Men's All-Mountain front ski reviews 2018
In the 'All-mountain front' category, we select skis designed for 70% piste, 30% freeride. The qualities we look for are piste performance (initiation, turn performance, grip, stability, rebound, etc.), comfort, overall versatility and good freeride behaviour (float in powder, rotation, performance in challenging snow conditions). These skis generally have between 85 mm and 92 mm at waist, feature a large tip and rocker, and are relatively straight.They're designed for good to excellent riders looking for a highly efficient ski for the groomers (at times performing better than some traditional piste skis), while able to go off-piste when the conditions are right. They're well-adapted to freeride, but less effective than the wider skis from the “All-mountain back” category, especially in deep powder and crud snow.
BEST SKI
Stöckli Stormrider 88 review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > All-Mountain front Best ski 2018
Unanimous favorite with the PROSKILAB reviewers, Stöckli’s Stormrider 88 placed the bar just that little bit higher, becoming a market benchmark. On piste, it does its job well. It’s a very well balanced, globally efficient ski, with good grip that holds astonishingly well in turns for an all mountain ski. When we step up the pace, turns are still remarkably clean and the ski remains exceptionally stable.... Read on
AWARD
Völkl Kendo review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > All-Mountain front Best performance!
The Kendo from Völkl is a benchmark in this segment, always getting high scores from the PROSKILAB reviewers and loved by the ski community. On the ski runs, it’s a high-strung and stiff tool with exceptional qualities for a ski in this category. The Kendo loves speed and is happy in dynamic turns, on hard pack and steep slopes. Good grip, turn precision, stability and rebound... the cocktail is always just... Read on
The Experience 88 HD is an amazing all-rounder on the groomed runs with great turn initiation, performance, grip and rebound. It's reassuring and well-balanced, and exceptionally enjoyable. The ski is very versatile and alternates carving and skid turns, and small and long turns with ease. Accessibility is remarkable in skid turns. Once aligned, you just need to lean to enter the turn. Happy cruising, and especially... Read on
AWARD
K2 Pinnacle 85 review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > All-Mountain front Best Accessibility!
The Pinnacle 85 from K2 performs well and easily overall, and scores high for its agility and playfulness. Behavior on the runs is globally good, with very responsive turn initiation and good grip. The ski is very comfortable, needs little engagement and cushions the terrain well. Off-piste, the ski is remarkably easy. It’s a shame that the tip is a bit damp so tends to float and chatter at high speed on the groomed... Read on
Elan’s Ripstick 86 puts the focus on accessibility. Overall behavior is consistent and reassuring. The ski behaves well on the piste, is happy in both skid turns and carving until you reach intermediary speeds. It's easy, user-friendly and extremely forgiving. Off-piste, the Ripstick 86 will go anywhere and adores soft snow and powder. However, it's a little too flexible, hampering behavior at high speed... Read on