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Head Monster 98 2017 Review
October 22, 2016The Good
- DAMP!
- Super stable
- Incredible edge hold
- Relishes being skied hard
- Gets better at higher speeds
The Bad
- One dimensional turn shape
- Not versatile
- Needs to be driven
- Sluggish at slower speeds
- Much more damp than lively
Head's Monster 98 may feel like a bit of a one trick pony, but it does that one trick VERY well. Namely, it plows through and over any kind of snow condition like it's an obstacle that needs to be crushed. Best at higher speeds for skiers who love damp, mid-radius turns, the 98 can feel very much like a monster under the feet of anyone else.
Head’s Monster 98 is a bruiser of a ski, built to charge in any condition, with a WC Sandwich Cap Construction for predictable, excellent edge hold at high speeds. Whether it was on the groomers or blasting through sun crusted crud in the bowls, the 98 demolished it all with authority and attitude. As one tester so eloquently put it, “It ripped the shit out of everything, on or off-piste.”
That said, this ski is not designed to make short turns, perform at slower speeds, or be driven by anyone who doesn’t know how to set a serious edge. Buy this ski to conquer, but only if you already know and love how to charge.
Peter Kray
- PublisherPeter Kray is a co-founder of the Gear Institute, and a longtime specialist in the testing of skis, snowboards and outdoor equipment.