By Andrew Ingold
Head Supershape jrs review
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Overview and target skier
The Supershape jrs is a junior piste carver aimed at kids moving beyond beginner slopes. Designed for ambitious young skiers (roughly 8+ years) who want to progress their technique, it balances playfulness with stability. At lower speeds it feels lively and forgiving, helping youngsters build confidence through easy turn initiation and smooth edge transitions. At higher speeds it retains enough stability for spirited runs without becoming intimidating. Overall it’s tailored to accelerate learning while remaining predictable and enjoyable on groomed terrain.
Construction and technology
Construction blends a synthetic junior core with a Power Sidewall Jacket and fiberglass reinforcement, plus a structured topsheet and UHM C base for durability and glide. The ERA 2.0 geometry pairs an Allride tip rocker with a progressive radius, giving easy turn initiation and natural carved arcs without the extra rebound element. The EASY4 ski+binding tuning softens flex and simplifies step‑in for kids. This combination yields a robust, low‑maintenance ski that still feels responsive and lively for growing skiers.
Specs explained and what they mean
Key specs and what they mean: tip/waist/tail widths affect turn shape and flotation—wider tips help start turns, a narrow waist (≈68–71 mm) makes short to medium turns agile, and a fuller tail aids release and stability. Tip rocker smooths entry and forgives mistakes while camber underfoot provides edge grip and pop. Radius changes with length (6.0 m at 110 cm to 12.6 m at 160 cm): shorter radii produce quick, tight turns; longer radii enhance stability at speed. Weight (≈1,328 g/ski at 140 cm) balances durability and manageability for kids.
On‑snow performance and comparisons
On snow the Supershape jrs feels immediately confidence‑inspiring: solid edge contact from the sidewall design gives reliable grip on hardpack, while the tip rocker eases turn initiation and reduces hang‑ups. Compared with other junior sport carvers it’s generally more forgiving and less race‑stiff—ideal for progressing riders rather than pure junior racers. The trade‑off is off‑piste performance; in deep or variable snow the junior core and narrower waist limit flotation and dampening compared to adult all‑mountain skis.
Sizing, bindings and final verdict
Sizing advice and verdict: choose length relative to rider height, weight and ambition—shorter sizes (110–130 cm) favour playful, quick turns; mid lengths (140 cm) offer a balanced allround feel; longer skis (150–160 cm) add stability at speed. Sets typically include JRS bindings (4.5 or 7.5), which are child‑friendly and easy to use. In short, the Supershape jrs is a durable, well‑engineered piste ski that accelerates skill development for young skiers, though it isn’t intended as a heavy‑duty race or deep‑snow tool.