I wrote this for a magazine called Core Sports in 1999. It’s not, well, not very good. But it is interesting, to me anyways, to see what was new and what the shapes were then. And interesting to see how hard I was pitching fat and it still didn’t catch on for years. Consumers move very slowly and yet we always forget and try to get them to rush.
Core Sports Ski Review
Ski technology seeps into the public consciousness about as fast as you can download e-mail in Eritrea…that is to say, slowly. While your dad might be looking to buy you skis this year, unfortunately his idea of hip is parabolic—and people who rip stopped saying “parabolic” right after Urkel entered grade school.
While the world has been wallowing in this collective hangover known as shape skis, the manufacturers have been whipping up a whole new arsenal, and now you rarely hear ski rock stars referring to skis in a way that could be confused with a Playboy centerfold. Now instead of “curvaceous” and “nice shape”, the comments are more along the lines of, “that bitch is fat!” Fat skis rule the world and if you haven’t gotten yourself the latest laminate backbacon, you better get on it. If you bring a pair of slalom skis into the terrain park you can pretty much count on lawn darting. Skis have changed, now it’s time to ride that change. The following skis are the absolute sickest rides on the hill. Whether ripping the park, or tackling the big mountains, these sticks will do you right.
For the East Face of Everest
Dynastar 4×4 Big, $695
800-992-3962, www.dynastar.com
Shape: 115/85/107
188, 194 cm
This is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The 194 is so insanely powerful you’ll think you grabbed hold of a bullet bike. But this bullet has edges that could cut through steel, a firm flex that holds the hill, and the ability to take you down any mountain at 70mph or more, regardless of what kind of snow you’re on. If you like people staring at your skis while you stand in line, and then you like leaving them all in the dust, then this is your ride.
Salomon AK Rocket $825
800-225-6850, www.salomonsports.com
Shape: 118, 85, 110
200cm only
The Rocket is big…bigger than the Big even. Yet for such a large ski it’s surprisingly soft and controllable. This is an excellent ski for deep deep light powder. Built with a wood core and a two layer Titanal wrap for sturdiness, the AK Rocket is a ton of ski, and yet still very manageable when skiing in the resort.
For Great Scott at Snowbird
Salomon Super Mountain, $695
800-225-6850, www.salomonsports.com
Shape: 110/78/100
178, 186, 194cm
The Salomon Super Mountain is a fat ski for the rest of the world. When you want to go fast, when you want a ski that does everything, but you don’t want all the fat, go with the Super Mountain. This is Salomon’s strongest move to the hoop since they busted out cap skis. So many companies make “all mountain skis,” but there are very few that can actually do it all. This is a Power Foam PU core ski with a titanium monocoque frame.
Rossignol Bandit XX, $699
802-764-2514, www.rossignol.com
Shape: 107/74/97
170, 177, 184, 191, 195cm
The Bandit XX is the slightly smaller brother of the legendary Bandit XXX. The Bandit’s Dualtec construction is a blend of cap and traditional technology. Yet they have exorcised some of the demons of cap construction—vibration—and gained the advantage of excellent torsional rigidity. This is a great ski for anyone who ever steps off the groomers, even for a minute. The XX can handle all parts of the mountain.
For the Stratton Mountain Half Pipe
Salomon X-scream TenEighty, $595
800-225-6850, www.salomonsports.com
Shape: 108-75-100
161 & 177
K2 Enemy, $600
800-426-1617, www.k2skis.com
Shape: 109-75-97
173 & 183
This ski is often the big boy in the park, yet it gives you the versatility to make your hits wherever you find them on the mountain. This ski is versatile. The classic K2 Triaxially braided core is at work again; giving you a strong ski with excellent feel that encourages you to stick every landing.
For the HannenKahm
Nordica Grand Prix GS, $999
800-892-2668, www.nordicaboots.com
A fast ski on a steep corduroy groomer is as close to God as one man can come. But if you want to get just one step closer to the Almighty, then slip on the Grand Prix GS, from Nordica. These skis are Benneton Green, and some say downright homely. But they inspire confidence at the limit of adhesion that the best
Salomon Superaxe Series 2V, $715
800-225-6850, www.salomonsports.com
Shape: 103-62-93
173, 185, 193, 198cm
Popularity: 1% [?]
