Ski Tests Carve Skis
Group verdict
The French came through with their finest. There were rave reviews for the Dynastar Contact 4X4 and it was a clear winner. The Rossignol CX80 was also voted into gold medal status and that’s an interesting development, considering its 124/80/112 shape is a major departure from the normal carve ski; it’s a stunner of a ski. Worthy silver medalists were Elan with the SLX Waveflex and Fischer with the RC4 Race SC.
Target skier
They love getting technical and love that carving feeling. Even if there was 20cm fresh overnight and it’s a sunny, -5C morning, this advanced/expert skier will still head for the groomed terrain to carve some turns. Might be an instructor, might be a masters racer, might just love gunning the groomers and holding fast on the ice.
Skier ability:
On the ski school rating scale, these skis will suit classes 3 to 1.
| Dynastar Contact 4X4 |
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| Brilliant all-rounder for experts, great edgehold; Kent. This is the winner – stable, fun and fast; Pete. Fast, stable and responsive; Sue. |
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| Elan SLX Waveflex |
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| Roll the edge, crank the turn a you’re racing; Pete. Lively, responsive, aggressive; Sue. |
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| Fischer RC4 Race SC |
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| Loves short turns on the hard stuff; Kent. Another Fischer rocket, holds like it’s on train tracks; Pete. |
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| Head iXRC 1100 |
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| Good edgehold and torsionally stiff; Fabian. Predictable performer; Doug. |
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| K2 Crossfire |
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| Great balance of sidecut, stiffness and edgehold; Ashkan. Easy to drive and holds beautifully on the hardpack; Billy. |
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| Kastle RX |
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| Set the edge and it reacts beautifully; Chris. Solid ski with incredible edgehold; Fabian. |
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| Rossignol CX80 |
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| Astonishing to get such carve performance in such a wide ski; Jim. Great on ice but also drives through crud and heavier snow; Buff. |
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| Volkl 10’ Tigershark |
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| Has a flex adjusting gizmo that actually works and works well; Buff. They shine on the piste; Patrick. |
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