SALOMONS/RACE GS PRO

These skis have been on the market for quite some time, but this was their first appearance in this category at our test – and, as a reminder, the importer chooses which models are submitted. The debut was a resounding success and the Salomon took first place on points. Comments included: “Ideal skis for their category. The new binding plates add a great deal of precision. They track very easily and predictably. They run as if on rails and hold the edge throughout the entire turn. You can confidently carve arcs and do whatever you please. Pure pleasure. An absolute blast!” Another tester wrote: “An absolute hit! Skis that are ideal in every respect. Excellent both for amateur GS racing and for teaching as an instructor. Outstanding grip – they pull as if on rails. They may not be exceptionally easy, but for a competent skier they are huge fun.” We also heard: “Oh, wow! A class act. Ideal amateur GS skis. Suitable for any event of this kind, but also for skiing groomed pistes all day. Good grief, what incredible edge-change speed. Stable and confidence-inspiring. Pressure them firmly and they practically turn on the spot. Take them to an amateur GS race and be the hero!” This was followed by: “Good grief! Race construction and only a 17-metre radius at 182 cm. Add a precise race plate. I thought they would be too eager to dive into the turn, but no – they are ideal: stable, with a powerful, secure platform. They have tremendous drive, yet remain turny for their length. Simply superb!” Finally, Ostra: “Very enjoyable skis with a sporting character. Fairly demanding and almost worthy of the Masters category.”

Years ago, these skis and the Atomic Redster DD XT – both sharing the same geometry – began the modern hybrid, or Cross-Turn, trend. For the coming season they receive a new race plate and bindings. They also earned the highest marks in the category and not a single negative written review. Bravo! Comments included: “Superb skis! Dynamic, with excellent grip and great confidence. The moment you set off, a smile appears on your face. Quite stiff, but apply the right vector and you can tighten the turn. Enjoyable and stable in long arcs.” Another tester wrote: “Race skis, so they are as heavy as a piano – excellent! They can be delicate and calm one moment, then strike with real force the next. Insanely precise. They change edges quickly without breaking your spine with a violent kick from the tails.” We also heard: “Everyone already knows that they grip and track superbly. What I liked most is that they ski exactly as you want and adapt beautifully to your style. They can be aggressive, but they can also cruise calmly. In summary – brilliant!” This was followed by: “These are no joke. Very good skis with an unmistakably sporting character. Highly dynamic – you feel the energy in every turn – yet supremely stable through medium and long arcs. Nothing can knock them off the selected line: they run as if on rails. They also ski shorter turns beautifully and move rapidly from one arc to the next. Astonishingly versatile.” Finally: “Absurdly wonderful skis: poetry in their smoothness, soft and silky to steer yet supported by an utterly secure platform. Like a surgical scalpel dancing Swan Lake. They turn how you want, where you want and when you want – it is almost surprising that they do not make coffee as well. Outstanding!”