SALOMONSTANCE 86

New for the season and carrying intriguing graphics, these skis belong to the All-Mountain Classic subgroup. They sit closer to freeride models than many others in the category. Opinions were divided, although a great many testers considered them successful. Comments included: “Full control! I thought I had already found my favourite in this category, then I stepped onto the Salomons and the smile returned. On these skis, the sky is the limit. You can enter a steep face at high speed on edge without fear. When you want a rest, moving into relaxed arcs or skidded turns is pure pleasure.” Another tester wrote: “They permit exceptionally smooth carved tracking in long and medium arcs, provided the piste has not been prepared like a slalom course. Very good in soft snow because they neither hook nor drag. Rebound is modest.” We also heard: “I checked the stated radius three times. It says seventeen metres, but it could just as easily say ten. You choose, because they make every kind of arc. A series of short turns is separated by a pleasant release, as though the skis were nowhere near 86 mm wide. Long arcs are stable, provided the piste is not excessively hard, because the supple construction may then fail to support you. They are excellent in short turns and capable off piste. Highly versatile and comfortable.” There were other voices too: “They definitely dislike speed. Every attempt to accelerate creates uncertainty. Despite their modest sidecut, they prefer medium and short arcs.”