by Herb Manning

With so many fat everday skis to choose from why would you choose the Salomon Rocker2 115? The answer is simple; when you hire windsurf shapers to design a category of skis things just come out different. Salomon, always an innovator, put together a team of shapers, engineers, artists, threw in a couple of big name skiers and came up with a standalone new category of skis, the result is a collection of very progressive rockin' skis.

The Rocker2 with a 115mm waist is one of my personal favorites.  I prefer its hybrid twin design which makes the ski more versatile on mixed terrain; as compared to its big brother the Rocker2 122mm waist. The 115mm ski has a flatter tail for old school turns and doesn't wash out on the steeps like many twins do, yet it doesn't get caught up in the snow like a straight tail tends to.

Under foot the Rocker2 115mm is a burly ski with a full wood core, it can power turns like a metal core ski yet it floats like a butterfly, the honey comb construction in the tip and tail give it a distinct lightness making it sting like a bee. Salomon also gave the ski a wider edge with total edge reinforcement for banging whatever is hiddened under the snow. The Rocker2 is one strong ski and can take a beating.

I put a Guardian 16 binding and a Quest Max 120 on board for side country tours and backcountry bowls and I can still rip it up at Squaw all day lone.

Why do I love this setup? It's a strong ski that's very nimble and quick, yet it skis like a 105mm ski from other manufacturers. Salomon's Rocker2 115mm is my choice for a fat everyday setup.