Salomon Ski Review

With its move to Ogden, Utah, Salomon will be at the epicenter of ski manufacturing in North America, not to mention have access to some of the best testing – and proving – grounds in the industry. In addition to the new location, the company has some of the most dominant athletes of any freeride team from which to draw feedback. No doubt Salomon will continue to push the envelope.

X-Wing Lab

Length: 198
Dimensions: 140-107-120
MSRP: $1,115 Stoke: 8
For some testers the Lab is “close to the one ski I’d ever need.” For others, it is a monster. “Way too big for me,” was one comment. It’s true that the Lab is “a lot of ski” but if you can handle this beast, you’ll be riding a tool that’s “great in wide open powder” and that skis “shorter than its length. As one tester aptly states: “It’s a great ski for big kids, but be prepared.”

XW Sandstorm

Length: 173, 180, 187
Dimensions: 135-99-125 @ 180
MSRP: $915 Stoke: 7.5
The Sandstorm is a rocket that “loves speed” and “takes some muscle to ski.” Not for the weak, you have to be aggressive on this ski. “It’s not a short radius turner” and “likes to make GS turns everywhere, no matter the terrain or the conditions.” “When you get it working, man, it works!” enthused one tester, who liked the “stiff and tight feeling” of the Sandstorm.

Rocker

Length: 192
Dimensions: 147-127-137
MSRP: $1,155 Stoke: 9
Yet another in a long list of new-shape skis that are appearing everywhere, the Rocker is Salomon’s contribution to this phenomenon with a reverse camber offering. With plenty of powder to ski at Solitude, testers loved it. “Hands down the best specialty ski on the shop rack,” raved one, who said that the Rocker “turned very quickly” and was “fat and fun.” On powder days it’s an ideal tool being “fun, floaty and incredibly turny for a big ski.”

Gun

Length: 164, 174, 181, 188
Dimensions: 130-96-124 @ 174
MSRP: $925 Stoke: 8
There is little doubt in our mind that the Gun will, like the ski that spawned it (Salomon’s Pocket Rocket), be extremely popular. This is an everyday tool that “makes skiing fun and easy.” “I didn’t break a sweat,” said one tester who loved the fact that the Gun is a “great do-everything tool.” The Gun is “good in all conditions” and is “a great all-around ski.” If you only can buy one ski, ski everywhere on the mountain and want something that puts a smile on your face every day, start packing the Gun.

Scarlet

Length: 164, 174, 181
Dimensions: 130-96-124 @ 174
MSRP: $925 Stoke: N/A
The Scarlet is essentially the Gun with the standard graphic change to appeal to women. Like the Gun, the Scarlet will be a great one-ski product that will shred all conditions. With a 96 mm waist, the Scarlet will take you all over the mountain and under some ropes to boot. We recommend this ski to the girl who keeps up with the boys and
maybe even beats them down a tree run or two on an epic powder day.