Head Monster 88 -- 2017 vs 2018 vs 2019

[speedster]

Has anyone skied all three years of the Monster 88? Did it really get less stiff / more flexy with each passing year?

 

[Josh Matta]

17-18 are the same 19 is softer with more sidecut sitll skis like a Monster though.

 

[Coach13]

17-18 are the same 19 is softer with more sidecut sitll skis like a Monster though.

Still pretty damp?

 

[speedster]

17-18 are the same 19 is softer with more sidecut sitll skis like a Monster though.

I heard that it was softened twice since inception. Is it possible that happened for the first time in 2017 and then again in 2019? Since I guess it may have been introduced in 2015?

 

[Ken_R]

Has anyone skied all three years of the Monster 88? Did it really get less stiff / more flexy with each passing year?

I own the 2017 model in 184cm and have Tested the new one in 177cm. The 184cm is a bit chargier but the 177cm is better for bumps and is a tad easier to ski overall although I would not call the 184cm a hard ski to ski.

 

[cantunamunch]

Still pretty damp?

Yes - but - the extra sidecut changes the personality of that dampness.

 

[Coach13]

Yes - but - the extra sidecut changes the personality of that dampness.

How so? Can you elaborate? The older models were so damp I never felt like I got the feedback necessary from the ski when I was on them.

 

[cantunamunch]

How so? Can you elaborate? The older models were so damp I never felt like I got the feedback necessary from the ski when I was on them.

First I will point out that there are not one but TWO demo days at WT, tomorrow and next week - try for yo'sel

Second, the newer models want to engage sooner - mostly a good thing. The downside to quicker edge response is that, if you change nothing else, you also get more snow input getting passed back to you.

Third, in order to allow a large difference between a large irregular snow input at the nose and your sensation at the binding, the intermediate span of ski *has* to get both a) softer or, in better parlance, more compliant and b) resistant to having itself thrown off course by significant deflection of the edge from the skier's intent - meaning the flex has to be made stiffer closer to the binding proportionately to the sidecut.

Conclusion: small apparent changes still require a *lot* of engineering.

For my own taste, I loved the 2017 designs - they did exactly what I wanted and no more, in "almost a race ski" sort of way.

 

[Daves not here]

We have a demo day coming up and I am hoping to get to compare a few 88’s. Monster, Brahma, Kendo.

 

[Marker]

I've not skied the older models, but demoed the 177 cm 88 since they didn't have the 184. Even at my size (6'6", 230 lb), I found it substantial enough and nicely damp, to my liking. I currently ski a Elan Amphibio 88 XTi at 186 which is noticeably chargier and damp. I'd like a little more side cut since I have a cheater GS in the stable.

 

[Philpug]

We have a demo day coming up and I am hoping to get to compare a few 88’s. Monster, Brahma, Kendo.

Make sure you add the Mindbender 90Ti to that list.

 

[cantunamunch]

I've not skied the older models, but demoed the 177 cm 88 since they didn't have the 184. Even at my size (6'6", 230 lb), I found it substantial enough and nicely damp, to my liking. I currently ski a Elan Amphibio 88 XTi at 186 which is noticeably chargier and damp. I'd like a little more side cut since I have a cheater GS in the stable.

You'd love my Original + Mod 8 -> more sidecut AND MUCH more tail response than the 184cm M88, in a 178cm beastie. Flexed for a 230lber.

 

[speedster]

Anyone know if there had been a change between 2015 and 2017?

 

[Dwight]

Anyone know if there had been a change between 2015 and 2017?

Graphics, yes, material no

 

[speedster]

Thanks, so the monster 88 since the reintroduction of the monster name had been the same ski since 2014 or 2015, and had its first change this year (2019).

 

[ScotsSkier]

First I will point out that there are not one but TWO demo days at WT, tomorrow and next week - try for yo'sel

Second, the newer models want to engage sooner - mostly a good thing. The downside to quicker edge response is that, if you change nothing else, you also get more snow input getting passed back to you.

Third, in order to allow a large difference between a large irregular snow input at the nose and your sensation at the binding, the intermediate span of ski *has* to get both a) softer or, in better parlance, more compliant and b) resistant to having itself thrown off course by significant deflection of the edge from the skier's intent - meaning the flex has to be made stiffer closer to the binding proportionately to the sidecut.

Conclusion: small apparent changes still require a *lot* of engineering.

For my own taste, I loved the 2017 designs - they did exactly what I wanted and no more, in "almost a race ski" sort of way.

try it this way - head race plate, Atomic X19 on a 17 184....

 

[LewyM]

Thanks, so the monster 88 since the reintroduction of the monster name had been the same ski since 2014 or 2015, and had its first change this year (2019).

someone like @markojp or @Philpug could clarify, but I recall hearing that the first change after the re-introduction of the M88 was '17-18 version; and then it changed subtly again in '18-19 (current year). As for the what and how much, I do not know that definitively. No idea what happens for next year ('19-20) or if it stays in the line. I own the 16-17, that is the only one I can speak to. I think it is awesome.

 

[ksampson3]

Anyone have any idea what companies are showing up at Whitetail tomorrow? I'd call Princeton Sports, but the sponsors never seem to know who is showing up. They just take a guess and say, "Probably Volkl. Maybe Head. Some other ones, too."

 

[cantunamunch]

try it this way - head race plate, Atomic X19 on a 17 184....

Already have a Marker on white Piston

 

[dbostedo]

Anyone have any idea what companies are showing up at Whitetail tomorrow? I'd call Princeton Sports, but the sponsors never seem to know who is showing up. They just take a guess and say, "Probably Volkl. Maybe Head. Some other ones, too."

Probably a good take. Over the last couple of seasons at WT I've demo'ed Volkl, Head, Stockli, Dynastar, Elan, and Rossignol.

But it seems to vary year to year quite a bit.