Movement Skis 2009 Reviews

Movement have made some beautiful skis over this past few years, Movement aim to instil their energy and passion into all their products. 2009 sees an expanded range with plenty of skis in there for mere mortal advanced skiers along with my favourites such as the Goliath and Thunder which do require a slightly more experienced hand.

Movement skis are very well engineered, use great quality woods and they tune the flex to perfection for some of the best freeride, style and just just "freeskis" for the whole mountain - check out the Movement reviews and let me know what you think.
Happy days.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Skis 2009 Reviews:

Movement Climax Skis 2009

Highly versatile mid-fat telemark specific ski from a fine telemark range produced for 2009 by Movement. With 82 mm underfoot you have the float versatility to hit the whole mountain, almost a full-twin-tip for ease of turns in tricky conditions but also some newschool tricks and fakie riding. An excellent all-round, all-mountain telemark ski for the advanced to expert telemark skier.

skireviews.co.uk rating: n/a

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Climax Skis 2009:

The Climax is designed to be an extremely versatile telemark ski. Good grip on-piste and excellent initiation and release in short turns characterise it as much as its back-country skills. With the exception of its tip and tail the geometry has not been changed. The tip/tail rise have been slightly increased so the Climax has better floatation in crud and powder.

Movement Gladiator Skis 2009

A Movement staple nowadays, the Gladiator is a harmony of freeride and freestyle - they work superbly as an expert freeride ski if you take the longer length and are great in tight situations, tree skiing and poor snow conditions. As a more freeride-orientated skier I loved the grip, the tuned flex and the power of the gladiator as an all-mountain ski that the very sporty advanced or expert skier can ride anywhere - so a true "freeski."

For the freestylers out there, well it is twin-tipped, they are a very tough and durable pair of skis that will take pounding in the park or back-country but you also have the benefit of a great pair of all-terrain skis when you get bored of jibbin'.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 89/100

An excellent blend of freeride and freestyle for a true "freeski."

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Gladiator Skis 2009:

The Gladiator is a perfect synthesis between a freeride and a freestyle ski. It is torsionally stiff which gives it grip on hard snow. But the Gladiator is very playful and lively in soft snow and changing terrain. It is light underfoot yet stable at speed. One of our most popular all-round freeskis. The Gladiator will happily rip-it-up, wherever you want to take it. A true machine.

Movement Baggy Skis 2009

Much improved graphic for 2009 lifts the Baggy and makes them even more appealing fro the dedicated back-country hucker. A hybrid-freestyle-freeride ski that has huge dimensions, 132-102-122, and is available in three lengths up to 188, the Baggy is aimed at the expert to pro rider looking for versatility across the entire mountain. Security and durability come from a super-light core which keeps such a strong ski manageable, the sidewalls are all beefed-up for hitting rails and rocks - for when you're spinning off your favourite cliff.

Funky, strong, newschool freerider-styler aimed at the very advanced freerider to more serious rider.

skireviews.co.uk rating 98/100

Excellent for its target group of the new breed of freerider-styler.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Baggy Skis 2009:

Its life was intended to be backcountry and freestyle. Due to its fairly short-radius, the Baggy surprises, despite its width, at short and quick turns on-piste. Its long and large tip and tail give it a lot of lift in deep snow also offer stability and a soft catch when fakie landing. We wanted to give to this ski a lot of character that allows skiers to carry out the most extreme tricks in the most extreme terrain. The ski is very light due to the proprietary wood cored we use and its light enough to provide floatation in all snow conditions. So getting to and from your favourite back-country booters is just as much fun. A shorter and longer version of this ski is added to the already existing 180 version.

Movement Chicka Skis 2009

Accessible, alternative ski fro the advanced female skier looking to break out of the mainstream, mass production ski brands. Now in their second year but cloaked in a classier graphic, the Chika is aimed at advanced skiers who want versatility, stability yet a light, easy to use ski in virtually all conditions.

The 77 mm waist Chicka remained useable in bumps and on groomed terrain whilst still being able to handle a reasonable amount of fresh snow or the odd backcountry raid. With its Okume and Popla core the Chicka's are light in terms of weight but also smooth flexing and predictable and much less of a handful than the more hard-core skis in the Movement range.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 95/100

Classy, true all-mountain ski for the advanced to expert female skier looking for a ski to explore or a ski to cruise.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Chicka Skis 2009:

hailed throughout the ski world in tests, the Chicka confirmed its place as a fantastic all-round women's ski. The ski remains comfortable and tolerant despite its stable feel and smooth ride. It is a perfect ski for advanced female skiers who want a ski that is easy to enjoy but still want performance on any type of snow. It has a freeride heritage but for those who want to relax now and again.

Movement Akoma Skis 2009

A dedicated, twin-tipped, freestyle telemark ski! Introduced last year and aimed at a new breed of telemark skier that don't smell of goat, leather boot polish and have forgotten to shave since they were five. The Akoma's feature everything you would expect from an Alpine ski by Movement, innovative design, high-quality of manufacture and a well-built, tuned and durable wood-core - obviously all tuned specifically to the telemark skier.

skireviews.co.uk rating; n/a

The manufacturer says this about the AKOMA:

Arguably the first freestyle telemark ski when it premiered last season. it is a response to the fact that newschool, freeride and freestyle are also present in telemark. The Akoma is excellent on-piste, agile in the park and super happy in powder. It has all the skills necessary for the modern tele rider who loves to do it all, everywhere!

Movement Goliath Sluff Skis 2009

Toned-down Goliath's.....well a little. The 184 is simply awesome and for many an expert skier you will not really need to move up to the "Big Daddy" 191 without serious consideration after trying the Sluff in a 184.

I loved them, they are stable, urge you to push harder and faster, they are nimble, the flex is excellent, lots of grip under-foot with a fat-tip that is well tuned and floats up in powder yet powers through rotten snow. For many a seasonaire, non-sponsored skier, skier looking for sponsorship, instructor, guide or expert you will love the freedom and confidence that the Goliath Sluff's give.

Awesome and also available in a 174 for girls.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 98/100

Superb, powerful, beastly Freeride skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Goliath Sluff Skis 2009:

The Goliath Sluff is a real freerider. It has a short radius of 23 meters (that is the first time I've heard of 23 meters being described as "short radius" but then everything is relative!), yet despite its width, this ski offers a lot of fun on hard snow. Many skiers have chosen this ski as their single big mountain, all mountain ride. Versatile, unlike any fat ski made. It doesn't penalise you on the groomers just because its 99 mm under foot. Its long and progressive tip effectively absorbs uneven terrain at any speed which gives it a superb stability and grip at high speed. yet it floats beautifully in powder turns on a dime.

Movement Black Rose Skis 2009

Don't let the girly graphics fool you into thinking this is a wall-flower of a ski. The black Rose is movements top women's ski, they come in three lengths up to 185 cm and have more in common with the awe-inspiring Thunders than a pair of fluffed-up recreational planks.

This ski has all the technology and attributes of the top unisex models, especially the POWER but you have a slightly lighter core and sidewall construction. With the sidecut coming in at 121-88-110 it is pretty beefy, the all-wood core with composite is strong, you need to be fit, you need to have energy and good technique but then you'll be ripping! This is a ski for girls who can ski, ski fast, hard and love to tear up the entire mountain whether flying off a cliff or shredding spring snow down 45 degrees.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 99/100

One of the hardest-core girls ski on the market - built for expert skiers who want to push their limits.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Black Rose Skis 2009:

The Black Rose was develop to match the skills of expert women skiers. There is no limit to this skis potential. The Black Rose responds precisely in difficult terrain. it's a wide freeride ski which has its strengths in deep snow but which is still accurate and stable on compact and hard snow. It likes to go fast but is always stable underfoot. It is a powerful ski that requires a strong technique. Like the Thunder the harder you push, the better it is. It is THE women's performance freeski.

Movement Freeheel Skis 2009

Movement specialise in freeride, their skis are amongst the best I've tried for back-country hooning so I'd expect the Freeheel to be "up there" - its a while since I've telemarked so I'll let Movement explain this one.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Freeheel Skis 2009:

The Tele insider's tip is the Freeheel, with a totally new shape that gains length and lift. It's proprietary Okume, Karuba, Poplar composite wood-core remains asymmetric and thanks to the Titanal plate inserts there is unmatched stability and smoothness at speed. It is THE performance telemark ski for expert telemarkers ripping big mountain terrain.

Movement Goliath Skis 2009

Awesome!!! I cannot praise this ski more highly. As you clip in to these behemoths there is a sense of awe, foreboding and that you're about to undertake something rather serious. The Goliaths aren't skis for the uninitiated- more for when you've hammered down every run in resort, off piste or on, and there seems to be no challenges left to grapple so you think in a primordial way- hey, I'll strap a pair of Goliath's on and see if I can survive the ride.
And the ride is fantastic, in any snow, over any chopped up porridge, hard pack or crusty frozen horredness these things just fly over, through and strip away the imperfections letting you wield your way wherever you desire. They ski with amazing fluidity and dampening- the blend of woods in the core can be felt in the flex pattern. There is definite rigidity underfoot for stability and a noticeable softness at the tip and tail in comparison that allows a ski of such huge dimensions to be tolerable and useable. If you think of old school skis from three or four years ago they had most of the dimensions but non of the sophistication of a ski like the Goliath.
An excellent package then for excellent, seasoned skiers who spend enough time in the mountains to have the legs, the snow and the time to take advantage of such pure Freeride skis. For 2009 there is no longer the 184 version and you get a very bright colour-scheme that looks great.... hail to the Goliath's!

skireviews.co.uk rating: 100/100

Superlative pro-level freeride skis.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Goliath Skis 2009:

This ski is not for everybody! Through the development and the co-operation of our team, headed by Evaraiste Berney, the Goliath 191 is a ski meant for powder and open terrain where an expert can really open it up. This ski has won numerous awards and has attracted the attention of some of the world's top freeriders. One of its celebrated qualities is that it skis much easier and shorter than the dimensions would suggest. This is due to the core materials. Light but superbly balanced with fantastic dampening qualities.

Movement Hype Skis 2009

The Hype is a cool introduction to a new breed of all-mountain skis that are happy carving on the groomed runs or fitted up with touring bindings they are happy to hike, ski the powder and explore.

So perhaps if you are a keen and adventurous skier then it is a good idea to plump for touring bindings - such as the robust Marker Duke or the Swiss made Diamir - you'll enjoy the freedom and adventure that this can offer away from the groomed trails (do take a guide though!).

With a versatile 78 mm waist the Hype is never going to turn like a slalom ski but it does feel lively, there is reasonable grip and if its not too icy then it is not something that will concern you. In slushy, spring snow the mid-fat tip just rides cleanly and smoothly, this is a relaxed ski and you feel very happy to cruise along and pop-in the odd flurry of short turns. Wood-cored as we have come to expect from Movement and a ski with very broad appeal - the Hype is sure to be a good seller for Movement.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 95/100

Fine performer for the advanced all-mountain skiers looking for a change from the mainstream.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Hype Skis 2009:

The Hype is a ski with the latest technical innovations. That's why it is the perfect on-piste ski for all alpine terrain. The Hype has an unusual design. It is a suitable on-piste freeride ski as much as an allrounder mounted with touring bindings. Precise and stable, quite light and quick. The Hype is a great all-mountain tool for the corduroy and crud, powder and packed.

Movement Iki Skis 2009

The new era of touring skis. This is my sort of touring ski, I love skiing (downhill), don't mind tramping a couple of hours up or along to seek out peace, the beauty of the mountains and some solace, whilst working a touch of a sweat up - but what I can't abide is crap skis for the downhill. Super-light touring skis are great for hiking up, but I, and I'm guessing most of you, want a ski that is fun and gives you some thrills on the way down.

The Iki is that ski. It is a lightweight freeride ski built for the serious, and not too serious, ski tourer. 117-80-105 mm skis give you a longer, GS-style radius plus the benefits of not being too carved for the steeps, the wood-core remains efficient heading uphill but gives you real punch heading down and a good level of high-speed stability.

Excellent for the expert skier, or dedicated Alpine skier who enjoys the odd spring excursion for some distant powder or spring snow.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 100/100

As a touring-freeski there ain't many better.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Iki Skis 2009:

The Iki is the perfect ski for the new touring generation. Thanks to its long tip and tail, its special construction using three different woods in its core and its wider profile. It is perhaps the highest performance skiing ski in the touring collection. For the AT skier who changes pretty hard in all terrain and snow conditions but wants the lightest possible set-up they can get.

Movement Joystick Skis 2009

Very funky looking for 2009, the Joysticks shout aloud what they are about, fun and freestyle. Essentially there are two versions of this ski - the small sizes feature a simpler and more manageable core for lighter skiers, the second is the more adult version in the 166 and 176 cm.

The latter excels in the park and pipe, the Okume/Poplar core is light, very tough yet smooth and gives both a good pop for hucks yet silken landings and control. As with their larger siblings, the Kamasutra, the Joysticks feature the Titanal inserts through the mid-section of the ski for improved durability on rails.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 98/100

A benchmark freestyle ski.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Joystick Skis 2009:

With the Joystick's incredible ease to turn and spin combined with its precision, it will give you the confidence to push your bag of tricks ever harder. This ski is for park, pipe and rail. The Titanal reinforcement inserted into the mid section of the ski offers unmatched resistance to shocks and substantially improves the durability and life expectancy of the skis. The special wood cores provide good carving and high speed damping for all round riding too.

Movement Kamasutra Skis 2009

Full-on mid-fat freestyle skis the Kamasutra are looking great in now their second year of manufacture. Refreshed, cool graphics only add to their appeal whilst on the technical side the highly-tuned and complex wood-core gives grip, power, lightness, durability and strength for hitting rails with the Beech-rail system and Titanal inserts.

Another excellent and innovative freestyle advanced to expert ski, more expert to pro really, from Movement.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 98/100

Great looking, high performance, massive spinning, stomp landing freestyler.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Kamasutra Skis 2009:

The Kamasutra offers its owner a freestyle world full of possibilities. It has big air's and rotations under perfect control. It supports the skier in the most radical tricks and yet it surprises with fantastic stability at high speed. Its precise in the pipe is impressive and gives the skier confidence. It has been heralded by many of the industry's leading testers as the finest freestyle ride you can get. It has a profile that also makes an excellent all mountain rig. Titanal reinforcement have been placed in the central part of the ski so that it radically increases the durability even with multiple hard hits. No matter what your favourite position is.

Movement Shaman Skis 2009

Versatility and ski-ability in a touring package designed for skiers who don't spend their entire lives "mountain goat-ing" but also occasionally ski on-piste or regular terrain where they will benefit from more traditional Alpine-ski shaping and a stronger core.

A full Karuba wood-core delivers power and durability and the shape is not "over-sized" but progressive and forthcoming of a mid-radius 16-17m turn shape for a cruising ride.

Still light enough for touring, tough enough for tricky snow and regular use - the Shaman spans the void between a traditional Alpine ski to one of a tourer for a modern, refreshing all-mountain tourer.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 89/100

A fine hybrid-Touring ski that is happy both on and off the marked trails, a red run or the Haute Route.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Shaman Skis 2009:

We didn't need to change much on the Shaman. It is one of the most versatile in the AT section. Even the most demanding tourer will be hooked by its handling in difficult terrain and on hard snow. The shaman is perfect for a skier needing a performance touring ski and an on-piste ski all in one.

Movement Random Skis 2009

1050 grams! That's light and that was Movement's aim when building the new Random touring skis - yet the Random is still a ski in the traditional sense of providing enjoyment heading down the hill.

Movement stick with a wood-core, a "super light" Karuba core that keeps the ski light and efficient for uphill touring, lessening fatigue and keeping your speed uphill progress consistent. The shaping of the new Random is 115-76-105, so plenty of shape for an 18-19 meter carve depending on which of the three sizes you plump for.

Built for the advanced to expert skier looking to go on longer day or multi-stage tours, the Random works a very lightweight all-rounder to pure free-skiing-touring ski.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 90/100

Ultra-light ski-tourers for the advanced to expert skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Random Skis 2009:

The reduction of weight was the primary factor for the development of this ski. At less than 1050 grams and 76 mm in width, the new Random climbs like a goat. The Random is a ski for specialists and for the high mountains. If you look for a smooth, light and stable performance with total reliability in extreme conditions, the Random is your ski.

Movement Silk Skis 2009

New for 2009, the Silk is an accessible advanced "Freeski." Essentially an all-mountain ski, with 74 mm under your feet for float and a rugged 4x4-style go anywhere, do anything attitude. With a nippy turn radius of between 13 to 14 metres the Silk packs the lightweight, tough yet sensitive Okume-Poplar wood-core which also in the Silk's guise benefits from some lightweight composite layering.

124 mm at the tip for easy turn initiation, available in three lengths from a dwarf-like 147 cm up to a more versatile 155 and 164 cm ski. The Silks are built for the adventurous advanced skier that wants to ski more bumps, try their hand in the powder and explore a little more.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 89/100

An excellent all-mountain carver for the adventurous intermediate to advanced skier.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Silk Skis 2009:

The Silk charms after the first turn, both on hard snow or in powder. Thanks to its waist, it is very responsive with easy initiation and release. The large tip and tail guarantee great lift in freeride terrain and its smooth damped personality make it the perfect allrounder. Full of power and energy, but yet soft as silk.

Movement Spicy Skis 2009

Entering their second year the Spice has benefited from a new higher tip and tail making it easier in tough conditions. Still aimed at the adventurous advanced to confirmed expert the Spicy is a sweet ski for all-mountain performance, from reds and blacks to couloirs, powder and guess you could fit them with a touring binding for short ski tours and an awesome downhill ski.
Light yet solid, the Spicy sports a mix of Karuba and Okume wood in the core that is not only durable but the cut-aways of the ski give you lots of faith in the constructor and construction.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 95/100

An excellent all-mountain (in the real sense of being able to ski everything!) for advanced to expert women.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Spicy Skis 2009:

The Spicy gives easy performance in any terrain. A slightly softer flex and a new higher tip and tail offer a better tracking behaviour in deep snow. Thanks to the integrated anti-vibration system (VAT), it has lot of stability on-piste. The mix of Karuba and Okume wood make it light for freeriders.

Movement Thunder Skis 2009

Every year I heap praise on the Movement Thunder, and 2009 is no different. Once a seriously hardcore ski the Thunder seems tamer but it isn't really, its just that skiers tastes have been exposed to so many "extreme" skis in terms of dimensions over this last few years.

So the Thunders remain simply awesome. They are a stunning, demanding and a focused bit of kit. Perhaps more tolerant than the originals, the latest model I tried seemed to share a slightly softer tip- similar to the Goliath- that helps initiate the turn but the advantage over many fatter skis is the Thunders versatility and useability. Their narrower shape helps the Thunder ski more directly down the fall-line, and gives the skier a more precise carve through crud and chopped icy conditions. As with many of Movements skis this is one for the experts, and the truly passionate skier, they are about as tolerant as a schoolteacher is to the young prankster - not very in my experience.

Skireviews.co.uk rating: 99/100

Most highly recommended if you'd like to up your ante and have lots of snow time.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Thunder Skis 2009:

The Thunder is, since its launch, the leader int he mid-fat category. Its proprietary construction and design has created a remarkable ski. It gives it a softer flex but very high torsional strength. It is a true expert's tool and dimensions for the whole mountain. Steep couloirs, crud, powder, high speed cruising, tight trees. It is one of our flagship designs. It is a big mountain ski that will eat up vertical as fast as you can feed it. It is happiest when pushed.....pushed hard and fast. One of those remarkable skis that gives back more and more the harder you push it.

Movement Red Apple 74 Skis 2009

Swish new graphics boost the appeal of the now legendary Red Apple touring ski from Movement. Even on this lightweight tourer you have a full-wood core for durability and ski-ability - downhill pleasure doesn't give way to poor randonee performance, the Red Apple remains light enough to be used on longer tours.

Decent levels of grip keep your faith on trickier descents and overall the ski performs as an alpine ski would, which is a large bonus as some touring skis are about as enjoyable as a trip to dentist when you're a kid whose eaten too many toffees.

skireviews.co.uk rating: 90/100

A class leading, benchmark ski in the Freeride-touring market.

The manufacturer says this about the Movement Red Apple 74 Skis 2009:

The Red Apple 74 has steadily been gaining legendary status with guides around the world. We still have increased its tip and tail to give the ski more lift in deep snow. With its 74 mm under the foot and its reduced weight, turns in all conditions are quick and sharp. Its ability to adapt to difficult conditions and its stable driving on hard snow are a direct result of its exotic Karuba wood core.