Some three or four years ago, there were Salomon Crossmax possessors galore; all the way from Italy's Dolomites, across Tyrol and the Swiss Alps, to the French Alps. The situation today is somewhat different  - there are some new kids on the block and not only Crossmax became a rarity but the whole 'cross generation' of skis is, with all the manufacturers, slowly giving way to more and more omnipresent pipe&park and freeride models, which are slowly transforming from the alternative to mainstream series. If you are not into such exhibitions, you will surely find something for yourself in the race series. We got to test this year's Crossmax model, which seem to be entering the autumn of its era. Or maybe not?

There is a noticeable change already at the first glance of the ski. Its upper surface is no longer dominated by vivid red, blue and yellow colors – the new Crossmax attire is now dark purple and black. Among various ski models, Crosmax no longer stands out as a daring and fast 'racing car', but is rather self-suppressed. And if you do happen to notice it, you will at first probably think you are looking at ladies skis. However, a closer look reveals retro '90s computer machine font which could, together with black and purple colors, attract true lovers of trash design and some emotional skiers who still regret for the old Street Fighter consoles and are not keen on the coming of graphic cards.

But, let us start from the beginning. The basic construction remained Double Monocoque. For those who are not familiar with it, it is a system where mechanic forces are endured primarily by the outer (but not the surface) layer of the ski. The term Monocoque is taken from architecture, where it stands for a system contrary to a system of inner frames on which a non supportive coating is mounted. The term Double of course designates supportive frame which is to ensure even better mechanical characteristics. The core remained wooden, with carbon fibres being traditionally responsible for extra solidity and light-weightedness of the whole construction. The same as over the previous few seasons, the binding is fixed into the ski using the verified Protrak system which, with the help of its two 'fortifications' spanning in front and behind the binding, ensures higher precision and better pressure better pressure on the edges for icy slopes.

This ski performs rather well, but not up to our expectations, considering its reputation and tradition. It is very guidable at low speeds, that is, on mild slopes, where you will be able to carve some precisely edged turns with ease. With the same ease, you can make turns of somewhat larger, almost giant slalom radius, as well as short turns. However, this trophy model shows its first signs of weakness on somewhat steeper slopes - the ski fails to respond to the grip pressure, which will surely disappoint more experienced skiers. The thing that disappoints the most is poor performance at high speeds - there is nothing of the onrush, the brusqueness and the strength which were present with earlier Crossmax models and skiers. Unfortunately, the conclusion is the following - the ski simply fails to withstand stronger pressure and accelerate the skier at the end of the turn, which proves disadvantage for some potential buyers.

Of course, for the same reasons, skiing on this ski could prove quite a casual sport activity, which could make it appealing to some ski connoisseurs who know how to put the ski onto its edges and are keen on skiing on Salomon, but are a bit out of shape. All in all, we had considerably greater expectations, since we were testing not just any ski. Maybe it is no coincidence that Salomon has this year launched only one Crossmax model...the answer will be known next season already.