2027 Head Total Joy

The 2027 Head Total Joy is a carryover ski for this year, bringing with it the same shape, build, and graphics as last year. It returns as one of the most fun and versatile skis in the Joy line. At 85 mm underfoot, there’s a nice platform to stand on here, and it makes total sense for mixing on-trail confidence in carving turns with some light off-trail exploration and adventure. With an available Protector system binding and a high-end feel, this is a great option for most intermediate skiers who spend the majority of their time in an on-trail format. If conditions degrade through the day, it's nice to know that you have a solid platform that'll make quick work out of sudden adversity.

The construction of these skis has a high level of sophistication. Head does a great job at implementing high end construction features in mid-level skis. The intermediate range is a great place to put a lot of the technology as it helps skiers improve and leaves a good impression on the Head brand, likely leading to future customers down the road. Built with a karuba wood core, the skis get carbon laminates on top and bottom as well as a strip of Graphene to add energy. As such, each movement that you put into the ski gets directly transmitted to the snow. In the forebody and through the tail, Head adds their EMC circuit to the mix, making it damp and chatter-free. Tester Lauren Morton notes that "This ski is an approachable ripper. Light and quick but still able to hold an edge at medium speeds. Advanced intermediate up to and older expert."

There aren't too many skis out there that have this width combined with a front side shape. Like many of the skis in the Joy range, the Total Joy uses a shorter turn radius to add to the enjoyment. With measurements of 128/85/114 mm in the 163 cm length, these skis generate a 14.7-meter arc. By pairing the 85 mm waist with this shorter sidecut, skiers get a mix of balance and crispness in their turns. While there’s a bit of rocker in the tips, there’s not much int he tails. Additionally, the ski isn’t too tapered, giving it a pure tip to tail feel and a smooth overall character. Tester Blythe Fitch states that it "Felt soft and a little unstable in the icy parts. In forgiving conditions, I think this ski can really shine. What you put in is what you're going to get out of this ski, it’s not springing you in any way."

We continue to get good feedback from our testers that aligns with the progressing nature of the ski. Since most skiers spend most of their time on groomed and smooth terrain, it stands to reason that their skis should match that application. Because Head uses a lot of sophistication and technology in the Total Joy, skiers get an upscale feel with a lot of energy. Carbon and graphene combine to make a peppy feel to match the shorter arc delivering tons of fun in a lightweight package. When the Protector binding system is added, it really adds to the overall value of the ski and its ability to be a high-level setup.