By Andrew Ingold
Head Unicorn jrs review
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Target rider and use case
The Unicorn JRS is aimed at beginner juniors and kids learning to carve and build confidence on groomers. It offers a forgiving, predictable feel with a short turning radius and soft flex that lets small skiers make mistakes without immediate consequence. Parents like that the package includes JRS 4.5 GW CA bindings, removing compatibility worries. This ski provides a stable, approachable platform rather than race‑level stiffness, which makes it suited for lessons, progression days, and families wanting steady technical improvement.
Construction and technology explained
Construction uses a synthetic/composite core with a Jr. Power Frame geometry that strengthens the edges without adding core weight. The E Base Black gives a durable, maintenance‑friendly glide and the structured topsheet improves scratch resistance. ERA 2.0 geometry and a Junior Rocker profile (roughly 15% rocker / 85% camber) make turn initiation easy while camber underfoot preserves edge grip. The E4SY kids system (flex, handling, weight, step‑in) tailors binding and plate behavior specifically for children.
On‑snow behavior and handling
On snow the skis feel intuitive: tip and tail rocker ease entry into short, controlled turns while the camber section provides predictable bite and stability on groomed snow. The 65 mm waist is narrow and piste‑oriented — great for carving but not for powder. The included JRS 4.5 GW CA bindings are easy to step into and compatible with Alpine and GripWalk soles. Overall the set emphasizes confidence and technique building over high‑speed performance or aggressive rebound.
Who it suits and comparisons
Who should buy this ski? It’s ideal for beginners, younger children and ski school fleets that need an easy, reliable on‑piste junior ski. Compared with other junior models, it favors playfulness and forgiveness over race‑sharp response or aggressive edge hold. Potential drawbacks are the synthetic core, which won’t offer the livelier rebound of wood‑cored junior race skis, and the narrow waist and soft flex which limit performance for heavier or advanced juniors and off‑piste use.
Specs, sizing and buying advice
Key specs explained: available lengths are 67/77/87/97 cm, waist is consistently 65 mm, while tip and tail dimensions vary by length and retailer (examples: 91–98 mm; some listings show different values). Turning radius is deliberately short (roughly 5–6.5 m depending on length and source). HEAD doesn’t publish a ski weight; the JRS 4.5 GW CA binding is listed ~575 g per piece. If you need exact sidecut or radius for a specific length I can fetch HEAD’s official techsheet or create a one‑page retailer comparison — which would you prefer?