On January 24 and 25 we had the pleasure of testing in an exclusive preview the Salomon and Atomic skis coming out next winter 2014/15. (see ATOMIC ski test article)
The ski tests took place in the Gitschberg-Jochtal ski area in Valle Isarco (Alto Adige), and with a bit of luck we found good conditions to test the new gear at its best.
What we appreciated most about Salomon is its ability to anticipate the needs and trends of the ski/outdoor sector. Through continuous study and research, products evolve almost ahead of the trends, as seen in the development of increasingly All-Mountain ski equipment driven by growing interest in the backcountry even among skiers traditionally tied to groomed slopes.
Salomon has responded to this with more versatile skis, more comfortable boots, and a design and graphics line that makes everything pleasing to the eye as well.
Speaking of trends, it is interesting to note how ski boot development is not only pursuing performance, but also addressing an apparently secondary aspect: Après-ski.
Skiing is increasingly becoming an occasion for socializing and fun, moving from the slopes to mountain huts and venues; with lighter and more comfortable boots (1 kg of weight on your feet equals 4 kg on your back), the after-ski experience improves and you end the day in style.
Trend also means apparel, and Salomon addresses this with products offering a wide variety of colors and combinations, and above all garments engineered to protect against cold and foul weather with innovative fabrics developed to keep body temperature constant (neither too cold nor too hot).
Last in order of mention, but first in importance, is safety. Development of protection systems continues, and in 2014/15 will see the arrival of the new Quest helmet featuring EPS 4D technology capable of absorbing greater shock, along with the Auto Custom Air system that is precise and customizable for every head shape.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the new products for 2014/2015:
Quest BC
Three years ago, Salomon introduced boots featuring the Hike and Ride system with a magnesium backbone, easy to lock/unlock for ankle mobility or added cuff support. For winter 2014/15 comes the new Salomon Quest MAX BC: this boot features a lighter shell in Pebax/Polyolefin materials, with 44° range of motion and an integrated walking sole, combined with the latest downhill innovations such as the 24 mm Oversized Pivot for lateral transmission, a heat-moldable liner for the most precise fit, and the more powerful new Backbone+.
Paired with the Quest Max BC is the Guardian MNC 16 binding, ideal for wide skis and very practical for freeride skiing. Lower on the ski and stiffer than other hybrid bindings, the Guardian binding switches between downhill and hike modes without having to step out of the binding, offering maximum reliability when conditions demand it.
The 2014 model has been further updated to be Multi-Norm Certified (MNC) with the addition of a sliding AFD plate in the toe piece compatible with all boot norms, from alpine (ISO 5355) to WTR or AT touring (ISO 9523).
In the Quest BC package, the Q-BC LAB ski delivers top downhill performance. Thanks to the new CFX Superfiber carbon reinforcements, it weighs just 1,800 g in the 184 length (115 mm underfoot) and is powerful and stable thanks to its full-length tip-to-tail woodcore.
With these innovations, Salomon sought a balance between the demands of the ascent, which requires freedom of movement and lightness, and the descent, where powerful, stable gear that holds firm in chopped-up or wind-affected snow plays a fundamental role.
Quest Alpine
The Salomon Quest all-mountain equipment line combines on-piste ski performance with outdoor versatility, suited both for skiing on hardpack and for hiking a few steps uphill to reach off-piste runs or whatever else the ski resort has to offer.
Paired with it are the Quest PRO boots, featuring the Salomon Hike & Ride system and unique details for comfort and performance, making them the highest-performing hybrid boots in the entire collection.
Perfect for walking and skinning uphill with a bi-material shell, 47° ankle range of motion, full rubber sole, and a liner that doesn’t pinch when walking.
Perfect for skiing like traditional alpine boots, with the same fit, power, and responsiveness, the new Backbone+ and Oversized Pivot for maximum edge transmission control, 360° Custom Shell, and a fully heat-moldable liner.
The Q-Line skis embody the outdoor-adventure trend in skiing. The Q-Line ski range is stable and precise at high speeds on any terrain thanks to its semi-sandwich construction with a full woodcore, while floating effortlessly and handling nimbly in powder or mixed snow thanks to the latest Utility Rocker and honeycomb tip inserts.
X-Drive
In developing the X-Drive line, the Salomon R&D team focused on creating skis that deliver on-piste performance, maneuverability, and control; the result is a family of skis capable of conquering virtually any terrain or snow condition found within a ski resort.
X-Drive skis feature a weight-optimized construction: less material in less critical areas and more where reinforcements are needed to make them most effective. A low-density woodcore, honeycomb tip inserts, and carbon reinforcements help reduce overall weight by 20% compared to All-Mountain line models.
At the heart of the X-Drive construction is the X-Chassis, a diagonal carbon-polyamide reinforcement positioned in the middle of the ski that resists torsional flex and improves lateral stiffness during edge grip, giving the ski outstanding stability. When linking one turn to the next, the X-Chassis allows for easier, less demanding turn initiation and a more immediate transition.
These elements are clearly visible in the graphics as well, from the center of the ski out to the tip and tail, where the presence of the new materials is highlighted.
The X-Drive skis feature a completely redesigned All Terrain Rocker 2.0, adding a slight tail rocker combined with a subtle tip rocker and traditional camber adaptable to any terrain or snow. Complementing this new profile is Rocker Stabilization (RKS), a composite fiber reinforcement in the tip and tail contact zones that improves precision and control in tight, rhythmic turns as well as in longer, wider arcs.
These innovations are the result of the research and innovative capabilities of Salomon’s R&D centers, always attentive to interpreting modern skiing and the needs of today’s skiers at their best.
Warden Binding
The new Warden binding is Multi-Norm Certified, compatible with both Alpine and Touring boots as well as boots with Salomon WTR soles, delivering high performance across all wider All-Mountain skis.
Salomon has noted how expert skiers love to explore much more and more frequently than a few years ago: depending on snow conditions, they either venture off-piste in search of fresh powder and steep slopes or stay on-piste to carve wide, high-speed turns.
This required the development of equipment capable of meeting both demands, offering high-performance gear that is also practical and comfortable for off-piste use.
MNC bindings solve this problem by offering adaptability to every type of boot along with precision. The bindings are Multi-Norm Certified and tested to work with Alpine ISO 5355, Salomon WTR, and Touring ISO 9523 boots.
The advantage for the skier lies in the ability to walk easily while enjoying the exact same level of safety and performance as an alpine ski binding. The Warden 13 MNC binding is strong and precise on the descent; thanks to its sliding AFD plate, the rubber sole of ski touring boots does not hinder release effectiveness. In this way, the Warden binding always guarantees optimal performance in all situations.
Outdoor Hiking
Unlike other brands, Salomon offers products for all seasons and all mountain sports activities. One of the sectors in which it is a leader is the hiking world, conquered in just 5 years with the world-famous Salomon footwear.
Innovation is well represented by the S-LAB Hybrid jacket and pants, boasting ultralight windproof and waterproof protective stretch inserts placed on the shoulders and upper back; the special feature of the S-LAB Hybrid jacket is the comfortable, non-constricting stretch waistband into which you can stow the jacket itself without taking it off altogether, tying it around your waist or putting it in your pack. Simply slip the jacket off your shoulders while running, tuck it quickly into the stretch waistband, and keep running. If the weather worsens or you get cold, the jacket is right at hand and can be pulled back on in a second.
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