up to its rep as a playful, fun, super flexible option for backcountry skiing. I have gotten 5 days in in the PNW with these so far, skiing conditions ranging from powder to an icy crust with glue under it. It skillfully handled everything but the gnarliest crust/concrete combo (at which point just about any heavier and wider ski is gonna feel better, right?), and I have a feeling it'll be fine even in that gross stuff once I get used to them more. The Ravens' light weight and beautiful graphics combine to make the uphill a much nicer experience (like another reviewer noted, they're fun to look at!). RE: the 4-LOCK system, it's genius. I have not noticed any reduction in traction and yet they are easier to put on and off, and weigh less than normal skins! Just wait until your buddy's tail clips keep getting caught on kick turns and you catch them enviously eyeing your 4-LOCK's, ha. I am a 6' male, 185 lbs, and although I would usually choose something closer to the 184 size, I noticed some reviewers saying that sizing up is not a bad thing with this ski, so I went with the 190's, and I'm glad I did. This ski is more centered mounted than some, and turns super easily thanks to its shape and weight, so you can still enjoy a shorter front while getting some of the benefits of a longer ski overall. Of course you do need to get used to the longer tails on uphill kickturns, but that's totally doable. If you are curious about bindings, I put Salomon MTN Pure's on these and absolutely love the combo for its light weight and sturdiness. Ps. shoutout to 4FRNT's customer service. They were quick to respond and help with all my questions leading up to my purchase!
United StatesI mounted shifts on my Ravens and so far, this season, I've clocked in over sixty-five days on them. Powder, groomers, slush, corn, they do it all! (Ice is the exception. They're not too great on ice.) I recently took them out on a tour that ascended 5,400 vertical feet. Next up: volcano season. If you're looking for a solid hybrid ski for resort/touring, this is it!
United StatesI put G3 Ions on these (191 cm on the mark) and went for a morning hike up our ski hill last week. Way lighter than my old BD Zealots. Coming down the hard pack and ice was not amazing, but still felt stable and I think I was far more comfortable skiing than all the ultralight skimo folks who crushed me on the hike up. Swapped out to MSPs and had a good rest of the day on the lift using the proper tool for the job. Today I got to ski in the conditions these things were made for. 8 inches overnight sitting on about a foot of still soft but tracked out snow in the trees. After a couple runs I found myself not worrying about keeping my tips up and speed down, just having the most fun I’ve ever had on a powder day at AZ Snowbowl. I was surprised at how stable the Ravens were going fast through the chop on the groomers. Other reviews have mentioned that they are stiff and stable but they’re so light I thought they’d get thrown around. Nope, at least with today’s cold and light powder, I never had to pump the brakes. Strong work 4FRNT, I am 100% happy with these.
United StatesM: 5'10", 160lbs, based in CO - Raven 4lock w/Hagan Core 12pro + freeride spacer I'm one of those that does waaaay too much research on my outdoor equipment purchases. For the type of skiing I do, I needed a versatile setup - mid-week workouts skinning up the resort, weekend sidecountry and backcountry with the occasional tour. I couldn't be happier with this setup and I demo'd a lot of them! As others have already stated, size up if in doubt. The closer to center binding mount puts less tip in front and the flat rocker makes it quick to pivot.
