This is a fantastic ski in every sense. It is an all-rounder which excels in certain conditions rather than a compromise which does ok in most places then lets you down badly in one or two.

I skied the 191 all round Chamonix in January, in conditions from bullet-proof black piste, through some decent bump lines to fresh turns in boot-deep powder, and it always handles itself with aplomb.

It isn't at it's best on ice and you have to be concentrating to keep the edge holding but it will hold up to a point before it gently slip-slides and it certainly never chatters or breaks loose; it just doesn't flex and grip like a race ski would.

On good snow it is very versatile on the piste, rebounding pretty well in short swings, quick from edge to edge and very stable at speed. It inspired confidence and variation in the skier, allowing you to make the most of the terrain. The faster you go the better it is.

Surprisingly it went through bumps pretty well; again, it clearly ins't designed to do it but it doesn't flinch and allows you to push it through. It just doesn't leave much room for error.

In good off-piste conditions it is sublime; perfectly weighted and very well-behaved. But where it really comes into its own is in poor off-piste snow: chop, wind-pack, crust, softer slush it just eats for breakfast making you feel confident and look good where many other skis would twist, protest and threaten to derail you or throw you over the handlebars. It is nimble when you want it to be and stable at speed.

I've always loved the right ski for the right discipline but my days of carting four different pairs around are over and this is one ski that can do it all. if you're happy on piste but what you're really looking for is fresh turns wherever you can find them, this ski will excel when your find your nirvana as well as keep you more than happy during the search.

Post script: I had not considered buying a Salomon ski for several years now, preferring to stick with Dynastar or Atomic; initially because I broke early monocoque constructions easily (Force 9 through to X Scream) and then more recently because their all-mountain skis have been too specific. This is the first that is a true all-rounder, which is what I was looking for, that seems to be really solid and well-made: bamboo and titanium core, sandwich construction with edge armour etc. Not only does it performs brilliantly but also it should last for years. I've paired it with STH 16 STEEL bindings and I think I'm going to be seeing a lot of these skis around. It should become a real winner for the brand.