When Bode Miller did his couch commentary of the slalom leg of the Olympic men's combined, he mentioned that Head's slalom skis weren't all that and that when Pinterault and Vonn switched to Head, he knew that would be the end of their slalom. He added that the Dynastar/Lange combination tends to work best for that particular discipline. Nothing new to hear him taking potshots at Head, but recently heard something similar from a dealer in Europe - Head and Rossignol both make a great GS ski, but Head don't seem to be able to make a decent slalom ski. Didn't get onto why, but there was no obvious motive for the comment - the shop carried SLs by both brands.
Miller himself talked in detail about the difference in stiffness between Atomic and Fischer SLs and the effect on performance in the given conditions, but didn't go into Head or Dynastar.
If there's anything to it, and if it's possible to generalise like this, does anyone have any views on the alleged shortcomings - or even just different qualities - of Head FIS SLs compared either to their own GS skis or their SL competitors?
Also, any views about the qualities the differences in boots brings to this?
Not asking to guide a purchase by the way, and also appreciate that WC skis and the FIS-legal skis available to amateurs aren't the same thing. Just curiosity from someone who is learning plenty from the informed tech discussions on here.
Miller himself talked in detail about the difference in stiffness between Atomic and Fischer SLs and the effect on performance in the given conditions, but didn't go into Head or Dynastar.
If there's anything to it, and if it's possible to generalise like this, does anyone have any views on the alleged shortcomings - or even just different qualities - of Head FIS SLs compared either to their own GS skis or their SL competitors?
Also, any views about the qualities the differences in boots brings to this?
Not asking to guide a purchase by the way, and also appreciate that WC skis and the FIS-legal skis available to amateurs aren't the same thing. Just curiosity from someone who is learning plenty from the informed tech discussions on here.