Sierra says: The Crystal is back from last year unchanged except for a new graphic. This is a nice step above an entry level ski for the woman just getting into the sport or for a more seasoned but cautious skier. When you go up the line from beginner skis, you get more edge grip, stability, and dampening. Taken in the proper doses these attributes won't hold back a novice but will also give ...

Sierra says: It's hard to believe that it has been ten years since Salomon brought twin tip skis to the mainstream with the original Teneighty. In those ten years, the Teneighty has morphed and changed several times but it has always remained true to its original concept. This is a twin with a flex that shades its capabilities a bit toward the park over all mountain conditions. This year the ...

Sierra says: The Topaz returns from '07-'08 with a new graphic but is unchanged otherwise. This is another ski that bears the Salomon family characteristics. Light, nimble, and energetic are the hallmarks of the Topaz. This is a 90/10 ski with a moderate shape and enough edge grip and stability for most skiers up to the solid advanced level. The Topaz has a fairly conservative sidecut an...

Sierra says: The Fury returns for '09 with no significant changes other than graphic. I ski the Fury often and find that it is a great blend of groomer performance and grip with a nimble and compliant feel in the off trail and in softer snow. Among the 50/50 skis, this is one that can be a fit for a wide number of skiers. Edge grip is better than average for the 50/50 group and the deep sidec...

Sierra says: A couple of years ago, Salomon introduced the first generation X-Wing Fury. This was a very user friendly 50/50 ski that was rapidly embraced by skiers of varying ability levels. Since then, Salomon has moved on and the newer generation Fury, is stiffer, wider, and like most other 50/50 skis, is targeted for skiers of a pretty high aggressiveness level. Such skis, can sometimes make l...

Sierra says: The Tornado is back from last year with a new graphic. It is important to note that the Tornado now comes in three versions. The flat Tornado is slightly softer and easier going than the similar Protrak version and is more attractively priced. As such it is a nice transition model between intermediate skis and the most aggressive models. In addition, there is an entirely new Tornado T...

Sierra says: The Salomon X-Wing Tornado returns this year with a graphical change. Other than that, it is the same fun ski as the 07 model. If you are looking for a lively and nimble ski that is still stable in rough conditions, the Tornado is for you. It's wide enough for some fresh powder. It's steady enough in crud. It will hold an edge on the groomers when skiing at mach schnell...