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2022 Salomon S/Force Bold

SkiTalk Test Team

Testing skis so you don't have to.
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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.

Insider tip: No more X12 binding option.​

FairToMiddlin: Salomon jumps into the fray of the 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
  1. Advanced
  2. Expert
Ski category
  1. Frontside
  2. All Mountain
Ski attributes
  1. Groomers
  2. Moguls
  3. Off Piste
Segment
  1. Men

Specifications

right ad
Available sizes
170, 177, 184
Dimensions
132-84-116
Radius
16m@177cm
Rocker profile
  1. Camber with tip rocker
Size Scaling
  1. None
Construction design
  1. New graphics
Binding options
  1. System

Philpug

Notorious P.U.G.
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I'm seeing a cage match between this bad boy and the Fischer RC One GT 86!
You mean you saw a Cage Match....

 

noggin

Getting on the lift
Skier
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Mar 21, 2018
Posts
237
Location
ME
I am curious I do not see the beloved Bolds in the 2022 lineup on Salomon.com?? Just the SForce 11's and a Stance 84. Were the Bolds phased out just like the SMax?:geek:
 

Philpug

Notorious P.U.G.
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Posts
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Reno, eNVy
I am curious I do not see the beloved Bolds in the 2022 lineup on Salomon.com?? Just the SForce 11's and a Stance 84. Were the Bolds phased out just like the SMax?:geek:
Hmmm they are in my catalog.
 

James

Out There
Instructor
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Dec 2, 2015
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24,419
How’s the system binding? It’s only available with that, right?
 

Philpug

Notorious P.U.G.
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Reno, eNVy
How’s the system binding? It’s only available with that, right?
the S/Force Bold comes with the Z 12 toe and it is solid. Yes, it is the only way to get the ski.
 

noggin

Getting on the lift
Skier
Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Posts
237
Location
ME
Thanks hopefully the posting on the US Solomon website is an oversight.. Love the X12 but the Z12 is still a solod sytem. Sometimes you find a ski that is everything you hoped for and do not want to ski another. I have demoed alot-as I am a new gear whore and went to Stockli for a bit but I always come home to theride of the Bold. This is the ski for me and I am thankful to you Phil on helping me find it.:yahoo: I have 3 pairs still in boxes so I will be skiing this for a long time!
 

tomahawkins

Making fresh tracks
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Dec 3, 2019
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1,798
Location
Bellingham, WA
Got out on the Bolds for the first time today. Baker had cold, dry, wind pack: hero snow up top, scraped ice down below. Wow! S/Force Bolds are fabulous! The shape you'd peg for a groomer cruiser -- and they are incredible carvers -- but I spent all day on Pan Face, Canucks, Honkers, and Gabl's: steep, bumped up, wind loaded runs and these skis were a total riot! Who says you can't smash bumps with a square tail. I'm finally at peace with Head discontinuing the M88. And my Bonafides have been relegated to 2nd string.
 
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