Head "30-Second" ski reviews

These reviews are of new and updated 08/09 models. More detailed reviews of many more models, current and past, are now available on the subscription site.

Worldcup i SpeedHead is one of the decreasing number of companies that have race skis available for testing. While this ripper does not meet new FIS regulations (27m radius), it is legal for Masters and other citizen racing programs and remains a single-purpose workhorse for GS. Very few skiers will want to muscle this ski around during free skiing, but serious sub-NCAA level racers will find it superb in the gates.

i XRC 1100

This ski began its multi-reincarnate life as the 1100 RD back in 2005, morphed into the 1200 sw in 2006, stayed the 1200 but with new dimensions in '07—and in 2008—and now reappears as the, once again, 1100, but with the Chip added to its race construction.

Never mind all that, this most tweaked of Head's current skis remains a powerhouse front side carver and, as Head puts it, "The Supershape's worthy competitor." Ski company descriptions can be optimistic, to put it kindly, but this one is right on the money. Interestingly, the addition of the Chip has reduced its aggressive power slightly, but it is a more balanced ski than its predecessors and a good choice for groomer-haunting speed merchants.

i Monster 78Update: Seldom do our retail test skiers focus on year old models, but judging from the number of cards we received on the 78, Head may have spawned a cult following for the Monster based on word of mouth last season. In any event, we received a substantial number of reports and what's especially interesting is that this time more skiers tested the 171 than the 177. Aggressive or big (and skilled) skiers will still probably prefer the 177, but the 171 is even more versatile for most.

i Monster 76"Agile, smooth turning, stable and quick in bumps," wrote one happy test skier. This less demanding 1-ski-quiver for less aggressive skiers is aimed squarely at skiers who are improving technically but not ready for powerhouses like the 78 and Chip. Highly recommended as a teaching and learning tool. Versatility in spades and as balanced a ski as is available.

Great OneFemale-specific version of the 76 and as highly rated by our female test skiers. This is the best all around women's ski in Head's line for all but the most aggressive skiers and as versatile as anything out there in any line. This ski does it all.

Monster 102 SWBig mountain power tool for fast skiing in raw conditions. Not for jibbers, but serious free riders will love it. No compromise, tight focus, absolutely not a 1-ski-quiver. This is a professional level free ride competition ski.