Icelantic Pioneer X Review

The Icelantic Pioneer X doesn't stand out from the bunch in any notable way. We were surprised by such a dramatic departure from the previous Icelantic skis we tested, like the playful and well-loved Icelantic Riveter 95. Ultimately, the Pioneer X proved middling in all of our testing metrics.

Performance Comparison

Stability at Speed

We were pleasantly surprised by the strength of the Pioneer X, namely because the Icelantics we have tested in seasons past were never very stiff or particularly stable. As a break from the norm, the Pioneer X offers decent edge hold and feels relatively steady at higher speeds. Despite the oddly shaped shovel 'wings' – which gave us the impression of a fledgling bird about to leave the nest for the first time – the tips don't flap around at speed. However, our lead tester also commented, “They felt a bit shorter than their length would suggest, and it was difficult to direct pressure to the front of the ski because it felt like there wasn't enough of it.”

Carving Ability

The Pioneer X certainly prefers carving over skidding or smearing turns. Our testers noted that when they turned down the speed to make slower, more intermediate-style turns, the Pioneer X didn't want to cooperate. This harder-charging ski seems to appreciate higher edge angles and more velocity, and its turns feel even tighter than the printed 17-meter radius. Although we did notice a difference in our carves depending on the freshness of the ski's tune – once edges soften, the 17 m radius is much more believable.

Powder Performance

Despite the rockered profile in the tip and tail, the Pioneer X does not consistently stay afloat in powder. The shovel is unusually shaped, and the beechwood core is heavier than some of the otherwise comparable skis we tested. The result is a ski that simply flounders in anything deeper than six inches of fresh snow. One tester commented that skiing powder was like linking together a series of saves – one ski would sink, and in an attempt to recover her balance, her tips would cross, and then she was really in a pickle.

Crud Performance

The Pioneer X is damp enough to smooth out mildly chunky snow conditions, but it won't make true harbor chop feel like smooth sailing. As opposed to skiing powder – where the relatively narrow tip was more of a hindrance – the funky shape of the shovel seems actually to help this ski's performance in crud. This ski narrows from the widest point of the shovel toward the tip, which helps the Pioneer X from deflecting as often in chunky snow.

Terrain Playfulness

Our testers figure that the Pioneer X is about as much fun as the Oregon Trail for the pioneers of old. A means to an end, but not necessarily enjoyable en route. They are nostalgic for the pizzazz of Icelantics we've tested previously. The Pioneer X doesn't have much rebound, nor is it very nimble – ultimately, this ski isn't very fun on anything off-piste.

Bumps

Somehow, this ski's refusal to skid doesn't undermine its ability to ski bumps. The Pioneer X smeared its way smoothly through moguls and wiggled its way down springtime slush wiggles with tenacity. Like classically shaped freestyle skis, the upturned, narrow tip helps it aim for that next sweet spot. Even though it moved through them well enough, a lack of energy doesn't make skiing bumps with the Pioneer X all that fun.

Should You Buy the Icelantic Pioneer X?

Unfortunately, we can't really suggest the Pioneer X as the perfect ski for anyone in particular. If you love deep powder days or popping off small features, definitely look elsewhere. If you're a strong skier on groomed runs and enjoy carving, it's not a bad choice. Yet, there are much better skis for carving that also perform well in other regards.

What Other Skis Should You Consider?