Head ski reviews 2012
Like Atomic, Head is a powerhouse presence on the World Cup. The 2012 line is as strong as Head has offered in recent years. FlowRide early rise and KERS energy management contribute to a strong, differentiated and balanced collection of generally excellent skis, brand aura buoyed by World Cup results.
Check the drop-down list on the right for a list of 2012 models reviewed on our subscription site: more information here
No-holds-barred World Cup ski similar to that being used by Cuche, Reisch, Ligety, Vonn, Miller and company. We say similar because athletes have quivers of competition skis, many tailored to specific conditions and even courses. This RD is the base model, minus exotic modification.
This is not a recreational ski for the masses, but if you ski the fall line proficiently on serious ice, there are few better tools.
Head made some of the most dramatic line changes of any brand last season. Two technologies in particular stand out: Flow Ride, a flavor of early rise tip, and KERS, essentially a power booster built into the tails of race skis and Magnums.
KERS definitely produces a noticeable kick, but in the case of the Magnum, ups the ante for solid timing and skills. If the skier is even a bit our of balance fore/aft, KERS can cause the tail to overpower the tip. In other words, the Magnum is more demanding and higher performing.
Our top skiers like KERS, lesser skilled testers were more wary. Definitely demo before buying.
While the design still incorporates Head's Flow Ride early rise, may appeal to skiers who still miss the original, traditional camber Monster/Peak version. Versatile enough to accommodate a wide variety of skill levels.
"Fun, playful, versatile like a Swiss Army knife. Go anywhere and it does almost everything well."
"Quick little ripper!"."
"WOW! This ski rips. Huge rebound energy. Fun! Like the old Monster."
"Super smooth, but not as easy as I'd hoped to initiate turn."
"Nice performance for high intermediate through expert skiers. Lot's of energy."
"Glides over rough conditions. Fun!"
"Great in crud and powder."
Looks like Head hit this spot.
"Seemed heavy; for aggressive skiers."
"Excellent advanced all and big mountain ski, all conditions."
"Nice in powder, nice turning, too."
"A great ski for the deep."
"Fun to ski."
"Likeable ski, Slow rise, tip and tail, good carver for a rocker, better in large turns."
"Best at speed."
