Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
BLAST TO THE MAX
Usually ski technology slides downhill—designed and perfected for World Cup racers before it’s adopted in products for the masses. Edge Amplifier went the other way. Originally developed for Salomon’s new Blast series of intermediate and expert groomer skis, it was designed to help skiers stay on edge throughout the turn, feeling the “blast” of adrenaline and G-forces along the way. Salomon adopted it on its S/Race line of true gate-bashing skis, as well. Edge Amplifier is essentially extra topsheet material over the edges. The increase adds leverage on the outside of the ski, directing more power over the edge and allows faster edge-to-edge transitions requiring less energy and technique. It comes in four models, from the high-performing S/Max Blast 12 to the 6, a ski for improving intermediates. ($1,199; salomon.com)
SALOMON S/MAX BLAST
$1,199 * BEST FOR: If you catch first chair when it hasn’t snowed in a week.
LENGTHS: 160, 165, 170, 175, 180 * RADIUS: 17@175 * SIDECUT: 121/72/106
A popular ski with technical skiers and carving lovers, the S/Max Blast uses a unique topsheet construction that puts rails along the edges of the ski. The included binding mounts to this raised surface, adding leverage to every foot twitch. The result: Bob Brett is lusting for a pair. “My personal choice for an on-piste ski,” he said. “A perfect combination of stability and nimbleness. Even though it gripped like a fiend, it was also easy to initiate and completely predictable. It moved from cruddy spring conditions, over to moguls, then onto firm groomers and delivered the same confident feel.” Others liked the way this ski dug into firm snow. “Crank it over and cut deeeep trenches in the snow,” crooned Ian March. “Amazing edge hold, quick and responsive.” With two sheets of Titanal and full ABS sidewalls, the ski isn’t for lightweights or wimps. March prescribes the Blast for a “powerful, short-turn maniac who just can’t get enough of ripping high-octane turns.”
