- Joined
- Mar 5, 2017
- Posts
- 1,202
Philpug: Even though the S/Force shares much of its DNA with the narrower S/Max, Salomon made the S/Force much more compliant at its extremities. The S/Force does come easy into a turn and even with its flared square tail, it can easily be worked out of a carve without any resistance. Where there is a similarity to the S/Max is at speed; other than sacrificing a bit of edge-to-edge quickness, the S/Force is just as confidence-inspiring and stable at speed. See Long-Term Review HERE.
FairToMiddlin: Salomon jumps into the fray of the 2020 wider carver bonanza with the S/Force Bold, at 84 mm underfoot.
And wow.
I clicked into the S/Force shortly after the Stöckli Laser AR and was amazed by how well it held up against the very best the Swiss can concoct. It is powerful and stable on piste, with an intuitive tip for initiation and good snow feel throughout. As burly as it is for holding a firm grip at high edge angles, it then seemingly transforms into a willing dance partner off piste, deftly maneuvering through bumps and crud with its above average strength waiting in the background. It never feels like a heavy tank, just loads of "we got this" confidence.
Salomon also wins the award for being in the Top 3 of the test for ski manufacturers that understand the importance of a good tune -- or, to put it another way, it actually cared. It was superb on the S/Force, and it enabled a clear vision of the Force’s abilities, unlike the murky view offered by the tune on the Laser AR.
Ron: What a nice ski! The Bold tracks well and remains stable at speed. It is quite happy to make any turn shape; the tip engages very well and smoothly, and the traditional tail holds when needed but releases upon demand. This ski is best for the front side, and although I didn't take it into the bumps, I think it would be competent.
Drahtguy Kevin: Wide-body carvers are the hot segment, it seems, and Salomon’s entry gives the other makers a ski to chase. A supremely damp ski with an excellent tip that pulls the ski though the fall line with predictability is a pleasure to pilot. This is that ski. Mass is this ski’s friend. It has a heavier feel in hand, but once on snow the heft disappears and a quick, smooth, stable ride shows up. Roughed-up snow was leveled yet the ski kept a lively feel. Snaking through moguls on the Bold was a snap, something I didn’t expect. This ski competes with the premium brands in snow feel and performance.
Insider tip: The X12 TL race-derived binding does now accept Gripwalk.
FairToMiddlin: Salomon jumps into the fray of the 2020 wider carver bonanza with the S/Force Bold, at 84 mm underfoot.
And wow.
I clicked into the S/Force shortly after the Stöckli Laser AR and was amazed by how well it held up against the very best the Swiss can concoct. It is powerful and stable on piste, with an intuitive tip for initiation and good snow feel throughout. As burly as it is for holding a firm grip at high edge angles, it then seemingly transforms into a willing dance partner off piste, deftly maneuvering through bumps and crud with its above average strength waiting in the background. It never feels like a heavy tank, just loads of "we got this" confidence.
Salomon also wins the award for being in the Top 3 of the test for ski manufacturers that understand the importance of a good tune -- or, to put it another way, it actually cared. It was superb on the S/Force, and it enabled a clear vision of the Force’s abilities, unlike the murky view offered by the tune on the Laser AR.
Ron: What a nice ski! The Bold tracks well and remains stable at speed. It is quite happy to make any turn shape; the tip engages very well and smoothly, and the traditional tail holds when needed but releases upon demand. This ski is best for the front side, and although I didn't take it into the bumps, I think it would be competent.
Insider tip: Don't overlook this ski.
Drahtguy Kevin: Wide-body carvers are the hot segment, it seems, and Salomon’s entry gives the other makers a ski to chase. A supremely damp ski with an excellent tip that pulls the ski though the fall line with predictability is a pleasure to pilot. This is that ski. Mass is this ski’s friend. It has a heavier feel in hand, but once on snow the heft disappears and a quick, smooth, stable ride shows up. Roughed-up snow was leveled yet the ski kept a lively feel. Snaking through moguls on the Bold was a snap, something I didn’t expect. This ski competes with the premium brands in snow feel and performance.
Insider tip: This is the wide carver the others want to be.
- Awards
- Who is it for?
- The strong; even though the S/Force has a mild side, it is a burly ski and needs some mass to bend it. Those seeking a wider carver who like to dabble all over the mountain.
- Who is it not for?
- Slalom turns aren’t this ski’s forté. If you absolutely, positively must have a light ski, this is not that.
- Skier ability
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- Advanced
- Expert
- Ski category
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- Frontside
- All Mountain
- Ski attributes
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- Groomers
- Moguls
- Off Piste
- Segment
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- Men
Specifications
- Available sizes
- 170, 177, 184
- Dimensions
- 132-84-116
- Radius
- 16m@177cm
- Rocker profile
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- Full camber
- Construction design
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- All new
- Binding options
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- System
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