 Poster: A snowHead
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Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Tue 29-09-09 23:45; edited 2 times in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Here's a review from someone who until last night knew very little about different types of skis. I still know very little, but I am getting more of an idea. Having grown up on skinny skis much longer than me, I've always been foxed by the plethora of different shapes and sizes available now. Originally I wasn't going to try any test skis last night, I was just going to pootle round on the usual hire skis. However due to huge demand last night, Hemel only had short skis available for hire and they did seem a little bit oddly short when I skied on them, so I thought what the heck, I might as well try some and see if I can learn a thing or two...
First up I tried Storm Inferno in 165. Really liked these and they immediately felt more stable and smooth than the hire skis (Head 154 something or other). I could immediately tell I'm used to slightly shabby hire skis as these felt like they had edges you could cut food with!
Next I foolishly tried some very long Storm twin tip skis, can't remember what they were called but I do remember they were easily as tall as me (175cm). They didn't do anything I wanted them to do and I felt really quite out of control. Scary!
Then K2 Free Love 156, again too short for me and I didn't like them at all. Felt really heavy and clumpy for a short ski and really didn't turn the way I'm used to (I realise I may be too much of an old school skier to appreciate skis like this).
Rossignol Attraction Style 6 162 came next which I really liked. Pretty sure these are similar to the hire skis I had in Kitzbühel last season and I'd happily buy skis like this. Do everything I want them to.
More Rossignols next, Bandit S something and a bit longer 168. Didn't like these as much. Turned nicely but felt a bit flappy.
Finally my favourite skis of the night; Scott Rosa 158. Loved these completely. I felt I could turn anywhere, on the hard patches, in the lumpy bits. Fast and smooth and very retro pretty. I've since done a bit of internet research and discovered these are called 'freeride' skis (this terminology means nothing to me) which would probably be wasted on a strictly piste pootler like me, but I'm afraid I really liked them. I daren't ever ask how much. I'd probably want slightly longer than 158 maybe, just because I'm heavy and like a bit of stability.
Sorry for the very inexpert review, but surely this is a great opportunity for feedback from the less knowledgeable as well as the technical boffs?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Next up I went for some Storms but I’ll go and make a coffee and come back to that..
Hopefully everyone who tried some test skis last night will write their thoughts up... as a lot of time and effort was made making these available.
Top marks again to all the guys I talked to...
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I only tried one pair last night some Salomon Suspects in 166cm. They were too short for me really, I was looking for TT's a little over 170cm, and although easy to ski and turn I found them pretty uninspiring. Didn't float my boat.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I went ski testing 
However, knowing me please bear in mind that this may not be technically useful 
1st try - Salomon Aeromax (def.) S +711 (I think - the ones on the web site under this monicker look like the ones I tested) - 165cm
Of the three I tested, this was the softest and most forgiving to the odd error. I had very little problem in getting it flex and go round the corners and it was easy to ski. It was the sort of ski you just put on and go with and in this respect it presented little challenge, but it functioned, did what was asked of it and I guess that's what you would want of a ski. It’s the sort of ski that I’d feel more comfortable with on a strange steep slope when you don’t want to be in a position of worrying about what the skis might do if I made a mistake
2nd try – K2 Apache Crossfire – 170cm
So finally got onto a pair of 170cm which was the goal for my evening ski testing. This one was most difficult of three skis I got on to ski. It was very ‘grabby’ and a hell of problem to get round a curve. I think if I had been outside on a big slope I would have had more success with it. I got the distinct impression I needed to ride it faster and ‘welly’ into the curves with a lot more aggression. They had a mind of their own at times and I think it was more luck then judgement that stopped the indignity of being put on my backside in front of everyone  . However, I think that in the limited time there was to test them I was left with the impression that they weren’t insurmountable as a challenge – they just needed more time with me on the snow
3rd try – Volkl Tiger Sharks – 170cm
I got told I mustn’t like these as I couldn’t afford them!! I expected them to be as difficult to ski as the K2’s, but that proved not to be the case. It took 2-3 times down, but in the finish we were coming to terms with each other. To begin with I had similar problems to the K2’s, and they took me for a rather unexpected hop into the air  over the ridge that people were using for the purpose that developed in the slope. However, if I did what I was supposed to they did start to ski for me. I needed to ‘think’ a lot about skiing properly, but when I got it right the skis got it right. I think I could get on OK with a pair of these given an hour or so with them skiing in resort.
Overall I found that the more advanced the ski the more I had to watch how I skied. The Aeromax’s didn’t grab the snow and magnify an error like the K2’s and Volkls did, but there was no challenge to skiing them. They were the get me down the hill ski. I preferred the challenge that the others presented, and of the other two I probably preferred the Tiger Sharks……………………………Now what 6 numbers are going to come up this week?
As I indicated above these comments are by an amateur, but I hope they make sense to someone
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Megamum, I found the same thing with the Crossfires - one edge seemed "over-tuned". Probably something of a measure of my ability but I agree, would have been more at home on a slalom piste.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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The man from Storm wouldn't let me have the Inferno's for a season test 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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andyph, I find that a very useful comment. It gives me confidence that I was noticing what I was supposed to notice about the skis which says that I must be improving
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I tried the Atomic SL, I must say it was perfectly tuned, thank you CEM Really easy to ski for a Slalom ski, didn't feel like it was going to kill me, yet limitless grip.
I tried the Storm prototype soft Slalom ski next. Loved the plain black carbon fibre looks, though not for the production model. Why not? it's wicked. They were a bit short for me and a bit soft unfortunately, would suit a lighter male or female. really responsive and lively. I think I would have enjoyed them in a longer length.
Storm Inferno, really good slalom ski, loads of grip, easy to turn, yet you could relax on them too. Graphics very 'Movement' in there looks, flames - matches my helmet.
Atomic Nomad, felt as though they could be a great ski out on the mountain, but indoors really wasn't the place to test them. i think they could be very good though.
Salomon Tornado, very versatile, tried them in the softer stuff as well as the harder snow. Felt like a great all-rounder. Not been a fan of Salomon in recent years, but these are very good.
Last edited by So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much  on Tue 9-06-09 18:32; edited 1 time in total
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You know it makes sense.
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Maybe this thread should be a sticky ?
Equipment testing is one thing that Snowheads could offer a wide range of views on.
It would be a shame for it to be buried only for someone to ask for opinions on a ski that has already been commented on,
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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OK, scratching my head trying to remember...
First it was the Volkl AC30 in 177cm. These were the first skis I tried after the stock rental skis. I've never had the chance to ski a Volkl so was keen to explore. I was disappointed with them although I don't know if I just wasn't warmed up properly. I was labouring to get them on edge and didn't find them very responsive.
Next up was the K2 Apache Crossfire which I switched to as a "control" for the Volkls as I've skied them before. They were shorter than I'm used to (170cm) so I thought I'd be able to thrown them around. In fact, it was me who was thrown around. Not particularly turny, but the outside edge of my left ski cut into the snow so hard my feet were diverging violently. (Partly due to my too-wide stance, I know, but still...).
So quickly switched to a pair of CEM's Atomic Drive D2s (I think?). I always loved the SX9s as a great fun ski, but these weren't it. Difficult to say in this limited area, but they were a bit, well, boring. Sadly I didn't get the chance to try the Nomads so I'll stay loyal to Atomic until then.
Finally gave some Salomon Tornado XWing Ti a whirl. Never really liked Salomon but Mr Slush'n'Rubble said these were a bit stiffer (which I like in a ski) cos of the titanium. Definitely my ski of the evening. Good edge grip, quick edge-to-edge (for a 16-ish m radius ski), I was really pleasantly surprised.
Wish I'd seen the man from Elan as they have a few models I'd like to become re-acquainted with, so let's hope we get another chance soon... 
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Poster: A snowHead
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I cant offer a review about what thet ski like (yet) but what I have seen the build quality of both of the British brands, Whitedot and Storm, looks very good. I suspect with the weak pound they might also price favorably against the imported skis this year too.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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andyph, you might do better with the man from Elan another time. He told me that he hadn't been able to bring as many skis with him as he would have liked to do have done.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sun 7-06-09 22:04; edited 1 time in total
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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RPF, both are European made so are costed in Euros however both brands carry less overheads & distribution costs of the 'majors' so are extremely competively priced for skis of their build quality.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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My take:
Storm Inferno: Nice slalom ski, a little bit dead and lacking agility for me but felt smooth held an edge well. I can see a lot of people liking these as they're (cleverly) not marketed as a slalom or racing ski and had nice graphics so appeal to a wider audience 
Salomon Lord: soft, floppy, just couldn't wait to hand them back
Volkl Mantra: a lot better than the Lord, stiffer and with more edge grip but probably more agile.
Icelantic Shaman: despite getting some ridicule for the width (almost gave rob@rar a heart attack) they skied quite well indoors for such a fat ski and could get them on edge quite quickly. Probably a bit too tight a radius for really deep snow and not sure how flexible they'd be on the mountain.
Atomic D2 Slalom: loved this ski, the best of the night for me. Powerful without being overly aggressive, they were very smooth and well-balanced and felt like the sweet-spot was a little further forward than my stock Salomons. These were the shop skis and I'd kill to have a go on the race stock version.
Unfortunately I didn't get a play on the Elan SLX as I'd heard these could have challenged the Atomics for my ski of the night. I was impressed with the Mantras as well, and with a 22m turn radius could be the ski I'm after as something a bit easier to ski in the tight stuff than my Legend Pros. Big disappointment were the Lords - perhaps they're not just an indoor ski but they felt much worse than the Mantras or even the Shamans.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I tried out five pairs of skis. I ski about 80% off piste/touring with the other 20% being on-piste performance stuff (slalom and the occasinoal GSy type stuff). My own skis are some full on race dept Atomic SL11Ms and "retail race" Head iSL slaloms skis, and Black Diamond Kilowatts off-piste skis (95mm, 185cm). While the indoor environment is clearly best suited to slaloms, at some point in the next season or so I will be looking to replace my Kilowatts, so that was the area I was look at. The Kilowatts are great in powder, and absolutely fantastic in breakable crust, but don't really cut it when the piste gets a bit hard - they have a nice stiff tip and tail, but the middle of the ski in not stiff enough to support that when riding an edge on a hard surface. So, despite the indoor conditions not being the natural environment for a big ski, I was very interested to see how larger skis would cope with their unnatural surroundings.
First up, after being pointed that way by my race club coach (who happened to be hanging about!), was the Whitedot Preacher. A bit wider (112mm) than I really was after, but was worth a look. I tried the 179cm version as fatbob had the 189s out. Standing at the top with these wide boards on my feet I wasn't too sure what to expect, except I would have to work to get them on edge. First turn showed that they are a very stiff skis, something I never really got to grips with. Carving on these was not easy - and trying to get turns much less than half the width of the slope really didn't happen, as they took an incredibly long time to start the turn. The sidecut is allegedly 17m, but it sure didn't fell like it - I've managed to get tighter carves out of the 29m Dynastar Legend Pros and my 25m radius Kilowatts (although those won't hold as good an edge unless there's some softness in the surface). There was an indication that at the highest speeds it was practical to go on the slope that the would start working, but that wasn't really sensible - I did manage to get a couple of carved turns in, but only about 2 per run. Trying to really force them into a sort of slalom type turn didn't work at all, and I ended up on my ar$e a couple of time proving that point. I also never really managed to get a proper short-radius skiddy turn out of them either. I'm very surprised by JT's comments above, as I didn't feel I managed to influence their turn radius at all - they were just too stiff. These are advertised as big mountain, powder and tree skis. The first I can believe, the second maybe (but I'd expect you to have to ski them very hard) but I wouldn't want to take these into anywhere where any degree of agility was required - so I'd certainly avoid anything like trees or couloirs. So, I'm afraid I have to give these a thumbs down. The only guy I saw skiing these with anything like style (because I certainly didn't, and a Junior GB team member was also looking very nervous on them ) was the guy from the Whitedot test team - who did show that they could actually be skied in this environment.
So back to kiwi1 feeling a bit shaken, and he suggested I tried their park ski - The One. I was a bit dubious of this, as I have no interest in the park at all, but they were the right sort of size, 89mm underfoot. He also put the bindings back a bit - still mounted a bit forward but not full park setting. These were the 180s, but standing at the top, they did feel very short (despite the fact that I'd been skiing 155cm and 165cm slalom skis most of the day). The first turn down the slope though and it was clear that these were a very different ski. This actually has a 19m radius, but felt way tighter than the Preacher. The edges grabbed hold of the snow like a slalom ski, and although it took noticeably more effort to get onto edge than my SL11s, once you got there it felt just as secure - I had great fun really throwing them into some "glalom" turns. That edge hold also really made its presence felt in short radius turns - push the tip into/onto the snow and the skis spin around incredibly quickly - so much so that I had to back off hugely to avoid spinning myself into the ground . I didn't make a direct comparison with my SL11s on that, but I suspect the "The One" actually did those way better. So, quite a bit softer than the Preacher, and waaaay more versatile, but still a very stiff ski, so they need treating with the same kind of respect and control you need for a race ski. For me, I think it could be an excellent allround ski, although I'd want at least another 5cm on the length - 188 would probably be good. It felt quite light enough to tour on, but I have absolutely no idea how you'd manage to keep a touring skin attached to the squared-off nose that seems to be a Whitedot hallmark. Maybe solve both problems by giving it an extra 8cm of snout with a bit of rocker comme Zag? It was also completely different from what I'd expect of a park ski, but I'm in no way qualified to express an opinion on that.
Next up, the Atomic Snoop Daddy from the Hemel demo stock. I'd heard decent review of this, and looked at earlier models several times with a though of using this as a fat tourer, but never managed to ski one. After the One, this was from the chalk to the cheese. I doubt I managed a single proper carve in the half dozen runs I had on it, but I never once felt in danger of being spat out - edge grip was just flabby. Skiddy short radius were again OK, but nothing special, and even a bit boring. It felt an OK ski, but was way too soft for me, and had nothing particular to recommend it. It certainly didn't do anything that the Kilowatts woudn't, and probably a bit less (e.g. the stiff front quarters of the Kilowatts give a very definite engagement with softer snow, but I got none of that feel with these). I don't really want to use the term, but this struck me as the epitome of a midfat "punter ski". Sorry, but no cigar.
So back to the test centre for something stiffer please - like maybe some Volkl Mantras? I've read very good reviews of these for several years, but never found a pair when I've wanted to hire something. Fortunately the Hemel demo stock did run to them, and it looks like they're the 2010 model too. These 96mm underfoot skis were something like 177s with a 22m radius - or therebouts. And I had a ball. For a fattish ski these carve like demons - maybe not quite as solid edge hold as The One, but way more forgiving of errors. In the softer bumpy bits they were great at riding over the lumps and bumps, and short radius were (IIRC) pretty good, although had nowhere near as mindblowing an edge grip as the Whitedots. By now it was getting pretty close to closing time so I didn't give these nearly the workout I would have like to, but they impressed - great performance possible, but they didn't beat you around the head with it like the The Ones. BTW, these were mounted with Marker Baron bindings; while the skis felt pretty light in the swing, when you lifted them up my God the bindings felt heavy ! Any thoughts I may have had about using Barons/Dukes for an all round binding immediately out of the window.
And finally a quick shufty at CEM's Atomic Nomad Savage. At first feel, pretty similar to the Mantras - good carving over the bare snow and powering through the bumpy stuff - but eventually I realised I was backing off just a bit. These just didn't have quite the security that the Mantras had. I only had two runs on them, so probably shouldn't form too hasty an opinion, but they just didn't feel as exciting as the Mantras. It would also be out of court for me in that it has an integral binding system that couldn't take touring bindings.
So overall conclusions:
1) Volkl Mantra - great performance but also a ski that can be skied on autopilot, which gives it a win by half a canvas from...
2) Whitedot The One - fantastic performance, but watch it like a hawk or you're dead meat; max length too short for all-mountain use
3) Atomic Nomad Savage - contender in the same mould as the Mantra, but maybe without quite the last 10%
then following up the rear (from completely opposite ends of the course )
4) Atomic Snoop Daddy - skiable, but why would you want to?
5) Whitedot Preacher - way too much ski for me - and I'm no shrinking violet. A ski for pros only?
As kiwi1 said to me, one of the things he was getting in feedback is that the Whitedot skis are very definitely in the expert category. Even a good intermediate will have troubles skiing these skis. I would say that to be truly comfotable with The One you'd probably need to be close to an ISIA standard skier - and I'm not quite there yet - and (although I've got no idea how it would behave when you got into the deep stuff) for the Preacher you'd need to be heading well towards your ISTD level. The Whitedots have got the majority of the comments above - both positive and nevegative - as I gave them the heaviest workout. They were certainly had most distinctive perfromance, and took the longest to work out. After them everything else had to work hard to be anything other than....well.....ordinary.
Unfortunately I never got over to the Storm stand, and completely missed seeing the Elan stall - sounds like I should be trying those 888s. Other skis I'd love to try are the Fischer Watea 94, Movement Thunder. Unfoutunately no-one seemed to know anything about the Peak 88s, as they should be on that list as well, but I have heard some comments that their predecessor the Monsters were a bit on the soft side in this company.
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I tested three pairs od skis. I stuck to piste based skis as the fatter ones are just not for me (especially on a 130m hill.
GrahamN, you say about The One
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but watch it like a hawk or you're dead meat
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well further down the spectrum I tried some K2 Extremes and felt exactly the same way. A real vicious grip to them, 179 twin tips, so probably a bit too turny for my lardy frame. I could see these flapping all over the shop with my weight on them if I was ever brave enough to get some real mountain speed up on them. They must have been highlty tuned as I had to actively get my outside edge to release during the edge change. It often felt one was skiing on both ski's edges and just ain't good enough for this. Once the concentration problem was fixed, and after a few runs and some great tips from Neil The Instructor, I started to relax an appreciate what a great ski this was. Quite soft, but coped well with the slope which was by now quite lumpy. A ski that feels light, nimble and really easy to turn. I'm never going to ride switch or hang out with the sick dudes in the park, but if I was so inclined this ski would be the PERFECT twin-tip foil for the park dude that likes to put in some quick turns.
K2 Explorer 179 (I think )
A metal laminate construction, it certainly felt like it was built from girders. A rock solid ride that was not unpleasant, but a bit too firm for my armchair requirements. A more adventurous skier may well have loved these but they felt a bit clumsy and "heavy" when I skied them. If I were to ski them for a week then I would probably have grown inro them but on a 20 minute test they just didn't do it for me.
Well I loved these. Also a metal construction but they were riight up my street. Stable but flexible, VERY good in the turn, and all this before my help from Neil. A great piste ski, crashed through the bumps yet quick from edge to edge and the beginnings of a pop into the next turn when I started to be a bit more dynamic (no laughing from those that know me). Didn't have that dangerous (for me) edge grab that the extremes had, but this could have been down to the tune. If I were to replace my beloved old RX8's then this would be a ski that I would look very seriously at, but in 184. The extreme was also great.....but I just couldn't own a twin tip...it just wouldn't look right .
Thanks to all the folks at the testing station. All willing to chat , all with a great attitude.
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| Sideshow_Bob wrote: |
| Atomic D2 Slalom: loved this ski, the best of the night for me. Powerful without being overly aggressive, they were very smooth and well-balanced and felt like the sweet-spot was a little further forward than my stock Salomons. These were the shop skis and I'd kill to have a go on the race stock version. |
There are demo pairs around of the Salomon version of these, both shop and LAB. They were at Braehead over the weekend.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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rjs, interesting, thanks. Who were demoing them? EB? I knew Salomon and Atomic were owned by the same company and were pooling ideas but hadn't seen any info on the new Salomon race skis that suggested they were D2 construction. I'll have to keep my eyes out and see if anyone has a pair available to test down south.
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..
Last edited by Ski the Net with snowHeads  on Tue 29-09-09 23:51; edited 2 times in total
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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A bit of feedback from me then, nothing techy because I'm not that way inclined:
Rossignol B80 Average ski, I neither loved nor hated them. They didn't put a smile on my face (which is my main criteria for judging a ski by!). They were at a disadvantage because they were on my feet for my first few runs which are always rubbish but, that said, I didn't have my usual horrendous first run so they weren't that bad. I wouldn't buy them but would be happy to take some in resort for a week if the opportunity came my way.
Scott Rosa I tested some Scott Maya's last time out at MK and hated them with a vengeance. I took these on the advice of the girl from S&R as being a better option than the Maya's. I didn't hate them but I can't say that I loved them, I found them slow to turn and just not much fun to ski on.
Scott Wind So I took the Rosa's back and said to the S&R guy that I just don't think that I'm ever gonna be a Scott convert. He was determined to make me like them so gave me these to try....sorry but I'm still not convinced! I know that Scott's are loved the world over and Mr HH adores his...but they are just not for me, nothing bad to say I just don't find the ski experience on them a pleasure.
Storm Blaze Well on the advice of a Scott Maya lover who said she hated the Storms I thought I'd give them a try on the basis that as I don't like the Scott's maybe Storms would be for me. Oh yes!! I loved these, the Blaze are the softer version so really a little bit too floppy for me but I still had fun and the grin started to appear. Quick and easy to turn, nice graphics, a lovely on piste ski.
Storm Inferno ...and I finally cracked it for the evening. These were fantastic...I absolutely loved them to bits. Easy to use, the grin came out in full force and I just didn't want to give them back. If I could afford to have a quiver I'd grab a pair of these for on piste days...sadly I have to have the one pair that will go everywhere and I don't think these would go off piste with me.
Thanks to everyone for setting this test up, it makes running up and down the same few metres of piste a much more interesting experience.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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The ski that I most remember that night was the Storm Big fat rocker camber thing They looked like a couple of warped parquet flooring lengths.
A little scary on the bare bit of the slope but once I got into the more cut up side they were surprisingly controllable.
Even managed a few runs on them which was more that I did on the Whitedot one’s
The black Storm prototypes were very good two.
Overall I enjoyed the Storm ski's most.
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Hi all, really gutted myself and mini-ni didnt make it down for the whole test, just managed to squeeze in for the last hour and grab a few runs on the Whitedot's (naturally), probably just as well as that was my first ski since my knee op in April! Great to see everyone down there and get to have a chat in the bar after. Didnt really get much of a chance to ski much apart from the Redeemers which btw were frickin' ridiculous in a snowdome!!!! The looks I was getting, anyway they were surprisingly accessable and were so huge and easy that it just made me grin from ear to ear....light, easy to skid and smear due to the rocker and really sensitive under foot without being noodles...cant wait to get on a pair on a proper mountain.
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You know it makes sense.
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Hello
All I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who came to the test and tried the equipment. I think I can say on behalf of all the exhibitors that we are all very greatfull for the feedback that people have provided.
See you all again soon.
Chris David
STORM SKIS
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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cdmogulski, it was good that you were able to get to Hemel for the ski test; I'm sure that we'll repeat the exercise on another occasion. Welcome to the forum, as well
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Poster: A snowHead
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I was impressed to see all the distribtuors there and the array of skis on offer to demo.
I couldn't get round to them all..and I skied pretty much for 3 hours but enjoyed the ones I reviewed above.
From a punter POV, I think this exercise is great fun and informative so would love to do this in some form again...
Big thanks to all the demo guys
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Round 2
Although a bit disappointing more cos didn't hang around after the BASI demos, top marks to Storm & Salomon who were there to the bitter end.
I tried the following:
Storm Inferno -
I'd skied these last time out and they were as good as I remembered them, lively but solid slalom style skis. Almost the perfect indoor ski and I'd probably say for most Brits looking for an advanced on-piste ski these would fit the bill nicely.
Storm Strike-
A wide twintip, the guys said they hadn't been used much on the test. They were a bit too centrally mounted for me so I found that they felt a bit dead underfoot to me (I've had this problem before). to be fair you'd need to test these outside really.
Salomon Shogun -
Salomon's big brother to the seemingly raved about Lord. Actually quite lively for a wide ski and quite good fun. Will be interesting to see if these are a big success with the Salomon marketing machine behind them or they will be a bit too scary for the average Salomon buyer.
Storm Rage -
A sort of all mountain ski from Storm. Second only to the Infernos for use indoors and good in the variable stuff down the side, Would seem to hit the button for a usable ski for someone who doesn't get into the fluffy stuff all the time.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sun 11-10-09 14:00; edited 1 time in total
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Round 2 -
Slight disclaimer: I am currently awaiting surgery as I have a tear in the lining of my hip. This limits the ammount of pressure I can drive through into the turn, and therefore these reviews may be slightly askew. Perhaps akin to a low to mid intermediate skiing at present. Equally this meant I didnt stray from the on-piste skis, other than one quick run on the Storm fatties as I couldn't resist!.
Head Icon TT 80 (170cm?)
Head says, "Go fast and smile for the cameras: Our new sleek and fast carving machine with Torque Technology for extra torsional stiffness in and out of turns."
This is part of the new Head range, marketed as one step down from the Magnum Supershape. This was a lovely on-piste ski to ride. Turn initiation (even off-centre as I am) was relatively easy and very precise. There was a reasonable ammount of pop out of a turn, and although in shorter turns this needed slightly forcing to get the rebound, I'm confident these would be a great deal of fun ski for a day spent on-piste in a resort. The rep was very keen to point out that on-piste this ski had relatively few limits, even at high speeds, however I did feel that if you were a stronger (and heavier) skiier, these would be too light and too supple to ski at higher speeds. A very nice ski, and very exact in it's turn shape initiation and keeping that shape through the exit.
Salomon Aero X (165-170?)
Salomon says, "With the DNA of a racing ski modified to add technical assistance, every extreme turn becomes intuitive; you can unleash the power yet remain in complete control. Performance carving takes on a new dimension with the Aero X thanks to the Hybrid technology and Multiradius construction."
Another expensive ski for predominantly on-piste riding. These were very rewarding, and required limited pressure to initiate a turn and yet rebounded strongly with a lot of energy. Light enough to carve through traffic last night with no problems, and never posed a problem either in the mini fall line, the moguls, or the chopped up stuff. All round a very nice easy enjoyable ski to ride on a piste, and would continue to hold a good edge at speed too I think.
Rage Inferno (high 160's)
These were great skis. I felt very limited by the traffic on the slope while using these, and would have loved to have tested these on a real slope somewhere with less limits. They struck me as being quite unforgiving if you didn't stay on top of them, but their design allowed them to be skiied competently indoors. Ultimately they just seemed to scream for more speed, they were light enough to turn at low speeds but only started to respond to their potential when you stuck them on an edge at higher speeds - unfortunately by then you were at the bottom, and weaving between Saturday night boarders stopping for a conflab  I would love to try these skis on a full slope, and will be looking for Storm skis when I'm back to full fitness.
Salomon Storm (about 168 - 170cm)
Salomon says, "The one ski quiver for all terrain skiing, you're sure to be kicking up more than just a storm with these skis. With a 74mm waist the Salomon Storm gives rapid edge to edge performance. However the shape of the Storm allows excellent soft snow handling for slope side powder. Great for a sporty intermediate with enough performance to take you to the next level and beyond"
I just couldn't get to grips with these skis at all. They felt heavy and unresponsive, and even after the third run through chopped up snow to test their multi-snow performance (to some extent anyway), I just felt that they were dull and lifeless. Turn initiation was near non-existant, and I never felt like I was approaching a speed where I could comfortably put them on edge. Much of this could be me, injured and on a busy slope at somewhat less than top speed, but I just didn't get enough feedback in this limited time to even consider skiing them again.
Salomon Tornado (think 166cm)
Salomon says, "Salomon’s revised Tornado skis are some of the most well-balanced skis available for a blend of precision and power. The wood core and Pulse Pad Technology offer a stable ride on hard snow, combined with a large width chassis for excellent flotation through crud and powder".
These were a good pair of skis too. I generally liked the Salomon offerings last night, and these again were precise and responded well to pressure in the turn. A good ammount of energy coming out of the turn, which was generally wasted (unfortunately) for much of the time which I had on them. Would undoubtedly be fun to ski as a rental in a resort, and the Ti versions would hopefully give stability at higher speeds for strong skiiers. I never felt, even limited as I am, that I would be unable to bend them when I needed to and again they were fun to ski. The Aero gave a better turn shape for me at present, but I would probably opt for the Tornado Ti when fully fit.
(Couldn't seem to time it right to get on the Shoguns or Lords, as they were uber-popular! - but got a couple of runs on the other Storm models, and they were lovely, but really you couldn't test them properly on that slope last night).
Thanks again for organising it all last night, I very much enjoyed it - (and had an epic face plant at the end which gave my girlfriend a good laugh!)
Cheers!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Salomon Shogun:
great fun, very responsive for a wide ski
this is the first time I've tried a ski with rocker and was impressed with their performance in an "on piste" situation
Storm Inferno:
very quick edge to edge, great fun for the confines of a snowdome and would recommend for anyone wanting a lively, responsive piste carver
Storm Rage:
felt a little sluggish but probably because I tried them after the Inferno
seemed very solid and had no problem powering through the lumpy stuff
Thanks to all the reps who tunred up and allowed us to play with their skis
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I only got time to get some decent runs in on the Salomon's and the Storms about 20 minutes per pair, if I had seen the white dots I would have given them a go but from the other comments here I would have really not been good enough for them.
Please note these reviews will not be that technical as some , I have only been skiing three weeks, come at it late (mid thirties) and till this weekend have only rode cheap hire skis or the ones supplied at Fridges (MK, Hemel and Tamworth) and can just about carve on a good day. Also I did not get a chance to make comprehensive notes.
Salomons:
XWing Storm (165s): Got these as the first ski based on my level of experience (wanted to try the Aero X but was talked out of it as it might to be advanced for me).
Soft ski easy to control and turn: edges where good for a ski aimed at beginners and low intermediates and was good to carve. Ok over the bumps at the edge of the slope. Better then a rental ski but not a lot of fun and did not feel it would grow much more with me if my skiing improved.
Lords (169): I did not understand the point of twin tips for the slope and thought these would be a bit out of my range. Actually a surprisingly fun ski and left me with a huge grin. Carved better then I expected though it took some effort to get it on the edge however once I got the nack it was better edge to edge then I expected. It also gave a lot of control over the bumps near the Poma’s. Felt it was a bit softer then I really wanted but would be an excellent all-round ski that I could grow with as I want to try other types of riding then just groomed pistes and could spend all day on them.
XWing Storm Ti (165): Much stiffer then the lords or XWing Storm and slightly more fun then the Storm, edging was fairly easy but did not inspire me and felt a bit flat and uninteresting after the lords.
Shogun (173): Fattest ski I have ever been on and was surprised at how easy it was to move around. Excellent over and through the bumps over by the Poma’s, with effort and getting the balance right I could carve it. Skidded round in turns on it more then I did the Lords (might be a thing with the ski or my lack of skill) but was still fun. Not sure the best of these will be seen in a fridge though.
I would love to try these in resort and on Power and would consider renting them for my Canada Trip planned at year end – if I could justify a quiver I would look to these to be in it but not sure I can yet justify a quiver (maybe in a couple of years).
Went well with my brown pinstripe skiwear too…
Storms:
Blaze (165): I was slightly disappointed with these. Really well made and easy to control, more rigid then the XWings I tried and really easy to ski but I did not feel involved with them. If I had tried these earlier in the night I suspect I would have been blown away, much better then anything I had tried before this weekend but just did not move me in the end.
Inferno (155 & 165) Went for the 165’s next but they were out so tried the 155 first – really good fun in the Fridge, slightly skittish as I got speed and really needed to get the balance right to get the most out of them but they flew once I got there.
Swapped after 3 runs for the 165 and these were truly amazing skis. After the fatties I tried earlier they seemed really narrow underfoot but the experience of carving, once I had a slightly wider stance as advised by the Storm rep, these just flew.
A really firm ski that I found I got more out of the harder I rode them, really good in this Fridge and I believe we fly and be an amazing experience on a groomed piste in good conditions. Beautiful to ride and to look and very firm, so quite unforgiving for an early intermediate like me, however for the late intermediate/expert these are aimed at they will get a real thrill if they want a ski that wants to run at speed all day, as long as they stay on the piste.
Once more if I was in the position to have a quiver, and I was a stronger and more experienced skier who could go more then 2-3 weeks a year, then these would have a place in it.
Rage (166) Really is a toss up between the lords and these for me. An excellent ski, felt better in the fridge then I felt any twin tip should. For a ski aimed at a more advanced skier then me I found these easier to turn then I felt I could and rode everything in the centre well.
Stiffer then any of the other twin tips I tried, and all the carvers bar the inferno, on the night and yet still had some flex so I did not wobble the couple of times I gave them (unintentional) air.
Carved really cleanly, coped with my sliding steered turns and also moved through short sharp turns near the pomas sweetly.
I felt I could ride these across any terrain and still grow with them; might be too demanding for me at the end of a long day as my legs turn to Jelly but would grow with me and let me grow as a skier – from a company that has been in the game a year these stunned me as a seriously well considered and well made ski; If this is the standard Storm can turn out in year one that can be ridden by some one at my skill level and significantly more advanced skiers then they have an awesome base to build from.
So will try the Storm Rages again at MK along with the lords and Shoguns and will need to look at the Fischer all mountains and some of the Scott & K2’s on November 14th. Look at for the long haired fool in brown pinstripes, skidding through turns with an idiot grin on his face.
Finally Thanks to the reps and the snowheads for a great evening and making me feel welcome at my first event - to quote Arnie (and show me age) "i'll be back'
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darn - forgot the Salomon Suspects - too springing and a bit wild for me - would be great in a park but I am not now and unlikely evergoing to be a park rider.
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Round 2 from me....
Salomon Topaz Really nice skis, they were the first set I skied on and made even my first few rubbish turns a pleasure. Quick and easy to turn, long or short turns no problems. Nice subtle graphics. I really liked these skis a lot!
Salomon Ladies Sorry....not for me! I found these sluggish and unpleasant to ski on, I changed them after just a couple of runs so I suppose that I may have found their benefits if I'd persevered but the evening is about fun and I simply wasn't having fun on them. I also hated the glaring pink and gold graphics.
Head Perfect One Lovely on piste skis....very forgiving and easy to ski on, not much to challenge you but a nice secure ride with no surprises. A pleasure after the Ladies but I prefer my own Wild Thangs to these. Sadly latest Wild Ones weren't available to try out.
Head somthings Sorry...I simply can't remember the name of the last pair that I took out These were a unisex pair of skis and I do find that I ski better on women specific skis. I enjoyed skiing on them when it was all working well but found I had to concentrate and make a lot of effort to always be in the right position on these and as I was tiring at the end of the session so they were a bit hard work.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Ok, having taken advantage of the (very well organised) occasion I feel I should contribute, but with the usual provisos:
What I like, you may not.
It depends what you want to ski and how you want to ski it.
I'm not very analytical, I've realised, and while I can say I liked/disliked something I'm not really good enough to tell you why. There are better skiers than me will tell you what you need to know.
So having pointed out that my opinions are probably worthless, here we go...
Head peak 73 170cm - First set I tried and maybe I wasn't warmed up but didn't strike me as anything special, they were ok and be fine for cruising and playing by the edge of the piste I suspect.
Salomon Shogun 173cm - Pretty smooth but a little twitchy at speed but the rep said that was the rocker and I should ski it longer. Maybe I will, but clearly they're not going to be that quick edge to edge and not terribly lively but I'm sure they're great for what they're intended for and pleasant enough on piste for you to get there. But I spend more time on piste frankly and unless I was spending a season in a powder sure resort I wouldn't bother...
Salomon Aeromax ti 165cm - I don't normally bother with the piste skies but I thought I would give it a go, they were quick and fun but not as happy in the crappy stuff down the edge as the others.
Storm rage 174cm - Never seen these before, I really enjoyed them, very impressive. They felt very solid and I think they would cope with just about anything, pretty quick turning considering and a lot of fun. Would certainly consider them, need to try them some more.
Storm Inferno 165cm - Oooh, so not me I thought, stiff piste ski, why bother? I loved these to bits! They wanted to go fast (toooo fast), they turned (more in a minute) quickly, felt really lively, hacked down the lumps and the crud at the edge no problem, sooooo much fun. Seriously a LOT of fun. But... As was pointed out to me later they turned mostly how they wanted to turn, rather then where I may have wanted to. This was occasionally evident when stopping at the bottom where I maybe wasn't quite as controlled as I should have been (but no, it wasn't me in the netting). Would love to give them a longer test in a variety of conditions.
Salomon Lords 169cm - Had skied these in MK so I know I liked them, still did. Easy, controlled, fun, go anywhere, do anything, great skis. Hard for me to fault, just not as much fun as the Inferno (or the Suspects, which I couldn't get my hands on this time!). But how much fun can you take?
Head World Cup SL - short? i just asked for the pistiest skis he had for last 20 minutes, these slalom thingys were the best he had. And I really enjoyed them too! I think my critical faculties must be failing... Quick edge to edge as you would expect but also very jolly in the lumps and no problem with the (limited) crud there. How they would cope in the real world I don't know but if you're going to play on a nice firm piste they would be fun too.
So, hope that's of some use See you in MK for the next test!
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Hmm?
First off. Whilst I have skied indoors I have not done comparison test. I have, however down it on a similar length plassy slope and to be honest I just could not find enough space or speed to even begin to feel the difference.
Point downhill. Gain Speed. Turn. Link Turn. Hockey Stop.
sorry to pooh pooh, I accept that it can be used to sort out the skis which just don't work for you but?
I can't see them offering up a 180cm plus ski with 80mm plus under hoof an a bit of a rocker nose.
At the end of the day you just have to go on a bash with mates (not been yet with Snowheadz) and try it like the salesmen do, just con some free loans with mucho bravado .
Shee, I just re read the post.
I learned on a longer ski than they're poncing. And I'm an old man with week knees and hips due for replacement. (~2006 168cm Izor 7.5 Atomics before you blow.. I was a late starter.)
And don't take it too seriously.
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FAQ
However watching people skiing on various skis i thought the 
who tried a few out looked very good and most comfortable on the Orange 
)as did Spyderman on the 165 Storm Inferno's 
.
