Simply put, this is one of my favorite skis in a long time. Marketed under the HO brand as opposed to the more prestigious Syndicate brand, the Coefficient-X may not be on every skiers list of top skis and that is a huge mistake. This is an easy to ride shortline super ski. This ski is distinct from every other high end ski on the market, and it does things I wish every other ski did.
Photo by Gallagher
2010 HO Coefficient XSL
General Feel
In terms of pure outbound direction and width, this is a remarkable ski. This ski gets you super wide and early at every buoy. When you are extra wide and early, you can turn as hard or soft as you want.
This is my favorite HO ever. Besides fantastic pre-turns, the CO-X is also stable and easy to ride. Do not overlook this ski because it is not being marketed as a Syndicate ski.
Toe Side (Off Side) Turn
With equal weight distribution, the CO-X turns off side stable and consistent. The CO-X carves even better with extra front foot pressure. This ski draws smooth arcs ending inside the ball line. The path is reminiscent of the S1, perhaps more forgiving.
Heel Side (On Side) Turn
The CO-X turns Heel Side pretty much like Toe Side. Constant and smooth. The CO-X is not one of those skis that cranks a radical Heel Side turn.
From Second Wake to Ball
This is the attribute of the CO-X that sets it apart from every ski that I have ever ridden. The CO-X gets radically wide and early. Handle control always helps but this ski tracks outbound no matter what the skier does.
It is very stable in terms of “roll stability”. This makes it easy for the skier to be tall with shoulders level at the buoy.
From Ball to Second Wake
The tip easily stays down and the ski holds a lot of angle with little effort. From hook up on, this ski is simply a rocket ship.
Quarks
Distance to tail fin settings can make a huge difference on this ski.
With the fin set for better carry out, I found the ski to be a little sticky on my short gate (RFF).
With the fin back .02, the ski sweeps through a short gate better, but the radical carryout is slightly diminished.
