SMOOTH OPERATOR
Good for Big Mountain
The Monster 102 is only a millimeter slimmer than Head’s pro-model ski, the plank-stiff 103, but the performance is a world apart. Thanks to its softer tip and a powerful tail, it’s easier to move through tight trees and tighter gullies, and the mellow sidecut and damp feel kept the 102 predictable in transition from crust to powder at Silverton, Colorado. It’s a tad sluggish at slow speeds, but get it moving and you can ride its old-school (non-twin) tail through anything. 125/102/117;