The new women's constellation range of all mountain skis from Salomon includes six models that become progressively more aggressive as you move up the ranks.
The Iris sits second only to the Gemma. You can see the innovative Control Frame technology where the edges of the ski have been beefed up in the front and behind the heel to provide stiffness and edge grip where you need it but saving on weight. This control edge also becomes more pronounced as you move up the range.
On test the Iris delivered on control with smooth seamless turning on piste and support and agility off piste. As with the Gemma, turns were super easy to initiate with the carve rocker and new comfort technology (or comfortech) ensuring a chatter-free ride. Confortech are pads under the binding plates on the ski that are there to absorb vibration.
There's also a basalt layer that runs throughout the ski for further dampening. A new lightweight binding - the 'lithium' - helps further to bring down the weight and deliver on control. The Iris wasn't as aggressive as the Gemma but could still be pushed into some big speeds and turn shapes without losing their cool.
At £460 with binding this is a superb value option for advanced women that ski hard and want something that will bring both comfort, control and progression. We would happily ski all day on these.
