DOUBLEDECK VARIOCUT 82 £670

This pricey oddball has a stiff plate holding you in place, floating over a fully-flexing ski with big cuts taken out of the tip and tail. These are joined by a rubbery bellows to allow the tip and tail to flex more aggressively. We didn't really get it; it lacked the zip and bite we craved from such a fresh idea. With 82mm underfoot we figured it should hack all-mountain terrain as well as piste blitzing. It coped fine, but was only truly loved by an ex-instructor.