This post contains affiliate links, primarily provided by our priority partner REI.com. Dimensions (mm): 140-106-126 Showing 36 of 127 products. And a package deal that comes with a pair of reliable bindings attached also simplifies the process. The M-Pro still is easy to control in tight spots and at lower speeds, but its now more capable across a wide range of snow conditions. Further, a soft and lightweight construction thats willing to turn even with only moderate input greatly improves chances for progress on those early ski days. Other factors like rocker/camber and stiffness play a role, but the turn radius number is a valuable piece of the puzzle. We believe these skis set the benchmark for what an all-mountain wide ski is designed to do: bust up crud and float in pow, yet still hold its on firm snow and in variable terrain. . Atomic 4 Black Crows 2 Blizzard 4 Dynafit 2 Dynastar 2 Elan 2 Faction 12 Hagan 2 K2 2 Kstle 1 Line 1 Rossignol 8 Salomon 3 Vlkl 1 Zag 1. . The original Kore ski was a market standout thanks to its progressive, superlight all-mountain design, and Head has gone back to the drawing board for the 2022 second edition. Price: $829 (Buy Now) Read more about our policy. The signature Soul 7s yellow tips were a common sight at the resort and in the backcountry, and the replacement, the Black Ops Sender (since simplified to Sender Ti), was a pretty significant departure in terms of design and all-around performance. To pull it off, they made some relatively small tweaksa little more rocker in the profile, a revised and more tapered shape, and modest changes to the layup. Cons: Playfulness, Quickness, The consensus is that the Blizzard Rustler 10 rips; however, it helps if you have some strength or solid fundamentals to stay on top of it. This combo makes it a great do-everything option for those out West, and expert riders will be especially pleased with how it smooths out bumps while going Mach-looney on a groomer or through cut-up powder. Best for Advanced Tree Skiing | Salomon QST 106. Waist Width. It feels reasonably light underfoot to dance between turns yet has enough strength to lay on its edge for medium-width sweepers. Overall score: 6.25/10 . Overall score: 8.35/10 Edge grip and stability on firm snow are the Ripstick 106s top strengths, making it a great choice for faster skiers who savor their turns and want a ski that provides confidence in variable snow and terrain. And while the QST has made notable progress over the years in terms of turn-in and edge hold, the ski cant match the picks above at speedthe front end can feel overly light and doesnt like being driven hard on icy groomers. This ski rips absolutely everything, from groomers to soft crud, said tester Courtney Harkins, an expert skier with a racing background. I skied the exact same terrain with the 3 demo skis and will be going in order of the terrain I experienced. At the narrow end are focused, on-trail groomer skis and at the wide end are designs that can handle back bowls and powder just fine. Rossignol Sender 104 TI. Skimping on one will impact the performance of everything else. Compared with the Mantra, it's a little more forgiving and lacks the Volkl's top-end stability and power. I'm 5' 9" tall and weight 166 pounds. As expected, the 86-millimeter Pioneer provides better edge-to-edge performance on groomers, making it a great choice for East Coast skiers (especially those who love the bumps). Though he still gravitates towards playful and wide all-mountain skis, hes developed a more open mind when it comes to skis since joining SKIs official gear test crew five seasons ago. It's not the most stable ski at high speeds, but the tradeoff is excellent control and maneuverability. By definition, an all-mountain ski should be adept at just about anything youll encounter during a day on the slopes (the commonly used term is quiver of one). In parsing out the differences, the Mantra is noticeably wider at the tip (by 8mm), and its stiffer build gives it the advantage in terms of stability. Category: All-mountain backAbility level: Intermediate to advancedDimensions: 146-106-128mmOther widths: 86, 94mmWhat we like: Lightweight and playful; a fun all-mountain/powder ski or mixed touring option.What we dont: So-so edge hold and prone to chattering on hardpack. In addition, the rocker shape changes based on size, and Blizzard offers the Bonafide in 6-centimeter length increments (many skis vary by 7 or 8cm) to make it easy to get an ideal fit. Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed. Category: All-mountain backAbility level: Advanced to expertDimensions: 139-106-126mmOther widths: 85, 92, 98, 112mmWhat we like: Great flotation and capabilities in soft snow.What we dont: Unsurprisingly, its groomer performance comes up a bit short. Lightweight and energetic, the Faction Dancer 2 (formerly known as the Dictator) is a top choice among hard-charging riders looking for a fun but composed ride. This ski is completely approachable for intermediate skiers, but has enough power under the hood to satisfy everyone except the most demanding former racers on the hill. Elan Ripstick 96. Its nimble and agile in chopped-up crud and steep trees, and offers up a solid bite on hardpack and mild float in soft snow thanks to the 103mm waist and wide shovel. 10 r Med Final Opinion. Price: $950 (Buy Now) At the same time, the $1,549 price of admission is extremely steep, and there are many formidable competitors that cost far less (Nordicas $750 Enforcer 94 is a good example). For the rider that wants a no-compromise all-mountain charger, however, the Stormrider is about as good as it gets.See the Stockli Stormrider 95. Opens in a new window or tab. In many ways, the Mindbender falls in between the M6 Mantra and Enforcer above in performance. Whereas the Legend X was light enough for occasional alpine touring duty and quick to turn, the M-Pro retains some of that nimble feeling with a healthy dose of edge hold and strength. The longer you rent, the more you save - you can save up to 36% on multi-day rentals. . 2 colors. Logically, its not as simple as just choosing any old all-mountain model and calling it good. N/A . No. Keep in mind that the primary version of a ski isnt a mens version but instead unisex in nature. Like the prior-generation Head Kore, Atomics now-discontinued Vantage TI was never a favorite of ours: Its light yet super stiff build was unforgiving and could be downright harsh in the right (or wrong) conditions. Blizzard Rustler 10 . Price: $799 (Buy Now) When a cambered ski becomes weighted during the middle of a turn, the skis edge grips the snow surface. In practice, its pretty impressive, and the M6 feels comfortable at everything from tight and quick turns to wide GS sweepers. On firm groomed terrain, the MSP still has enough edge hold to allow you to arc turns, but thats not why you buy a ski thats got a 107mm waist. Unless you spend your days searching out powder stashesduring a late-season storm cycle, we did find ourselves wishing for the wider 100-millimeter model, or even the lighter and more playful 104 Freethe Enforcer 94 is a great match. Several testers found the quick hookup to be a little unnerving, making the ski perhaps better suited to skiers with an upright stance than skiers who drive the skis from the front of their boots. For one, a narrower build thats easy to manage on groomed and chopped-up hardpack is a must-have. Full camber used to dominate the all-mountain category, but now its become a rarity. Save 15% on single-day rentals when you reserve 14+ days in advance and 10% when you reserve 7-13 days in advance. Available in 94- and 106-millimeter widths, the latter option strikes us as the better match considering its nimble and off-trail-friendly build. Brand: All 4FRNT Aluflex Amplid Armada Atomic B2R Birdos Black Crows Black Diamond Blizzard Blossom Bluehouse Boheme Bumtribe Cmd CoreUPT Down Skis DP Skis DPS Duret Dynafit Dynastar Elan Epic Planks Extrem Faction Fat-Ypus Fischer Folsom Freeride G3 Goodha Hagan Ski Hammer Head . As such, those on the search for a true all-rounder will be better off sticking with the Enforcer above. The mid-width 94 is our favorite of bunch for all-mountain use thanks to its sturdy yet fun personality. As you push the ski, it becomes more energetic and performs better. Pros: Hard-snow Integrity, Stability at Speed $839.99 . The lightened and softened front end is snappy and easy to control, which encourages all sorts of shenanigans. Category: All-mountain frontAbility level: Beginner to intermediateDimensions: 125-78-111mmOther width: 80mmWhat we like: Good value for a quality beginner-friendly ski.What we dont: Fast learners should avoid this entry-level category altogether. I'm 5'7", 165 lbs and have the 180cm R11 (+1cm mount) and 178cm QST Blank (+1.5cm mount) btw. Pros: Stability at Speed, Responsiveness But don't limit yourself by setting too many parameters. The 93-millimeter model highlights these do-everything traits, with a good dose of precision on hardpack and plenty of quickness and easy turnability in light powder. Gender. What they do offer is that all-in-one functionality: For anything from crusty hardpark to bluebird soft snow days, theres an all-mountain ski that fits the bill. An energetic maple core and thin Titanal laminate contribute to a smooth, stable feel, with rockered tips that make it easy to throw the skis sideways. As more skiers look to explore beyond the confines of the resort, there is a movement to find just one ski for both inbounds and backcountry use. A handful of brands are making truly womens-specific skis, where the ski takes a womans physique into account when building the ski. Dimensions (mm): 143-106-120 read now. Blizzard Rustler 10 (2023) Freeride-Ski, 2023, . In recent years, many womens-specific models have moved the recommended mounting points slightly forward (this better accommodates how an average woman balances on skis compared to an average man), along with a lighter overall weight. The freeride-oriented build floats well in the soft stuff and is super quick in tight spaces like trees or bumps. The new QST 106 maintains a 106mm underfoot platform that excels when the snow gets deep. This is one of the best skis Ive been on in years, said Montana-based tester Sam Cox. The measurement is based off the tip, waist, and tail dimensions and is listed in meters. So Salomon QST 106 tends to get more favorable reviews than Blizzard Rustler 10, as seen on the chart below. I own both the 2021 Rustler 11 with Pivots and this year's 2022 Salomon Blanks with STH. K2 fit boa - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. 1 color. Winter 2023 Gear Guide. For skiers who prioritize funit dances well in the trees, down the occasional zipper line, and isnt afraid of some airthe Bent 100 has quickly become a go-to. Its relatively long effective edge is tailored toward edge hold on natural snow and demolishing crud, though tip rocker and its middle-of-road waist width provide enough surface area to smoothly sail through fresh powder. 4. I'd take a rustler 9/10 over any QST under 100. Check out the Blizzard Rustler 10 and 9 (104 vs 94 underfoot) as well as the K2 Pinnacle 95 and 105. Blizzard Brahma 88. Go deeper: Learn more about SKIs testing and ranking system. Current price: $639.96 Original price: $799.95. Those wanting more edge hold and precision for high-speed carving or a good amount of dampness and security for plowing through crud will want to stick to a burlier (read: heavier) ski like the M6 Mantra. Additionally, its not a top choice for powder days: While the 96-millimeter-wide ski has enough strength to drive through heavy chop and excels on hardpack, weve found its a bit cumbersome to maneuver in fresh snow of around 6 to 8 inches or more. With so many exceptional all-mountain-wide skis on the market, to have the Mantra 102 be such a standout is a testament to Vlkls commitment to their craft. For many years, a womens-specific ski essentially was the mens version in a shorter length, softer flex, and different colorway. Its rare to come across a ski thats intuitive for the user on the first run, but thats the Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+. 2. In a significant departure from their smooth and powerful all-mountain skis like the Kendo and Mantra above, Volkl released the Blaze a couple winters ago (replacing the old 100 series). Salomon QST Echo 106. While theyre still versatile all-mountain skis, they cater more to soft snow and powder and less to groomer skiing than slimmer all-mountain skis. Testers found it excels in soft snow, where it can be finessed through bumps and trees or driven with power through crud. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Salomon QST 106 are more popular skis, based on their reviews. Just about any ski shop will do the work for you, with the average cost ranging from about $40 to $70. Cons: Forgiveness, Hard-snow Integrity. That said, the two skis have very distinct personalities . The category itself covers a wide range of styles from groomer-oriented skis to more powder-friendly designs. Offered in three widths that go as wide as 112 millimeters (the Rustler 11), we like the narrowest 9 (94mm) because it highlights the skis do-everything design. Many of our favorite models land somewhere in the middle, balancing power for driving the skis with enough flex to be forgiving and maneuverable when moving at a slower clip. Notable tweaks to the design, including greater use of carbon fiber and a lighter-weight front end that features less plastic and more wood, increased versatility. However, it does leave something to be desired in the hard-snow performance department. As the skier exits the turn, camber helps the skier pop and propels them into the next turn. But the more laps you put in on the 104 Free, the more it will resonate with you. Learn more about SKIs testing and ranking system, Stepping UpA Guide to The Ridge at Bridger Bowl, Why You Should Ski This Haute Route in the Dolomites While You Still Can. Similar to popular collections like the Enforcer, Mantra, Kore, and QST, the Bent is quickly gaining legions of fans. Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance Category: All-mountainAbility level: Intermediate to advancedDimensions: 136-96-110mmOther widths: 88, 106mmWhat we like: Very light, quick, and a blast to ski.What we dont: Middling dampness and precision. After slight updates last year, this year's Stella remains unchanged-and that's something to celebrate. If maximizing the day is your objective, the Enforcer 104 Free is the ski for you., Overall score: 7.66/10 Below we list how the various radii typically perform. In addition, while its energetic and poppy in the turns, the ski falls well short of the precision on edge that you get with Volkls more serious offerings. Category: All-mountainAbility level: Intermediate to expertDimensions: 135-96-119mmOther widths: 102mmWhat we like: Sturdy and fast with versatile dimensions for all-mountain hard chargers.What we dont: Requires a strong pilot; not a very playful ski overall. 6. New gear, resort reviews, athlete interviews, and more. Ski'd the 92's in Utah and the rustler 9's in Jackson hole this past year. Same with the 172cm Rustler 11(longer sizes available) and Rustler 10 all gone. Wider all-mountain skis are better suited to skiers who primarily ski off-piste, at resorts that see abundant snow fall. Ni frgade efter den. Taking the place of the Cassiar line, there are two distinct shapes available: their RP (resort powder), which has a more pronounced sidecut that prioritizes playfulness, and the faster and more serious C2 that weve included here. Born and raised in Montana, Cox was first introduced to sliding on snow at Big Sky and immediately fell in love. In chopped-up and poor snow, the Kore 93 above is easier to trust, and a progressing intermediate will still find the Maverick to be a touch too demanding. Its a crowded all-mountain field, but below weve picked the best models for the 2023 season. While were big fans of the category-winning Vlkl Mantra 102, it may not be the best choice for every skier. Wide all-mountain skis are ideal for skiers who are lucky enough to ski deep, soft snow more often than not, but they also cater to East Coast powderhounds and Western skiers who prefer float over finesse. Waist width is a measurement taken from the center of the ski at its narrowest point and is a key element in narrowing your search. A well-rounded, dependable ski with identical construction to the . Its also worth noting that many popular lines of skis are made in varying widths. The main difference is the Rustlers layer of Titanal, which gives it the edge in high-speed stability, chopped-up snow, and for really laying the ski over in a turn. On the other hand, the Sender is faster, grips better, and is more of an all-rounder for advanced skiers, and theyve done a nice job keeping weight in check. The ski is still super light and stiff enough to keep strong pilots happy, but it now has more of a poppy personality that makes it very satisfying to ski at a variety of speeds both on and off trail. Category: All-mountain backAbility level: Intermediate to advancedDimensions: 127-99-117mmOther widths: 84, 90mmWhat we like: Nice balance of quickness and stability.What we dont: Has a lower performance threshold compared with class leaders. Radius (m): 18.5 The technology is evolving, however, and a number of ski manufacturers now are taking into account more advanced design elements. Also pushing the Stormrider into the expert category is its somewhat unforgiving characterits still damp and comfortable through crud, but you need to be driving the skis to really enjoy the experience. Below are some general recommendations based on terrain and region, and for a deeper look at topic, see our article on Choosing the Right Ski Waist Width. Salomon. No. Radius (m): 18 Current price: $599.96 Original price: $749.95. Volkl kept things fairly simple with the construction, which utilizes a hybrid beech/poplar core and metal only around the binding. 449.99. For sizing, its best to avoid going too long, and those just starting out will want to err on the shorter side to maximize control. The Bent 100 hits the sweet spot in so many ways: Its width is spot-on for many of those riding in the West; the lightweight, no-metal build gives it a playful feel that few skis in this category can match; and the gorgeous topsheet design is a true work of art. Armada is a core brand with an offering for every type of skier on the mountain, and its Declivity 102 Ti is a directional charger with a robust build. QST Stella 106 Buy Now For Salomon. You can thank the skis lightweight poplar core and fiberglass laminate construction for that springy responsiveness. In truth, were not completely sold on the tweener nature of the Rossi Sender 90 Pro. We compare the new Rustler 10 to the previous Rustler 10, ON3P Woodsman 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Salomon QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Nordica Enforcer Free 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Line Sick Day 104, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, J Skis Metal, Armada ARV 106Ti, Liberty Origin 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, Sego Big Horn 106, Faction Prodigy 3.0, Elan Ripstick 106, & Blizzard Cochise. It hits a pretty nice middle ground of power and playfulness, and the wider dimensions means itll line up nicely for those in regions with consistently good snowfall. 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