Item and Brand Name: Head Monster IM75 Ski with SRF Binding (SRF 11) in 170 cm.
Date Purchased: October 2004
Retail Outlet: Wachusett Mountainside Sport, mounted by Strand's.
Purchase Price (optional): Enough. :wink:
MSRP: $1200
Description of item and your experiences: I began my 'new ski search' in January 2003 by demoing several different models including the Dynastar Supercross 9 (too heavy and the tail was too flared :x ), and the Dynastar Concept Twin Tip (too soft and couldn't hold edge :x ). Being an expert skier who rode pretty much the entire mountain at Burke, Jay, and Sugarbush, hopping from groomed cruisers to bumps, and into trees, I demanded a durable, high-performance ski that was stable at speed, quick turning, and held edge extremely well. I contacted Skiershop.com and spoke with the owner who asked me some great questions and said, "I'm standing here looking at the ski I think you'd like...the Head Monster IM75 ski, with chip, and binding. Take a pair for a spin...you'll like them."
"HEAD?" I asked. Growing up in Northern Vermont, I was in Rossi Country and had owned several pairs. My latest skis were a pair of K2 Fours, which were great but a bit too long. I really didn't know anything about Head skis, but agreed to take a pair for a day at Sugarbush.
Vermont North (the best rental/demo center) only had the IM70 model and I demoed them in 177cm with the understanding that my model would be a bit more stiffer and responsive. To make a long story short, the ski took a few runs for me to get onto but once I did GIDDY-UP
. I was sold.
Fast-forward to October when I found the ski I wanted at a decent price and snatched them. During the 2003-2004 season, I had demoed 160cm Rossi skis at Pat's Peak and found the shorter length better. After talking with some shop techs, I dropped from 177cm to 170 cm and have no regrets.
I've rode on my boards since mid-December, probably logging on about 20 days or so and the ski is sweet. It is incredible stable at speed and easy to roll over for a guy who is relatively new to big time carving. They like to go FAST and demand a driver with a heavy foot...my new Dalbello Boots helped me drive these Monsters effectively. :wink: The sweet spot is huge and I can find it very quickly. In the bumps and trees it holds well and thanks to the shorter length is quick, though I've been in a few situations where I did want some more quickness (mainly driver error though :roll: ). Though I've hit a few rocks and maybe bounced off a stump or two, the bases are as good as new without any blems (my K-2's only lasted one rock hit on a powder day at Jay before needing surgery). The chip works--I notice how the ski adjusts torsionally and tensionally. In powder at Sunday River, they float well despite being a bit heavy underfoot.
And did I mention the Railflex System? The binding, again like the chip, WORKS. Mounted to the ski using one screw and sitting in a rail, the binding floats on the ski and allows the ski to flex under foot which translates into more edge grip and power. For the entire season I've lost edge FIVE times (and mainly due to driver error). My set up also gives me plenty of rebound energy which is nice.
The mags gave the ski mediocre results, but I noted that they tested them a bit long, so GO SHORT and you've got a great ski that is quick.
As suggested in SKI and SKIING, the Austrians make a mean ski that is precise and gives a stellar ride. It is for a skier that demands a lot of performance, but these sticks demand a lot from the driver. Make sure you go short (thanks to the stiffness) and you've got that great ride. :wink:
Overall Rating (1-5 with 1 being "horrible" and 5 being "outstanding"): 5 I am very pleasantly surprised.
Would you recommend the item? Without doubt to all-mountain experts with a heavy foot, good form, and good control.
[Optional] Internet link to manufacturer and/or photo and description from company: http://www.head.com/ski/159_890_ENG_HTML.php
My model (2003-2004): http://www.skiershop.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=32&products_id=1737
Date Purchased: October 2004
Retail Outlet: Wachusett Mountainside Sport, mounted by Strand's.
Purchase Price (optional): Enough. :wink:
MSRP: $1200
Description of item and your experiences: I began my 'new ski search' in January 2003 by demoing several different models including the Dynastar Supercross 9 (too heavy and the tail was too flared :x ), and the Dynastar Concept Twin Tip (too soft and couldn't hold edge :x ). Being an expert skier who rode pretty much the entire mountain at Burke, Jay, and Sugarbush, hopping from groomed cruisers to bumps, and into trees, I demanded a durable, high-performance ski that was stable at speed, quick turning, and held edge extremely well. I contacted Skiershop.com and spoke with the owner who asked me some great questions and said, "I'm standing here looking at the ski I think you'd like...the Head Monster IM75 ski, with chip, and binding. Take a pair for a spin...you'll like them."
"HEAD?" I asked. Growing up in Northern Vermont, I was in Rossi Country and had owned several pairs. My latest skis were a pair of K2 Fours, which were great but a bit too long. I really didn't know anything about Head skis, but agreed to take a pair for a day at Sugarbush.
Vermont North (the best rental/demo center) only had the IM70 model and I demoed them in 177cm with the understanding that my model would be a bit more stiffer and responsive. To make a long story short, the ski took a few runs for me to get onto but once I did GIDDY-UP
. I was sold. Fast-forward to October when I found the ski I wanted at a decent price and snatched them. During the 2003-2004 season, I had demoed 160cm Rossi skis at Pat's Peak and found the shorter length better. After talking with some shop techs, I dropped from 177cm to 170 cm and have no regrets.
I've rode on my boards since mid-December, probably logging on about 20 days or so and the ski is sweet. It is incredible stable at speed and easy to roll over for a guy who is relatively new to big time carving. They like to go FAST and demand a driver with a heavy foot...my new Dalbello Boots helped me drive these Monsters effectively. :wink: The sweet spot is huge and I can find it very quickly. In the bumps and trees it holds well and thanks to the shorter length is quick, though I've been in a few situations where I did want some more quickness (mainly driver error though :roll: ). Though I've hit a few rocks and maybe bounced off a stump or two, the bases are as good as new without any blems (my K-2's only lasted one rock hit on a powder day at Jay before needing surgery). The chip works--I notice how the ski adjusts torsionally and tensionally. In powder at Sunday River, they float well despite being a bit heavy underfoot.
And did I mention the Railflex System? The binding, again like the chip, WORKS. Mounted to the ski using one screw and sitting in a rail, the binding floats on the ski and allows the ski to flex under foot which translates into more edge grip and power. For the entire season I've lost edge FIVE times (and mainly due to driver error). My set up also gives me plenty of rebound energy which is nice.
The mags gave the ski mediocre results, but I noted that they tested them a bit long, so GO SHORT and you've got a great ski that is quick.
As suggested in SKI and SKIING, the Austrians make a mean ski that is precise and gives a stellar ride. It is for a skier that demands a lot of performance, but these sticks demand a lot from the driver. Make sure you go short (thanks to the stiffness) and you've got that great ride. :wink:
Overall Rating (1-5 with 1 being "horrible" and 5 being "outstanding"): 5 I am very pleasantly surprised.
Would you recommend the item? Without doubt to all-mountain experts with a heavy foot, good form, and good control.
[Optional] Internet link to manufacturer and/or photo and description from company: http://www.head.com/ski/159_890_ENG_HTML.php
My model (2003-2004): http://www.skiershop.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=32&products_id=1737
