Alpine skis
Product 2026
Woman, Man
With its dual Titanal plates, the Salomon S-Max 12 is undeniably powerful. The first question we asked was how it compares with the Salomon Addikt Pro 76. The answer is clear: the S-Max 12 is noticeably stiffer and more energized. Its 15-meter radius is nearly identical to the Addikt’s 14, but the S-Max feels more rigid, more locked onto the snow, and less prone to tip chatter.
This ski is designed for strong, aggressive skiers who want to go fast—very fast. When you press hard into it, you unlock a consistent, smooth flex that rewards power and commitment. For lighter or less powerful skiers, it still works, but on edge the S-Max 12 demands force to vary the turn shape. On hard snow, it doesn’t easily bend into shorter carving arcs. Instead, you often find yourself driving off the tail in long, cut turns without much flexibility in radius adjustment.
In summary, this is a very good ski that delivers excellent sensations, but it doesn’t adapt readily to radius changes—it’s up to the skier to make it happen. At higher speeds, in the hands of a powerful skier, it truly comes alive and feels perfectly at home. For average builds, it’s still manageable: it pivots easily when flat, slides and drifts smoothly, and enters turns cleanly, whether skidded or carved. But it really performs best when skied fast, as its flex is demanding. The tip engages fairly well, though not always with instinctive ease.
Compared to the Addikt Pro, the S-Max 12 is less versatile and less playful, but unquestionably faster. It offers outstanding grip on hardpack, with a tail that’s more pronounced yet never intrusive—always there when you need it. There’s real energy underfoot, though it’s less about lively rebound and more about steady acceleration: a quiet force that inspires confidence. You know it won’t let go.
In steep, tight turns, the S-Max 12 also shows strong edge hold and composure.
Design-wise, the screwed-on metal tip protector doesn’t convince us, but the topsheet is impressively durable, resisting scratches and dings. A subtle Salomon insert in front of the bindings enhances perceived quality, and the colored sidewalls recall the Addikt Pro. We liked the small ridges on the topsheet, which make carrying the ski easier. At first we thought going longer might be a good idea given its heft, but in fact, the ski already has plenty of substance to stay planted.
What it lacks is a touch of quickness and liveliness to earn an award.
For lighter skiers, the Addikt Pro is a better match. For bigger, stronger riders looking to charge at high speeds, the S-Max 12 is the clear choice. It’s the more powerful, performance-driven ski—a very solid piece of gear.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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