Salomon are without doubt a true innovator of ski technology - think the rear entry boot, the capped sidewall and of course the BBR ski, to name but a few. The impact of these innovations on the ski world is impressive, but perhaps the BBR went too far? This seasons XDR range is Salomon's answer to all mountain, go anywhere skis that combine the BBR and X-Drive philosophies. The XDR 84 Ti looks, on first glance, to be rather less innovative than anything Salomon have produced in years but the reality is, they are an absolute belter of a ski.
After the visual impact of the BBR, the new XDR's are inconspicuous in the very least - we can almost say they look a little dull. But once you get under the bonnet the looks pale into insignificance.
The ease of turn initiation means a complete beginner would feel perfectly comfortable using the XDR 84 from the off. But start cranking through the turns and you get a real sense of power, with a razor sharp edge hold and a poppy, playful re-bound into the next carve.
At 84mm under foot they don't quite sit in the freeride category, but they're still wide enough to handle most powder snow scenarios, especially those unexpected moments when you feel the need to dive off the side of the piste into the soft stuff.
Solid, powerful, responsive and versatile, we can't think of much more you'd need in an all mountain ski. When you dial up the pace they can perhaps be a little hard to handle for anyone unable to take the ride, but then some of the other models in the new XDR range would be suitable alternatives.
Overall a seriously impressive ski and at £560 with bindings they add an extra value for money dimension that you wouldn't expect with skis packed full of the kind of tech features that these have.
