If you’re looking for a lightweight Frontside ski that favors the Finesse skier – both relative rarities in the Power-laden Frontside genre – the Salomon XDR 80 Ti has you covered. The XDR 80 Ti isn’t quite as light as its wider family members, the 88Ti and 84 Ti, but the extra stability only mass provides is actually a benefit for skiers of less than expert ability. It’s expected retail of $599 (with a Salomon XT12 binding) confirms that the XDR 80 Ti isn’t aiming to attract the strongest skiers but those who could use some help polishing their skills.

Salomon has been steadily shedding 100’s of grams from its Frontside family, going back to the Enduro era. With the XDR 80 Ti it has found a light-but-not-too-light carver with a docile disposition masking a power reserve. Olin Glenne from Sturtevant’s of Sun Valley defines the XDR 80 Ti as “Easy to ski but loaded with performance. Nice bump ski.”