So in this Cage Match, we are matching the varsity quarterback against the prep-school crew captain. Yes, both, are athletic, smart, and segment leaders, but it’s how they approach and display their talents that separates them. Thank you @TimF for the suggestion.
Walk into the Wobbly Barn, Chamois, or Mangy Moose or any serious ski bar, say that you ski a Head Monster or Stöckli Stormrider, and you will get the nod of approval; no matter which generation or waist width, these skis have that level of credibility. Between these two 88s, it's not so much power vs precision or even strength vs finesse. The difference between these two is the on-snow feel. Head has made a solid, powerful tool with almost a race ski feel. The Monster 88 oozes seriousness, almost like a well-trained Doberman Pinscher: all business with little sense of humor. The Stormrider 88 used to be the Monster 88 in a previous life. Now it is relaxed and carefree, it is just loving life, happy to sit on the porch drinking a martini yet still has the skills at the flick of a switch.
- Why choose the Head Monster 88? You want uncompromising performance with a firm-snow bias. The Monster 88 will reward a better skier with solid skills. While it might not have the versatility of the Stöckli, what it does is more focused and directed.
- Why choose the Stöckli Stormrider 88? You want to chill and not think about what the ski is doing or what the snow is like. You can drive the SR88 or you can ride it, it will do whatever you want. The ski could very well be the best balanced in the class. But that versatility comes at a cost, and that cost is 30% higher than the mainstream. But as we have said before, quality comes at a price.
- Other skis in the class: Kästle MX89, Rossignol Experience 88, Blizzard Brahma, Volkl Kendo.