Head Skis 2008/09 online and reviewed.

What better way to talk about Head skis for this coming year than this awesome photo of Maier in action, in training and having the good fortune to be in Portillo, Chile.

There is a definite Renaissance at the Austrian manufacturer. They have, through the quality of the their products, and most certainly their management, harvested many of the world's best skiers - Miller, Paerson, Maier, Schoenfelder, Larsson, Cuche etc. Plus they have Jon Olsson, one of the worlds top freestyle riders and have blatantly invested lots of money in some excellent products for 08/09.

The highlights -

Well the womens range features some powerful, feminine and fun skis in the Wild, Power and all-terrain Sweet One's. With fresh graphics, serious sandwich constructions and aggressive sidecuts these are skis for the athletic and driven female skier.

Racing - Whether you're looking for FIS skis or race carvers such as the Supershape range, the quality of the cores, finish and sidecuts won't disappoint - don't think Miller would be there if they did!

All- mountain and Park & Pipe-

There is a mix of Monsters and Mojo's. Again the quality is high, there are broad ranging models such as the very impressive Monster 82's plus the very eye pleasing, and very functional park specific, Jon Olson Pro model.

So check out the new Head range further by clicking on the "Head" "label" on the left of this page - there is also an archive from the past few seasons if you want to check out reviews of your current skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Hermann Maier Training in Austria:

Head iXRC 600 Skis 2008/09

Very smart looking and nippy intermediate to advanced all-mountain carvers. With the target predominantly the groomed runs the iXRC's are traditionally very strong ground for Head and this years do not disappoint.
As you would expect the tip is wide, engages easily, there is a light agile feel but they do settle into either a nice carve or smooth skid depending on how steep the terrain, how fast or what your technical ability is.
Graphically they look very well - almost executive yet sporty - plus with the "Liquidmetal" technology they are quite sporty and somewhat better dampened than in previous years.

Perfect for higher speed blues, reds and tackling blacks.

Skireviews rating: 92/100

For the money the 600's are great pair of intermediate - advanced carver skis, plus they look great as well.

The manufacturer says this about the Head iXRC 600 Skis 2008/09:

A new titanium carbon jacket gives this ski the sort of edge grip you always wanted. Right at home on the steep, groomed trails as well as softer, in more bumpy terrain.

Head Monster Alpinist Skis 2008/09

Super-light, the Monster Alpinist is an all-mountain, freeride touring ski weighing in at a paltry 1190 gms, so the Alpinist is very much ideal for the serious ski tourer. As with a ski this light it is designed for heading up the hills as down them so the width is reduced to a skinny 74 mm - but compared to Touring skis of old this is quite a nice width and good in the majority of non-extreme conditions.
As you would imagine there are no sandwich constructions here, far too heavy, but the ride from Heads Aircoat technology remains pleasing and they are a reassuring and stable ski for what they are - don't expect huge grip and power, they are not built for that. Agile - yes, light - yes, built for touring - yes. Great for ski tourers of all levels looking for versatility than out and out performance in just one particular field.

Skireviews rating - N/A

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster Alpinist Skis 2008/09:

1,190 grams for a ski that will perform at eye-level with all-mountain-freeride ski. Need we say more?

Head Mojo Mix Skis 2008/09

The new Mojo Mix are tough park and pipe specific skis. Built with Head's strongest "Heavy Duty" construction this is a park ski designed and manufactured for durability and to deal with the immense strains put on the skis when landing, spinning and especially railing.

79 mm underfoot for stomping and sliding, centre mounted for perfect balance and spinning and obviously twin-tipped, the Mix is a ski designed pretty much purely for park and pipe riders - this ain't an all-mountain ski.

Skireviews rating: 85/100

A very good ski within the P&P category.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Mojo Mix Skis 2008/09:

Riders who really work the park need heavy-duty skis. This is the kind of twin-tip built to last, with performance that goes a;; the way from your very first trick to your last rail of the day.

Head Monster iM 88 SW Skis 2008/09

Expert skiers will love the beefy Monster 88's for back-country fun and those European conditions when you never quite know what snow you're going to encounter. The strong and predictable sandwich construction is great and batters through crud, is smooth both on and off-piste but they are obviously not as agile as this is a ski that most will want for high-speed ripping. Nevertheless you can still make short turns on groomed runs - skidded - and more traditional short turns in the powder, or you can let the '88's go and tear it up in the powder.

Rock-solid stability for the majority of non-pro skiers or straight-line hooligans, a GS-like sidecut for nice turn variability and a well-built purposeful all-mountain ski.

Skireviews rating: 89/100

An excellent all-mountain freeride ski for the expert skier or "Pro" level skier looking for a tamer ride.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster iM 88 SW Skis 2008/09:

One of our team's favourite skis when there's good pow, but not just pow. Check out the new bling tip and tail-protector!

Head Wild One Skis 2008/09

A great looking, fresh and fashionable offer from Head. All-terrain security plus a bit of life from a ski that is kinda between the unisex Monster 78's and 82's. So excellent performance on the groomed trails, enough support for the majority in fresh powder plus the agility for short snappy turns and stability for long smooth carves.
In all a really excellent package. Super-smooth wood-core sandwich construction, machined tip and tail edge protectors, feminine but not too pink 'n pearly.

Go for the longer length of 172 if you are err more on the side of an expert, regular sizes for more advance level skiers.

Skireviews rating: 90/100

Excellent all-round womens ski for the advanced skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Wild One Skis 2008/09:

The SUV of skis for expert women who tolerate easier trails, but seek security in tougher terrain, whatever the conditions. Wide all-mountain shape with new tip and tail protectors.

Head Monster iM 78 SW Skis 2008/09

Another great all-mountain ski. Tamer than the excellent 82 mm Monster but nifty on-piste and a little quicker edge to edge. even though I come from race background I still preferred the 82's as they have a little more grunt and are better fro blasting around. Guess the 78's are slightly more elegant and easier to flex but they didn't inspire me quite as much. The turn initiation is easier with the 78's and noticeable, they also feature a slightly tighter carve and lighter feel - an excellent all-rounder and great for adventurous advanced to expert skiers, do try to test both pairs if possible before committing.

Skireviews rating - 89/100

Graphically not as inspired and also on snow I preferred the feel of the Monster 82's - but for lighter experts or strong advanced skiers the 78's will be great fun.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster iM 78 SW Skis 2008/09:

Hungry all-terrain freeride ski with a good bite on the slopes and a monstrous appetite for powder. Powder to piste ratio: 50/50.

Head Monster iM 82 SW Skis 2008/09

With broad appeal the Monster 82's are the bread and butter or perhaps the creme de la creme of Head's extensive Monster line-up.
With a truly versatile 82 mm underfoot, sandwich construction, medium to large turn radius these skis are happy cruising the groomed runs and laying down a decent carve or giving you a silken (if not necessarily "big mountain" ride) in the powder.
They haven't changed much from last year but the graphic is again more vibrant and looks very well, the cut-aways and machined tip and tail look great and give a "quality feel" to the product.
On edge they are strong but not overpowering, the flex is well balanced and they feel fresh - not bad for a range of skis that have been around a few years now.

Skireviews rating: 95/100

One of the best and a true benchmark ski for the all-terrain advanced and expert skier - excellent and recommended.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster iM 82 SW Skis 2008/09:

Wide all-mountain skis, slightly twin-tipped for those about to rock it switch (? C.H. - what the hell for, but it does make the end of the turn easier to finish). Handles great on-slope. Rejoices out of bounds.

Head Chip Supershape Skis 2008/09

Yeah, this is a great pair of all-mountain carvers. They Chip S'shapes have the composure of a concert pianist, a delicate touch upon the snow but are backed up with some a hard-wood sandwich core that has power and depth for excellent control and feedback - this is a very well tuned pair of skis.
Perhaps not the most racy or aggressive ski - try the S'shape Speeds for that - but it is there all-round harmony that really appeals to the expert skier or very good advanced skier want to move higher and on to the net level. In the hands of the experienced groomed run cruiser they will be sweet, in the hands of the in-experienced they will be demanding technically but you will be able to grow into them over time.

Skireviews rating: 95/100

Excellent executive high-speed cruisers, think of a Mercedes CLS or Maserati Quattroporte. Great for experts on the hard-pack.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Chip Supershape Skis 2008/09:

It's like driving an RS6 (a little faster than my suggestion of a CLS!).Could be one of those new Astons too (although the Aston is back in British hands in Oxfordshire!). Point is this ski is chromy, roomy, comfy and FAST like nothing you've ever put your hands on.

p.s. I omitted to note, the small "cut-aways" that feature on many of Heads skis this year. The tip of the skis is machined away to reveal the layers beneath, although of no real technical benefit it does give the impression of a very well engineered product - they look great.

Head Mojo 94 SW Skis 2008/09

Fresh Head fat twins - the new Mojo 94's are aimed the funky freerider-styler looking for a versatile all-mountain to back-country package that they can spin, float, huck wherever they find themselves inspired.

Available in a broad range of sizes, from 166 cm to 187 cm, and featuring Head's super-smooth sandwich construction the 94's are durable, firm yet lively twin-tips best in the hands of experienced skiers and certainly the adventurous.

Skireviews rating: 89/100

One of the better fat twins around - they have the girth but they aren't too obese.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Mojo 94 SW Skis 2008/09:

Our new twin-tip freeride with full all-mountain capabilities. Extremely versatile and a real pure bred stallion when it comes down to just you and the mountain. Yeehaw!

Head Monster103 Team Skis 2008/09

Top of the line 103 mm Team Freeride ski. Awaiting further info on these bad boys.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster103 Team Skis 2008/09:

Head Monster iM 95 O.B. Skis 2008/09

Big-mountain ski touring with an emphasis on skiing rather than hiking is becoming ever-more popular and the iM O.B.'s are here to address those skiers. With 130 - 94 - 119 the dimensions are reasonably hefty but the weight is kept light through the use of "Hollow Glass Technology" and Head's "Touring" construction.
So lightweight for hiking, agile and not too wide for skiing the very steep - the O.B.'s definitely have their place and if you're serious about your skiing and back-country touring then they will probably prove to be very capable.

Skireviews rating: N/A

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster iM 95 O.B. Skis 2008/09:

Being a serious off-piste challenger the Monster iM 95 O.B. will take on any powder gun but remains light and versatile enough to get over those hard-knock-phases (thanks Aircoat!)

Head Supermojo 105 Skis 2008/09

Beefy back-country twin-tips for switch and hucking action far away from the madding crowd.
The Supermojo 105's have a slicker, racier base for higher speeds, less friction - otherwise they remain powerful back-country poppers for powder hipsters looking to weave their tricks into the white wonderlands.

You should know if this style of ski is for you!

Skireviews rating: 89/100

Technically very competent, guess they are pretty nice skis but they don't quite warrant being exceptional.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Supermojo 105 Skis 2008/09:

Riding in AK you might suddenly need to outrun anything from a pitbull to a grizzly to an avalanche (not that we endorse such behaviour). That's why 09/09 puts a new, faster base on this steep and deep baby.

Head Mojo One Skis 2008/09

Pretty much identical to the J. O. Pro model the One's are somewhat tamer in their appearance (to some extent, they are pretty vibrant), you have identical dimensions and a mid-stance set up, ideal for parks and pipes - this is the official Head team ski. Expect it to ski like the J. O. Pro, so light, fast, spins faster than the average politician and is much better value for money!

Skireviews rating: 95/100

As with the J. O. Pro model, they are market leaders with just an aesthetic change.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Mojo One Skis 2008/09:

This is the original team Park ski. Made for smooth take-offs and landings in tomorrows parks adn pipes: Eye to eye with the ever increasing size of transitions and tricks. Super-light with Aircoat.

Head J.O. PRO Skis 2008/09

Almost as popular but slightly less rarer than the girls who pose on them the Jon Olsen Pro Models are extremely sought after - but am not sure whether it is as much for their graphics as their skiing attributes. The Jon Olsson Pro Model is a fantastic looking pair of skis. the graphic is clean, simple and the model (who is rumored to be his current belle) is absolutely stunning- I just wonder whether the Health & Safety executive would approve as you may get caught catching a glimpse of Miss J.O. when you should be checking out your landing.
J.O.'s Pro Model is developed to be the strongest and best balanced park ski.

The 77mm underfoot gives good support when hitting rails or stomping landings and the lightness gives you a sense of freedom in the air with instant "spin-ability" - far beyond my level of pak proficiency to be fair.

With a similar construction to last year they should prove very durable, and I certainly haven't heard many complaints about resort. So about as good as it gets for park and pipe performance, plus you get to ponder the beauty of that smile when not spinning from a great height.

Skireviews rating: 95/100

One of the best parks skis around, great graphic and bound to be v popular once again for 08/09.

The manufacturer says this about the Head J.O. PRO Skis 2008/09:

Olsson's full-on competition ski. Aircoiat HGT2 tech makes this the lightest, fastest spinning setup on the market. Still, Jon's design and construction inputs make it very fast and ultra steady for big leaps and landings.

Head Monster iM 76 Skis 2008/09

The baby in the Monster's layer. The 76 is the most groomed-run orientated of the Monster range, and thereby the most accessible. With the image of the Monster's you get a vibrant looking ski with plenty of life and versatility for the aspiring intermediate, early advanced skier. So for blues, reds and even attempting a bit of powder off the sides the '76's are going to be most competent.
The "Carbon jacket" construction differs from Head's famed sandwich constructions but it does make for a light and agile pair of skis that are both forgiving and highly accessible.

Skireviews rating: 85/100

Highly accessible intermediate, all-mountain skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster iM 76 Skis 2008/09:

Enter the Monster's cave: This ski was made for open-minded cruisers who dig versatility. Totally at home on the slopes but ready to go wherever you want it to.

Head iSupershape Magnum Skis 2008/09

Last year my mind (or feet) were certainly not convinced by the 'Magnum's. They are a very fine pair of skis and many advanced skiers will love them - I just found them not as grippy on the hard-pack, and there was some artificial around that would test any pair of skis. But then again on softer snow and in more variable conditions than the billiard-table smooth and glassy piste of 2007, the Magnum excelled and is a most pleasant and bounding ski for the majority of groomed run skiing.
The larger sidecut certainly turn-in with great ease and you do get instant bite, especially in softer snow, also the added girth underfoot helps when conditions are softer so the Magnum becomes the most versatile in the Superspeed line up.

Skireviews rating: 89/100

Highly recommended for good advanced carvers and expert skiers who want versatility out of their carvers.
Skireviews rating:

The manufacturer says this about the Head iSupershape Magnum Skis 2008/09:

A fast but manageable radius for high speeds, a medium waist for versatility in soft snow and competition-orientated sandwich construction put this ski straight in the "super car" category.

Head Worldcup iSpeed Skis 2008/09

World Cup construction, "barely legal sidecut." The iSpeed in this form is quite a serious pair of boards, they are very much built for the athletic expert skier who is going to have the terrain available to let a near pure-GS ski tear its arcs.
very stable and lovely and smooth to ride, you do require some room,, I tested them in the 180 length in Austria - conditions weren't great but you could certainly get a feel for a well-constructed and smooth chassis and a tailored side-cut. The down-side is it was like driving a Porsche 911 over terrain that almost demanded a Land Rover. the iSpeed's are great when you have the conditions and are pretty much reserved for special days or the weapon of choice for young ski instructors and club racers looking for something slick for their "days off."

Skireviews rating: 89/100

Exceptionally good race-carvers with a real feeling of a high-quality chassis, but they do lack versatility and are almost a second pair of skis for when conditions are near-perfect or better.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Worldcup iSpeed Skis 2008/09:

Race carving in original World Cup construction. No joke: this ski is barely street-legal, fully focused on acceleration and edge-grip in long turns.

Head Monster 102 SW Skis 2008/09

Monster's come in all shapes and sizes and the 102's are about the biggest - or certainly one of the toughest. When I skied these I could certainly see their point but you need to be a passionate and powerful skier with a love of the backcountry - and if you're not skiing all the time then the love of a gym as well, you need power and technique to ski these babies.
Very much designed for high-speed powder-back-country rippin', the 102's are constructed with a very beefed-up and heavy construction - they hanker for speed and for you to let them loose and ride them. If you go for the 193's then you kneed to know what you're doing, the 183''s for most men and very strong girls are plenty for the majority of non-competitive freeriders and the 173 is obviously for the fairer sex.

Skireviews rating - 89/100
Above average levels of construction, stability and intent of purpose - also vastly improved graphic over what was quite weak last year - a fine pair of freeride, big-mountain skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Monster 102 SW Skis 2008/09:

Who ever said Head Monsters were on the skinny side? This big momma lives for the out of bounds with a wide outline and a high-rise tip. Both powerful and sweet to ride.

Head Power One SW Skis 2008/09

Fantastic, a ski for women who know how to ski! The Power One's don't condescend with girly graphics but distinguish themselves from the crowd with their assured purposefulness. With a race sidecut, sandwich construction snatched from the World Cup and about every technical attribute that Head have to offer this is a great pair of skis for strong and athletic technical skiers - maybe you no longer want a pair of pure-bred race slalom skis but you still seek a pair with fire in their soul - the Power One's will fit the bill.
So tearing up the hard pack on blacks and reds ain't going to be a problem and if it is high-end groomed run skiing with lots of bite and feedback then try out a pair of Power One's.
Sporty advanced skiers will also enjoy the energy, control, precision and life that the Power One's will bring to your skiing, they may even take you to the next level.

Skireviews rating: 95/100

One of the best piste-performance skis for women.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Power One SW Skis 2008/09:

An agile modern race-carver-style ski for women who want precise, agile energetic turns at any speed and a rock-solid feel under the foot. A high-performance ski for athletic women who fly down the slopes and carve with precision.

Head Xenon Xi 8.0 Skis 2008/09

Freshened up graphics make the new Xenon Xi 8's look a lot livelier. I enjoyed these skis on test - Head have been making great piste carver skis for intermediate holiday skiers since carving skis were invented, so they are pretty good at it. Nice and easy to initiate your turn, good grip up to quite fast red run speeds - so faster than many intermediates will probably ski. They feel reasonably smooth but a ski that is designed to be light and agile never quite as much a planted feel as a race pair - so good for cruising at medium speeds and the Xenon's do what they say in their spiel - a ski to be enjoyed by anyone from "beginner to 200-days a year expert".

Great first pair of skis, light, easy, skiddable and carveable.

Skireviews rating: 89/100

One of the best in the intermediate, piste/groomed carver category.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Xenon Xi 8.0 Skis 2008/09:

The unique versatility of a Xenon shape and the performance/weight boost of Aircoat at a very interesting price point. Ability/terrain: anyone, anytime, anytime.

Head Sweet One Ski 2008/09

Sweet, not as in gentle, soft, unassuming or kinda useless! No the Sweet One's from Head are a new womens specific twin-tip that has tailored flex, a sandwich construction (they mean business) and a tough ABS sidewall construction - so this is a sweet pair of skis for girls who know what they want - powder, parks, pipes, kickers, tricks, all-mountain ski-ability and funky graphics.
These skis are built with some serious freeriding and hucking in mind, ones for the expert or competent advanced skier, a great pair of skis for the adventurous and funky who have a good technical level.

Skireviews rating - 99/100

One of the best all-mountain twin-tips for girls, fresh and funky - plus they might be big but they are light.

The manufacturer says this about the Head Sweet One Ski 2008/09:

An extremely light, spin-able twin-tip big-mountain ski with just the right balance of smoothness and pep for women looking to challenge the steeper parts of the mountain. Comes with edgy attitude and a new, edgy sandwich construction. Graphics inspired by Kathy Morton's artwork.

Salomon Lord Skis 2008

Surprisingly very good. Ever so slightly "Rockered", unbelievably stable, great fun and very playful. Skiing is supposed to be about enjoying and interacting with the social and physical elements in the mountains and the Lord (or the female version the Lady's) allow you to interact like a child in a playpen.

Popping off and on the slopes over banks of snow and rubble into powder, onto ice (well artificial-cannoned snow) the Lord's took it all in their stride - a superlative all-round ski for every skier no matter advanced, expert or pro - you can pretty much go everywhere with these babies!

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 98/100

Superb all-terrain, almost faultless new school freeskiing skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Lord Skis 2008:

Freeride all-mountain, write another page of freeskiing.

Rocker technology: Salomon's progressive inverse camber for a new generation of manoeuvrability & floatation never seen before!

Salomon FURY Z14 Skis 2008

The Fury's are big skis and kinda strong. Personally they do about as much for my skiing as a fish and chip shop is my first port of call after working most of my early life in Michelin starred restaurants.

The Fury's sport a woodcore, a hefty-ish plate and are favoured by many an expert skier looking for a pair of blasters for all-mountain fun. They definitely do have their place as they do give you a feeling of invincibility but at the same time they feel like barges and there is not too much agility or playfulness to speak of - if it is stability you seek then as an advanced to expert back-country/all-mountain skier you will probably really enjoy them - me, well I'd take a pair of Czars anyday!

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 85/100

Very good freeride all-mountain skis but they lack agility and are certainly superseded by a pair of Lord's for pretty much any skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon FURY Z14 Skis 2008:

All-mountain high performance (85 mm), the expert one ski quiver for all-terrain.

Salomon Aeromax Ti Skis 2008

RS Cosworths or XR3i's of the ski world - the Aeromax Ti's are loud, brash, in-expensive but grippy, great fun and actually incredibly good value skis - they come in at under £300 all in.

This is a really good fun pair of skis. They provide lots of grip, a fast ride and plenty of thrills, non of it is particularly refined and they do feel somewhat "tinny" at times but then they are half the price of what skis that try to do this normally cost. Stonking for the sporty intermediate to advanced skier who loves nothing more than blasting around the reds and blacks, getting some miles under their feet and few pints at lunch.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 99/100

Amazing for £300, excellent and surely one of the best in their category, they ski like a pair of skis £200 more expensive - although they don't share much of the refinement!

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Aeromax Ti Skis 2008:

Allround sport, sporting carving skiers.

Salomon Aero GT+ Z10 Skis 2008/09

Lighter, a few quid less expensive and more sidecut give you a turnier, livelier initial feel and somewhat frisky pair of skis.
Great for the sporty intermediate to advanced skier the Aero GT's feature a foam core, lightweight and are very easy going but when pushed they don't respond much more than squirm.
They turn-in with great ease and will let you learn how to carve with confidence - you'll really start to "shape" your turns. A nice all-rounder for the non-aggressive skier.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 80/100

Above average certainly but they struggle when pushed or the snow is hard.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Aero GT Z10 Skis 2008:

Allround expert, sporting carving skiers.

Salomon Aero X Z12 Skis 2008

The Aero X enters its second year and they are still proving an excellent pair of prestige piste carvers. Having done a photoshoot on a pair of these exact skis for half a day earlier this past winter I set off with dread as I realised we were going to ski some off-piste and drop in off a cornice.

Although not built for such frolics the Aero, when the snow wasn't too crusty, did imbibe me with confidence. They are predictably grippy, the flex is firm but not too stiff for the skis within their group and they handle beautifully on steep reds and blacks - their natural playgrounds.

The new graphic which is somewhat sleeker looks great and they do impart a feeling of a quality product. Short turns were snappy, mediums and longs smooth and the variable radius design of the Aero X works well - good advanced to expert cruisers will very much enjoy them.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 90/100

Beefier than you may think, sportier and more agile than you may imagine but although they look great they could still do with a little more testosterone in their mix for more aggressive skiers.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Aero X Z12 Skis 2008:

Advance high performance, expert carving skiers.

Salomon Threat Skis 2008/09

Kids freestyle skis taking their design cues from the new freeski/freestyle Salomon range. Great looking, lighter weight, cut for the job and great for the younger generation looking for a decent pair of boards to tear up the park and pipe. ....plus that wide body shape is also perfect for all-terrain skiing and even a touch of powder.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - n/a

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Threat Skis 2008:

Park and pipe young generation.

Salomon Czar Skis 2008

The Czars are meaty, funky back-country skis with Salomon's "Rockering" system. The tip is turned up to give you a shorted effective running length making the Czars easier to handle when not in the deep stuff plus the core is wood and feels ultra-stable at speed - as do their smaller siblings the Lord and the Lady.

On test the Czar received heaps of praise for being so stable and predictable in the crud yet they still feel fun and have lots of life - they are a completely new generation of Salomon skis and feel very different from their skis of old.

For a big stomping Freeride ski without going too silly on width and length the Czars are perfect, useable, tolerant, fun, strong and great for European powder days.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 99/100

Almost perfect.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Czar Skis 2008:

Write another page of freeskiing.

Backcountry Czars.

Salomon Tornado Ti Z14 Lab Skis 2008/09

Stunning, stunning, stunning. I adore these skis, they are unbelievably versatile, stable and possess great snow touch.

Sporting a full wood core with Titanium reinforcement, a LAB binding from Salomon's Race Department plus the slalom race plate from sister company Atomic's race division for one of the best all-mountain blasters ever.

I tested the Lab Tornado in a 178 cm and it is just awesome on the hard stuff when it is groomed and very firm - there is a real sense of GS-like grip and arcs without the need to go at 50 mph. In the mush and crud of spring they were strong and stable, on the divine spring snow of last season the LAB's danced through with graceful arcs and giving me a huge grin as they tore down some GS turns on the Grand Vallon in Val d'Isere.

There can't be many better skis out there for the all-mountain skier of an expert to pro level. The Tormando's are the perfect teaching ski, responsive when you need and fun when you get a moment for yourself. For holiday skiers, if you love skiing everything, enjoy a good turn of speed then there is little else out there to splash your cash on that could compete or better the Lab T's.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 97/100

One of my favourite skis of 2008-09. Superb versatility, carve, control plus they look very good in real life - until the "Tornado" tag started to look very battered after a couple of days, hopefully Salomon will sort that out. Perhaps a little more upper-end, on-the-limits power and control would see them score a 100!

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Tornado Ti Z14 Lab Skis 2008:

X-Wing cut and fly. Groomed, crud, powder.
Nothing stops X-Wing, the new high-performance all-mountain ski designed to defy all snow conditions and all types of snow.
All-mountian high-performance (75 mm) the expert one ski quiver.

Salomon EQ 3V Z14 LAB Skis 2008/09

Snappier, livelier and more aggressive than the outgoing 3V. 2008 sees the 3V Z14 LAB picking up itself from a couple of years of stagnation and becoming a feisty, fiery and fun ski like the 3V's were when they first cam into existence. The tip of the ski isn't particularly wide yet still engages very early in the turn and they beg you to rip down the fall line like a Superbike into an apex.

This ski loves to turn and with the beefed up LAB plate and free flexing LAB binding underfoot you can really feel a smoother arc, more power and a lot more kick - this is a pair of skis for the very sporty advanced skier to expert.

Still not a FIS ski, you need to go for the full blown 3V LAB for that ski, but then this is a ski aimed at the advanced to expert skier looking for short turn thrills - the new model certainly fits that bill.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 94/100

A little slow to engage at lower speeds and although they do look sharper graphically I would like to see a serious re-working of race graphics to make them funky!!!

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon EQ 3V Z14 LAB Skis 2008:

Equipe; Innovate to perform. Reach perfection.

Expert skiers and SL racers.

Salomon Tornado Ti Z14 Skis 2008/09

With 78 mm underfoot you can cruise everywhere with the Tornado Ti's. Perfect for the advanced skier, or expert who finds their more aggressive days drawing to an end.

As I absolutely adore the Tornado LAB I'd probably always plump for that, but this model will prove the more popular as they are easily some £50/$100 cheaper and the flex is much more forgiving than the LAB version with the slalom race plate.

If you loved the old X-Screams and ache for a pair of skis to replace them with then you can probably not find a better ski than the Tornado Ti.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 90/100

Excellent until pushed, great value for money, check out the Tornado LAB if you are a strong expert to pro.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Tornado Ti Z14 Skis 2008:

Nothing stops X-Wing. All-mountain, high-performance (75mm), the expert one ski quiver favouring the piste.

Salomon Teneighty Skis 2008/09

Ten years since the first 1080's, where have they all gone!! So to celebrate ten years of manufacture and the invention of free-skiing with that original bright orange wonder Salomon have moulded a golden 10 yr badge and guarded the same dimensions for one more year.
One of the secrets to the 1080's success is its versatility. In France there are countless "moniteurs du ski" working eight hours a day on theirs. You can skid 'em, carve 'em, rip around the pistes, dabble in the fluff or prop them up against a refuge after a couple of hours skinning up a hill as they are so light they make good touring skis.

So versatile, light, more grip through the introduction of the wood core and "edgy monocoque" and lots of fun. Great for intermediate skiers to almost anyone.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 85/100

Good looking, extremely versatile, solid and certainly above average performers - perhaps exceptional for Salomon's bank balance!

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Teneighty Skis 2008:

A decade of 1080!

When Salomon created the 1080 ten years ago the first twin-tip was born. This special edition of our best seller is celebrating the event!

Teneighty: All-mountain twin.

Salomon SL Lab WC 165 Skis 2008/09

So rare in the winter of 2007/08 that even by April we still hadn't managed to test a pair.
A hybrid of Atomic and Salomon World Cup technologies the new LAB SL WC should be awesome, will let you know when they turn up this summer.........hopefully!

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon SL Lab WC 165 Skis 2008:

Salomon Temptress skis 2008/09

An extremely popular ski over this last few years. Combining the original ten-eighty shape with a lighter, womens specific core has worked very well and many intermediates to good advanced skiers will enjoy the Temptress.

Sporting a stronger graphic for 2008/09 the Temptress also looks like a more refined and expensive ski but the price will remain the same if not lower. Wood-cored for the past couple of seasons this Temptress is a better performer on firm, hard-packed snow than than the first generation.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 88/100

Very good all-round performers for intermediate to advanced skiers - not earth shattering anymore though.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Temptress skis 2008:

All-mountain twins.

Salomon EQ 2V Z14 Lab Skis 2008

Another new ski from Salomon for 2008/09. Tested in Meribel early in the season the 2V surprised me with its willingness to whip down the fall-line and grip like a demented demon on the artificial snow that was pumping onto the already adequate natural.

So a lot more bite than the previous and somewhat flaccid model plus this ski has some fire in its soul with the wood and titanium core plus the redesigned LAB binding and race plate that sit atop to give you, the expert to pro skier, a much more refined and precise ride.

As ever Salomon offer two main models for racing - the shop EQ 2V and the Race 2V LAB, the LAB Race variant is what you need for FIS racing, the shop model is great for tearing around and terrorising the speed police though!

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 94/100

Excellent, versatile giant slalom ski for expert skiers.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon EQ 2V Z14 Lab Skis 2008:

Equipe: innovate to perform.

Salomon Aeromax S Skis 2008/09

Great fun. Lightweight but still with a spring in their step the Aeromax S reminds me of boy racer cars. Highly entertaining, providers of thrills and for all for a price that is most economical.

Excellent on-piste, rushing around reds, plodding over blues or attempting some blacks - the S's are skis built to take you around all the marked runs and put a smile on your face without breaking the bank.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 89/100

Excellent value for money and great sensations for a ski at this price level. Two colours are available, red or blue, red being the boy racer version, the blue a more mature choice.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Aeromax S Skis 2008/09:

Allround comfort, intermediate on-piste skiers. control on demand.

Salomon Rocker Skis 2008/09

Huge! Massive in fact and very popular with the guys in the know last season. With a removable rubber section in the swallowtail there were varied reports as to what people preferred. A friend who tours a lot preferred the rubber-section out as it lightened the ski and made them much more agile in tight couloirs and on very steep, 55 degrees plus, terrain. A rather large jovial friend of mine who also sports a pair of rockers preferred the stability of the rubber section and loved the ski as everyone who has tried them as.
The thing is they are vast but they ski really easily and they are again a ski with playfulness in their design brief. They just love to hoon around the hill, take some air, make some huge carves and go seriously fast.
The only negative comment on this Rocker's that I heard is their sometime "tracking" or "railing" when going through pre-skied terrain. Rather than crossing or smashing their own trial through previous skiers' tracks the Rocker has been know, as are many large skis, to "lock -on" to a track and take the skier for a ride.
A fantastic if limited pair of skis for massive days, big smiles and awe inspiring skiing - huuuuuuuuuuge.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 95/100

Inspirational, great looking and functional but can "tram-line" more than expected when the snow is already tracked.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Rocker Skis 2008/09:

Pure powder.
A technology imagined by our team dedicated to big mountain freeride.

Salomon Lady Skis 2008/09

Superb and a new generation of skis from Salomon. Rock solid stability courtesy of their wood-core, the rocker effect really works well and you can feel the transition and design working for you when you hop from piste to powder or visa versa. With both the Lord and the Lady I couldn't have been more surprised by the ski/snow feel and the versatility of these skis - they are going to rock next season and expect them to be very popular indeed.

Wonderful for good advanced to expert skiers looking for a real all-mountain, all-terrain partner.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 98/100

Excellent, wonderful all-rounders. Only downside is the sometimes "heavy" feel which blunts lower speed sensations - so keep the speed medium to high.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Lady Skis 2008/09:

Freeride, all-mountain.
Rocker technology : Salomon's progressive inverse camber for a new generation of manoeuvrability & floatation never seen before.

Salomon Scarlet skis 2008/09

Vastly improved graphics over last years Scarlet. A real big backcountry twin tip for the advanced to expert female skier. Featuring a wood core and edge reinforcement they are very durable pair of skis, tougher than their name would suggest.
One of the testers, who has won womens freeride events in Switzerland and France, thought the Scarlet's quite a handful at times and powerful skis requiring a good degree of fitness and technical ability in order to ride.
So a serious pair of back-country skis for the expert or physically fit skier looking for some off-piste fun and creativity - I do believe a ski of this sort is so much more fun than many of the old-school barges and they inspire you to ski with a more adventurous eye for the terrain.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 89/100

Excellent but can feel a little "heavy" leading to a lack of agility.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Scarlet skis 2008/09:

All-terrain powder twin.

Salomon Emerald Skis 2008/09

a little higher than an entry level ski and very much the versatile all-mountain ski that the sporty intermediate will love.
Now with added wood to the core the Emerald's are super-easy to turn and are a joy on blue to red run skiing. Perfect up to lighter or less aggressive advanced skiers the shaping of the Emerald with its slightly narrower tail gives you a nice finish with no grab or drive at the end of your turns - this is reassuring and really enables the intermediate skier to relax, change edges and wash off speed through skidding in their own time.

An excellent package for the intermediate female skier.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 89/100

Can feel easily over-powered in the hands of sportier, athletic women.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Emerald Skis 2008/09:

Allround sport, advanced skiers.

Salomon Gun Skis 2008/09

Pretty big in reality and a few years ago they would have been monstrous. The Gun's are the top of the line free-skiing boards for the regular back-country skier - without delving into the realms of the mega-fats such as the Rocker or XW LAB's.
Retaining the monocoque construction and a composite core the Gun manages to do quite well in terms of keeping its weight under restraint plus they have total edge reinforcement to give you more confidence in their durability.
I still enjoy the Guns, they ski very well, they are solid underfoot, relatively easy to use in the hands of advanced skiers and the twin tip gives added tolerance in tight situations or poor snow conditions.
In all a good pair of back-country skis - but perhaps getting long in the tooth with the arrival of the "Rocker" generation.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 85/100

Fine performers within the freeski category but they are no longer the freshers amongst the "free" ski world and there are plenty of new technologies and looks snapping at their ageing tails.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Gun Skis 2008/09:

All-mountain powder twin.

Salomon Amethyst Z10 Ti Skis 2008/09

My girlfriend really loved these skis, she found them light-weight, very tolerant and easliy manipulated - so nothing like the writer then.

Aimed at competent intermediate skiers to advanced skiers who can cruise most of the mountain yet don't want to push themselves too much in terms of risk or speed the Amethyst works very well.
Graphically they are rather smart, feminine, refined and not too girly. With a versatile sidecut and lively feel they are very much developed from the successful Aero range and as such lively, nimble and great for the majority of blue to black run cruising.

A partial woodcore gives nice amounts of grip without being intolerant plus much valued smoothness at low to medium speeds - they are very pleasant, malleable rather than overly agile but great all-rounders for the majority of regular holiday skiers.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 88/100

An excellent and versatile ski package but lacks power and grip for more aggressive advanced skiers.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Amethyst Z10 Ti Skis 2008/09:

All round performance, on piste advanced to expert skiers.

Salomon Suspect Skis 2008/09

Wow what a great looking pair of skis, and they ski very well to boot. The new Suspect is an entirely fresh direction for Salomon. They have really responded to the new generation of skiers needs with a more specific, refined and tougher product.
Featuring all Salomon's latest manufacturing detail, Edge Armour, ABS sidewalls and the sandwich wood construction this ski really does feel much more substantial than all the previous offers except for the Dumont LAB.
The first thing you experience is the fresh graphic and side-wall construction, when clipped in they feel livelier yet more planted, giving you enhanced feel for the snow and instantly more confidence over their predecessors. This is a ski you feel will rip in the park, have the stability and smoothness to give you a smooth and predictable launch from kickers plus a solid stomp to your landing.
For the grom to pretty serious P&P skier this is a skier you need to check out for '08/09 - they rip.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 98/100

Almost faultless.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Suspect Skis 2008/09:

Salomon XW Lab Skis 2008/09

The XW LAB's are vast, they are for Alaskan or Russian back-country skiing, somewplace where you have space and lots of snow. With such immense dimensions the days when you can use the XW LAB are somewhat limited, unless you have the good fortune to have the wealth for daily heli-skiing.
As they are so large there is a definite change of technique required and also a relatively soft pair of boots - I found the combination of high lateral support from my ski boots, a Salomon X3, over powered the XW LAB and makes them squirm - this is a ski designed to be skied fast and hard but to flow and flex over and through steep, deep and enormous terrain.

As such they are exceptional and the ride is super-smooth, the flex tolerant, the float immense - and the smear turns make you feel like a surfer rider than a traditional back-country skier.
A stunning pair of boards but limited use - personally I would grab a pair of Rockers as they seem almost multi-purpose in comparison!

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 89/100

An extremely capable pair of skis but as a purchase you would have to be seriously dedicated and have the terrain and conditions at hand to really enjoy them.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon XW Lab Skis 2008/09:

Ultimate back-country rockets.

Salomon Dumont Skis 2008/09

Salomon's top park and pipe offer the Dumonts are new legendary amongst freestyle riders and synonymous as the elite of Salomon's freestyle production.
Also sporting the latest sidewall construction from Salomon (who were famed for their 20+ year stint at making monocoque skis) the Dumont is powerful, durable, has lots of pop and features a really versatile shape. The shape of this ski really lends itself to all-mountain skiing if not set over the specific park and pipe centre mark - but if set a little back from centre then they will make great skis for strong skiers to tear around the hill ripping tricks.
For pure P&P use then they are fantastic, lots of pop, well balanced weight for spinning and smooth, the sidewall construction really helps to give a smoother feel to the skis and the durability should be much improved with the new construction.

Skireviews.co.uk rating 98/100

Exceptional ski with every attribute required for park and pipe plus an excellent graphic.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Dumont Skis 2008/09:

Park & Pipe, innovation to last.

New generation of freestyle skis designed by the best riders.

Salomon Mai Tai Skis 2008/09

Very funky in real life and show-stoppers for Salomon at ISPO. One of the new breed of side-wall skis the MAi Tai is the women's specific graphic that shares all it core and shaping from the very contemporary Suspect.
On snow there is a surprising amount of stability from the wood core and good ski/snow feel for all-mountain as well as park specific riding. With a "wide body shape" and Salomon's new edge reinforcement system the Mai Tai should prove very durable - especially for you doubters who dissed the old cap or monocoque constructions. My only criticism of the Mai Tai as a womens offer is that it does share exactly the same attributes as the Suspect, one may have thought they would have gone for a little extra lightness or softer flex but it is a great all-round freestyle ski that you can happily hammer all over the hill rather than staying solely in park and pipe.

Skireviews.co.uk rating - 95/100

An exceptional ski that is a market yard stick for young athletic female park & pipe skiers, just lacks clear technical definition between the Suspect.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon Mai Tai Skis 2008/09:

A new generation of freestyle skis designed by the best riders.

Paerson officialy moves to Head.

Following weeks of rumour Anja Paerson has officially moved to the Austrian manufacturer Head. Paerson's opening gambit of "My goal is to win the Overall World Cup again with my new equipment" is a confident rich barometer of her intentions over the next twelve months.
She will join the seemingly endless stream of athletes moving to the Austrian race stable, including Swedish slalom specialist Markus Larsson and the highly entertaining Rainer Schoenfelder.

French slalom star Lizeroux heads to Dynastar.

Dynastar announced today that French slalom skier Julien Lizeroux, ranked sixth in the world, will be heading back to the Mont Blanc based French manufacturer.

World Cup skier and general "good guy" Julien Lizeroux began his professional skiing career with Dynastar, progressing through the ranks up to the World Cup level where he has had success with the Austrian Fischer ski company. With two wins last season, including the French National slalom championship from compatriot JB Grange, Lizeroux is tipped for future success.

Lizeroux explained that "It is very motivating to be part of a team that has proved it can win and to fight for victories and medals. This is exactly what I need before preparing for the next season which is so important for French skiing."

This coming winter sees French skiing and organisation in the spotlight with the World Alpine Skiing Championships heading to Val d'Isere in February '09.

Salomon GS LAB WC Skis 191 2008

Big, monstrous, fast, super-fast, Michael Schumacher, Hermann Maier, Bode Miller fast. This is an extremely rare, expensive and quick pair of boards. In fact there are probably more Bugatti Veyrons about in London than pairs of these skis - but then you don't break your knees in a Veyron if you don't get the first couple of turns right.

Pure World Cup performance for FIS racers, serious competitiors and one old ski reviewer - I can't wait to get my pair!!!