Camber Directional Twin Advanced to Expert Mostly Mountain to All Mountain The Salomon Special is dead but some of it lives on in the XLT. The XLT isn't 100% the Special. It's got some newer high end tech but it does remind of us of the old Salomon Loft. If you liked the special you will like the XLT. It is also similar to an older board that has been long discontinued called the Salomon Loft. The Loft was the next step up from the Salomon Special and had a very similar design. We feel the XLT is a combination of these two boards but leans a bit towards the Loft side of things. This is a fast super aggressive board that isn't for everyone but amazing for some. Read the detailed review below.
Board Size- 159 Days On It- 1 Bindings Used-Union Force SL Riders on this board- 1
A quick look at the 2012 Salomon XLT
Groomers- The Salomon XLT is going to be one of the best high speed groomer boards that are out there. It's super fast and super fun to open up on fresh morning groomers. Like the Salomon Special II if the groomers get rutted up you might get a little reverse chatter but it's not going to be as bad as the old salomon special. Powder- This is not the XLT's best qualitiy. It would be awesome to have the XLT for hard to normal conditions and something else for powder. Speed- The XLT is one of the best bomber directional twins out there. The speed is more than most want so if you aren't really on your game with this board and an expert at turning then the XLT can get away from you. Weight- This is a very light board and in the top of the lightweight class. Turn Initiation/Carving- Getting from edge to edge is pretty easy with this relatively stiff ultra damp board. We aren't sure if the ghost tech makes it easy to turn quickly but it's not bad. The wide turn to carving aspect of the XLT is pretty awesome. When laying into a carve the XLT seems to excelerate out of the turn faster than it started. Edge Hold- The Quadratic Side Cut combined with the Med/Stiff flex makes for very good edge hold. It's borderline excellent and will handle everything well except for ice. Stiffness- The XLT has a pretty stiff flex but it's not as stiff as you would think for something this fast. Switch- The directional twin shape makes this board ride very well switch. Its not going to compare to a true twin but is a great choice for anyone who mixes it up. Pipe- The XLT hit's the pipe very well if you like a stiff pipe board. Jibbing/Rails- The XLT would not be recommendable for the jib park. It's just not that kind of board. Don't ruin these precious edges on rails. Get another board for that. Jumps- The XLT is a little stiff but if you are ok with that it will hit kickers well and isn't bad. If you hit jumps all day there are better boards out there for that but its perfect if you stop in the park on the way to the chair lift for your next run or like to go really big.
The XLT has a lot of great qualities for the right rider but its not for everyone. Hopefully after this review
The Good Ride Take on Salomon
Boards Salomon is small compared to some companies but they have the complete line up and a very strong following. You will either love or hate a Salomon board. Salomon makes a very fast and damp all mountain to freeride board that seems to feel best at high speeds. It is really scary how fast it is. They have also made a solid effort to make some pretty good park boards as well and won some Good Wood Award's in the park and pipe. If you are looking for something a bit off the beaten path Salomon might work for you. Boots It is almost undisputed amongst most knowledgeable riders that Salomon has some of the best boots out there. They have spent a lot of time making a boot that fits well and that won’t pack out much. Even though there is a semi-traditional lacing system it still has a speed lace tightening system and it can lock at each rung on the upper part of the boot. Some complain that the Salomon boot runs a bit narrow so if you have wide feet think twice. Also others complain that it can take longer than some boots to make them comfortable for your feet. Bindings Salomon’s bindings are not as popular as their boards and boots but still do a good job competing with the other big name brands. They are reliable and well made and have a more traditional old school feel compared to the leading companies. That being said the turn initiation and general feeling is good so these could work for you.
The XLT is the lightest weight board in our line, built durable with Ghost XLT core new, Shock Eraser sidewalls. Stable on steeps and quiver-free on the fastest terrain in the world, the XLT is that rare, all-around board that transfers from pipe, to pow to punishing high speeds with a consistent board feel.
