Author Topic: Head Monster iM88 & iM77  (Read 1076 times)

Barrettscv

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Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« on: April 13, 2006, 07:53:03 am »
Skis: 175cm Head Monster iM 88, 177cm Head Monster iM 77


Where: Skied the set at Alta on 3/5/06. Provided by Deep Powder House Ski shop.

Conditions at Alta: 6 to 12" of new natural snow fell on 3/03/06; however the traffic on Saturday skied most into a firm base where groomed and to a soft mogul field where left natural. No bottomless conditions to be found. Blue sky, 18F at dawn, 35F at 3PM.

My specs: 5? 11", 215lbs. male, 40th season skiing, former USSA & High School 7-day-a-week competitor in New Hampshire. I use a modern carving technique and I like ice as much as I like soft snow. (maybe a little more?)

Boots: 2003 Salomon Course (red, 130 flex).

Ski: 175cm Head Monster iM 88
Comments: The iM 88 is the most versatile performer. It would carve on the firmest hardpack and float easily at speed through the steeper crud and bumps. It felt like a much smaller ski on the hardpack, while covering the softer conditions easily. It does have a slight delay in turn initiation, but once it hooks up it dives into turns like a GS ski. I noticed the width of the ski; it required my boots to angulate more from the cuff than from the sole of the foot. I would not want to match the ski with anything less than a recreational race boot like the Course, an ?all-mountain? boot won?t cut it with this ski. Plug boots anyone?


Ski: 177cm Head Monster iM 77 (chip & Railflex model)
Comments: With no soft snow to be found the Monster iM 77 became the logical choice. The iM77 was quicker than expected (I had the binding set forward 1.5cm). It was also a serious high speed carving ski with a stiff tail and a real attitude. Much more performance than I was expecting. I could probably use a 170cm with ample stability, the ski is really solid. It was also the quickest ski of the day. However it?s not in the same league as a cheater GS ski, not as quick edge-to-edge, not the same level of grip. But a very good ski for an energetic all-mountain skier.

In summery, the iM 88 would be my ski of choice if I lived within two hours of a mountain with frequent deep powder days and I could own only one ski. It cruises the groomed slopes better than many 68 to 78mm wide-underfoot midfat skis and can float a big skier in bottomless conditions. The ski is not quick edge-to-edge, but this is its only weakness. Quiet competence for the all-day all-conditions skier.

The iM 77 feels quick and solid on-piste while managing crud and knee-deep snow easily. Ideal for the East Coast or Midwest skier who fly out-west for 15 days on the slopes each year.


Cheers,


Michael
« Last Edit: April 16, 2006, 08:36:01 am by Barrettscv »

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Ron

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2006, 08:01:53 am »
Nice Review!  I think you need to go back and demo the 82 and compare/contrast those! I think you would find the 82 has the quickness and agility of the 77 and the float and crud busting ability of the 88 along with a snappy energetic ride.  If skis keep progessiing in there perfromance as they have this past season and 07' I can only imagine what's ahead. Of course this just means more skis for us to buy. I believe Gary is on the prowl for 82's or 88's.

Barrettscv

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2006, 08:34:29 am »
Hey Ron,

You need to give us a review of the Supershapes, iM72 & iM82!  ;D Throw a Fisher Race SC review up also while your at it!

Cheers,

Michael
« Last Edit: April 16, 2006, 08:39:21 am by Barrettscv »

trojanman

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2006, 03:09:41 pm »
Michael,
I just purchased some im88's and a pair of Tyrolia mojo 15 bindings.  Do you recommend using a lifter plate with this set up? 

Thanks,

Thomas

stwildcat

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2006, 03:43:09 pm »
Excuse my ignorance on this one butwhat does a lifter plate get you other then the obvious height? What does that height do for the ski?

Ron

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2006, 09:57:01 am »
it gives you leverage for getting on edge.

stwildcat

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2006, 11:04:42 am »
ok...so if I put a railflex on say an iM82 the height of the railflex system is going to help the ski get on edge on the groomed runs. If this is correct then a iM82 with the railflex systems would appear to be a very versatile combination. 82mm under foot for the deep stuff and with the railflex system to be adjusted forward and aft combined with the 30mm lift of the railflex plate seems to be a great combination. Any ideas on this one?

Ron

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2006, 10:33:15 am »
wildcat, did you read my review of the 82?  Yes, it will carve if you have the skills. I'm not sure of your level but if you are not an accomplished carver, I would not buy this ski for front side carving.  You seem to be a bit scattered in your posts as to what you want and which ski. It's a long way off unless you head out to Utah, wait till next season and demo.

rob

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Re: Head Monster iM88 & iM77
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2006, 11:33:19 pm »
Having purchased a pair on M82's with a railflex plate late in the season, I can second what Ron has said.
These babies can carve.
They are also great, and I mean great, as crud busters.
Of course, with an 82 mm waist, one would expect them to do well in powder. Well, having skied them at Park City Mtn and Snowbasin in 8-12" of fresh, I can tell you that they didn't disappoint.
I was also quite impressed with them in some soft bumps. Haven't had them on hard bumps yet but hey, that's what next year is for.