Head Monster 88
Dimensions: 133-88-114
Radius: 17.4m@177cm
Sizes: 163, 170, 177, 184
Size tested: 177
Design: New Construction
Philpug: The Monster 88 has become my reference ski in the 88-90mm category. What does that mean? That it's the best ski or the one that all others are compared against? Not really; it is the ski that I test the testing environment with. So, my first run of the day is on the Monster 88 because for me, it is one of the most predictable skis not only in the class but on the market.
Predictability. Is there really anything more you can ask from a ski? No one likes unnecessary surprises. We don’t like driving down the road and having a wheel fly off of a car and be told, “Surprise, I loosened your lug nuts." No, I want a ski that when I take it out I know
exactly what it will do. Occasionally I give one of our members a hard time because he always recommends the Monster 88, no matter what. Most of the time he is correct, and that is for the reason I stated: it is just a damn good ski that is usually a safe bet.
For 2019 we see a change in the Monster: it has a slightly softer and balanced flex and a new tip shape. On the snow, its feel is just what you would expect: predictable.
- Who is it for? Those who appreciate refinement.
- Who is it not for? Where in the past you needed your A game, a good solid B+ game will suffice here.
- Insider tip: Like the Monster 83, as good as the last generation was, this one is worth the price difference.
This year's Monster is when we saw a signifiant change.
This is exactly what I want to know! I have skied the original M88 and really liked it. I have skied the 2019 and don't like it. There is one pair of 2017 M88 and two pairs of M88 available locally. If the 2017 or 2018 skis are exactly the same as the original M88 (2015 or 2016), I would buy.
If you preferred the previous one, by all means get it.