Jim, there are a number of ski magazines that use some form of numerical scoring system in their reviews -- Ski Press, Ski Canada (a sliding rule), to name but two.? As you know, they are the averages of scores from individual testers (didn't Gary do this once for Ski Press?).? These tests are, of course, subjective, and the outcome will depend on the biases/preferences of the testers.? One factor in this is regional preference and needs -- if you ask a skier from Colorado their favourite type of ski, it'll likely be different from a Vermont skier.? Of note is that Europeans tend not to have jumped on the all-mountain, wider ski band wagon as readily as North Americans, and the narrower frontside carver/cruiser still seems to be the predominant ski over there.? I gather this by reading their press, and I also have relatives who live in Germany and Switzerland and ski there.? What you may be seeing in the slightly lower marks for the wider Magnum may simply be the German preference for a narrower groomer ski, over the wider multi-condition Magnum.
Keep in mind that each of these skis won top marks in their respective categories -- the Speed as the best in the medium-long turn front side performance category, and the Magnum as the best multi-condition ski.? This speaks volumes about the overall quality of this line (which is why we all own them, right?).? I couldn't find any test of the original Supershape, unfortunately (sorry Gary).?
BTW, I haven't read about their test methods and criteria...I may check into that next week if anyone wants to know.
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