HEAD’s Cyclic wowed testers with its ability to be stable and easy to turn in all off-piste conditions, as well as on hard snow (where it grabbed some of the highest rankings in this category). Good float, full wood core reliability and response, and HEAD’s proprietary TTS Exoskeleton all contribute to remarkable race ski feel in powder and crud.

The Cyclic is not the most nimble ski in this category, and can make short turns feel forced. It’s also too aggressive for Sunday drivers. If you want to charge big lines, or ride a big ski even when the snow gets firmer, the HEAD Cyclic can definitely fill that role.