Salomon: H XW 8 Skis (Lightrak) w/ 711 B80 Bindings

Salomon classifies their XWing 8 with integrated 711 binding as an "all-mountain sport" but their definition shouldn't be confused with cheap "sport" ski designs made from flimsy components and sold at deep discounts in sporting good chains. Salomon's XWing 8 features high-end components like titanium reinforcements, the same vibration-reducing Oversized Pulse Pad elastomer found on the top-end skis, and new innovations like the 3D Stealth Tip helps minimize chatter at speed. Unlike the top performance skis in the Salomon XWing series, the XWing 8 doesn't use the same woodcore construction--it has a composite fiber core that remains remarkably forgiving without adding excess ounces. This means that the ski absorbs the vibrations and shock of unanticipated (or unseen) undulations in the snow. The result is an all-mountain ski with a sidecut profile that excels on groomed without being too bogged down during excursions into untracked terrain. If you crave stability and dislike chatter at high speeds, the XWing 8 is the perfect confidence-boost to your ski season. This year Salomon paired their XWing 8 with their integrated 711 binding system. The 711 features a vertical progressive pivot--the same stuff found in the high-end Z12 bindings, but the binding DIN settings are a little milder to fit skiers who don't need the added expense of higher-DIN performance ski bindings. Because the DIN scale settings are 3.5-11 for skiers up to 253 lbs., if you think you'll be racing in top-tier competition, you may need a ski/binding pairing with higher DIN settings.

• Created for aggressive intermediate to expert skiers who prefer to carve more than ripping through untracked snow
• Turn radius: 13.6 m. in 160-cm. length
• Dimensions in 160-cm. length (tip/waist/tail): 120/74/102 mm.
• Predictable and stable composite fiber core
• Lightweight titanium layers in ski for durability and rigidity
• Salomon M (Medium) chassis with monocoque construction
• P-Tex 2000 high molecular density base for excellent wax absorption and superb abrasion resistance
• Integrated 711 B80 binding system
• Vertical progressive pivot in binding enhances protection and helps control the release in backward falls
• Automatic wing adjustment for simplified step-in boot toe access
• 80-mm. long removable binding brakes for quick and easy ski maintenance (tuning)
• Binding Adjustment range: 28 mm.
• 711 B80 DIN scale: 3-11 for skiers ranging from 79 to 253 lbs. (36 to 115 kg.)