The 2022 Head Supershape e-Rally returns unchanged for this year, and that’s much to the delight of advanced and expert skiers who love the precision, power, and high-tech performance of the e-Rally. At 78 mm underfoot, this ski is encroaching upon that 80-mm threshold, still staying just below deck, and leaving the ski squarely in the front-side category as a highly-serviceable carving ski with just a ton of power and grip. Built with Head’s burly and dense wood core, the skis also have two sheets of metal to dampen and power the ski. In addition, they also benefit from the stiffness of a Graphene strip that makes quite a nice difference in the longitudinal flex of the ski. With something that has the turn shape of the e-Speed, it’s nice to know that the build backs it up, with no fear of washing out or losing an edge just so long as they’re sharp. Even so, we see a lot of skiers making some really nice turns on these skis, and we’re growing accustomed to hearing those same skiers tout the all-mountain versatility of these skis as well. When the going gets soft, these skis have the strength to blast through crud and chop, and while they won’t float quite as well in deep snow, or rip through zipper mogul lines as easily as some other skis, they can certainly hold their own, and we love seeing that out of a 78 mm underfoot ski.
ROCKER PROFILE
Camber
CORE MATERIALS
Graphene
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers
On the 177, which is the longest size, Reuben Jalbert noted that it was perfect for him. In a more front-side specific ski, we’re going to see a greater variance in scores versus more all-mountain skis, and that’s okay, especially if the ski needs to excel in one particular category. Reuben’s top scores of 5 out of 5 were given for stability, torsional stiffness, edge grip, and overall impression. Lower scores of 2 out of 5 for flotation and playfulness are not terribly surprising, as these skis are meant for firmer snow and slightly more serious skiing. Reuben calls it “An approachable, hard-charging carver. As someone who doesn't come from a racing background, these felt accessible, yet super stable. It took a moment to figure out the ideal turn shape, but once you find it, these skis are smooth and tons of fun. Great for advanced and experts looking for frontside carver that isn't overly demanding.” You can lean into this ski with confidence for sure, and while it is stiff and burly, it’s still not a race ski, so there is some wiggle room for mere mortals to enjoy the e-Rally.
Also on the 177, Steve Sulin notes its trueness to size, and it’s a good length for him. Like Reuben, we’re seeing some sway in the scores here, with 1’s given for flotation and versatility. On the flip side, Steve gives 5’s out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression. So, lots of 5’s counter-balance those 1’s, with some mid-range scores sprinkled in, make the e-Rally one of the coolest carving skis out there. Steve notes a bit about the history of this ski, as it’s been making waves since its inception a few years back. He calls the e-Rally “the ski that got us all excited about carving again. Still has the buzz. Smooth, damp, and loves the front side.” Still excited about carving, the e-Rally is here to make advanced and expert skiers really fall in love with the carved turn, and this ski is one of the best in the business in that regard.
If you spend most of your time on groomed terrain and love the feeling of pulling some g-forces into and out of the turn, then you should take a square look at the Head Supershape e-Rally. With edge grip to spare and a wider platform to stand on and enjoy the ride, these skis will provide endless enjoyment to skiers who like to ski on the edge.
