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 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 Equipe GC Race 2008

The GC is excellent for aging racers like myself who find it increasingly difficult to tame the full-on FIS race skis. A full wood core and slightly over-sized sidecut give you heaps of stability and a slightly tighter radius. This increases your control so that you can finish the turn without wondering if you may end up impaled in the car park as your trusted planks refuse to go any direction other than straight.
Ideal for the sporty advanced ski or expert the GC’s can be skied pretty much anywhere on the hill but do prefer some nice groomed terrain if at all possible.

The manufacturer says this about the Salomon, Equipe, GC Race, 2008, Race Carver, High Performance, Piste, Advanced, Expert, Skis:

High-performance carving.

Looking for radical performance? This full woodcore ski is still accessible and versatile yet performs extremely well in icy conditions. With the attractive design and finishing. You can take on the medium to long turns with the mindset of a champion.

Atomic ST 12pb 2008

Beautiful skis. the St 12pb’s are marketed as womens skis but they are also delightful as an easier alternative to the racy SL 12. Everyone on test loved this ski. They are just so grippy, so turny and so much fun. They are packed with energy, agility and are almost playful in the hands of an expert. Ideal for lighter men (in terms of kilos or lbs).
Superb slalom skis for the advanced to expert of either sex. highly recommended.

The manufacturer says this about the Atomic, ST 12pb, 2008:

`Highly versatile slalom racing ski. Also equipped with the latest Powerbridge technology, with a softer flex, but above all tuned to the racing needs of athletic racing skiers.

Head Raptor Race boots 2008!

Bold colour, bold design, 100% race-bred and 100% for the racer within you- the new Head raptors look amazing and felt stunningly snug upon the foot. Head only had one single boot at the test and it was a touch nippy to go skiing with only one boot so I can only talk of the design- this is a departure from the S-Line from this current season with a narrower but more ergonomic last which impresses with its accuracy. The buckles themselves have protectors over the ratchet to protect from opening due to impact with gates- this seems a great idea and I’m sure it works well but is a bit of “faff” when trying to clip up quickly and get skiing in a hurry.

There is also a well-thought-out double-strap that allows you to adjust the cuff depending upon the size of your calf muscle for a more accurate and comfortable fit. The very interesting triple bolts in the rear cuff will enable you to accurately tailor the flex and rebound of the boot for your method of skiing plus forward flex. All this combined with a new and improved liner will make the Raptors one of the most competitive boots on the market- certainly enough to battle with the likes of the Nordica Dobermann, Lange WC or Salomon LAB X2.

chris