Men's ski reviews 2018
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
BEST SKI
Rossignol Hero Master R21 WC review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Giant slalom Best ski 2018
All the reviewers agreed: like the Speedzone Master from Dynastar, Rossignol’s Hero Master R21 WC is a "fighter jet"... a real Giant ski, carved for very high speed and long turns. It's hard to find a better performer in this category if you don’t include FIS competition skis. The Hero Master R21 WC is striking for its great grip and stability, both judged exceptional by the reviewers, so you... Read on
BEST SKI
Dynastar Speed WC Master review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Giant slalom Best ski 2018
The reviewers all agreed: the Speedzone Master is a "fighter jet"... a real Giant ski, carved for very high speed and long turns. It's hard to find a better performer in this category if you don’t include FIS competition skis. The Speedzone Master is striking for its great grip and stability, both judged exceptional by the reviewers, so you can zip down the runs at speeds you previously only dreamt... Read on
BEST SKI
Stöckli Laser SC review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Carvers Best ski 2018
In this Carvers category, we ask the suppliers to send us skis designed for speed and slicing clean arcs, but less technical and specialized than race-oriented skis. Perfectly happy in this category, Stöckli's Laser SC is one of the best on the market. The model stood out for its overall performance and its consistent, reassuring behavior. However, it got top marks mainly for its progressive qualities and its... Read on
BEST SKI
Stöckli Stormrider 95 review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > All-Mountain back Best ski 2018
This year, the Stormrider 95 by Stöckli topped the podium in this very competitive category. The reviewers were unanimous about the features of this particularly versatile model. The basic qualities are certainly there: good grip, turn performance, flotation in deep powder... But it’s the ski’s stability and its capacity to adapt easily on all terrains, even the most difficult, that really carried the... Read on
BEST SKI
Nordica Dobermann SLR EVO review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Slalom Best ski 2018
In our selection of the best skis currently on the market, Nordica’s Dobermann SLR Evo rates high for its extremely athletic qualities. It's a true slalom ski, very incisive and able to kick back a lot of energy at the end of a turn. Well handled, you can link turns at devilish speed... as long as you’re careful to dose the pressure, otherwise you’ll find yourself coming a cropper from the powerful... Read on
BEST SKI
Dynastar Speed Zone 10 Ti review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Cruisers Best ski 2018
Following some difficult years, Dynastar is back in the spotlight with its excellent "Speedzone" products. After scoring very well last year in the ProSkiLab review, this year the Speedzone 10 Ti got a "Best ski" distinction. It offers a combination of especially interesting features. First and foremost, it's a high-performance ski that has serious sporting qualities: fast turn initiation, good... Read on
BEST SKI
Dynastar Speed Zone 7 review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Easy Cruisers Best ski 2018
In this category, we’re looking for accessible skis for weaker riders who have the potential to progress technically to carving. While it’s not directly aimed at beginners, riders from the beginning of ESF’s class 2 will love the Speedzone 7 from Dynastar, in other words, riders who already master skid turns. Versatile, accessible, docile and responsive to every request, it’s truly awesome. Turn... Read on
BEST SKI
Dynastar Speed Zone 12 Ti review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Carvers Best ski 2018
Less energetic than the Laser SC and less precise than the Elite LT Ti, the Zone 12 from Dynastar stands out for its exhilarating performance and consistent behavior. Very happy in all types of turn, the ski is well balanced, with flex distribution that requires a certain degree of physical engagement and technical know-how. The ski enters turns with ease, grip is excellent, pressure solid and reliable and the ski can... Read on
AWARD
Rossignol Hero Elite LT Ti review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Carvers Best performance!
Voted "Best Ski" in 2017, the Rossignol Elite LT Ti continues to stand out, this year taking third place as well as the "Best performance" medal. Like last year, it’s the perfect ski for this program, distinctive for its overall behavior and, above all, its precision turns, sliced with a scalpel. In long turns, its behavior is similar to a giant ski, and we have the impression we’re "on... Read on
AWARD
Stöckli Scale Delta review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Cruisers Best Accessibility/Enjoyment!
With 83 mm underfoot, Stöckli's Scale Delta is extremely versatile. Its progressive flex and width at the waist mean that it performs well on all terrains. Snow contact is excellent. The ski couldn’t care less about choppy snow and cuts through irregular terrain like butter. After a few turns, you quickly realize that the Scale Delta responds to a touch and is incredibly tolerant and docile. Turn initiation... 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
AWARD
Elan GSX Fusion review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Giant slalom Best Accessibility!
The GSX Fusion from Elan, out-distanced by the Speedzone Master, Hero Master and Dobermann in terms of pure performance, is not the most efficient ski in our review. However, a clever combination of responsiveness, fluidity and user-friendliness makes it a very engaging and enjoyable ski. It's easy to handle and intuitive, and you only need a few minutes to get to grips with it. The ski is great in all types of turn.... Read on
It's less efficient and has less character, but is more accessible than its cousin, the Speedzone 10 Ti. The Pursuit 800 Ti deserves its place among this selection of best skis on the market. In a category where we’re looking above all for consistency, the ski certainly fulfills its contract. Its accessibility, performance, comfort and versatility result in a well-balanced blend that will give a lot of enjoyment.... Read on
Like the Speedzone 7, Völkl's RTM 76 is very accessible when it comes to mastering skid turns and will help riders advance to more technical turns. The ski is accessible from the middle of ESF class 2, in other words, once riders have mastered parallel turns. It’s slightly less accessible than the Dynastar because the tail hampers behavior to some extent in back-leaning positions. Skiers who are well centered... Read on
AWARD
Head WC Rebels iShape Pro review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Easy Cruisers Best performance!
A bit "overpowered" for this category, the iShape Pro from Head is not a tool for the inexperienced. It’s docile as long as you already have good technical skills under your belt. At medium speeds with a well-positioned rider, it’s really easy to enter and hold rock steady turns. Entering carved turns is intuitive and the ski will hold a steady speed as it engages in relatively dynamic turns. On... 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
AWARD
Nordica Enforcer 100 review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > All-Mountain back Best Accessibility/Enjoyment!
Nordica’s Enforcer 100 was tested last year in an All Mountain back category where it brilliantly scored a "Best Ski" distinction. Tested this year in the more versatile All Mountain front category, it remains a benchmark for the market and retains an excellent position in this review. Off-piste, the ski is easy to use, remarkable, docile, easy to handle, with great float in powder and happy in crud. It's... Read on
We’ve been reviewing Elan's SLX and GSX for several years now and each time it’s always just as enjoyable. That’s because the brand has managed to get not only the right dose of sportiness and performance in its products, but also enough friskiness to make the skis great fun to use. Like the GSX in the Giant category, the SLX stands out for its incisive and playful character. You’ll get great... Read on
AWARD
K2 Speed Charger review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Carvers Best Accessibility!
Slightly disappointing performance-wise (unfortunately tested too short), the K2 Speed Charger is still a ski that the PROSKILAB™ reviewers enjoyed immensely, as it's both extremely consistent and accessible. It’s happy in all circumstances at reasonable speeds, easily alternating between skids and carves in all types of turn. Turn initiation is simple and you just need to lean a little for effortless... Read on
Tested a bit short this year (179 cm), the H-95 lost a few points but is still one of the best skis on the market in the AM front category. Its overall behavior is excellent. Off-piste, its agility, performance in crud and floatation in powder are remarkable. It’s an easy and enjoyable ski that steers with ease and requires little engagement. An "everyday ski" as one of the reviewers pointed out. On the... Read on
BEST SKI
Völkl 90Eight review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Freeride touring Best ski 2018
Since the brand’s Kendo, Mantra and Cochise regularly score high in the PROSKILAB reviews, we were curious to see how Völkl’s 90Eight (for "98") behaves in this category where we’re also looking for lightness. It was no surprise that the 90Eight is a bit heavier and stiffer than its playmates, with more emphasis on performance. It behaves well and is efficient both on and off the groomers.... Read on
AWARD
Elan Ripstick 96 review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Freeride touring Best Accessibility/Enjoyment!
Elan’s Ripstick 96 is very impressive in this "All Mountain light - back" category, and just missed the top of the podium. Good (no more, no less) weight distribution, versatile, happy on all terrains, it scored well for its great responsiveness that makes it incredibly playful underfoot and great fun in the powder and soft snow. The ski is remarkably accessible, especially off-piste where its flotation,... Read on
Elan's Amphibio 16 Ti2 compensates for a slight lack of performance by its great consistency and remarkable user-friendliness. The reviewers liked the fact that they were instantly in control and that the ski was so docile. "It’s simple, the ski does everything very easily" one of the reviewers said during the PROSKILAB feedback meeting. Its behavior is very consistent at all times, including at high... Read on
AWARD
Head Kore 93 review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > All-Mountain back Best Accessibility!
An excellent surprise in the 2018 review, the Kore 93 designed by Head impressed the PROSKILAB reviewers and deserves its place among the top skis on the market. The model has no qualms about concentrating on accessibility in an area in which it's very popular. Overall behavior both on and off piste is good, and it also has a playful nature that’s great fun. The ski is globally easy-going, and doesn’t... Read on
Generally getting high praise from the reviewers and taking home a "Best ski" award last year, this year the Mantra lost a few places, probably because of the softer snow conditions and the arrival of new high-flying contenders like the Stormrider 95. The ski is still an excellent model and a market benchmark, but the reviewers found it more demanding than in previous years. The Mantra is still a stiff ski,... Read on
AWARD
Rossignol Hero Elite ST Ti review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Slalom Best Accessibility/Enjoyment!
Tested this year with the "general public" "Konect" plates rather than the R21 competition plates, the Hero Elite ST Ti from Rossignol did very well. True, it lost the "Best ski" distinction it got last year with the competition plate due to a decline in performance, but it made up for this with its remarkable user-friendliness and exceptional comfort for a slalom ski. The ski is very consistent,... Read on
AWARD
Dynastar Speed Zone 16 Ti review 2018
Men's skis 2018 > Slalom Best Accessibility/Performance!
Reviewed this year without its R21 racing plate (which it had last year), the Speedzone 16 Ti from Dynastar, like the Rossignol, lost some of its performance whilst gaining in user-friendliness and comfort. The ski has nonetheless retained its slalom qualities with excellent overall performance, fantastic grip and strong character. The Speedzone 16 will bend easily and anchors turns extremely well. On the other hand,... Read on
The Dobermann GSR Evo from Nordica is enjoyabe but quite demanding! The ski, which is relatively flexible at the tip and stiff at the tail, needs a little time to adapt. It’s a ski with character that kicks back a lot of energy so you need to learn to master it. But once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s sheer joy. The Dobermann GSR Evo is a real Giant ski which performs well in all conditions. The ski... Read on
The Wayback 96 from K2 is a Swiss knife that will wow riders who love to explore the virgin slopes. More of a ski touring than an All Mountain ski it’s a bit less playful on the trails, especially for carving/slicing clean arcs. In freeride, on the other hand, it performs extremely well. The ski is user-friendly and comfortable overall. The easy rotation, consistent skid turns and flotation in powder make the rider’s... Read on
Nordica's GT 80 Ti really deserves its name. The ski scores high for its excellent sports qualities, especially for carving/slideslips, but unfortunately lacks the versatility needed to get to the top of this category where we’re looking, above all, for consistency. It's well behaved overall with great stability, including at high speed and on hard pack, with solid pressure for big looping curves. Turn... Read on
Völkl‘s RTM 81 puts the focus squarely on performance, especially high speed and long turns where it excels. It’s an energetic, even aggressive ski, which requires engagement and a forward position to be handled correctly. It’s slightly less happy in short turns where the rider has to show some stamina, not helped by a rather flexible tail, and rebound that lacks energy. The RTM 81 is great for... Read on
Not far from the tenors in the category in our selection of the best skis on the market, the iKonic 80ti from K2 comes away with honors. The reviewers were impressed by its agility and accessibility. lt’s remarkably easy to use and riders will get a handle on it immediately. The ski scores well for its comfort. The way it cushions the terrain is astonishing and the ski can be steered with very little physical engagement.... Read on
The Amphibio 80 Ti deserves its place in this selection of the best skis on the market. The reviewers came back enthusiastic, particularly impressed by the model’s overall accessibility and easy rotation. The ski is simple to use, enjoyable and its overdrive feature is reassuring for less experienced riders. Behaviour is globally good and consistent with really smooth carves that are very easy to initiate. There... Read on
The Supershape i.Magnum is very much a short turn ski, an area it excels in thanks to the fast edge to edge transfer, easy turn initiation, good bite and lively rebound. However, the ski is far less happy when we try to extend the turns. It’s a good tool for riders looking for a slalom ski that will rip down the slopes in very dynamic short turns.
In this category, we’re looking for skis that are accessible to the weakest learners but that can help slightly more experienced riders move on to more technical turns. Here, Rossignol's Pursuit 600 fulfilled the first part of its contract but fell somewhat short in the second. True, even the weakest riders will find the ski very easy to handle. In particular, the ease of rotation and floating effect will please... Read on
The Camox Freebird from Black Crows puts the focus on accessibility and comfort. The ski is very easy to steer, enjoyable in soft snow, and agile. The highly present tip lets you glide effortlessly on deep snow, even at low speeds. Its behavior on the piste is good up to medium speeds, even if the ski is not the most incisive on the market. At high speed and on uneven snow or crud, you can feel the lack of rigidity, which... Read on
True, it came last in a demanding preselection for the best skis on the market, but the Rossignol Sky HD has kept its predecessors’ character. Very flexible, especially at the tip, it’s remarkably easy to handle and will even go slightly into overdrive, with great float in deep snow up to intermediary speeds. But when we step up the pace, this flexibility makes it much more difficult to steer. It’s nonetheless... Read on
The UBAC 95 scored high for its lightness and great accessibility. It's really very easy to steer and handle, and great fun for its rider. With 1413 grams underfoot (ski only), it's easy to take uphill and is a joy to ride down. However, it lacks the stiffness and character needed for the "all mountain" segment. Its behavior on groomed trails and through choppy snow falls a little short due to the... 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
Let’s be honest; the Slight 93 proposed by Scott is not a true All Mountain front ski and, despite its qualities, it struggles in this category. Its shape and behavior betray its classic trail origins. So it’s no surprise that the ski is very happy on the groomed slopes where it’s great at everything: turn initiation, turn performance, bite, etc. It really excels in short turns. Sheer bliss. On the other... Read on
Coming in 6th in a review that tests the best skis on the market is not bad at all. The WC i.Speed is a good ski but, like its Slalom cousin, unfortunately lacks some of the oomph found in its race-inspired rivals in the category. The reviewers appreciated the ski’s overall consistency and conviviality, especially in medium turns. We recommend this ski for intermediary to very good riders who love medium turns and... Read on
Don’t forget that ProSkiLab reviews a selection of the best skis on the market. This means that excellent skis can sometimes finish last. That's what happened to the Racetiger RC from Völkl, that has great qualities but was somewhat too "underpowered" to do well in this category. Despite its consistent and reassuring behavior, the ski is flexible and lacks responsiveness and bite. It’s... Read on
A good ski overall, but the WC Rebels i.SL suffers from a slight lack of performance compared to its more race-oriented rivals. The ski is very flexible for this category and has real qualities in terms of comfort and accessibility. While it's globally efficient, it struggles a little when pushed to its limits. At very high speed on hard pack, it's difficult to anchor correctly and hard to keep up the pressure.... Read on