Men's ski reviews 2020
BEST SKI
Dynastar Speed Master SL R22 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Slalom Best ski 2020
The Proskilab testers came back with enormous smiles on their faces after they tested the Dynastar Speed Master SL! We have to point out that this ski offers an amazing compromise between performance and accessibility. This year, the model came with the R22 race plate (like its twin brother at Rossignol).
It only took a few seconds to realize that we were dealing with a ski with a very strong slalom character.... Read on
BEST SKI
Dynastar Speed Master GS R22 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Giant slalom Best ski 2020
After a few difficult years when the Rossignol/Dynastar skis were poorly ranked by Proskilab, the group has evidently bounced back and now offers products that are particularly suited to certain market segments.
In the performance-oriented categories, the skis of this group are now favorites. We should point out that their success is due in part to the R22 race plate, which gives performance a huge boost. The... Read on
BEST SKI
Rossignol Hero Elite ST TI R22 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Slalom Best ski 2020
The Proskilab testers came back with enormous smiles on their faces after they tested the Rossignol Hero Elite ST Ti! This year, the model came with the R22 race plate (like its twin brother at Dynastar). We have to point out that this ski offers an amazing compromise between performance and accessibility.
It only took a few seconds to realize that we were dealing with a ski with a very strong slalom character.... Read on
AWARD
Völkl Racetiger SL review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Slalom Best performance!
Völkl usually offers performance-oriented skis and the Racetiger SL is no exception. The ski is worthy of its name. The testers’ comments say it all: “aggressive,” “a beast,” “nervous,” “a weapon…”
Its performance is at the highest level in this recreational slalom category. It is powerful, “precise and snappy,” and full of energy.... Read on
BEST SKI
Völkl Mantra V.Werks review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Freeride touring Best ski 2020
The Volkl Mantra V.Werks already drew a lot of attention during the pre-tests and quickly won over the Proskilab testers. We should point out right way that the V.Werks version is completely different from the Mantra M5 that we tested last year and that has been renewed by the brand this year. The sidecut, construction, weight, and performance are very different. We have to point out that the Mantra V.Werks is a completely... Read on
BEST SKI
K2 Konic 76 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Easy Cruisers Best ski 2020
For the past few years, the Proskilab testers have reviewed the skis in the K2 Konic series and really liked them. Last year, the Konic 78 won the Accessibility/Performance award. This year, the Konic 76 snagged the Best Ski medal, which was well-deserved.
The Konic 76’s best quality is its accessibility. The ski is very “easy to handle” and intuitive. You immediately feel comfortable... Read on
BEST SKI
Elan Wingman 86 CTI review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > All-Mountain front Best ski 2020
The Elan Wingman 86 CTI made a strong impression during the pre-tests in January 2019. We included it in the Proskilab test thinking that the ski perfectly fulfilled the criteria of this category. We were eager to have it tested by a team of professionals on snow in a side-by-side test with the other big names in the industry.
The ski did not disappoint. It earned a well-deserved “Best Ski” award... Read on
AWARD
Rossignol React R6 Compact review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Easy Cruisers Best Accessibility/Performance!
The new Rossignol React range replaces the Pursuit range, which Proskilab tested last year.
The React R6 Compact excels in this category where we are looking for skis that are accessible to low level skiers and can help them to improve their technique.
In terms of accessibility, the React R6 Compact ticks all the boxes. The testers said the ski was “very balanced,” “reassuring,”... Read on
BEST SKI
Stöckli Laser SC review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Carvers Best ski 2020
The Stöckli Laser SC is well-known to the Proskilab testers and often ranks very high in the test. This year, it won the “Best Ski” award in this category.
Performance is great. The ski is lively, it enters the turn quickly, and flexes easily, but not excessively. The edge hold is excellent, the ski is grippy, very precise, and “very responsive.” The rebound at the end of the... Read on
BEST SKI
Rossignol React R8 TI review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Cruisers Best ski 2020
The Rossignol React series replaces the Pursuit line tested in previous years. The Rossignol React R8 Ti is reinforced by a Titanal plate and is at the top of the range.
In the “Cruisers” category, we choose skis that provide a balanced mix of performance, comfort, accessibility, and versatility. The React R8 Ti perfectly fulfills these criteria, plus they are also super fun.
In terms... Read on
BEST SKI
Rossignol Experience 94 TI review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > All-Mountain back Best ski 2020
Two years ago, Rossignol reinvented its Experience range. Before, it was very frontside-oriented, but now it is a real all-mountain range. The shape is more traditional, and the tip is more progressive, which significantly improved performance.
The Experience 94 Ti benefits from the changes made to the ski and has risen to top level in a very competitive category. This year, the ski won the Best Ski medal,... Read on
AWARD
Elan GSX Fusion review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Giant slalom Best Accessibility/Performance!
The testers said that the Elan GSX Fusion had the same great qualities as last year’s model but thought this year’s model was a bit easier to use.
Although it is quite accessible, it is not as accessible as the other models in this review. It is the balance of performance and accessibility that is so surprising.
With its 21.2 m radius in the test size, the ski is built for long turns and... Read on
This category is oriented towards performance and fun, and the Head Worldcup Rebels i.Race did not disappoint the testers.
All of the testers were impressed by the liveliness of the ski: “snappy turn initiation,” “grippy,” “phenomenal edge-to-edge transfers.” You can go fast “and still feel incredibly safe.”
The ski is at its best when it is on the edge.... Read on
The Head Kore 93 is 93 mm in the waist, so it falls in between Proskilab’s two All-Mountain categories. Last year, we tested it in the All-Mountain Back category, and it won a “Best Ski 2019” award. The arrival of the Kore 99 in this category encouraged us to test its little brother in the All-Mountain Front category, which is more frontside-oriented, and it did not disappoint.
The waist width... Read on
The Dynastar Speed Zone 12 Ti has great qualities and is very reliable.
Overall performance is good. You can go fast on this ski, very fast in fact. The testers thought that the level of performance was excellent and that the ski inspired confidence. The Speed Zone 12 Ti “goes into the turn easily,” but it is not as snappy as other skis. Edge grip is solid, and the ski holds the line really well.... Read on
AWARD
Elan SLX Fusion review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Slalom Best Accessibility!
The Elan SLX Fusion is regularly invited to the PROSKILAB test and is well-known by the testers. It won a "Best Ski" award last year and is usually among the top-ranked skis. It does not seem to have changed much over time, and its focus is still accessibility and fun.
In terms of performance, you get your money’s worth. But the performance is slightly weaker than the Rossignol/Dynastar and... Read on
AWARD
Völkl Racetiger GS review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Giant slalom Best performance!
Völkl has earned a reputation as a performance-oriented brand, both for frontside skis as well as all-mountain skis. We have been testing skis for 14 years, and we have to admit that this reputation has rarely been denied by the Proskilab testers.
And this will not change with the Racetiger GS, which won the “Best Performance” award of this ski review.
The ski loves to go fast, it... Read on
The Speed Zone 4x4 is a new range from Dynastar.
Although it is described as “all-mountain” by the brand, it is more frontside-oriented. It corresponds more to what Proskilab would call an “all-round” range. That is, the skis are made for skiing groomers but can ski in “all types of terrain and all types of snow.” It comes in two widths underfoot (78 and 82 cm), and two different... Read on
AWARD
Stöckli Stormrider 95 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > All-Mountain back Best Accessibility/Enjoyment!
The Stöckli Stormrider 95 is one of the benchmarks of this market segment. It has not changed and is a safe bet!
The ski is “easy to control,” and is still accessible and smooth. Overall performance is very good, and the ski inspires confidence. The Stormrider 95 is stable and predictable. Like with most of the skis in this range, its ability to absorb variations in terrain is amazing. ... Read on
AWARD
Rossignol Hero Elite LT TI R22 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Carvers Best Accessibility/Performance!
The Hero Elite LT ("Long Turn") Ti is another ski that is well-known to the testers. This year, we reviewed it with the famous R22 race plate that is also found on other models in the Rossignol/Dynastar group.
We found the same level of performance and precision of the Hero Elite LT Ti tested in previous years. The R22 plate enhances performance for sure. The ski has power and possesses characteristics... Read on
AWARD
K2 Wayback 96 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Freeride touring Best Accessibility/Enjoyment!
Well-known among the Proskilab testers, the K2 Wayback 96 remains at the top level and is still a benchmark in the sector.
All the testers appreciated the ski’s accessibility. The Wayback 96 is "easy to handle,” calm in all types of terrain and “turns in all conditions.” You’ll immediately have a lot of fun on this ski with little effort even if you don’t have amazing... Read on
The trend in the industry is to merge the frontside, all-round, and all-mountain ranges together and to offer a variety of widths. The Fischer RC One range is no exception and has waists ranging from 72 mm to 86 mm!
We tested the narrowest ski in the range, the RC One 72 Multiflex, and we can say right off the bat, it did not disappoint our testers.
Overall performance is excellent. Quick turn initiation,... Read on
The Kästle MX67 won the "Best Ski" award last year, and this year’s model has the same great qualities.
The first thing we noticed when we tested the MX67 was the balance between accessibility and agility. The ski engages in the turn easily with little effort. Just roll the ski on edge and the tip bites, the ski flexes, and you are already comfortably in a turn, which is of course pretty... Read on
The Salomon GS Rush is the least GS-like ski of the review. It is also the most versatile.
The testers liked that the ski had “a very even flex pattern,” and that its performance was “solid and predictable.” The ski inspires confidence and is accessible to intermediate skiers. It does not require a lot of commitment from the skier, and it is comfortable in all types of turns: carved,... Read on
AWARD
Salomon S/ Force 11 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Cruisers Best Accessibility!
The Salomon S/ Force range is geared towards all-round performance. The skis have a slight tip rocker and slightly wider waists, which vary from 76 mm to 84 mm. The S/Force 11 that we tested is a top of the range ski and was tested in the Cruisers category. We should point out that it is reinforced by a double layer of Titanal.
In this category, we are looking for consistency and versatility above all, and... Read on
AWARD
Völkl Kendo 88 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > All-Mountain front Best performance!
After the Mantra, comes the Kendo, which is one of the benchmarks in this market segment. It has been upgraded by Völkl and now comes in two versions, the 92 and the 88. We tested the Kendo 88.
The modifications are similar to those made to the Mantra M5. The ski is narrower, with a waist that has decreased from 90 to 88 mm. The construction has changed and uses more or less the same as the Mantra’s.... Read on
The Kästle RX12 SL focuses on fun and accessibility. All the testers appreciated its ease of use. The word “enjoyable” appeared on five out of six test cards. That says a lot...
The ski “is easy to control from the get-go” and is very docile for this category. Turn initiation is almost spontaneous and requires minimal effort from the skier. The ski is snappy, responsive, and stable.... Read on
AWARD
Salomon QST 99 review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Freeride touring Best performance!
The Salomon QST 99 ("Quest" 99) is a good all-mountain ski.
"A fun and efficient ski," the QST 99 is versatile and comfortable in all types of terrain. Overall, the testers found the ski “easy” and “well-balanced.”
On groomers, they were impressed by how “solid and reliable” the QST 99 was. Despite its 99-mm waist, the ski performed well, was... Read on
Although we asked Völkl to put the Mantra M5 in the test this year, the manufacturer wanted us to test the 90Eight in this category. The 90Eight is an excellent ski, but a bit light for this fairly demanding category. The Mantra M5 has not changed and we suggest that our readers who are interested in a more performance-oriented ski consult last year’s test.
The 90Eight really shines as soon as you... Read on
AWARD
Kästle FX96 HP review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > All-Mountain back Best Accessibility!
The Kästle FX96 HP (for "High Performance") is a new ski from Kästle, which replaces the FX95 HP. This season, the ski has reinforced carbon rather than metal.
It is a very versatile ski and perfectly comfortable in this All-Mountain Back category. On groomers, it is at ease in all types of turns. It carves well and is fairly nimble.
The testers were really impressed by how smooth... Read on
The test length of the Head World Cup Rebels i.Speed was too short (175 cm instead of the 180 cm requested). With an 18 m radius, it is not a typical GS ski.
The ski is easy to use, almost “too easy,” and is "a lot of fun." Performance is good but not like the skis that rank at the top of this category. The testers especially liked its ability to enter into the turn, to hold the line,... Read on
While the Head Kore 93 won a "Best Ski" medal last year in this category, the Kore 99 seems a lot stiffer and more performance-oriented.
This ski is made to go fast. It excels at high speed both on piste and off-piste. Its stability and capacity to dampen vibrations are simply amazing. The ski aspires to only one thing: to go fast. And according to the testers, it “needs space” to... Read on
The Head World Cup Rebels I.SL is a “super ski, very responsive and playful” but the “test length was too short.” We could see it had great qualities, but we could not make them most of them. We tested it in a 160 cm instead of the 165 cm that we requested. It would have no doubt received a higher score in a longer size. But the level of performance was still excellent, and the ski was a lot... Read on
AWARD
Kästle RX12 GS review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Giant slalom Best Accessibility/Enjoyment!
The comments we made last year about the Kästle RX12 GS can be also be said about this year’s model.
Overall performance is good. The testers were especially impressed by the turn entry, which is intuitive and precise.
The ski is versatile and at ease in all types of turns. It can go slowly and even make skidded turns. Its medium radius, its sidecut, and its flexibility make it very proficient... Read on
AWARD
K2 Speed Charger review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Cruisers Best performance!
We tested the K2 Speed Charger last year, and it does not seem to have changed much.
The Speed Charger has a progressive flex and its performance is solid. It has giant slalom DNA, so it performs particularly well in long turns.
The ski is precise, grippy, solid throughout the turn, and it finishes the turn really well. Rebound is decent and won’t throw you off balance. It inspires confidence,... Read on
AWARD
Elan Amphibio 16 TI review 2020
Men's skis 2020 > Easy Cruisers Best performance!
Since the Amphibio 18 Ti2 placed well in the “Cruisers” category, we decided to test the Amphibio 16 Ti in this category.
We should point out that the ski is asymmetric: there is a left ski and a right ski. You have to make sure you don’t mix up the skis. Otherwise, the performance will deteriorate.
The best thing about the Amphibio 16 Ti is that it is reliable. The ski performs... Read on
In a category where we look for consistency, that is, a balanced mix of performance, comfort, accessibility, and versatility, the Amphibio 18 Ti2 has amazing qualities to offer.
In terms of performance, we only have good things to say. The ski is equipped with two Titanal plates, and it performs well and is calm in all conditions. Edge grip is excellent, it holds the line well, especially in long turns.
It... Read on
Winner of "Best Ski" last year, the Völkl Deacon 74 is more powerful but also more demanding this year.
The Deacon 74 is made for going fast, very fast, and for long turns. The stability of the ski, its ability to hold the line throughout the turn, and its “powerful edge grip" are all amazing. The testers said it was like “skiing on a rail.” The ski just wants to accelerate,... Read on
At Kästle, the new DX series targets price-conscious customers, with two models, the DX73 and the DX85, both of which cost 599 € with bindings.
"A docile ski," "enjoyable and quiet,” the DX73 is a delight at moderate speeds. It is a very accessible ski because the performance is balanced and intuitive, it is easy to pivot, and skidded turns are consistent.
When you... Read on
Head calls their V-Shape line an all-mountain range, but it is really more a frontside/all-round range (like the Speed Zone 4 x 4). The V-Shape gets its name from the shape of the skis, which is wider in the tip. The range consists of five models with increasing levels of performance: V2, V4, V6, V8, V10.
The V-Shape V4 comes in an XL version, which is a lot wider, with 11 mm extra in the waist. This was... Read on
Another benchmark in this category, the Stormrider 88 remains faithful to itself.
The ski has not changed and has the same characteristics. It performs well overall and is comfortable in all types of terrain. A relatively stiff tail gives it solid edge grip on hardpack. The ski is very stable and allows you to accelerate with confidence. Absorption of terrain is excellent. Like the other products in this... Read on
The Elan Ripstick 96 is well-known and liked by the Proskilab testers.
The ski is still “easy and fun” off-piste. It “floats immediately” in powder, pivots easily in all conditions, even in difficult snow. It cuts through crud well. A total blast in twenty centimeters of fresh powder.
On groomers, performance is good. The Ripstick 96 is playful and confidence-inspiring as... Read on
The V-Shape series gets its name from the shape of the skis, which are considerably wider in the tip. The Head V-Shape V8 immediately shows its strength: carving.
It is a true “carving machine,” is “responsive,” and the ski “easily rolls onto the edge.” It is comfortable going onto the edge and can take big edge angles. The ski’s flexibility allows it to bend with... Read on
Although the Kästle MX84 won a “Best Ski” medal last year in this category, the performance of this year’s model did not seem as good to the testers. In particular, they found that the ski was less precise, and less “stable and confidence-inspiring” than last year’s model.
This difference is hard to explain because the ski does not seem to have changed. Was there a problem... Read on
The little brother of the FX95, the Kästle FX86 is not an HP (High Performance) version, but it is light and easy to use. In fact, it is one of the lightest skis in this category, weighing in at 1.7 kg in the test size, according to Kastle.
The FX86 is a smooth, versatile, soft, and easy ski that performs well as long as you don’t go too fast. Its softness allows it to flex and carve with little... Read on
In this category, we are looking for skis that are easy for low level skiers to use but that can also help them to improve their technique.
Specifically, we expect the ski to pivot easily (that is, to rotate a flat ski), that skidded turns are progressive and smooth, and that the ski performs correctly when the skier is well-centered or slightly back. If these criteria are met, we then look at a ski’s... Read on
The K2 Mindbender series replaces the excellent Pinnacle series, which is well known to the Proskilab testers.
We tested the "C" version (carbon), which is red and features the Carbon Spectral Braid technology, a carbon weave with a density and an orientation that vary along the length of the ski depending on what is needed. There is a higher-end version "Ti" (which is $100 more in the US)... Read on
While the Dynastar Speed Zone 78 Pro scored well in the “Easy Cruisers” category, its big brother (at 82 mm in the waist), struggled to do well in the Cruisers category where the performance level was higher.
Overall performance is good. The testers were particularly impressed by the stability of the ski. In addition, its 82-mm waist gives it an advantage in soft or variable snow.
Despite... Read on