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Comparison Review Triple HEADer.....68-80-88.

Sierrajim

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68-80-88………what do it mean?


Wellllll………pretty obviously the waist widths of some different Head skis that I’m about to compare. The reason for this comparison is that many people that have possibly been exclusively on wider skis seem to think that an 88mm ski constitutes a frontsider. While it is true that the best of the “crazy 88s” will outshine many of the 98s and all of the one-oh-somethings as a groomer zoomer, they just don’t compare to a true frontside specialist.

For the last two days, I’ve skied these three waist widths on typical Tahoe “no snow in a week” conditions. This consisted of pitches repeatedly groomed (like maybe every other day) along with colder temps overnight so that the snow set up well. The trails that were groomed every 2nd to 3rd day had patches that stayed in the shade and thus were scraped down to chalky hard stuff. The areas in the sun started to form very small and scattered bumps and also picked up some scraped off piles of crud in between areas that were scraped down to that hard chalk. In the areas between the runs, the terrain had been skied out then set up, thawed, and set up again. Those areas were skiable but not a ton ‘o fun and were really a good test of terrain versatility.

The players…………..Head Monster 88 (177) 17-18 version, Supershape Titan (177), iRace (170).

Monster 88 2017-18 version: (88mm)

This new version of the Monster 88 is what many have already surmised, a slightly toned down version of the previous model. Through most of the freshly or recently groomed terrain, this ski required the greatest amount of ankle movement and edge angle within this group to achieve tip engagement. When I made that move, the ski hooked up right out near the front and it felt like a fully cambered ski would. The slight increase in tip rise was not noticeable vs. the previous version when hard groomers were the task at hand. Once on edge, the Monster felt like a wide GS ski (yes…..overused term but applicable in this case). Going from edge to edge, the 88 was only modestly energetic but very damp for an all mountain width. On the steepest parts of the scraped off chalk, this was the easiest of these three in old school skiddy-edgy short radius turns. When I made a few short forays into the chopped up and refrozen junk in between the runs, the Monster was very smooth and the width helped to keep the ski from being over-reactive when the snow wanted to kick the tip in about six different directions.

When I say that this ski is slightly “toned down”, one should not think “dumbed down”. This is still the most directionally stable and grippy of the non premium “crazy 88s”. In those attributes, this ski will notably outshine skis such as say the Blizzi Brahma for example. The biggest change and I’d say improvement is that this version is a bit easier in the mixed conditions off trail. The new Monster 88 maintains the best attributes of the previous version but is more approachable for the majority of better skiers. This is now a ski that could now be called a cruiser as well as better than the prior version in the mix of conditions found off-trail.

Supershape Titan ’16-’17 but unchanged for ’17-’18: (80mm)

The Titan is a ski that I admit I’ve been a little dubious about. It’s not that I really disliked the Titan, it’s just that is was so close to the excellent Rally, that I thought it didn’t really have much place. I also had issues with past versions which seemed a little soft in torsion in the tip and tail to be true carvers but were just not wide enough to compete effectively as all mountain candidates. This most recent version has changed my mind to a great extent when considered within the context of these conditions.

When sking the groomers, this ski required less edge angle/ankle roll to engage than the Monster. A little touch of the ankle got the Titan engaged and pulling from the tip as it progressed through the turn. From the first few turns it was apparent that this was the better carver than the Monster. The redirect at the end of the turn was more positive and of course, the natural sidecut radius was tighter. The grip levels were about the same in the midfoot area but the more flared tail of the Titan allowed it to finish much more strongly and with better grip than the Monster. Both the Monster and the Titan are well damped within their categories and there wasn’t much difference there. Despite its tighter turn radius, I felt that the Titan could easily be finessed into a longer turn by moderating the edge angle. In the rough snow in between the runs, the Titan was steady but a little over-reactive when compared to the Monster. The Titan responds well to a high edge and a powering up of the outside leg, but it also can be skied comfortably with a tall stance and lower angles. For the not-quite-so-technical skier, the Titan can be cruised easily and without punishment of small transgressions on the part of the driver.

Rebels iRace: (68mm)

Okayso……….this thing is not really in the running for any version of all mountain ski such as the first two might be. Still, it was better than one might think in some of the conditions mentioned above and it was the ski I had the most fun on over the last two days. The iRace didn’t really require a conscious ankle roll to get it turning. All I did was think about pushing the ball of the foot (big toe) down against the footbed and it was off to the races. When skiing across the rougher scraped off parts of the trails, this ski laid down the best and pulled through the turns with maximum confidence. The grip and damping was the best of the three skis I tested here. Surprisingly, the iRace was better than the Titan in the rough refrozen crud simply b/c it didn’t deflect much but it was not very forgiving if one got in the back seat. Not surprisingly, the turn finish was the strongest of any of the three and despite the shorter length (170 vs. 177) it was the most stable. So……what’s the catch???

Well, there is a catch. The get the most from this ski, one should be at least somewhat versed in modern technique. This means that you need to know about edge angle, moving the outside foot forward through the turn, and what a crossover is. This doesn’t mean that you have to adopt a high angle and a straight outside leg on every turn. However, you will get the highest reward from this technique and from knowing what to do when the ski crosses under at high speed. Fact is though, that this ski works just fine with a taller more relaxed stance. It does everything that a good “cruiser” type skier would want (but) there can be a pretty sudden reaction to an abrupt change in terrain and/or snow consistency if the skier is not prepared. Finally, on the steeper pitches of hard chalky snow, the iRace was so grippy that it actually inhibited the skis ability to make skiddy short radius turns in the interests of speed control.



So…..probably no real surprises here except possibly that the new Monster 88 is a very nice refinement on an already really good ski. The changes will make it more compliant in mixed snow conditions without sacrificing the positive attributes of the current model. As to the other two……no doubt they were better overall on this day at least for me. However, add about 6” of new snow to these conditions and the Monster would stand alone. The Monster is the all mountain ski of this group.

SJ
 

Chaz

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SJ, Great review.

How does the new Head Rally fit into this matrix? How different is it than the Titan? East Coast fast and firm conditions? I am on the older Rally version( 2014) and am looking to upgrade at the end of this year.

Thanks

CJ
 

Tom K.

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Great reviews. Thanks!

It's time to replace the well-used, and well-loved Hell & Backs and Motive 95s next season, so I'm even more curious to see how the wider Monsters and Kores shake out in early tests.

My heart leans towards the Monsters, but my grumpy, worn out knees would probably prefer a Kore-type ski.

If Head didn't go overboard on the tail rocker!
 
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Sierrajim

Sierrajim

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SJ, Great review.

How does the new Head Rally fit into this matrix? How different is it than the Titan? East Coast fast and firm conditions? I am on the older Rally version( 2014) and am looking to upgrade at the end of this year.

Thanks

CJ

The current Rally is significantly stronger than your version. The newer shape has a more squared off tail and extended tip radius when compared to the older versions. This allows the ski to engage further out in front and remain engaged further through the turn. The Titan shares those attributes but on a wider frame. Before, I didn't have that much use for the Titan but in this new version, it works very well. I'd say you'd be happy with either. I suppose the Rally has a little more of a slalomy feel to it and is a little more reactive while the Titan is maybe a little easier to cruise on if you just stand tall and ski with lower angles.

SJ
 
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Sierrajim

Sierrajim

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Great reviews. Thanks!

It's time to replace the well-used, and well-loved Hell & Backs and Motive 95s next season, so I'm even more curious to see how the wider Monsters and Kores shake out in early tests.

My heart leans towards the Monsters, but my grumpy, worn out knees would probably prefer a Kore-type ski.

If Head didn't go overboard on the tail rocker!

Well, Head did not overdo the tail rocker on the Kore series. However while the Kore is a really light ski, it may not be any easier on your abused knees just b/c it's light. This light ski thing is a double edged sword and it's possible to be too light. Some skis like that can rattle and bounce around in conditions where a ski like the Monster would just roll on through. I won't ski the Kores until next week so can't really say. I am excited to try them.

SJ
 

Philpug

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Well, Head did not overdo the tail rocker on the Kore series. However while the Kore is a really light ski, it may not be any easier on your abused knees just b/c it's light. This light ski thing is a double edged sword and it's possible to be too light. Some skis like that can rattle and bounce around in conditions where a ski like the Monster would just roll on through. I won't ski the Kores until next week so can't really say. I am excited to try them.

SJ
We just got done skiing the Kore 93 on some firm conditions at Copper, the lightness is only there when you want it. They still have the dampness and smoothenss you expect from a Head ski. The didn't just nail it, they screwed it in with locktite.
 

Tom K.

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Kore 93 and Enforcer 93 Cage Match!!!!

Actually, once you all have more time on them, a short, but broad, comparison of the Kore and Enforcer lineups would be much appreciated.
 

Philpug

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Kore 93 and Enforcer 93 Cage Match!!!!

Actually, once you all have more time on them, a short, but broad, comparison of the Kore and Enforcer lineups would be much appreciated.
Oh yes there will be one. As one with it's brother, the Monster 88.
IMG_0253.JPG
 

Carl Kuck

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I'm totally stoked with my 15/16 iRally skis (177cm), even pulled off just over 45K vertical in a day at PCMR last January. Let's see what we can do week after next...
:eek:
 

markojp

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The kore series is actually surprisingly damp.....silly light......might be worthy of tech binding.

Absolutely. I wouldn't hesitate to ski the 93 or 105 for a BC setup.
 

Chaz

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The current Rally is significantly stronger than your version. The newer shape has a more squared off tail and extended tip radius when compared to the older versions. This allows the ski to engage further out in front and remain engaged further through the turn. The Titan shares those attributes but on a wider frame. Before, I didn't have that much use for the Titan but in this new version, it works very well. I'd say you'd be happy with either. I suppose the Rally has a little more of a slalomy feel to it and is a little more reactive while the Titan is maybe a little easier to cruise on if you just stand tall and ski with lower angles.

SJ
Thanks Jim!

Will Demo both ... FUN FUN FUN!!!
 

markojp

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Rebels iRace: (68mm)

Okayso……….this thing is not really in the running for any version of all mountain ski such as the first two might be. Still, it was better than one might think in some of the conditions mentioned above and it was the ski I had the most fun on over the last two days. The iRace didn’t really require a conscious ankle roll to get it turning. All I did was think about pushing the ball of the foot (big toe) down against the footbed and it was off to the races. When skiing across the rougher scraped off parts of the trails, this ski laid down the best and pulled through the turns with maximum confidence. The grip and damping was the best of the three skis I tested here. Surprisingly, the iRace was better than the Titan in the rough refrozen crud simply b/c it didn’t deflect much but it was not very forgiving if one got in the back seat. Not surprisingly, the turn finish was the strongest of any of the three and despite the shorter length (170 vs. 177) it was the most stable. So……what’s the catch???

Well, there is a catch. The get the most from this ski, one should be at least somewhat versed in modern technique. This means that you need to know about edge angle, moving the outside foot forward through the turn, and what a crossover is. This doesn’t mean that you have to adopt a high angle and a straight outside leg on every turn. However, you will get the highest reward from this technique and from knowing what to do when the ski crosses under at high speed. Fact is though, that this ski works just fine with a taller more relaxed stance. It does everything that a good “cruiser” type skier would want (but) there can be a pretty sudden reaction to an abrupt change in terrain and/or snow consistency if the skier is not prepared. Finally, on the steeper pitches of hard chalky snow, the iRace was so grippy that it actually inhibited the skis ability to make skiddy short radius turns in the interests of speed control.

.

SJ

Jim, have you skied the Rebels iSpeed Pro? Any comparison worth making if so?
 

Tom K.

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The grip levels were about the same in the midfoot area but the more flared tail of the Titan allowed it to finish much more strongly and with better grip than the Monster.

Maybe just me, but after a long day on the Monster 88s, the only significant change I'd make is to give it a slightly more flared/wider tail.
 

markojp

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Maybe just me, but after a long day on the Monster 88s, the only significant change I'd make is to give it a slightly more flared/wider tail.

And you'd lose it's easy versatility and release in steep mixed conditions. For a monster 88 with a flaired tail, the MX 88 or 89.
 

Tom K.

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And you'd lose it's easy versatility and release in steep mixed conditions. For a monster 88 with a flaired tail, the MX 88 or 89.

Check that, but a trade that I at least THINK I'd be glad to make. Almost certainly buying a pair, regardless.

A few weeks out from the Monster 88 demo, every time I ski another pair of skis -- even those that I've loved for years -- I find myself thinking "those Monsters were smoooth".
 
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Sierrajim

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Jim, have you skied the Rebels iSpeed Pro? Any comparison worth making if so?

Funny thing, I'm not really sure what the iSpeed Pro is. The shape and dims. are same as the iSpeed Rebels (think masters GS, 18m @ 180) I've skied that one a bunch mostly in previous versions. However, when this batch of demos arrived I did ski the current one thinking that I'd just get this pair to replace my older ones that I'd just sold off. The iSpeed Rebels was a very good step up from the older ones as far as grip and particularly tip engagement. I really liked it and would have bought it as planned......then I skied the iRace and the plan changed. I find that the iRace 14m engages more easily and has a stronger crossunder than the Rebels 18m. For where I'm at right now, it was just a better fit.

I suspect that the Pro is maybe the same ski as the Rebels but with a differing plate setup. Honestly, I've never seen one.
 

markojp

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The pro is made in the same mold as the regular (rebels) iSpeed but uses the full RD construction and the WC plate. Phenomenal ski. If the local rep has a pair, treat yourself to a day on them.
 

Ken_R

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Great reviews. Thanks!

It's time to replace the well-used, and well-loved Hell & Backs and Motive 95s next season, so I'm even more curious to see how the wider Monsters and Kores shake out in early tests.

My heart leans towards the Monsters, but my grumpy, worn out knees would probably prefer a Kore-type ski.

If Head didn't go overboard on the tail rocker!

My knees loved the 2016-2017 Monster 88. I found the ski easy to ski all over the mountain (Vail, it had not snowed in 2-3 days) and just smoothed out the roughed up groomers and off trail typical of today's overskied resorts. I could just turn and cruise no matter the snow conditions which varied quite a bit during top to bottom runs. I could trust the skis. I could ski very aggressive if I wanted, or not. The ski was stable damp but responsive when I needed it to be. I purchased a new pair on sale a few weeks after demoing it. Have yet to mount the bindings on it though.
 
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Sierrajim

Sierrajim

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The pro is made in the same mold as the regular (rebels) iSpeed but uses the full RD construction and the WC plate. Phenomenal ski. If the local rep has a pair, treat yourself to a day on them.

I'll bet it's phenomenal. The full bore build in an 18mm sidecut sounds spectacular. Thing is though, for me,that'd speak to Sun Valley, not my current digs. It'd be a hoot to take for a spin but in my state of advancing decrepitude, (new PSIA term......btw) I find it hard to wish for much more than the iRace.
 

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