S/MAX skate +shift (25-26)

The Salomon S/MAX Skate (mounted with the Shift binding) is the direct "little brother" to the S/Lab. It is the ideal ski for those who want the feeling of a World Cup race ski, but with a bit more comfort and a tighter budget.

Here is what you need to remember about this combo:

🎿 The Ski: S/MAX Skate

While the S/Lab is an ultra-stiff "blade," the S/MAX is designed to be dynamic and forgiving.

• S-CORE 45 Core: Just like the classic version, Salomon uses recycled PET (plastic bottles) combined with Densolite foam. It is lightweight, but above all, highly stable underfoot.

• Thin Ply Carbon Construction: This is inherited from the S/Lab. A carbon layer wraps the ski to offer exceptional torsional rigidity. When you push hard laterally, the ski does not twist; it transfers all the energy directly to the snow.

• Sidecut: Its shape is slightly more stable than the S/Lab's, which helps maintain balance during the single-ski gliding phase, especially when the snow gets slippery or when you start to tire.

⚙️ The Binding: Shift Skate

This is where the S/MAX gets really interesting. Unlike older fixed bindings, the Shift allows you to transform the ski's behavior with a single click.

• Forward (+1 / +2): Increases stability and control. Perfect if the track is icy or if you want a more "well-behaved" ski in turns.

• Backward (-1 / -2): Releases the tip. This is the position for pure speed. The ski becomes more playful and glides better, ideal on fresh snow or for long straight lines.

• Weight: It remains extremely lightweight so as not to weigh down the setup and to maintain a good swingweight (the perceived weight when returning the ski).

📊 S/MAX vs S/LAB: Which one to choose?

💡 My Pro Tip

The S/MAX Skate is often the best choice for 80% of skiers. The gain in stability compared to the S/Lab allows you to maintain better technique throughout your session. This often ends up making you faster in the long run than a pure race ski, which would be difficult to control once fatigue sets in.

For the S/MAX Skate, choosing the right size is crucial: a ski that is too soft will flatten out and won't glide, while a ski that is too stiff will be unstable and difficult to steer.

Unlike classic skiing, in skating, you look for a camber (the ski's spring/flex) that precisely matches your pushing force.

📏 Size Chart: Salomon S/MAX Skate

🔍 How to fine-tune your choice?

If you are right on the edge between two sizes (for example, 75 kg), here is how to decide:

Choose the smaller size (182 cm) if:

• You are a beginner or intermediate skier.

• You often ski on tracks with a lot of elevation changes (a shorter ski is more maneuverable on climbs).

• You prioritize control and ease in turns.

Choose the larger size (187 cm) if:

• You are in good physical shape and have a powerful push.

• You ski on plateaus or wide, open tracks.

• You are looking for maximum speed and better glide quality (more surface area contact).