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The all new Salomon X Max replaces the 24 Hours and sets a benchmark for slalom style skis as our team found out during the 2015 on-snow test.

salomon x max 2015 ski test
Level
Expert
Terrain
Piste
Best for
Confident, agile skiers who want a lively, powerful on-piste ski
Price
£560
lengths
160, 170, 175
Bindings?
Yes
Low speed
8
Value
9
Edge hold
9
Performance
9
High speed
8
Overall Score
9

It's hard to imagine that Salomon only started making skis in 1990 - long enough, but compared to many with the same pedigree, it's like comparing humanities time on earth to that of the dinosaurs.

Salomon have managed to firmly establish themselves in the ski market and the new piste machine that replaces the highly regarded 24 Hours is a risk that appears to have paid off.

Although suited to shorter, slalom style turns, the radius varies with the length, so the longer 175 model is very comfortable with longer carving turns.

We tested the 170 size - a versatile, highly responsive and lively ski that prefers short snappy turns but can open up into faster, long radius with ease.

They would suit an advanced to expert skier who wants to get the most out of the piste, enjoys racing style turns and is good enough to compete at a high level. Instructors would benefit from the versatility the skis offer on the front side of the mountain - it's not a powder ski but in bumps they handle well, providing you stay right on top of them at all times.

The edge hold, as one of our testers found, 'is amazing' and he scored them a full 10 out 10 for short radius turns and edge grip - more than any other ski on test.

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