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2020 Salomon S/Force Bold

SkiTalk Test Team

Testing skis so you don't have to.
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Philpug: Even though the S/Force shares much of its DNA with the narrower S/Max, Salomon made the S/Force much more compliant at its extremities. The S/Force does come easy into a turn and even with its flared square tail, it can easily be worked out of a carve without any resistance. Where there is a similarity to the S/Max is at speed; other than sacrificing a bit of edge-to-edge quickness, the S/Force is just as confidence-inspiring and stable at speed. See Long-Term Review HERE.

Insider tip: The X12 TL race-derived binding does now accept Gripwalk.​

FairToMiddlin: Salomon jumps into the fray of the 2020 wider carver bonanza with the S/Force Bold, at 84 mm underfoot.

And wow.

I clicked into the S/Force shortly after the Stöckli Laser AR and was amazed by how well it held up against the very best the Swiss can concoct. It is powerful and stable on piste, with an intuitive tip for initiation and good snow feel throughout. As burly as it is for holding a firm grip at high edge angles, it then seemingly transforms into a willing dance partner off piste, deftly maneuvering through bumps and crud with its above average strength waiting in the background. It never feels like a heavy tank, just loads of "we got this" confidence.

Salomon also wins the award for being in the Top 3 of the test for ski manufacturers that understand the importance of a good tune -- or, to put it another way, it actually cared. It was superb on the S/Force, and it enabled a clear vision of the Force’s abilities, unlike the murky view offered by the tune on the Laser AR.

Ron: What a nice ski! The Bold tracks well and remains stable at speed. It is quite happy to make any turn shape; the tip engages very well and smoothly, and the traditional tail holds when needed but releases upon demand. This ski is best for the front side, and although I didn't take it into the bumps, I think it would be competent.

Insider tip: Don't overlook this ski.​

Drahtguy Kevin: Wide-body carvers are the hot segment, it seems, and Salomon’s entry gives the other makers a ski to chase. A supremely damp ski with an excellent tip that pulls the ski though the fall line with predictability is a pleasure to pilot. This is that ski. Mass is this ski’s friend. It has a heavier feel in hand, but once on snow the heft disappears and a quick, smooth, stable ride shows up. Roughed-up snow was leveled yet the ski kept a lively feel. Snaking through moguls on the Bold was a snap, something I didn’t expect. This ski competes with the premium brands in snow feel and performance.

Insider tip: This is the wide carver the others want to be.​
 
Awards
Who is it for?
The strong; even though the S/Force has a mild side, it is a burly ski and needs some mass to bend it. Those seeking a wider carver who like to dabble all over the mountain.
Who is it not for?
Slalom turns aren’t this ski’s forté. If you absolutely, positively must have a light ski, this is not that.
Skier ability
  1. Advanced
  2. Expert
Ski category
  1. Frontside
  2. All Mountain
Ski attributes
  1. Groomers
  2. Moguls
  3. Off Piste
Segment
  1. Men

Specifications

right ad
Available sizes
170, 177, 184
Dimensions
132-84-116
Radius
16m@177cm
Rocker profile
  1. Full camber
Construction design
  1. All new
Binding options
  1. System

Last edited by a moderator:

tube77

Getting on the lift
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Feb 4, 2019
Posts
245
By the way, it’s interesting comparison between the bold and AR..
What would be your choice if you take into account the price tag difference?
 

Philpug

Notorious P.U.G.
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Reno, eNVy
By the way, it’s interesting comparison between the bold and AR..
What would be your choice if you take into account the price tag difference?
My personal choice would be the Bold, irrelevant of price.
 

noggin

Getting on the lift
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Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Posts
237
Location
ME
Insider tip: This is the wide carver the others want to be.......Can't agree more... I just keep smiling all day long and take it all over SR and Sugarloaf... Love the way it rides when I want to take it easy,,, and how it rips with ease and confidence when drivin it hard...
 

Superbman

Getting off the lift
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Joined
Nov 23, 2015
Posts
348
Location
Western, MA
Does it ski short/ long/ just right? Will most want to 177? I've been trending shorter, lately in technical skis and was learning towards a 170cm (5'9, 180) here in the east with an eye towards stretching it's bump envelope.
 

Ken_R

Living the Dream
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Joined
Feb 10, 2016
Posts
5,775
Location
Denver, CO
Does it ski short/ long/ just right? Will most want to 177? I've been trending shorter, lately in technical skis and was learning towards a 170cm (5'9, 180) here in the east with an eye towards stretching it's bump envelope.

It skis full length tip to tail so I see no need to go longer than the 177cm length in that ski. I tend to prefer longer skis and I demoed the 177cm length and liked it. It is a pretty heavy ski and likes speed and turns with authority.
 

Dudeabides

Booting up
Skier
Joined
Oct 16, 2018
Posts
25
A pair of these in 184 were kicking around the locker room all last year... usually accompanied by the word "battleship." I skied em for a few days and was quite surprised at how well they performed across a range of tasks. They were no doubt stable and plenty strong at speed, but surprisingly with a little attention they approached what I might even call nimble with the shorties. imo mx84>Bold>AR
 

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