Salomon ski reviews 2012

BBR models are the most interesting members of the 2012 line and were loved by some and not by others. There's no arguing that they're not different! Are they as much a breakthrough as was the Pocket Rocket, as Salomon claims? Time will tell; for now we urge pre-purchase demo.

Check the drop-down list on the right for a list of 2012 models reviewed on our subscription site: more information here

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Origins Intense Black

Very well accepted by our female testers. Oddly, only one comment came in but performance scores tell the story.

As does the comment:

"This is a great ski!"

This appear to be a versatile—and very good—ski for a wide variety of female skiers.

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Enduro RX 800

"Very damp. Not for short turns, stable in longer turns."

"Seems to have less edge hold than either the other 800 or the 850."

"Not as stable at speed as I would have liked. Surprising for such a damp, heavy feeling ski."

"Probably a good ski for the appropriate skier—intermediates only."

"Not bad, especially at this price point."

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Origins Bamboo

Female-specific version of the 800's. Women liked it better overall than did men the 800's.

"Very nice ski, responsive."

"Fun ski, carves well."

"Excellent. Love this ski. Goes fast and slow equally we,, intermediate and advanced."

"Transitions from one snow condition to another well."

"Wow! This ski rocks. Plenty of go fast, but can ski slowly, too."

"Solid women's ski. Good for advanced skiers but also works for skiers improving skills."

"WOW! Great Ride!"

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BBR 7.9

The BBR's certainly introduce one the most unusual shapes in some time. This is the less 'macho' of the BBR's.

This is also the most technique-sensitive ski of which we know. In a nutshell, high edge angle cross-under skiers do not like this model.

"This was the worst test ski of the year for me. Target skier does not roll the ski up on edge."

On the other hand, skiers using flat-ski steering technique were kinder.

"Go anywhere, do anything."

Our favorite comment: "Not sure what this ski is for."

We have many more comments, but these represent them all. Anyone who buys this ski without demo could be making a mistake.

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El Dictator

"Did not feel like a 114 underfoot ski. Solid at high speed and even turns fairly quickly on groomed and hard snow."

"Good in chop, very damp, holds edge well."

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Twenty Twelve

One of several new big mountain rides introduced for 2011. This full rocker should appeal to committed new school (do they still call it new?) backside skiers for whom it seems intended.

"Skis narrower than 91 on the groomed and handles it well if the skier remains centered. "

"Best on the backside, however."

We do suspect that most advanced to strong and skilled skiers will want to give another new ski, the Sentinel, a try before committing to this one.

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