Head Monster iM95 O.B. 2008

Big 95mm in the waist freeride bad boys. Every manufacturers range has a flagship ski like this for the expert or pro to go cruising on. Firm but not too stiff the O.B. (out of bounds) is a good high speed cruiser for when you have lots of room and mixed to powder snow. Large skis such as the O.B. are generally a handful on-piste so best to keep them in their natural playground.
With a 19.7 metre radius in a 181 length they are reasonably versatile and you should find no difficulty in skiing tigh couloirs with a ski of this dimension- although the 191 length could prove a little trickier if you are looking to lay down some turns rather than just a set of straight tracks.
Go for length if you desire speed, slightly shorter for enhanced agility.
The O.B. is best reserved for expert skiers with a passion for the deep.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Monster, iM95, O.B., 2008:

New! O.B. stands for (wait for this!!!) "Out of Bounds", meaning this monster is extremely serious about back-country action both with and without the benefits of a helicopter. Designed like a high-performance powder ski and built with all the benefits of the Alpinist touring ski.

Head Monster iM78 2008

The Monster iM 78 is a great little allmountain ski. Easier to manage in the bumps than its bigger 82 brothert the 78 is a good allrounder for the intermediate to advanced skier.
The 78 feels light, agile and easy to use in virtually allconditions whether trying to carve or skillfully skidding down some steeps.
An excellent allmountain performer that also benefits from a sandwich construction that will appeal to the enthusiast for its added touch on the snow.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Monster, iM78, 2008:

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

Head Monster iM82 2008

Not bad. I prefer the graphic, its a touch stronger than last year and the ski felt a little livelier as well. The Monster 82 is a very useable allterrain ski with enough width underfoot for moderately deep powder days and enough stability and torsional strength to arc a turn on firm-ish groomed runs- they will be good on the softer runs of America but on firm French pistes they are not going to perform like a pure piste ski.
Ina ll a good allterrain package and one of the more solid Allmountain skis you could buy as an advanced skier whilst the expert will appreciate the sidewall/sandwich construction which does give a better "feel" to the snow.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Monster, iM82, 2008:

Slightly twin-tipped. This ski was made for riders who want to dive into the backcountry without completely losing touch with civilization. New fully reinforced sidewall construction. Powder to piste ratio: 70/30.

Head Monster iM88 2008

What I enjoy about the 2008 Monster range are the sandwich constructions, they just feel less tinny and highten your sensation for the snow. Often a sandwich construction ski is smoother also and it is this ski snow contact that really makes an impression when skiing on the iM88.
Although they are not the carviest ski out there the 88 is a great allterrain ski with a 70/30 split to skiing in the backcountry. The flex is smooth and fluid, the ski relatively easy to turn and I love the dampening at speed. They are not too huge to handle so there are non of the motorbike moments whereby you end up travelling so fast on your skis you think oh my God how am I every going to get out of this alive.
So for the good advanced skier to expert the 88 would be a good second pair of skis for when you get some new fluff in the mountains.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Monster, iM88, 2008:

The real deal among riders of our international freeride team. This Monster fires down any chute and smokes any bowl. New fully reinforced sidewall construction. Powder to piste ratio 80/20.

Head Mojo Mogul 2008

Pure mogul performance from Head. This is a thoroughbred pair of boards for anyone dedicated to the art of shimmying through the bumps and gleefully launching themselves into the Stratosphere. An excellent pair of skis for the dedicated bump basher.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Mojo, Mogul, 2008:

Competition mogul ski developed by the other John: Moseley. The standard for competing mogul skiers. Featuring a new, short length for the ultimate agility.

Head J.O. Pro 2008

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.
With a new light construction and balance point this Pro Model is stronger and better balanced for you to experiment further and with more confidence in or out of the Park.
The 77mm underfoot gives good support when hitting rails or stomping landings and the lightness gives you a sense of freedom in the air.
Stunning...girl...a very good pair of Freestyle skis for the accomplished.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, J.O., Pro, 2008:

Just over the course of the past season both the technicallity and sheer size of tricksin competition and on celluloid have taken another leap. That's why Jon Olsson's new Pro weapon is stronger, more agile and lighter than any ski we (or Jon) have ever made.

Head Mojo Spawn 1 2008

As per the J.O. Pro Model, the Spawn shares the same construction and sidecut so lightness, strength and the latest levels of performance in the Park....without a picture of J.O.'s rather pleasant girlfriend on the front.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Mojo, Spawn, 1, 2008:

Derived directly from jon Olsson''s no compromise competition ski. Super-solid construction despite its revolutionaryy low weight thanks to Aircoat Hollow Glass. Ready to boost your airs by another two feet.

Head Mojo 90 2008

Much easier to use than its bigger 103 mm sibling. The 90mm waist is still large enough for most mortals and the switch skiing a little more accessible. The constructions as Head say is "Heavy-duty" and the skis feel bomp-proof, the 103 certainly feels extremely planted in the snow. Perhaps I enjoyed this ski more because the dimensions are easier to manage on a routine basis and you don't have to have perfect conditions in order to enjoy them or feel confident on them.
An excellent ski for the experienced Freerider/styler that would make much more sense than the 103 unless you have the pleasure of skiing throughout the season.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Mojo, 90, 2008:

Solid meets soft,, agile meets smooth. In our opinion the best all-round park & powder ski there is. Complete with new graphics and an even faster UHM C base.

Head Supermojo 105 2008

Hmmm. Not overly sold on the 105's. Although I enjoyed the construction and they felt very fluid they felt a little wooden and not overly agile. The snow was kinda heavy, the sky overcast and underneath was a touch bumpy so I guess that it wasn't blue skies and fresh powder. But I was still surprised by the lack of finesse and felt the ski should be easier to control and not just like riding a pair of leaden boards- in such conditions most skiers want a ski to give them the confidence to keep charging on and give them a reason to be out in the hills.
I am sure some people will really enjoy the 105 and given different conditions I may have grown to love them but on an overcast slightly heavy powder day I was looking forwards to my hot chocolate.

The manufacturer says this about the Head, Supermojo, 105, 2008:

The ultimate Olsson twin-tip backcountry tool.
Flies and lands big and smooth, like a Valdez eagle, especially with the new, faster UHM C base.

Salomon Fury 2008

Hmmmm, interesting. The Fury is available with or without a Protrak plate. Without the Protrak the ski is vastly more nimble and easier to use but lacks the grip or stability on rougher conditions. With the Protrak plate the difference is huge but almost dulled by the amount of stability provided by the plate- you really need to get motoring with the Protrak to feel that the ski has much life. Personally I preferred the ski without and a more agile feel but if your happier with a little more speed and want hefty stability to hammer through some really knarly conditions then take the Fury with Protrak.
In all a stable mid-fat ski that can carve on-piste in all but the iciest conditions and a fast friend when the going gets messy off piste.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Fury, 2008, Freeride, Advanced, Expert, Skis:

You want power because you live for the challenge. Safe and stable off piste yet consistent for carving on piste.

Salomon Jewel Jade 2008

The Jade is an allround, allmountain ski with a very feminine graphic but the core and physical make up of the ski are full of vigour and are designed to allow yourself to challenge the hill in all conditions. A medium radius sidecut matched to a reasonably fat girth give you a ski with lots of float in all but the deepest snow yet the versatility to hit the pistes and still lay some decent carves down. A pretty ski with a decent level of power for the advanced skier or sporty intermediate who wants to take her skiing to the next level and do a little more exploring.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Jewel, Jade, 2008, Womens, Allround, Intermediate, Advanced, Skis:

Unlimited thrills with this little gem.

Take off at high speeds and experience a smooth ride even on rough terrain. The Jewel Jade will be your partner for all mountain adventures with unlimited options. Punchy graphics perfectly match your aggressive talents.

Salomon Crossmax V8 2008

The intermediates choice in the Crossmax range. A versatile allrounder the V8 is designed for sporty blue and red run skiing. Great if you've skied a few weeks and would like a pair of fast, reliable carvers. Best used on piste the V8's will grip into all but the hardest snow and give you the confidence to attack the slopes.
Intermediate to advanced piste crusers.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Crossmax V8, 2008, Piste, Intermediate, Advanced, Skis:

Tast the sensations of skier cross.

Take your first step towards Skier-X sensations with the crossmax V8. The control and stability of this ski will let you carve, slice and jump!

Salomon Sandstorm 2008

Fast and fat is correct. The Sandstorm is a very stable ski for big mountain skiers. Not quite in the super fat or extreme leagues of some of the more exotic ski manufacturers or even Salomon's own X Wing LAB the Sandstorm is a useable and versatile big mountain ski. If you ski a few weeks a season or used to ski regularly in the steep and deep and would like a nimble but fast off piste rocket ship then these are excellent and not too overpowering to use. The lightweight core isn't wood but it is forgiving and it retains lots of dampening at all but the highest of speeds. Some of the Swedish guys who tested them rated them as equal or better to the K2 Iron Maiden so it is a major thumbs up for a ski that has such a conservative look- but then this will also appeal to those with little desire for punk-inspired graphics.
Big dimensions and a firm flex make the Sandstorm best for expert skiers- this is a ski that out guns the old AK Rocket when truth be told so do beware, they may take a little taming.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Sandstorm, 2008, Expert, Pro, freeride, skis:

Fast & fat, determine your ride.

Fat and fast, this is the weapon of choice to make sure you can take on the whole mountain with no limits.

Salomon Crossmax W12 2008

W12's although available in Europe last season have now made their way, in revised form, to the UK for 2008. It was a pleasant surprise amongst several of us who tested these skis that they were so positive and reassuring to ski. On hard pack they were one of the few skis to retain grip yet still allow you to vary your turn shape without being over conscious of the toughness of the conditions. The new graphics looked a lot fresher and the overall packaging of the ski has improved a lot. In all a great ski for those of us who love high speed cruising on the groomed runs- the W12 can also mix it up well in varied conditions so an excellent choice for the advanced to expert skier looking for an adept sporty cruiser.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Crossmax W12, 2008, Piste, Carver, Advanced, Expert, Skis:

The ultimate skier cross machine.
Extreme turns,, rough terrain and high speeds require the ultimate Skier-X machine. THE ski approved by our Saab Salomon Crossmax Team, the Crossmax W12, is for skier-X warriors looking to challenge the world's best competitors on extreme tracks. When the gates open, let loose!!

Salomon Equipe T 2008

Salomon's junior race ski for those just starting out in the sport. Ideal for kids who a hunger for speed and available in four sizes in ten centimetre increments. The Equipe T will give your kids their first true carving sensations and rapid graphite base, lite but fluid flexing core it'll be the parents needing to do the catching up.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Equipe T, 2008, Junior, Race, Skis:

Reach the next level of racing sensations.
You can discover your first racing sensations, passing through the gates with the wind in your face. The Equipe T ski is light and manoeuvrable so you can concentrate on your performance. This is just a first, you have a long road of racing pleasure ahead of you!

Salomon Instinct Rush 2008

The Rush is a great looking and nomble womens allmountain/piste ski. They performed much better on piste to be fair and even though they are marketed as an advanced ski my intermediate level girlfriend found them stable and very responsive. They score highly for agility and enable you to feel confident and throw the skis around a little without feeling insecure. The combination of lightness, grip and slalom style radius make for a really good allround intermediate to advanced ski for the one or two week a year skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Instinct, Rush, 2008, Womens, Piste, Carver, Intermediate, Advanced, Skis:

Powerful ski for maximum performance.
For women with character, the Instinct Rush will more than meet your highest expectations. Performance, precision and excellent energy transmission all in a light ski designed to match your own carving talent.

Salomon Equipe 2V Race 2008

Race bred FIS Giant Slalom skis for the advanced to expert skier. Retaining their slightly classier black graphite finish the Equipe 2V is a versatile and easy to use, relatively, race ski. They do adhere to FIS rules but are not really in the same league as the LAB ski, in fact I really enjoy this ski for coaching or a day off when I want a good, fast and comfortable piste cruiser. Great for club skiers just setting off to do their first GS races but not for the hard core skier wanting bat out of hell performance, blood curdling speed and grip sharper and harder than a guillotine.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Equipe, 2V Race, 2008, Race Skis, Giant Slalom, Advanced, Expert, skis:

Improved performance for expert GS racing.
Ever wonder how the champions do it? With the Equipe Race Mg that has no speed limit and filters terrain irregularities. This full woodcore ski with the Protrak Mg will let you perform amazingly well in races or radical carves.

Salomon Dumont 2008

Formerly the LAB the Dumont of 2006 and available on a strictly limited basis. Its success has justified its inclusion in the main range this year. Perhaps this is the way Salomon need to go with many of their top level skis- actually make them for people who can ski rather than market them and manufacture them for people who just think they can ski.
The Dumont is a fantastic and powerful pair of skis for confirmed freestyle skiers. The flex pattern, the shape and the core are all tailor made for the job and they are an exceptional pair of skis for skiers with much greater ability than mine in the park or pipe!!

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Dumont, 2008, Freestyle, Pipe, Advanced, Expert, Skis:

Simon's choice
Graphics were huge for me. I really wanted something original and expressive. I worked with an amazing artist from Whistler, Chili Tom, and I was able to get exactly what I was looking for. I love how the artwork on my skis blends together. As for the construction,, I knew I was lookin for a ski with a different sidecut so I could mount my skis more forward than the traditional centre mounting. I couldn't be more stoked than the end result.
Simon Dumont

Salomon Jewel Crystal 2008

The Jewel Crystal is a lovely allround ladies ski. Ideal for the progressing intermediate. Very comfortable on blues and reds, easy to control, the slightly wider shape gives you added stability and also a helping hand when you are fortunate enough to have fresh snow.
The light construction gives you lots of agility but at the expense of stability so more aggressive advanced skiers may want to head for the Jade or Origin.
The graphic looks great, the Crystal is a very pretty ski and should prove very popular with blue and red run skiers.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Jewel, Crystal, 2008, Womens, Piste, Recreational, intermediate, Advanced, Skis:

All terrain pleasure.
All-mountain skiing performance is at your fingertips with the Jewel Crystal skis. Extreme stability and control combined with tolerance and forgiveness make this ski perfect for you topped off with the funky feminine design to ski in style.

Salomon Crossmax V10 2008

Sharpish, quickish and refreshing. A definite move forwards from the old school Crossmax skis. Advanced skiers looking for an allmountain carver with lots of sporting propensity. I was very impressed by the edge hold on firm snow, much better than the V12''s from previous years.
The new construction seems to be much lighter, more agile and not the mono-turner of old. An excellent ski to fire up the aggressive intermediate or speedy advanced skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Crossmax 10, 2008, Piste, Carver, Advanced, Skis:

Tackle your first real Skier-X thrills.

The fearless & fierce ski, the Crossmax 10 will let you challenge your closest competitors. Beat them to the bottom with the extreme power provided by the direct transmission and a smooth ride at high speeds.