Salomon Addikt (72 mm) — In‑depth review

Overview

The Salomon Addikt is a quick, on‑piste carver with a 72 mm waist built for rapid edge‑to‑edge transitions and snappy short‑to‑medium turns. Double Ti, Salomon’s Blade tech, and a forgiving Motion Tail strike a smart balance between precision and playfulness. It isn’t a FIS race weapon; it’s a lively daily driver for strong intermediates to experts who love groomers and rhythm.

Who is it for?

Ability: strong intermediate to advanced/experts who primarily ski groomed terrain.
Style: short and medium radius carving; values energy, rebound, and quickness over maximum damping.
Not ideal for: deep powder or much off‑piste; skiers who want heavy, race‑level dampness and top‑end stability.

On‑snow performance

Edge hold and initiation: the 72 mm waist and on‑piste sidecut make for fast engagement and solid grip on hardpack. On true boilerplate, grip is good for its class but not as “locked‑in” as heavier race‑oriented skis (e.g., Atomic Redster S9, Rossi Hero Elite ST).
Turn shape and rebound: excels at short to medium arcs. Blade tech gives lively energy out of the turn; Motion Tail adds forgiveness, making feathered or skidded finishes easier.
Speed and stability: commendably composed for its weight. There’s a practical speed ceiling—hard chargers will find more damping in Head Supershape e‑Magnum or K2 Disruption STi.
Bumps and late‑day chop: light, quick, and easy to pivot in moguls. In pushed‑around snow it stays manageable; the Addikt Pro 76 is the better pick if you want extra stability in variable piste conditions.

Construction & tech

Poplar wood core + Double Ti: precise edge feel and solid damping without feeling dead.
Blade technology: polymer inserts within the titanal layer boost liveliness and smooth out chatter.
Motion Tail: slightly softer tail flex (~+5% forgiveness) aids release and reduces hookiness.
Sidewalls: semi/full sandwich with partially recycled ABS.

Specs explained

Rocker profile: slight piste rocker with camber underfoot — quick turn initiation and reliable edge hold.
Tip/waist/tail (about 123/72/103 mm): narrow waist = rapid edge‑to‑edge; tip supports entry, tail locks the carve.
Radius (about 11–15 m by length): tuned for short to medium turns; go longer for more stability and larger arcs.
Weight (≈1880 g @163 cm): enough mass for calmness, light enough to stay nimble.
Lengths (149–177): shorter = quicker and easier; longer = more grip and high‑speed confidence.

Sizing & setup advice

Length: chin‑to‑nose for agility; eye‑height to body‑height for stability/speed. Many advanced skiers will land in the 163–170 cm range.
Binding: the MI12/12 system pairs well; stick to the recommended line for a neutral stance.

Comparisons & alternatives

Addikt Pro 66: narrower and more slalom‑like—sharper and more demanding, with a racier feel.
Addikt Pro 76: a touch wider and calmer in mixed piste snow; still quick and energetic.
Atomic Redster S9 Revoshock S / Rossignol Hero Elite ST Ti: more race‑level damping and ice hold, less forgiving.
Head Supershape e‑Magnum: ultra composed and damp; heavier, not as playful.

Key takeaways

Agile piste carver: very fast edge‑to‑edge with trustworthy grip.
Lively yet approachable: Blade + Motion Tail blend pop with forgiveness.
Piste‑first focus: excels in short/medium turns; not for powder days.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What skier level suits the Salomon Addikt? A: Strong intermediates to experts who want to refine carving on groomers. True beginners should consider something softer and wider.

Q: How does the Addikt compare to the Addikt Pro 66 and Pro 76? A: The Pro 66 is more aggressive and slalom‑biased; the Pro 76 is a bit more stable and versatile. The standard Addikt (72 mm) blends speed with forgiveness for everyday piste use.

Q: Can it handle icy mornings? A: Yes, edge hold is strong for its class. Dedicated race‑leaning skis still offer more bite and damping on glare ice.

Q: What length should I choose? A: Go shorter (chin‑to‑nose) for agility and quicker turns; go longer (eye‑height to body‑height) for stability at speed.