Its crazy to think that in all the years since then, Salomon hasnt released a new freestyle-focused ski.
The first ski movie I ever saw, was a Salomon Adrenaline Hunters DVD.
Fast forward the best part of a decade and Salomon are back with a much-anticipated bang.
I first skied a version of it ages ago, though its changed significantly since then.
Its a clear departure from both what Salomon, and other ski brands, are doing right now.
Read more about that from one of the masterminds, Sami Ortlieb,here.
Theres a smidge of camber underfoot, but just a few mm.
Otherwise, the construction seems fairly standard, but solid.
Edges are hard to measure accurately but I think these are 2.2x2mm.
They seem slightly thicker than standard but they are not a full-on fat edge.
They actually carve nicely once you get used to them, but they do require some input.
The full vertical sidewall transmits power to the edges really well, and they hold a smooth turn.
The pin tip planes sideways really easily and they have plenty of rocker for float.
However, size is an issue.
Crud etc:
These skis are quite close to doing it all.
Perhaps closer than any ski I can think of.
They ski groomers well, they ski pow and they handle crud with aplomb.
These things charge pretty happily and never felt unsettled by any conditions I skied them in.
Park/Jibbing:
Despite the all-conditions chops, the Depart .01 is very much a freestyle ski.
The mounting point is key.
That pointed tip doesnt weigh much, so you could almost ignore it in terms of swingweight.
It feels pretty close to center mounted like that, even if it doesnt look it.
I’ve heard some of the team go as far as -1, but I wouldn’t personally.
They arent remarkably light, nor do they feel notably heavy, which for me, is fine.
Dont buy them if you compete or want to throw crazy spins.
The rocker makes them easy enough to butter.
Despite the stiff flex they feel surfy and quick while at the same time being stable.
From what I can tell, these will hold up pretty well.
My one concern would be a head-on impact for the pointed tip.
The ARV has slightly less tip rocker and to me, its about the same flex but less damp.
The added tip rocker means it butters a bit better up front too.
The Bacon is MUCH softer in the tip and tail, and even a bit softer underfoot.
However, when it comes to stability, the Bacon isnt even close.
Thats about where the similarities end.
However, its definitely not as easy to throw around or nearly as poppy.
Both are fairly solid but still playful, both charge well and yet still go sideways easily.
Both have a ton of power on edge when you lay them out.
It took me quite a while to get used to the way the Depart skis.
But once I figured it out, I enjoyed it for almost everything.
It is quite stiff but I had fun buttering on it, because it provides such a stable platform.
But (like most guys) I wouldnt say no to a couple more centimeters.
