2023 Head Supershape e-Speed

There’s no way this ski isn’t going fast. It’s right there in the name. The 2023 Head Supershape E-Speed is an awesome choice for skiers who are looking for that narrower front side ski that carves clean round turns at a very high level of precision and power. With a 68-mm waist width, these skis generate a 14-meter turn radius at the 170 cm length, and while that may seem a bit short, it will lengthen as you get longer in the ski. It has a wide range of sizes, going from 156 all the way to 184, so that longer length will produce more of a GS style turn. Built with a World Cup Sandwich Cap construction, the skis have a wood core, two sheets of metal, a central strip of graphene, and multiple layers of fiberglass. This race-room style of construction is pretty consistent with what Head uses in their top-end race skis, so it’s great to see it filter down to the more recreational application. Do not let that fool you, though, these skis are high-end and high-performance sticks that love to be used in a high-speed carving format. We wouldn’t hesitate to use these in a beer league race or just as early-morning groomer rippers. There’s a lot to like about the Head Supershape E-Speed, and we’re stoked that there are conditions-appropriate skis out there like this.

Jamie O���Brien skied the 177 and found it to be just right. He had some high scores to bestow upon this high-performance ski, including 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge grip, playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, and stability. He gave a 4 for forgiveness, and a 2 for flotation. Jamie and his extensive racing background note that “The length of this ski is its golden ticket. Not too long, not too short, just right. It allows the driver to choose between playful, quick turns and lay it over to stand on it for high-speed GS turns. Goldilocks’ dream!” The ability to vary turn shape and style is very important, especially in a ski of this width—the narrow waist can have a tricky balance point, but advanced and expert skiers shouldn’t really have too much trouble with it.

Mike Anglin was also on the 177, and he too brings extensive racing and coaching expertise to the test. He called it just right and true to size for him, scoring it 5’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and overall impression. He gave 4’s for versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, forgiveness, and stability, with a lower 3 for flotation. Mike states that “The Supershape e-speed from Head delivers amazing turn shape with a speed limit not for the faint of heart. Its personality consists of stable, predictable, medium to long turns in a lightweight designed package. Kinda like vegetarian mixed martial arts fighter. The strengths of the Supershape e-speed start with the versatile 15m turn radius, and its new layer of carbon throughout the ski. Both leading to a playful, stable ride in various turn shapes, while also ripping all terrain thrown at it. Intermediate to expert skiers will gain confidence linking turns at all speeds on the groomed frontside.”

There always seems to be room for a strong frontside-oriented ski, and especially where we ski in Vermont, there are a whole lot of days that call for this type of board versus something wider. We often refer to it as “conditions-appropriate equipment” and it rings true for the Head Supershape E-Speed as well.