In a Technical ski genre loaded with lumberjack-strong shredders, the X-Max is a nimble waterbug that whips around corners like it was trying to catch its own tail.  Followers of the Salomon brand may recall the X-Wing series, also lightweight, short-radius specialists that provided a necessary antidote to the metal-laden Meisters of the piste.  The X-Max feels like a direct descendant of X-Wing, still quick and snappy but with better snow contact at speed.

One of the lightest skis in its class, the X-Max feels subtly responsive as long as it’s kept confined to the groom.  In beat-up crud – is there any other kind? – the X-Max “gets pushed around by chunks of snow,” as Alvie from Bobo’s attested.  In fairness, the X-Max isn’t meant to travel off-road.  Kept to its preferred playground, the X-Max is refreshingly zippy and maneuverable on short notice.