Some things just scream winter. A cold, gray mid-November sky, announcements for the
latest Warren Miller ski flick, the addition of "ski conditioning" class to the
aerobics schedule and big monsters staring at you from inside your closet. But
the monsters we're talking about won't have you crying for mommy.
The new Head Monster i.M 85s are lurking in the corner, waiting for their
chance to bust out and take you for the wildest ride of the winter. With a
whopping 122cm tip, you'll be mowing down the competition on any big mountain
ride. The Monster is a classic Austrian creation: rugged and ready to rip. The
new all-mountain freeride ski hosts IntelliFibers - an "Intelligence" material
that transforms mechanical energy from the terrain, skier speed and
aggressiveness into electrical energy that allegedly optimizes the ski's
stability and damping. And because it's done with electricity, the whole moment
of truth happens instantaneously. You'll never know yourself whether the
technology actually works. All you'll know is that the skis feel damn smooth
and stable underneath you.
The "Intellifibers" are piezoelectric ceramic fibers that generate an
electrical current when they receive vibrations or movements. Laid at 45-degree
angles across the core, the fibers move with the ski, generating electricity.
And the more they move, the more electricity they generate. The Monsters,
therefore, change their behavior depending on where and how you ski - "sensing"
the conditions. It's called Torsional Vibration Management. In addition, its
X-Frame top-sheet shape keeps the tip and tail in the snow, while metal
reinforcement gives it additional calm and poise. Float through powder, carve
on ice - although I wouldn't choose this ski if you deal with hardpack on a
daily basis.
With a sidecut of 122/85/110, the Monsters are built to flex on soft snow and
powder, and carve on hard snow even at high speeds. Don't expect to be hopping
these puppies around moguls or short turns, though. You'll be worked over in 20
minutes. The increased surface area makes for easier turning in variable
conditions but also means a heavier ski and a greater delay moving from edge to
edge. The Monster i.M 85 is not designed for the faint of heart. It was meant
for those who can drive it into each turn and push its limits. Hang out on the
ski and you will feel like you have lead feet. This ski should be the first
choice for those who spend 75 percent or more time in deep snow. Head does make
a less aggressive version in their mid-fat Monster i.M 75 and 70 (114/75/103
and 113/70/102, respectively) . Available in 179,186,193 with a sidecut
radius: 21.7 at 186.
Msrp: $750
www.head.com/ski // 800.874.3235
Reviewed & Written by Jill Adler, MountainZone.com
Contributor