Head Monster 82 Skis

[NWGirl]

Hi all -

This is the first ski review that I've written so fingers-crossed that it makes sense everyone. I haven't demo'd or skied anything high-performance before so you can only imagine the difference I'm experiencing.

Skier Profile: 5'8" 150 lbs.
Ski: Head Monster 82 w/ Head RFD 12 bindings
Length: 161
Ski dates and location: March 15 and 16 Alpental, WA

https://sturtevants.altrec.com/shop/detail/31363/

Amazing difference as soon as my bindings clicked! Started off with an easy blue groomed run. Fast with a lot of control. Seemed fine on moguls and great on steep chutes. In comparison with my previous, this ski is much wider and stabler. It could've been that my confidence level was higher but these skis performed awesome through the faster steeper tree runs - which were actually a problem spot of mine.

Now for the test! We had a recent 10 inches of new snow so we headed off to the backcountry. WOW! Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. This is an awesome 'powder' ski! Previously, I was limited to following in others' paths. Now, I am all over the place which amounted to countless rescues of my snowboarder boyfriend who can't seem to stop getting stuck all the time.

OW! This ski is too flimsy to absorb the shock of the ungroomed crud runs I was skiing on. After two days my feet were starting to hurt. I can't remember having too much of a problem with crud with my last skis but it could amount to operator error or my boots. Also big difference in comfort when landing jumps (natural terrain).

All-in-all, I am extremely pleased with this ski and would further recommend it for those seeking an all-mountain ski. Even though the ski shop salesperson suggested a longer length, the 161 seems perfect for me. Now I just need a new pair of high-performance boots to go with...

Let me know what you think about my review or if I need to better clarify my points!

 

[cyn]

I have those skis. Bought them on sale last summer and have been skiing them all season.
I had fresh snow followed by chop and crud a couple of weeks ago and they performed perfectly. These are the skis I am taking on my trip out west this year. They're great in the bumps, too.
For me, the downside is their ice hold. Living in the east, I need a ski that is really stable in icy conditions.
So, my solution is to have a different pair of skis for when it's icy.

 

[canadaf35]

I bought the Head Monster IM 82's after demoing many, many ski's at Whistler in February. I finally bought them at my home ski hill at Apex. They are the fastest ski's I have been on and love long turns. I too will need a high quality boot to maneuver these ski's. I love the west coast native art on them. I am hoping my legs will be stronger and in better shape this year to keep up with this high performance ski. I am 5.5 and 140 lbs and bought the 161cm...which are the smallest they make. I also loved the Monster 78's which felt a little easier to operate but not the same testosterone as the 82's. If anyone can recommend some boots to try for this ski, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[cyn]

I have the Salomon X wave 9s which are due for replacement his year. I guess you just need really good boots - and a good boot fitting.

 

[Bumblebee]

I'm sold, just bought a pair of these and can't wait to try them out! I'm a heavier rider so will be going for the 170 - haven't got the nerve to go for the 177.

 

[canadaf35]

I had my head monster im 82's yesterday for the first time this year. Well all I can say is that I definitely made the right choice. My friend is a level 5 ski instructor at Whistler and he bought the IM 82's. I will be skiing with him in Feb at Panorama so will be interesting to hear his take on them too. I still need a good, strong boot to handle them. I'd like to know others opinions on these skis.

 

[Bumblebee]

Mine aren't getting out until the end of January when I land in Norway. Conditions up there are I hope going to be similar to Co hills, but I'll let you know asap.

I'm NOT taking those babies to the snowdome to get them stamped on by teenage boarders!

 

[SnowHot]

If you are looking for something "softer" in graphics, the Wild One is our version of the Monster 82. I have been sooo tempted to get a pair since they match my Dalbello Storms purrrrfectly.

 

[w.ski]

Just skied my monsters today for the first time this year and I am loving these skis! And, bonus, I also love the graphics and color (last years model). Lots of fun - great day, if you could ignore the sleet, freezing rain, whatever it was that was falling by the time we quit. When we came in we were completely coated with a nice glaze of ice. Crackled with every step.

 

[Bumblebee]

I just stepped through the door today when next door knocked - my skis were delivered today (from Austria) and I'm gobsmacked! They're huge and GORGEOUS - but might I say HUGE? And VERY BIG!

I can't wait to get them on the hill but at the same time I'm terrified.

 

[Bumblebee]

OK, just back from 12 days spinning these around Norway.

At 172cm and wide they are heavy to lug around - the only down point.

I took them on hardpack, groomed runs, moguls, powder, trees, steeps and they handled everything they were thrown at.

Took a bit of getting used to the first few days as they are without a doubt the fastest planks I've ever ridden.

 

[vanhoskier]

Lots of fun - great day, if you could ignore the sleet, freezing rain, whatever it was that was falling by the time we quit. When we came in we were completely coated with a nice glaze of ice. Crackled with every step.

Sounds like skiing in Pennsylvania!