2027 Head Discovery 82 Sport

The Head Discovery 82 Sport is a crisp and short turner that loves to be on edge. We found that this ski, even though it’s a “lower” build than the Pro version is actually a whole lot of fun. This ski feels more like a slalom cut and makes really round and effective carved turns. It almost feels stiffer and more responsive than the 82 Pro, probably because it’s a bit heavier due to the use of a wood composite core rather than just wood. The Sport still uses their Auxetic Tec which is a big part of the ability of this ski to punch above its level.

That Auxetic Technology sits below a core composed of composite wood. We get two damping layers in this ski so it feels planted and confident even when pushed hard. Head uses Graphene here as well, so there’s still many high-end components to go along with a slightly lower core level. The Superframe construction puts more emphasis on the edges of the ski with its elliptical shape adding to the edge grip and power. Tester Megan Papineau notes that “This is a great carving ski; it’s hard to stand out against the Montero AW and a Kastle but this does just fine!” While it’s certainly not meant to be placed with those skis in terms of price or overall quality, it is important to note that they hold up quite well.

At 82 mm underfoot, these skis utilize a 14.4-meter turn radius, so they do seem to like being used in an on-trail and carving format. There’s not a whole lot of taper or rocker to speak of here—these skis are mostly cambered and have more of a frontside footprint to them. Tester Bob St.Pierre states that “This 82 Sport really surprised me, especially when it came to short carves with dynamic rebound. While it doesn't have the all-mountain feel or capacity of the wider Discovery skis, it certainly has the best short turning potential. This is a groomer ski first and foremost. If you want to be a bit adventurous, it's fine, but I wouldn't say it's got "all-mountain" capabilities all that much. This will make a great option for first time ski buyers who want a good ski to help them progress.”

These skis have a strong feel to them with a nice overall character. They certainly feel like a mid-level ski at least with room to grow on the top side. While the general style of the ski will be best suited to on-trail skiing, there’s a starting point here for adventurous skiers who are looking to get out of their comfort zone and explore. That’s what the Discovery line is all about.