Slap 100 review

Overview

The Slap 100 is the new middle ski of Zag's Slap freeride line for 26/27. Zag's current range lists the Slap 92, Slap 100 and Slap 112, so the 100 takes the place between the narrow all-rounder and the powder ski that the Slap 98 and Slap 104 used to share. Zag describes it as the Slap "you ride every day": one freeride ski for a whole season, from early-season snow to spring, through trees, bowls, groomers and couloirs. It measures 129-100-115 mm in the 166 cm and 132-100-118 mm in the 187 cm, with radii from 17 to 21 m, and is built with the Slap family's paulownia and poplar core.

On-snow performance

Zag rates the Slap 100 at 5/5 for pivoting and 3/5 each for powder, hard snow and carving, with a medium 3/5 flex. The flex is progressive: softer at the tips, firmer underfoot, so the shovel absorbs rough and cut-up snow while the middle of the ski still drives the turn. A 25% tip rocker and 20% tail rocker with moderate camber, plus Zag's 5-Point Shape and multi-radius sidecut, explain the pivot rating: the ski should release easily for slarves and tight tree turns, yet the camber and the increased torsional stiffness Zag mentions give it grip when the snow firms up in the afternoon. At 100 mm it floats fresh morning snow without feeling slow on the groomer back to the lift. It is not a dedicated hardpack carver, and for deep days Zag itself points to the Slap 112.

Construction & specs explained

• Construction: Heavy Duty Light, Zag's lighter freeride build.
• Core: paulownia for low weight, combined with poplar for strength.
• Laminates: multiaxial fiberglass for torsional and flexural stiffness.
• Build: semi-cap sandwich with ABS sidewalls.
• Shape: 5-Point Shape (widest points moved along the ski to tune turning) and a multi-radius sidecut.
• Profile: 25% tip rocker, 20% tail rocker, moderate camber.
• Flex: 3/5, progressive; increased torsional stiffness for hard-snow grip.
• Dimensions: 129-100-115 mm (166 cm) to 132-100-118 mm (187 cm). Radius: 17 m (166), 18.5 m (174), 20 m (181), 21 m (187).
• Weight: 1,640 g (166), 1,740 g (174), 1,840 g (181), 1,900 g (187) per ski. Lengths: 166, 174, 181, 187 cm.
• Bindings: Zag pairs it with alpine bindings; a hybrid binding is possible for occasional skinning.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Slap 100 suits intermediate to advanced freeriders who want a single, forgiving 100 mm ski for mixed conditions rather than a stiff charger. Compared with the old Zag Slap 98 it is 2 mm wider and slightly lighter length for length; against the Zag Slap 104 it is narrower and quicker edge to edge; the Zag Slap 112 remains the Zag choice for deep snow. Among other brands, the Nordica Enforcer 100 is the heavier, metal-reinforced alternative for skiers who want more power at speed; the Salomon Qst 100 is a similar 100 mm freeride all-rounder; and the Faction Dancer 99 offers a slightly narrower, directional take from Faction.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Very easy to pivot thanks to generous rocker and the 5-Point Shape.
• Progressive flex that stays smooth in cut-up and variable snow.
• Paulownia/poplar core keeps the weight moderate for a 100 mm ski.
• Hybrid-binding compatible for occasional skinning.

Cons

• Only four lengths, starting at 166 cm.
• Medium flex limits stability at very high speed.
• Middling grip on icy pistes compared with metal-laminate freeride skis.
• Less float than the Slap 112 on deep days.

Verdict: The Zag Slap 100 is a forgiving, pivot-friendly one-ski freeride quiver for skiers who want a single 100 mm ski for every kind of freeride day. Pick something with metal if you mainly ski fast on firm snow.