Head "30-Second" ski reviews
Chip Supershape
Solid, quick (though not as quick as the original Supershape), supremely stable, smooth...what's not to like. This is probably the better choice of the two new Supershapes for strong, fast skiers. Excels on hard snow. Could serve as a good Nastar ski.
i.Supershape Magnum
Almost as solid as the Chip, more nimble. Skis lighter than the Chip. Ice hold not quite as good, quickness and rebound are almost in the same class as the original SS. This is probably an even more versatile choice for all but the fastest and most aggressive skiers. Easier in bumps than the Chip.
XRC 1400 Chip
Head's top non-race-construction XRC. Great groomer cruiser for strong skiers. While lacking the ultimate unshakability of the RD 1200, it still provides all the stability and carving prowess virtually anyone could need outside GS gates. Smooth, powerful, quick (for a cross ski) and reasonably forgiving. It is even possible to relax on this one, unlike the 1200.g.
Power Thang
Female-specific analog to the Supershape and just as good. Superior carver, excellent Nastar race ski, technically demanding, very quick and stable with excellent edge hold. Fast fall line skiers will love this carver.
i.Monster 78
For many of our skiers, the most exciting new model from Head. Contender for 1-ski-quiver of the year, overall ski of the year. A near perfect blend of off-piste power and hard snow nimble. This ski, we predict, will prove in time to be another Head classic and it may break the heart of some who have relatively new Monster 82's. East, West—no matter. This one is worth a look from every strong and skilled skier.
Xenon Xi 9.0
Head has replaced the "not-quite-monsters"—iM70/72/75— with four ultra-lightweight Xenons, of which we tested the top 2 models. This one should be a bit hit with a wide variety of piste-oriented skiers, especially reasonably experienced skiers working on technical skills who also venture off the groomed and into bumps from time to time. Great learning and teaching tool with good versatility. Not as damp as the traditional Head "feel'" but remarkably stable for such a light ski. Not for fast or aggressive skiers.
Also reviewed on subscription site: unchanged '07 carry-over models and additional '08 models—Cool Thang, Xenon Xi 7.0, Every Thang, Wild Thang
