Head Skis USA Monster iM 82 Ski

An often overlooked ski. Quicker than an Monster 88 with superb stability in all conditions. Medium radius turns are easy. Great crud-busting. Easy to carve. Very quick feeling midfat. Requires skill and is not really a deep powder ski.

I've skied on about 50 skis in the last several years, and these are the best all-around, IMO.  Damp, medium flex, good edge grip.  Stiffer than I like in light powder, but excellent in crud and all other conditions.  I can ski faster with these.

 I've taken these up in the good and bad conditions that the NW has to offer. When I first took them up it was icy and tons of crud. This ski just blasted through all of it, I never felt like it couldn't take anything I threw at it, I went into a full tuck straight down a few long runs, never chattered, and thats the fastest I've went on a ski. Granted I'm no racer.

Second day was piste with a couple inches of fresh powder. This had enough float on that to ski right through everything. I took it off of a few kickers and it never let me down.

Third day: Powder powder powder. Let me say this now, this ski is not meant for back country type of deep powder, however exploring the trees with patches of deep pow, this performed much better than I'd hoped. I had no trouble making quick turns through the trees in the powder. Then I took it up to the Double Black Moguls, can't say I have had a better time than with this ski in them.

Last ski day of the year: Wet snow after a small rain. Not much to say except that this ski rules off and on piste. If you are wanting to go powder skiing don't get this is the only bad thing I can think of about this ski.

These were the only ski I skied last year over 10 days out west.  At speed under all kinds of conditions they just inspired so much confidence it was...well...unreal!  I can't imagine a better ski in crud with the possible exception of this ski's big brother the 88, which would probably also be better in the deeper powder.  But this ski was also so good on any kind of groomer and even managable in the bumps, so there is a trade-off.  For me, this ski just nails the sweet spot of what I typically get to ski I can't imagine it being any better.  I will say that on those days when you're feeling a little beat up or intimidated, if you get bashful with these babies they will let you know it.  Stay on top of them, stay agressive and they will reward in spades!