Head Monster i.M 82 (2007)

Pro Like the i.M 88 (see Free XL), the 82 features Head’s Intelligence fibers, which "sense" twisting in the forebody of the ski and stiffen to increase torsional rigidity—on the fly, instantaneously. If it sounds like marketing hype to you, you’ll get religion after one run. The i.M 82 is a damp, powerful bullet train, employing the same construction as the i.M 88: laminate layup, vertical sidewalls and resilient Liquid Metal laminates. Not one tester failed to write "strong" or "burly" on his card, and fans of unalloyed power and stability were its biggest admirers. "Fast, damp, doesn’t like to do anything at slow speeds," said Sabanosh. "But once you get it going, just tip and rip. Great for strong, aggressive freeriders." Con Absent firm input from its pilot, it will sense weakness and take control.