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The Best Women’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024

Johanna Flashman — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:40:19 +0000

This article was first published by .

Not only do these wider-waisted planks bust through crud like nobody’s business, they also know a thing or two about laying it over and holding steady at speed. Perfect for adventurous ladies looking to get off the beaten path, these crud crushers moonlight as powder skis and are well suited to getting off the groomers and exploring the wild side of the resort. When you want a wider do-it-all ski that does it all well, here’s your category.

Looking for the best unisex all-mountain wide skis? You’ll find those here.

How We Test

Number of wide all-mountain skis tested: 15
Number of testers:��11
Testing location: Sun Valley, Idaho
Average age of tester:��38
Average height of tester:��5’6”
Average weight of tester: 139 lbs

SKI has been running its annual ski test for decades now, but we’re always tweaking and perfecting the process. As in the past, we invited a crew of seasoned industry professionals—ski instructors, ski shop employees, coaches, and former World Cup racers—to join us for a week-long gear test in , a resort known for its steep and manicured groomers, legendary bump runs, perfectly gladed tree runs, and of course, “the Burn,” sidecountry terrain that powder dreams are made of.

Ski tester Michelle Nicholson jots down some notes about a ski’s performance during the 2024 SKI Test in Sun Valley. (Photo: Ray J Gadd)

The mission: Jump on every pair of skis entered into our five categories (Carving, Frontside, All-Mountain, All-Mountain Wide, and Powder), put them through their paces all over the mountain, and then fill out a digital scorecard with comments and impressions of how each pair of planks performed across various skill categories—from carving chops and crud performance to stability at speed and responsiveness. We ask our crew of 24 testers to identify a ski’s primary strengths, its weaknesses, who it’s designed for, and what terrain and snow conditions it’s most adept at. At the end of the week, we have enough hard data on the 100-plus pairs of skis tested to make your head spin, and we use it all to bring you these reviews of the best skis of the year.

Featuring wider waists and more rocker, all-mountain wide skis are designed for deep snow—whether that’s powder or tracked out crud. We assess how well these skis perform in both types of conditions. (Photo: Ray J Gadd)

When judging an all-mountain wide ski, we primarily assess how well it performs in deeper snow, be that fresh pow or days-old crud. Lucky for us, we didn’t have to make do with stale powder during our test in Sun Valley—it was nuking on the day of our All-Mountain Wide category test. The skis that impressed us the most with their ability to float through pow, charge through crud, and hold steady in variable conditions made this list of the best women’s all-mountain wide skis of the year.

Women’s Skis vs. Unisex Skis

The idea of women’s-specific skis is still a contentious one today. Some brands don’t make anything but unisex skis because they argue that gender doesn’t factor into how a ski performs—only weight, height, strength, and skier ability counts. They therefore only produce unisex skis, but make them in shorter lengths (sometimes down to 162 centimeters or even 158 centimeters) to be more inclusive towards women.

Other brands have invested a lot of time and money into developing truly women’s-specific skis—skis that feature construction modifications from their unisex counterparts to account for a woman’s physique and body mechanics. Finally, some brands appear to offer women’s-specific skis, though often those skis are exactly the same as their unisex counterparts and just feature a different top sheet and women’s-specific model name.

Read more:

This makes the whole idea of testing “women’s” skis a little complicated. Because many of the skis we’ve covered on our “best women’s skis of the year” lists in the past are, in fact, unisex skis that female testers loved, we decided to change things up this year. This time around, we allowed brands to enter their unisex skis into our women’s categories provided the ski comes in an approachable length for women (in the 170-centimeter range or below), and the brand doesn’t offer a women’s-specific alternative.

So some of the skis on this list are unisex skis that our lady testers loved and would not hesitate to recommend to other ladies. If you, like many of our female testers, prefer a longer ski that has some heft to it, don’t be scared off by the “unisex” designation. Rest assured that all the skis on this year’s list (whether unisex or women’s-specific) are tested by women and recommended for women.

Meet the Testers

Testers Erika Northrop (left) and Michelle Nicholson get ready to drop into one of Sun Valley’s gladed runs to judge how well all-mountain wide skis perform in powder and tight terrain.

Erika Northrop

Age: 42 | Height: 5′9″ | Weight: 174 lbs

Northrop grew up skiing at Taos, N.M. from her home in El Paso, Texas. She has worked in the ski industry since college, bopping between Colorado and the Pacific Northwest before moving back to Taos to wok as the area manager for Christy Sports ski shop.

Age: 47 | Height: 5′4″ | Weight: 112 lbs

Kimberly Beekman has been testing skis and writing gear reviews for longer than she’d like to admit. She’s a former editor of SKI and freelance contributor to both SKI and ��ԹϺ��. She lives in Steamboat Springs with her wonderful daughter and terrible cat.

Age: 27 | Height: 5′8″ | Weight: 120 lbs

Krass grew up skiing Cascade Concrete in the PNW before moving out to the Rockies to study Spanish and Italian at the University of Colorado in Boulder. She now calls the Tetons home and works as a freelance writer in the ski, outdoor, and adventure travel industry. She’s a regular contributor to the gear pages that appear on SKI and ��ԹϺ��.

The Reviews: The Best Women’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024

(Photo: Courtesy Nordica)

Overall score: 8.47/10
Lengths (cm): 158, 165, 172, 179
Dimensions (mm): 133-104-122
Radius (m): 16 (165)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,745 (165)
Pros: Versatility, Responsiveness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Playfulness

The Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free appeals to skiers of many abilities, from intermediates through ex-racers, with testers noting that it will meet you where you are and eagerly take you anywhere you want to go. Its comfort in all conditions earned this ski the highest score for Versatility in the Women’s All-Mountain Wide category while also guaranteeing it took home impressive marks for Crud Performance and Flotation. Testers reported that, wide appeal notwithstanding, advanced and expert skiers will be best able to maximize the Santa Ana 104 Free’s performance. Some in our crew were concerned that this ski could feel dull and lack energy, which saw it ranked low in the Playfulness category. Despite those reservations, however, Avery Pesce, a Boston, Massachusetts-based tester, described the Nordica as the “ultimate all-mountain ski, to be taken anywhere regardless of the conditions or terrain.”

(Photo: Courtesy Blizzard)

Overall score: 8.42/10
Lengths (cm): 156, 162, 168, 174, 180
Dimensions (mm): 133.5-102-122.5
Radius (m): 16.5 (174)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,735 (164)
Pros: Versatility, Quickness
Cons: Flotation, Stability at Speed

Blizzard took its high-performing Sheeva lineup and revamped it for 2023-24, and testers were impressed with how well the Sheeva 10 could handle everything they threw at it. Tracy Gibbons, a Pacific Northwest–based tester, called it “a hard-charging ski that actually makes you feel like you don’t have to work hard.” Skiers praised its ability to perform on-piste and in soft snow—unsurprising for a ski that batted well for Hard-Snow Integrity, Crud Performance, and Versatility. Several testers noted how approachable this model could be while still allowing for progression in skier ability. Lily Krass, who spends her winters skiing in Wyoming’s Tetons, predicted that “ladies who want to push themselves will find a new BFF” in the Sheeva 10, describing it as “super ideal for advanced rippers” but also “approachable for intermediates who want to start to ski more aggressively.”

(Photo: Courtesy Fischer)

Overall score: 7.96/10
Lengths (cm): 155, 162, 169, 176, 183, 190
Dimensions (mm): 137-102-127
Radius (m): 18 (176)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,900 (176)
Pros: Flotation, Forgiveness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed

With plenty of capability all over the mountain, the Fischer Ranger 102 had testers raving about its versatility not only in terms of environment, but also in its appeal to a broad spectrum of skiers. Where this model truly shines is in its ability to manage whatever terrain it’s in—while meeting you at your current ability level. Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based tester Kim Beekman considered it “a very solid ski for someone who wants a dependable ride,” pointing out that the Ranger 102 “would be good for an aspiring expert.” All testers commented about this ski’s ability to not beat you up, awarding it high scores for Forgiveness. Although some in our crew were concerned that this option may not satisfy aggressive skiers looking to always ski hard, Gibbons still called the Ranger 102 “a confidence booster you can trust to get you where you’re going without any drama.”

(Photo: Courtesy Salomon)

Overall score: 7.44/10
Lengths (cm): 157, 165, 173
Dimensions (mm): 137-106-124
Radius (m): 17 (165)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,810 (165)
Pros: Forgiveness, Playfulness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Crud Performance

Salomon created a ski with mass appeal in the QST Stella 106. Testers found it enjoyable nearly universally, even if it might not have been the strongest performer in a single type of terrain or conditions. The ski had its lowest scores in Hard-Snow Integrity and Crud Performance, but it was a split decision among our team on how the ski managed in different environments. Even with some polarizing opinions—some thought it performed great in variable and firm snow, while others found fault—testers concluded that the QST Stella 106 was one of the best in the Women’s All-Mountain Wide category. The Salomon earned high numbers for Forgiveness, Playfulness, and Versatility, which allow the ski to be utilized by less-advanced skiers to up their skills yet still stay capable enough to keep up with those with more experience. Krass described the QST Stella 106 as “a truly excellent All-Mountain Wide ski” that is “smooth, consistent, and confidence-inspiring.”

(Photo: Courtesy Rossignol)

Overall score: 7.43/10
Lengths (cm): 163, 171, 178
Dimensions (mm): 137-102-127
Radius (m): 16 (171)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,800 (171)
Pros: Flotation, Playfulness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed

Testers agreed that the Rallybird 104 Ti was an approachable Women’s All-Mountain Wide ski that nearly any skier could have a good time with, and that Rossignol still managed to keep it engaging and powerful for more-aggressive and advanced skiers. At 104 millimeters underfoot, this ski prefers off-piste terrain, but our team didn’t have any issues transitioning between bumps, crud, and groomers and ranked it highly for Flotation and Playfulness. Concerns that it was a little uncertain at faster speeds caused it to score low for Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed, but testers felt that a longer length could offer more confidence. Sun Valley, Idaho, local Alysha Herich described the Rallybird 104 Ti as a “great ski for growing with,” explaining that you can “push it to the limit and it’ll go with you, but you can also push your own limits without the ski taking you for a ride.”

No. 6: Head Kore 103 W ($875)

(Photo: Courtesy Head)

Overall score: 7.42/10
Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177
Dimensions (mm): 132-103-123
Radius (m): 16.5 (177)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,750 (177)
Pros: Responsiveness, Forgiveness
Cons: Quickness, Stability at Speed

The Head Kore 103 W surprised our crew with how eager it was to power through crud and soft snow in such a lightweight package. It didn’t require an overly forceful style of skiing, and it rewarded finesse and nuanced edge control. Some testers, however, felt that led to a lack of confidence at speed and in firmer conditions. At 103 millimeters underfoot, this option provides plenty of flotation for exploring powder stashes off-piste but can still edge into groomers on the way back to the chairlift for another lap. With its lighter weight, testers were confident that less-experienced skiers could happily direct the Kore 103 W without working too hard, and it earned its highest scores in Responsiveness and Forgiveness. SKI’s executive editor, Samantha Berman, said the Kore 103 W “is a great choice for a moderate to light powder day and is perfectly capable of handling whatever type of snow you might throw at it.”

No. 7: Armada Reliance 102 Ti ($975)

(Photo: Courtesy Armada)

Overall score: 7.39/10
Lengths (cm): 164, 172, 180
Dimensions (mm): 134-102-124
Radius (m): 17.5 (172)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,850 (172)
Pros: Quickness, Flotation
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed

If you’re looking for a ski that can handle just about anything with accessible power, but doesn’t require you to have the confidence of an ex-racer, the Armada Reliance 102 Ti delivers. Testers enjoyed this model’s agile and responsive demeanor, rewarding it with high marks in Quickness/Maneuverability. The 102-millimeter waist provides ample flotation in soft snow and is confidence-inspiring in variable conditions, helping open the door for developing skiers to start exploring more of the mountain. Testers reported that the Reliance 102 Ti could feel a little short, especially for more-aggressive skiing, so skiers with more turns under their belt should consider sizing up to get the most performance. Colorado-based tester Jenny Wiegand recommended this ski to “anyone looking for a super-solid All-Mountain Wide option that’s not overly demanding,” praising the Reliance 102 Ti for its ability to put out a lot of energy without asking much of its driver.

No. 8: Elan Ripstick 102 W ($900)

(Photo: Courtesy Elan)

Overall score: 7.07/10
Lengths (cm): 154, 162, 170, 178
Dimensions (mm): 143-104-120
Radius (m): 17 (170)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,750 (170)
Pros: Forgiveness, Flotation
Cons: Quickness, Hard-Snow Integrity

The Elan Ripstick 102 W provides a forgiving platform that reassures intermediate through expert skiers who enjoy wandering all over the mountain. This model handles best in the soft stuff; testers commented on how it provided a confidence boost in chopped-up snow on tired legs, which points to its high scores for Forgiveness, Flotation, and Crud Performance. The Ripstick 102 W also received kudos for its intuitive turn initiation and predictable edge hold, which allowed the ski to come to life on the groomers. The Elan did have some trouble with quick, short-radius turns, though, and could feel a bit underpowered on firm snow, resulting in low rankings for Quickness/Maneuverability and Hard-Snow Integrity. The ski’s strongest attributes are “confidence and ease,” according to Gibbons; she recalled the Ripstick 102 W making “the perfect turn so easy to achieve.”

No. 9: Völkl Secret 102 ($800)

(Photo: Courtesy Völkl)

Overall score: 6.99/10
Lengths (cm): 156, 163, 170, 177
Dimensions (mm): 142-102-124
Radius (m): 26-16-23 (170)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,020 (170)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity
Cons: Forgiveness, Quickness

The Völkl Secret 102 won testers over with how well it could hold an edge on groomers, which earned it top scores for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity, as well as its ability to plow through any type of variable snow with confidence. This ski can “find the perfect turn for every condition” according to Erika Northrop, a New Mexico–based tester. Stronger and aggressive skiers will get the most out of the Secret 102, but it’ll still allow intermediates venturing off-piste to feel sure of themselves—as long as there’s room to let the ski run. The Völkl could be overpowering in tight terrain, and a handful if you let yourself get off the sweet spot, which is reflected in its low numbers for Forgiveness and Quickness/Maneuverability. Weigand called the Secret 102 “a powerhouse All-Mountain Wide ski that can also handle groomed and hard snow.”

No. 10: Line Pandora 104 ($750)

(Photo: Courtesy Line)

Overall score: 6.89/10
Lengths (cm): 158, 165, 172
Dimensions (mm): 137-104-121
Radius (m): 14.6 (165)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,690 (172)
Pros: Playfulness, Quickness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity

Skiing should be fun, and Line got the memo when it designed the Pandora 104. Northrop said this model is for “a lady who loves to wear costumes and is all about the experience,” and Beekman echoed a similar sentiment, claiming the Pandora 104 is “like a party on your feet.” They weren’t the only testers who felt that this option was fun-focused: It received high scores for Playfulness and Quickness/Maneuverability. Some skiers will love the approachable and lighthearted demeanor of the Pandora 104, but ex-racers might find it lacking the power they prefer; testers gave this ski its lowest scores for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity. Even if it doesn’t come off with a full-throttle attitude, the Line Pandora 104 “doesn’t take itself too seriously,” said Berman. “It just wants to have a good time.”

No. 11: Peak 104 by Bode ($1,090)

(Photo: Courtesy Peak)

Overall score: 6.89/10
Lengths (cm): 160, 168, 178, 184, 190
Dimensions (mm): 133-104-121
Radius (m): 22.3 (168)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness

The Peak 104 is a powerful ski that demands an athletic, assertive skier to tap into its full potential. Its weaknesses are “slowing down and scrubbing speed,” according to Northrop, New Mexico area manager for Christy Sports. “It almost taunts you for braking.” This isn’t a good choice for the timid, but testers claimed that if you can push the ski, it will deliver, granting it high scores for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity to prove it. The Peak 104 isn’t a well-balanced ski in terms of adapting to different terrain or having broad appeal to different experience levels, so it received low rankings in Playfulness and Forgiveness. In soft, unbroken snow, the Peak 104 floats with ease; in crud, the ski’s stout construction allows you to drive it with authority; on groomers, it really shines. Gibbons said that “as an ex-racer and a skier from the Pacific Northwest, I appreciate the solid feel and drive of this ski.”

No. 12: K2 Mindbender 106C W ($700)

(Photo: Courtesy K2)

Overall score: 6.68/10
Lengths (cm): 155, 162, 169, 176
Dimensions (mm): 138-106-127
Radius (m): 15.7 (169)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,770 (169)
Pros: Flotation, Playfulness
Cons: Quickness, Forgiveness

“Low effort, high reward” was how Herich described the Mindbender 106C W. She wasn’t alone in finding the K2 to be an energetic ski that excelled in soft and variable snow, with the team awarding its top scores in Flotation and Playfulness. That’s not to say that all testers found this option to be very versatile, with several folks calling out its struggles with quick, shorter-radius turns and dropping its scores for Quickness/Maneuverability. Our skiers weren’t as confident pushing the Mindbender 106C W on firmer snow or chopped-up groomers, as it required more attention to control. Those concerns aside, testers agreed that the K2 shone in conditions like fresh, untouched powder in the trees or late-afternoon crud. For “advanced and expert skiers who ski soft snow and crud the majority of the time,” Wiegand, ��ԹϺ��’s associate gear director, thinks that the Mindbender 106C W is a no-brainer to add to the quiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best wider all-mountain skis for women?

Head Kore 103 W
Armada Reliance 102 Ti
Elan Ripstick 102 W
Völkl Secret 102
Line Pandora 104
Peak 104 by Bode (Unisex)
K2 Mindbender 106C W

What are all-mountain wide skis?

All-mountain wide skis are slightly wider than typical all-mountain skis, with waist widths that hover between 100-110mm. While they’re still versatile all-mountain skis, they cater more to soft snow and powder and less to groomer skiing than slimmer all-mountain skis. Like all-mountain skis, all-mountain wide skis feature tip- and tail rocker and larger turning raddi. However, unlike all-mountain skis, wider all-mountain skis tend to include less (or no) metal in the core to keep the weight of the ski more manageable at wider dimensions.

Who are all-mountain wide skis for?

Wider all-mountain skis are better suited to skiers who primarily ski off-piste, at resorts that see abundant snow fall. Wider all-mountain skis generally handle powder and crud better than narrower all-mountain skis. However, wide all-mountain skis sacrifice edge performance, so skiers who care about making precise turns and carving on groomers occasionally should look to narrower all-mountain skis.

How wide is too wide for a resort ski?

Skilled skiers will be able to manage a wide ski (100mm-plus) in most conditions and will still be able to make these skis carve. But intermediate skiers still working on their skills may find wide all-mountain skis to be more work in the types of conditions you are likely to encounter at the resort. .

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s skis?

In truth, most skis are unisex and not gender-specific. Many brands produce the ski with the exact same construction technologies for both genders, but often create two different top sheets to appeal to men vs. women. A handful of brands are making truly women’s-specific skis, where the ski takes a woman’s physique into account when building the ski. Men and women can ski on the same ski but may want to choose different lengths depending on their height and their skiing ability.

The post The Best Women’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024 appeared first on ��ԹϺ�� Online.

The Best All-Mountain Wide Skis of the Year

Johanna Flashman — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:35:55 +0000

This article was first published by .

If you’re a soft-snow connoisseur or just prefer a wide platform for everything you encounter at the resort, you need an all-mountain wide ski in your life. The skis in the All-Mountain Wide category are slightly girthier than your typical all-mountain ski—typically 100-110mm—and usually feature a more pronounced rocker profile than their all-mountain counterparts.

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. With a wider waist and more rocker, you sacrifice some edging capabilities, but many skiers think the crud-busting and surfing abilities you get in return are well worth the trade-off.

If you find yourself in that camp, check out the 15 unisex all-mountain wide skis that performed best at SKI’s 2024 gear test in .

Looking for the best women’s all-mountain wide skis of 2024? You’ll find those here.

How We Test

Number of skis tested: 21
Number of testers:��24
Testing location: Sun Valley, Idaho
Average age of tester:��39
Average height of tester:��5’9”
Average weight of tester: 170 lbs

SKI has been running its annual ski test for decades now, but we’re always tweaking and perfecting the process. As in the past, we invited a crew of seasoned industry professionals—ski instructors, ski shop employees, coaches, and former World Cup racers—to join us for a week-long gear test in Sun Valley, Idaho, a resort known for its steep and manicured groomers, legendary bump runs, perfectly gladed tree runs, and of course, “the Burn,” sidecountry terrain that powder dreams are made of.

With wider waists and more rocker, all-mountain wide skis are designed for deeper days. So our testers took them into the glades, back bowls, and into the Burn at Sun Valley to see how well they handled the deep stuff.

We know most all-mountain wide skis can handle the pow. But how many of them can still hang when the conditions get tracked out?

When judging an all-mountain wide ski, we primarily assess well it performs in deeper snow, be that fresh pow or days-old crud. Lucky for us, we didn’t have to make do with stale powder during our test in Sun Valley—it was nuking on the day of our All-Mountain Wide category test. The skis that impressed us the most with their ability to float through pow, charge through crud, and hold steady in variable conditions made this list of the best all-mountain wide skis of the year.

Meet the Testers

Tester Jon Sexauer grabs one of the 21 all-mountain wide skis on tap during our 2024 SKI Test in Sun Valley. (Photo: Ray J Gadd)

Jon Sexauer

Age: 36 | Height: 5′7″ | Weight: 155 lbs

A self-proclaimed gear nerd when it comes to skis and mountain bikes, Sexauer grew up skiing in Northern California, spending the majority of his time getting loose and sendy in terrain parks. He now lives in Colorado and calls Copper Mountain his home hill. Though he still gravitates towards playful and wide all-mountain skis, he’s developed a more open mind when it comes to skis since joining SKI’s official gear test crew six seasons ago. These days, you’ll find him ripping around Copper on his trusty Nordica Enforcer 100s.

Otto Gibbons

Age: 24 | Height: 5′6″ | Weight: 135 lbs

Gibbons has spent 22 of his 23 years on this earth on skis. The son of Sturtevants Sports’ head buyer, Tracy Gibbons, Otto has basically lived in the ski shop his whole life and has worked there for the past seven years as a hardgoods buyer. If he’s not in the shop, he’s ripping laps at Washington’s Crystal Mountain.

Chad Jacob

Age: 41 | Height: 5′10″ | Weight: 195 lbs

Jacob is a ski race coach from the East Coast and skis like one. At his home hill of Bristol Mountain, N.Y., you’ll likely find him carving up icy groomers on a set of skinny skis. Jacob is a veteran gear tester who has tested skis for both ��ԹϺ�� and SKI.

Luke Larsen

Age: 41 | Height: 5′10″ | Weight: 195 lbs

Larsen owns and operates Salt Lake City’s Lifthouse ski shop with his brother, Zac Larsen. He practically grew up in the shop, a family-owned business, and spent his free time chasing gates on the Snowbird Ski Team. He’s been testing skis for SKI for more than a decade.

The Reviews: The Best All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024

Editor’s Choice: Nordica Enforcer 104 Free ($850)

(Photo: Courtesy Nordica)

Overall score: 7.96/10
Lengths (cm): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
Dimensions (mm): 134.5-104-123.5
Radius (m): 17.5 (179)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,105 (179)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Flotation
Cons: Forgiveness, Quickness

The Nordica Enforcer lineup is no stranger to the upper ranks of the SKI Test, and the Enforcer 104 Free carries on that tradition by claiming the top step on the Unisex All-Mountain Wide podium for 2023-24. This model combines a wood core, carbon, and two sheets of metal sandwiched into Nordica’s Powder Rocker Profile to build a stout ski that earned top scores for Stability at Speed, Flotation, and Versatility. Testers agreed that the Enforcer 104 Free was best suited for strong, aggressive, and expert skiers who are looking for an option that’s competent in the soft stuff but can still hold an edge on firm snow. Some skiers found it to feel most comfortable in wide-open spaces and when skied assertively, which explains the low scores for Quickness and Forgiveness. Tester Luke Larsen, who calls Snowbird, Utah, his home hill, summed this ski up well: “It will Enforce your will on pow days.”

Read the full review for category scores, strengths, weaknesses, and tester feedback.

(Photo: Courtesy Völkl)

Overall score: 7.71/10
Lengths (cm): 170, 177, 184, 191
Dimensions (mm): 142-102-124
Radius (m): 28-18-26 (177)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,209 (184)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness

Testers commented that the Völkl Mantra 102 was almost a carving ski that snuck into the Unisex All-Mountain Wide test, so it’s no surprise it received top scores for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity. This is a hefty set of boards, but it’s capable in variable terrain and surprisingly willing to make shorter turns in bumps and trees. The most common feedback for the Mantra 102 is that it rewards those who are willing to push their limits; stronger skiers will be able to reap the full benefit of skiing with power and speed in all terrain and snow conditions. This model is a “solid charger that can get into tight spots with ease and make stronger skiers confident to take literally anything with speed,” said upstate New York–based tester Chad Jacob in wrapping up his review—a sentiment shared among all the crew.

(Photo: Courtesy Rossignol)

Overall score: 7.68/10
Lengths (cm): 180, 187, 194
Dimensions (mm): 138-106-128
Radius (m): 21 (187)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,200 (187)
Pros: Crud Performance, Versatility
Cons: Forgiveness, Responsiveness

Testers were quick to praise the Rossignol Sender 106 Ti Plus for its ability to allow intermediates to feel confident, yet also perform well for the most-aggressive skiers. John Jensen, hailing from Carbondale, Colorado, found it to be a ski that “anyone can pick up and improve their skiing with—and do it all.” The Sender 106 Ti Plus was smooth in variable snow and had strong edge hold on groomed terrain, earning its highest scores in Crud Performance and Versatility. That stability, especially in inconsistent conditions and on changing surfaces, can be attributed to Rossignol’s use of a vibration-absorbing insert in the body of the ski to help minimize feedback. The Sender 106 Ti Plus didn’t have a single top-scoring criterion, but was ranked in the top five for nearly all, explaining its wide appeal. Jacob described this offering as the classic “one-ski quiver—something you could own and be happy with daily.”

(Photo: Courtesy Stöckli)

Overall score: 7.63/10
Lengths (cm): 173, 182, 191
Dimensions (mm): 135-102-125
Radius (m): 19.8 (182)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,890 (182)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance
Cons: Playfulness, Flotation

Testers raved about the Stöckli Stormrider 102’s smooth demeanor in all terrain and snow conditions. Larsen said it performed best in “crud and beat-up groomers—anything under a foot of snow and this is your go-to.” It’s no wonder this ski scored highly in Quickness/Maneuverability, Crud Performance, and Versatility. Multiple skiers assumed the Stormrider 102 was going to be a burly and unforgiving ski, yet were quick to forget that assumption: They found it easy to control, and that it didn’t punish them for mistakes. However, that’s not to say the ski didn’t like a little muscle. Our crew reported that the Stöckli performed best when skied actively, and its double-Titanal construction earned it high numbers for Stability at Speed and Hard-Snow Integrity. Tommy Flitton, a Snowbird, Utah skier, recommended the Stormrider 102 to anyone—“This is an absolute ripper,” he enthused—and encouraged consumers to not be afraid of the price tag, noting that it’s “worth every penny.”

(Photo: Courtesy Blizzard)

Overall score: 7.45/10
Lengths (cm): 162, 168, 174, 180, 186, 192
Dimensions (mm): 134-102-123
Radius (m): 17.5 (180)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,995 (180)
Pros: Crud Performance, Stability at Speed
Cons: Responsiveness, Hard-Snow Integrity

The redesigned Blizzard Rustler 10 received heaps of praise for its all-mountain prowess and ability to make you feel like you’re shredding like your ski-movie heroes. It is burly enough to ski confidently in all terrain, but also willing to let you skid and slash turns to maintain control. The Rustler 10 earned its top marks for Stability at Speed, Crud Performance, and Versatility—fitting for a ski designed with the modern freeride/big-mountain skier in mind. Multiple testers commented on how snappy and quick this model could be in the trees, yet still behave smoothly and confidently on the groomers—attributes that earned it some of the highest scores in the Unisex All-Mountain Wide test for Quickness/Maneuverability and Playfulness. Jacob, a 41-year-old race coach, was quick to identify the Rustler 10 as “a real-deal ski that can be enjoyed by intermediate skiers who want to progress, but can also be pushed hard by experts.”

No. 6: Dynastar M-Free 108 ($900)

(Photo: Courtesy Dynastar)

Overall score: 7.42/10
Lengths (cm): 172, 182, 192
Dimensions (mm): 138-108-128
Radius (m): 18 (182)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,200 (182)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Versatility
Cons: Playfulness, Forgiveness

The Dynastar M-Free 108 is a no-nonsense bulldozer of a ski that wants to be let loose in wide-open terrain, yet still can be finessed into making tight turns in bumps and glades. Testers agreed that stronger, more aggressive skiers would be able to maximize its potential to confidently descend through variable snow. That hard-charging nature earned the Dynastar its highest scores for Stability at Speed, Versatility, and Crud Performance. The M-Free 108 is a more traditional ski that prefers being driven from the front, which rewards assertive skiing but can feel overbearing for less-experienced skiers. It received its lowest marks in Playfulness and Forgiveness, so it isn’t going to be the best option for the more new-school-minded big-mountain skier. Washington state-based tester Otto Gibbons described the M-Free 108 as a “dependable platform—no matter the conditions—for someone who will charge confidently down the mountain.”

No. 7: Fischer Ranger 108 ($950)

(Photo: Courtesy Fischer)

Overall score: 7.41/10
Lengths (cm): 171, 178, 185, 192
Dimensions (mm): 142-108-133
Radius (m): 17 (178)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,120 (185)
Pros: Versatility, Playfulness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed

The Fischer Ranger 108 nails the sweet spot of performance and approachability, with testers calling it a great option for intermediates looking to improve their technique. At 108 millimeters underfoot, it provides plenty of lift in soft snow, earning the ski top scores in Versatility and Flotation; with a gentle and forgiving flex, it also captured the best marks for Playfulness and Responsiveness. Our team quickly identified the Ranger 108 as a fun and sporty option for skiers who want to explore all over the mountain, seeking out powder stashes and softer snow. The tips did tend to flop around on firmer snow and at faster clips, which explains the ski’s lowest rankings in Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed. Even with those concerns, Larsen—a tester who also owns a Salt Lake City, Utah, ski shop—describes this model as “a poppy, fun all-mountain pow ski. If you’re looking for airs and jumps, the Ranger 108 will be your guide.”

No. 8: Salomon QST 106 ($750)

(Photo: Courtesy Salomon)

Overall score: 7.4/10
Lengths (cm):157, 165, 173, 181, 189
Dimensions (mm): 139-106-126
Radius (m): 19 (181)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,980 (181)
Pros: Flotation, Forgiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity

For skiers looking to make surfy turns in soft, variable snow without having to think too much or work too hard, the Salomon QST 106 delivers. Testers found it to be intuitive and confidence-inspiring in nearly all terrain, but there was some concern that aggressive skiers might be underwhelmed at higher speeds in firmer conditions. The QST 106 received its lowest scores for Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed, but these shortfalls were overshadowed by its highest marks in Versatility, Forgiveness, and Flotation. The Salomon was one of the most approachable skis in the Unisex All-Mountain Wide category and was recommended as a great option for skiers who want one set of sticks that is dependable enough to do it all. Larsen described this ski as “fun to bounce around on” and pointed out that the QST 106 has “plenty of power without getting that planky feel” that can plague skis in this category.

No. 9: 4FRNT MSP 107 ($749)

(Photo: Courtesy 4FRNT)

Overall score: 7.32/10
Lengths (cm): 171, 176, 181, 187
Dimensions (mm): 138-107-128
Radius (m): 20 (181)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,050 (181)
Pros: Crud Performance, Flotation
Cons: Quickness, Responsiveness

Testers couldn’t help but describe the 4FRNT MSP 107 as a spirited ski, especially for skiers with a new-school approach to big-mountain riding. It was burlier than some folks expected, requiring a little bit more work to engage in the turns and making it difficult to control in tighter terrain. Accordingly, the MSP 107’s lowest scores were in Quickness/Maneuverability and Responsiveness. What it lacked in snappiness, however, it more than made up for in its dependable performance in soft and variable snow, scoring its best in Crud Performance and Flotation. Our crew found the 4FRNT to be reassuring at speed except for on the firmest groomers. Denver, Colorado-based tester Jon Sexauer characterized the MSP 107 as “a super-fun and poppy ski” best suited for “playful skiers who want something a little less traditional to pop around the mountain like a playground.”

No. 10: Head Kore 105 ($925)

(Photo: Courtesy Head)

Overall score: 7.01/10
Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184, 191
Dimensions (mm): 135-105-125
Radius (m): 17.8 (184)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,840 (184)
Pros: Quickness, Flotation
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Crud Performance

The Head Kore 105 surprised several testers with how much performance could be packed into such a lightweight ski. It thrived in soft conditions, and skiers raved about its ability to nimbly navigate through bumps and trees, naturally earning its highest marks in Quickness/Maneuverability and Flotation. In denser variable snow, the Kore 105’s lack of heft was a detriment, with some noting it tended to deflect instead of drive through crud. There was also some concern that the ski was chattery on hardpack. Those worries might be worth considering for West and East Coast skiers who manage heavy snow or icy conditions. Jacob thought the Head was “very approachable for most skiers,” stating that “experts will figure out it doesn’t need to be skied super forward and intermediates will enjoy how easy the turn initiation is on most snow types.”

No. 11: Armada Declivity 102 Ti ($975)

(Photo: Courtesy Armada)

Overall score: 6.89/10
Lengths (cm): 172, 180, 188
Dimensions (mm): 135-102-125
Radius (m): 18 (180)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,950 (180)
Pros: Versatility, Quickness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed

Armada’s Declivity lineup consists of directional skis that are a departure from the brand’s park-centric heritage, but that doesn’t mean the Declivity 102 Ti isn’t worth consideration from a wider audience. Testers showered this ski with praise for its soft-snow performance and surprisingly solid and energetic demeanor, but did observe that it’s got a speed limit and left them a little wanting on firmer snow surfaces. The Declivity 102 Ti will resonate with skiers looking to explore off-piste instead of ripping high-speed laps on groomers, as evidenced by its low scores for Hard-Snow Integrity and Stability at Speed. Jamie Klopp, a Southern California–based tester, called this model a “crud-slaying float monster that loves bouncing around and playing in its native habitat.” That home base is anywhere the snow is soft and sporty terrain options are plentiful—the kind of places that show why testers gave the Declivity 102 Ti its highest scores in Quickness/Maneuverability and Versatility.

No. 12: K2 Mindbender 106C ($850)

(Photo: Courtesy K2)

Overall score: 6.88/10
Lengths (cm): 169, 176, 183, 189
Dimensions (mm): 137-106-127
Radius (m): 18.9 (183)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,089 (183)
Pros: Playfulness, Forgiveness
Cons: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity

K2’s all-new Mindbender 106C is a lightweight ski that urges intermediate through expert skiers to rip it from bell to bell. Longtime SKI tester Larsen says this offering is “super approachable and won’t beat you up,” adding that it’s “dependable for nearly any terrain type.” The relatively lightweight construction did have a negative effect on the ski’s ability to handle hard-snow with confidence and remain stable at speed. Not every skier wants to ski a heavy metal-laminate ski all day every day—or has the legs of steel to do so—and testers were quick to identify this K2 as an easier option that was still plenty capable. The Mindbender 106C’s lightweight and energetic construction allowed the ski to remain agile, earning it high marks for Playfulness and Forgiveness. Jacob, who routinely skis Bristol Mountain in New York, called it a “very playful” ski that is a “real smile-maker that appeals to the masses.”

No. 13: Faction Dancer 3 ($849)

(Photo: Courtesy Faction)

Overall score: 6.51/10
Lengths (cm): 172, 178, 183, 188
Dimensions (mm): 134-106-124
Radius (m): 21 (183)
Weight (per ski in grams): 2,100 (183)
Pros: Flotation, Stability at Speed
Cons: Quickness, Hard-Snow Integrity

Tester consensus was that the Faction Dancer 3 was a stable ski at speed that urged them to put the pedal to the metal, but definitely prefers to stay off-piste. This model will appeal to skiers with a centered stance who are cruising around the mountain looking for the next thing to jump off. It performs best in soft snow and at higher speeds, which makes sense given its top scores in Flotation and Stability at Speed. Our team wasn’t so convinced that the Dancer 3 could manage in tight spaces, with its 106-millimeter waist and longer 21-meter turn radius requiring the ski to get up to speed before coming to life; it earned correspondingly low scores for Quickness/Maneuverability and Hard-Snow Integrity. Larsen advised skiers to “hold on tight and have fun, but you’ll have to wait for your friends because you’ll be the first one down.”

No. 14: Peak 104 by Bode ($1,090)

(Photo: Courtesy Peak)

Overall score: 6.42/10
Lengths (cm): 160, 168, 178, 184, 190
Dimensions (mm): 134-104-122
Radius (m): 23.5 (178)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,932 (178)
Pros: Stability at Speed, Crud Performance
Cons: Forgiveness, Playfulness

The Peak 104 stood out from the crowd with notable edge hold regardless of terrain or velocity, which earned it top marks for Crud Performance and Stability at Speed. The ski has a 23.5-meter turn radius, which seemed a little daunting, but Peak claims their Keyhole Technology allows the turn shape to be adjusted on the fly. Not all testers could find a way to access that adjustability, but those who did were quickly converted into believers in its impact on the ski’s performance. The longer turn radius did feel locked in if you couldn’t make the KeyHole work for you, and that hurt the Peak 104 with low scores for Forgiveness and Playfulness. Jacob called this one a “burly ski that’s approachable to most skier types,” but it’s important to call out that there is a bit of a learning curve.

No. 15: Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition ($1,100)

(Photo: Courtesy Elan)

Overall score: 6.03/10
Lengths (cm): 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions (mm): 143-106-120
Radius (m): 18.1 (180)
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,900 (180)
Pros: Flotation, Playfulness
Cons: Hard-Snow Integrity, Forgiveness

The Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition provides an energetic option for experienced skiers who don’t want to be forced to constantly drive their skis. This model responds well to a balanced stance without too much pressure or weight in the tip or tail and rewards skiers with a smooth, predictable ride. Testers found the Ripstick 106 Black Edition to be easy to maneuver in softer snow and willing to gracefully navigate through crud and powder or pop to and from push piles in varied terrain, highlighting its top scores in Flotation and Playfulness. There was some disappointment that Elan’s burlier Black Edition construction didn’t deliver that extra level of energy to compete with some of the other skis in the Unisex All-Mountain Wide category. Gibbons praised the Ripstick 106 Black Edition as a “strong, reliable, and maneuverable” ski that “will happily go with you from bell to bell.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best wide all-mountain skis?

Nordica Enforcer 104 Free
Dynastar M-Free 108
Fischer Ranger 108
Salomon QST 106
4FRNT MSP 107
Head Kore 105
Armada Declivity 102 Ti
K2 Mindbender 106C
Faction Dancer 3
Peak 104 by Bode
Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition

What are all-mountain wide skis?

What is the difference between freeride and all-mountain wide skis?

All-Mountain wide skis are usually narrower and have shorter turn radii compared to freeride skis. This allows all-mountain wide skis to perform on hard-snow and be able to carve more easily than true freeride skis. Some skis in this category bridge the gap between these two classifications.

Who are all-mountain wide skis for?

How wide is too wide for a resort ski?

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s skis?

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Review: 2024 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free

jversteegh — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:00:26 +0000

This article was first published by .

At a Glance

Brand: Nordica
Model: Enforcer 104 Free
Overall Ranking: #1
Overall Score: 7.96/10
Strengths: Stability at Speed, Flotation
Weaknesses: Forgiveness, Quickness
Gender: Unisex
Level: Advanced, Expert

Specs

Tip/Waist/Tail (mm): 134.5-104-123.5
Lengths (cm): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
Radius (m): 17.5 (179 cm)
Waist Width (mm): 104
Weight (per ski in grams): 1,765 (162)

Test Scores

Stability at Speed: 9/10
Quickness/Maneuverability: 6.89/10
Playfulness: 7/10
Forgiveness: 5.78/10
Hard Snow Performance: 8.44/10
Crud Performance: 8.56/10
Versatility: 7.89/10
Responsiveness: 7.78/10

The Nordica Enforcer lineup is no stranger to the upper ranks of the SKI test, and the Enforcer 104 Free carries on that tradition by claiming the top step on the Unisex All-Mountain Wide podium for 2023-24. While the Enforcer suite is known as being best suited for hard chargers, models with the Free designation provide accessibility to a slightly wider range of skiers. The 104 Free earned top marks in the category by combining a wood core, carbon, and two sheets of metal sandwiched into Nordica’s Powder Rocker profile to create an assertive ski that is comfortable at full throttle in any conditions. The rocker allows the ski to enter turns easily, but also gives you the freedom to smear and slash the exit. That profile, in conjunction with the stout core construction, helped the Enforcer 104 Free gain the best scores across the Unisex All-Mountain Wide category for Flotation and Versatility.

The Nordica Enforcer 104 Free beat out the other 20 all-mountain wide skis we tested in the Versatility, Crud Performance, Flotation, and Stability at Speed departments to be crowned the best all-mountain wide ski of 2024. (Photo: Ray J Gadd)

Although the Enforcer 104 Free is more approachable than other skis in the same offering, testers agreed it was still the best choice for strong, aggressive, and expert skiers. Chad Jacob, a tester based in upstate New York who coaches racing when he’s not busy sampling skis, noted that the ski was “super at home in the soft snow, but still charged and held on firm snow.” Testers agreed with his assertion that the 104 Free “literally has no speed limit”: The ski brought home not only its own highest score in Stability at Speed, but also tied for best ranking in that trait across the category.

Jon Sexauer, a Denver, Colorado-based weekend warrior, felt that the Enforcer 104 Free “felt best when you had space to run,” highlighting the ski’s lower scores for Quickness. Salt Lake City, Utah-based tester Brady Newton felt that it demanded skiers “stay in front, because there’s not a lot of support if you get bucked back,” which is a sentiment that all testers shared, giving the 104 Free low marks for Forgiveness.

Related:

Skiers out West could easily plug in the Enforcer 104 Free as an everyday driver, and East Coast skiers would be able to use it as a veritable storm-chasing tool. At 104 millimeters underfoot, the ski was surprisingly adept at linking turns; Southern California–based tester Jamie Klopp pointed out that it “carves above its class. It is a pure joy for anyone who loves to lay it over!” Some testers felt that the ski could be a little too much in the longer length, feeling dead and heavy unless you really pushed the limits, which can be a tall order when the ski doesn’t seem to have a governor.

For strong, aggressive skiers, the Enforcer 104 Free is hard to not see as the “quiver killer.” For less-advanced skiers, it leaves the door to becoming a local hero ajar just enough to invite them into pushing their limits. Tester Luke Larsen, who calls Snowbird, Utah, his home hill, sums this ski up well: “It will Enforce your will on pow days!”

See how the Nordica Enforcer 104 Free compares to our other favorite frontside skis of the year.

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2023 Blizzard Rustler 9 Review

Johanna Flashman — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:00:55 +0000

This article was first published by .

The Scores (out of 10)

Overall Score: 7.31/10
Rank: #4
Versatility: 7.57
Crud Performance: 7
Playfulness: 6.71
Responsiveness: 7.86
Hard-Snow Integrity: 8
Quickness: 6.86
Stability at Speed: 8
Carving: 8.29
Flotation: 6.43
Forgiveness: 6.57

The Specs

Price: $650
Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions: 127.5-94-117
Radius: 17 (180cm)
Level: Strong Intermediate to Expert

In a Nutshell

Pros: Carving, Responsiveness
Cons: Crud Performance, Quickness

Powerful, damp, and snappy were the words used most in our testers’ feedback forms to describe the Blizzard Rustler 9. Tester Brady Newton spoke to the Rustler 9’s confidence-inspiring edge hold. “Once I set that edge, it was locked in for the duration of the turn and I knew I could trust it going forward,” he said. Its trustworthiness and dependability on edge is nice, but testers agreed that the real joy of this ski comes from when you unleash the energy at the exit of one turn and let the ski pop you into your next turn. The balance of energetic release and damp smoothness in all terrain and snow conditions explains why the Rustler 9 ranked second in the Versatility, Responsiveness, and Carving categories.

This balanced performance is largely due to Blizzard’s Carbon Flipcore D.R.T. (Dynamic Release Technology) construction which increases the ski’s strength and stability underfoot while keeping weight low. The stability underfoot opens the door for intermediate skiers to start exploring the mountain with confidence in all conditions, and truly lets the ski shine when more aggressive skiers push the speed limit. “This is honestly the type of all-mountain ski that most intermediate/advanced skiers should be on,” said tester Adam Jaber, an Eastern skier with a more playful skiing style. “It doesn’t punish you if you get sloppy.”

It may not be as punishing as some of the other heavy-hitters in this category, but it’s still a powerhouse. Tester David Amirault called the Rustler 9 a, “directional groomer missile,” and noted the best way to ski it is to “point it and let this ski run full throttle.” The Rustler 9 has enough substance to inspire confidence while carving turns on hard-packed snow at high speeds, yet it also impressed testers with its ability to navigate crud and off-piste terrain with ease. Tester Jon Sexauer described the ideal terrain for the Ruster 9 as, “wide open groomers, evenly spaced trees, and back bowls.” This isn’t the quickest ski edge to edge, so you want to keep to terrain where this ski has room to run. In tighter terrain, the Rustler 9 is manageable at moderate speeds, but it’s not forgiving enough to make skiing in tight trees or bumps effortless.

Tester Nick Loomans, an expert skier with a racing background, was quick to note that “some less aggressive skiers might feel like this ski is a little unforgiving.” That said, testers agreed that when it comes to balancing accessibility and performance, the Rustler 9 is one of the top choices in the all-mountain category. “It’s a strong, energetic ski with an added bonus of being damp—a crowd pleaser for sure,” summed up tester Chad Jacob.

A self-proclaimed gear nerd when it comes to skis and mountain bikes, grew up skiing in Northern California, spending the majority of his time getting loose and sendy in terrain parks. He now lives in Colorado and calls Copper Mountain his home hill. Though he still gravitates towards playful and wide all-mountain skis, he’s developed a more open mind when it comes to skis since joining SKI’s official gear test crew five seasons ago. These days, you’ll find him ripping around Copper on his trusty Nordica Enforcer 100s.

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2023 Fischer Ranger 96 Review

Johanna Flashman — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:00:55 +0000

This article was first published by .

The Scores (out of 10)

Overall Score: 7.07/10
Rank: #8
Versatility: 7
Crud Performance: 7.3
Playfulness: 7.1
Responsiveness: 7.4
Hard-Snow Integrity: 6.7
Quickness: 7.5
Stability at Speed: 7.1
Carving: 7.1
Flotation: 6.1
Forgiveness: 6.5

The Specs

Price: $850
Lengths: 159, 166, 173, 180, 187
Dimensions: 129-97-120
Radius: 18m (180)
Level: Intermediate, Advanced

In a Nutshell

Pros: Quickness (#4), Responsiveness (#7)
Cons: Flotation (#12), Hard-Snow Integrity (#12)

The Ranger line has been a strong performer for Fischer over the last several years, so it was a surprise for testers to see a completely redesigned Ranger 96 at the ski test this year. Fischer spent over 30 months overhauling the Ranger line, and it paid off. Testers found the Ranger 96 to be a balanced option for skiers looking to spend equal amounts of time on and off-piste regardless of conditions. “The 96mm-width is the ideal ‘I ski everywhere’ dimension,” said tester Adam Jaber, an East Coast skier. “I felt totally capable on it regardless of the conditions.”

Testers most appreciated the Ranger 96’s quickness and responsiveness, traits that can largely be attributed to Fischer’s shaped Ti construction, which uses different thicknesses and shapes of high strength alloy depending on the ski’s geometry to provide optimal grip and stability for all-mountain skiing. Tester Otto Gibbons points out that this construction technique is what allows the Ranger 96 to “contour with variable snow” and still manage to “offer a strong balance of stability and maneuverability.”

Not only is the Ranger 96 adaptable to variable terrain, but also to different skier ability levels. Testers were confident that the Ranger 96’s predictable nature would allow intermediates to ski confidently; when driven by a more advanced skier, this ski comes to life and offers lots of energy and rebound out of each turn.

But at its core, most testers described the Ranger 96 as an easy-going ski, not one of the more aggressive all-mountain chargers of the category. “It’s a laid-back ski for those who like to play in the crud and loose snow,” said tester Chad Jacob, a race coach from New York. Thanks to Fischer’s Freeski Rocker the Ranger 96 can (and should) be skied from a more modern neutral stance, making it a great choice for skiers with a more relaxed and playful style. Aggressive skiers who are used to driving their skis from the front of their boots might find they easily overflex and overpower this ski, especially in the shorter lengths.

Tester Nick Loomans, a former racer, didn’t think the Ranger 96 were aggressive enough for him or for others with his skiing style. “Really aggressive skiers and former racers would be left wanting a little more out of the carving aspect,” he said. Other testers agreed that this ski wasn’t one of the top performers in the Hard-Snow Integrity department, since it didn’t seem as at home on edge on firm snow.

But the lack of aggressiveness in these areas was also seen as a positive by several testers who identified the Ranger 96 as being more accessible to novices. What the Ranger 96 lacks in edge performance on firm snow it makes up for in its ability to skis and slash the exit of a turn, qualities that earned it high scores in Quickness and Playfulness.

This makes the Ranger 96 particularly appealing to skiers who are still working on their skills on and off the groomed, as well as more advanced skiers who prioritize playfulness and agility over stability and power in an all-mountain ski. “Could happily grab this ski, fly anywhere, and have a good time,” summed up tester Otto Gibbons, an expert skier and ski buyer for Sturtevant’s Ski Shop in Bellevue, Wash.

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2023 Dynastar M-Pro 90 Review

Johanna Flashman — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:00:50 +0000

This article was first published by .

The Scores (out of 10)

Overall Score: 6.87/10
Rank: #10
Versatility: 7.25
Crud Performance: 5.75
Playfulness: 6.25
Responsiveness: 7.25
Hard-Snow Integrity: 6.75
Quickness: 7.5
Stability at Speed: 7
Carving: 7.75
Flotation: 5.5
Forgiveness: 6.75

The Specs

Price: $800
Lengths: 162, 170, 178, 186
Dimensions: 120-90-110
Radius: 18m (178cm)
Level: Intermediate, Advanced

In a Nutshell

Pros: Carving (#7), Quickness (#4)
Cons: Flotation (#20), Playfulness (#17)

Tester Otto Gibbons wants to know: If you’re not going to the Olympics, why are you working so hard to make nice turns? He has a point—many of us are on skis that make us work much harder than we want or need to. The Dynastar M-Pro 90 is the fix for that.

After putting the M-Pro 90 through the paces at the gear test in Sun Valley, testers agreed that this skis strikes a great balance of performance and user-friendliness. That balance can be traced to this ski’s construction, a combination of a poplar wood core and Dynastar’s Titanal Rocket Frame, a Titanal layer fine-tuned to the geometry of the ski. As a result of this layup, the M-Pro 90 is a lightweight ski that nevertheless serves up dampness and power without adding any unnecessary weight. Testers loved this balance, saying it’s confidence-inspiring on groomers and hard snow, but not so beefy or stiff that you won’t have fun in softer snow and bumps. “It’s an all-mountain super-G ski with the versatility to ski soft bumps and crud,” said tester Nick Loomans.

See How the Dynastar M-Pro 90 Compares to Its Competition

Although the M-Pro 90 does just fine off-piste, the overall consensus was that they were best suited to less aggressive skiers that tend to spend the majority of their time on-piste or cruising mellower terrain off-trail. Tester Brady Newton recommends this ski to “solid skiers who don’t venture too far off trail.” More specifically, he thought this ski was best suited to spending 90 percent of the time on-piste, versus 10 percent off. Other testers tended to agree with Newton, with Chad Jocob, a race coach from New York, adding that “when it’s kept on trail, it can do anything you want it to if you put in the effort.” But even when you don’t put in the effort, this is not one of those skis that will punish you for the occasional sloppy mistakes, he added.

When you take the M-Pro 90 off trail, the ski feels less sure of itself in variable snow conditions. “It feels a little limited in variable terrain and doesn’t have enough to it to ski aggressively off-piste,” noted tester Jon Sexauer. There was also some concern about this ski’s ability to track at higher speeds in crud, since the tip of the ski can become floppy and twitchy in heavier snow.

If skied less aggressively, the M-Pro 90 is versatile, quick edge to edge, and a proficient carver. In fact, this ski earned its highest scores in the Quickness and Carving departments, making it an attractive option for all-mountain skiers who want to explore beyond the manicured runs, but don’t want to sacrifice edge performance and agility in the process.

The only downside to this ski is that it’s easily overpowered by the hardest chargers out there. It doesn’t have a full sheet of metal, and because of that, it lacks the kind of stiffness and backbone that aggressive all-mountain skiers look for. But for skiers who are still working on their off-trail prowess, or for those looking to simply cruise on an easy-going ski that will do it all without asking for much in return, the M-Pro 90 is a great option. With this ski, Dynastar has built an all-mountain ski that is accessible for intermediates looking to venture beyond the groomed, but predominantly shines on-piste.

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2023 Head Kore 93 Review

Johanna Flashman — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:00:48 +0000

This article was first published by .

The Scores (out of 10)

Overall Score: 7.12/10
Rank: #6
Versatility: 7.25
Crud Performance: 6.88
Playfulness: 7.38
Responsiveness: 7.63
Hard-Snow Integrity: 6.88
Quickness: 7.63
Stability at Speed: 7.25
Carving: 6.88
Flotation: 6.38
Forgiveness: 7.38

The Specs

Price: $875
Lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177, 184, 191
Dimensions: 133-93-155
Radius: 16.4 (177cm)
Level: Intermediate to Expert

In a Nutshell

Pros: Forgiveness (#2), Quickness (#3)
Cons: Carving (#12), Stability at Speed (#10)

This season Head adds additional carbon and graphene to the Kore 93 to help lighten the overall package while still retaining the energetic and reliable characteristics that testers have come to expect from the Kore line. Thanks to the lighter weight, the Kore 93 is more accessible to a wider variety of skiers, yet can still handle almost every snow and terrain combination. “Steep, crud, bumps, firm and soft. It performs and holds,” said tester Chad Jacob, a ski racing coach from New York. “Nothing it can’t handle with acceptable performance.”

Testers were most impressed with the Kore 93’s versatility. While this ski didn’t score top marks in any one skill department, it’s a jack of all trades. The ski scored highest in the Forgiveness, Playfulness, Responsiveness, and Quickness categories, which speaks to the skis ability to adapt to variable terrain. This combination also makes the Kore 93 approachable for beginner and intermediate skiers that may find themselves in the backseat or relying on skidding to change the turn shape. “It’s a great all mountain ski for anyone from intermediate to expert,” commented tester Nick Loomans. “An easy ski to learn and understand.” All testers agreed that of all the skis tested in the all-mountain category, the Kore 93 may just be the most approachable. It’s a ski that will meet a skier where they’re at, adapt to the skier’s skill level, but also push them to grow in their skills and confidence.

The ski’s lightweight construction not only makes it accessible, it also makes it energetic and snappy from turn to turn, something that skiers who gravitate towards a more playful ski will appreciate. The downside to the Kore 93’s lightweight construction is a slight sacrifice in stability at speed and on edge. Testers noted that the ski seemed nervous on firm snow, where it could deflect or become chattery when trying to carve. At the gear test in Sun Valley, the steep, groomed runs allowed testers to push other skis in this category to their limits, and in comparison testers felt the Kore 93 had a much lower speed threshold.

But this is only an issue for skiers who insist on bombing down the hill. Overall testers were thrilled with the Kore 93’s versatility in nearly all snow conditions, and what impressed them most was this ski’s wide appeal for skiers of all abilities. “This ski is for an intermediate to expert and can help teach people to get to the front of the ski,” commented tester Otto Gibbons. “Head cut the weight and added the fun. It’s a blast to engage, excited to explore, easy to ski all day.”

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2023 Nordica Enforcer 100 Review

jversteegh — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:00:48 +0000

This article was first published by .

The Scores (out of 10)

Overall Score: 7.5/10
Rank: #1
Versatility: 7.6
Crud Performance: 8
Playfulness: 6.4
Responsiveness: 7.4
Hard-Snow Integrity: 7.4
Quickness: 6.4
Stability at Speed: 7.4
Carving: 7.6
Flotation: 7.4
Forgiveness: 6.4

The Specs

Price: $800
Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
Dimensions: 132.5-100-120.5
Radius: 17.3 (179cm)
Level: Advanced, Expert

In a Nutshell

Pros: Versatility (#1), Crud performance (#1)
Cons: Quickness (#21), Forgiveness (#15)

There is a reason the Enforcer 100 has become ubiquitous in lift lines, and that is not likely to change, as testers again ranked it at the top of the all-mountain category. During the 2023 gear test, the long, steep pitches at Sun Valley provided plenty of opportunity for the Enforcer to show off its all mountain prowess. “In soft, variable snow the ski is lively and simple to direct through mixed terrain and still has enough guts to let you plow through crud,” commented Colorado-based tester Jon Sexauer.

This ski really comes alive when driven with confidence at high speed. With top scores in Versatility, Flotation, and Crud Performance, this ski most impressed testers with its backbone off-piste. The Enforcer 100 didn’t get the best marks for Playfulness, but that’s not why you buy this ski. You buy the Enforcer to give you the confidence to smash through crud and variable snow.

And while it’s not particularly quick or agile, advanced and expert testers will have a hoot arcing turns around trees like slalom gates and diving no-holds-barred down the fall line. The energy and power that make the Enforcer 100 stand out is courtesy of Nordica’s new carbon-reinforced chassis that maintains strength and stability while reducing the ski’s overall weight. But make no mistake: despite the lighter swing weight, the Enforcer is still a stiff and burly ski. Testers caution you’ll want to spend time in the gym before the season gets underway since this ski is demanding; you’ll need legs of steel to be able to keep up with them for a full day.

Less aggressive skiers may easily be overwhelmed by the task of staying on top of this ski, especially off the groomed. Several testers also noted that because the Enforcer 100 is so stiff, it could be too much for smaller or lighter skiers. Tester Otto Gibbons, a 5’6”, 135 lbs expert skier, pointed out that the Enforcer 100’s biggest issue is that “not everyone who is recommended this ski should be on it.”

If you are a strong intermediate skier, the Enforcer 100 may be a handful, but it will also force you to develop better technique and become a stronger skier. If you are already an expert, this ski will let you push your skiing to new heights anywhere on the mountain.

The only other concern with the Enforcer 100 was performance on really hard snow. Some testers pointed out that the ski would chatter on firm snow, and as such may not be the best choice for skiers who think they want an all-mountain ski, but end up spending the majority of their time on firm groomers. But then again, if hard-snow and groomer performance are at the top of your wish list, you shouldn’t be shopping in the all-mountain category to begin with.

At the end of the day, the Enforcer 100 is a benchmark all-mountain ski that continues to impress testers with its versatility, especially off-piste. Testers unanimously agreed that it’s the best option for advanced and expert skiers looking for one ski to tackle the whole mountain on all but the deepest of days. “This is that do-everything ski you tell your friends about—as long as you’ve got some weight behind you,” said Vermont-based tester Adam Jaber. “I’m not surprised by how well this ski performs,” added Gibbons. “It has been a heavy hitter in the category for years and it still delivers.”

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2023 Armada Declivity 92 Ti Review

Johanna Flashman — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:00:46 +0000

This article was first published by .

The Scores (out of 10)

Overall Score: 7.38/10
Rank: #2
Versatility: 7.33
Crud Performance: 7.33
Playfulness: 7.83
Responsiveness: 7.5
Hard-Snow Integrity: 7.17
Quickness: 8.17
Stability at Speed: 7.67
Carving: 8.17
Flotation: 6.33
Forgiveness: 6.83

The Specs

Price: $825
Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions: 132-92-118
Radius: 17.5 (180cm)
Level: Intermediate to Expert

In a Nutshell

Pros: Quickness (#1), Playfulness (#2)
Cons: Flotation (#10), Hard-Snow Integrity (#9)

In his review of the Declivity 92 Ti, tester Otto Gibbons posed the question, “Do you want a ski you can get way more out of than you put into?” We’d argue that most skiers would answer that question with a resounding “yes.” The Armada Declivity 92 Ti debunks the myth that you have to be an ex-racer or have spent years perfecting the art of the turn in order to appreciate a high performance all-mountain ski.

With this ski, Armada finds the sweet spot between accessibility for intermediates and enough energy and power to satisfy aggressive skiers. The Declivity 92 Ti is nimble and energetic in a variety of turn shapes and will allow most skiers to experience the magical sensation of linking turns from edge to edge. But testers warn that energy can be too much of a good thing if you’re not paying attention, because this ski’s rebound can catch you off guard and be a surprise for less experienced skiers.

What gives the Declivity 92 Ti that pop and pizzazz is its construction, a perfect blend of wood and Titanal. The ski also features Armada’s EST All Mountain rocker, which combines rocker and a tapered sidecut in the tip and tail to allow the ski to react instantly to skier input, which earned it top scores for Quickness. The rocker profile also provides some slight flotation advantages and easy turn initiation that allows for creative skiing off-piste, like bouncing between crud piles and slashing through moguls. It’s no surprise that with all its energy yet dependability, the Declivity 92 Ti also earned high marks in Playfulness, Versatility, and Crud Performance.

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One of the biggest selling-points of the Declivity 92 Ti is its accessibility. Testers felt that this ski could appeal to almost any skier. “Former racers would love this ski,” said tester Nick Loomans, a former racer himself and still a racing coach, while tester Adam Jaber, an East Coast skier with a more playful style, noted that “it’s super versatile and for anyone.”

The Declivity 92 Ti did receive some mixed feedback on its hard-snow performance, with some saying it didn’t hold up as well on the bulletproof groomers of Sun Valley like some of the other skis in the all-mountain category. But testers were ready to overlook this shortcoming because the ski still made carving up groomers fun thanks to the energy it provides on the exit of the turn.

One of the standout comments about the Declivity 92 Ti is that its performance improves the harder you push the ski. You could watch testers continue to ramp up the intensity of their skiing as they worked their way down the hill at Sun Valley until they finally made it to the bottom with an ear to ear grin. Testers all agreed: The Declivity 92 Ti might be the perfect ski to get a variety of skiers hooked and help them grow their skill set while exploring the whole mountain.

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2023 Elan Ripstick 106 Review

Johanna Flashman — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:00:39 +0000

This article was first published by .

The Scores (out of 10)

Overall Score: 7.42/10
Rank: #6
Versatility: 7.33
Crud Performance: 7.67
Flotation: 7.33
Playfulness: 6.67
Responsiveness: 7.33
Quickness: 7
Hard-Snow Integrity: 8.33
Stability at Speed: 8
Forgiveness: 6.67

The Specs

Price: $950
Lengths: 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions: 143-106-120
Radius: 18.1m (180)
Level: Intermediate, advanced

In a Nutshell

Pros: Hard-Snow Integrity (#3), Stability at Speed (#5)
Cons: Playfulness (#11), Flotation (#7)

It’s a common question from newer skiers, “is there a right and left ski?” Usually, it doesn’t make a difference, but with the Elan Ripstick 106, you need to keep your left and right skis straight due to what Elan calls their Amphibio Carbon Line construction. This design combines a cambered inside edge profile to increase edge grip with a rockered outside edge profile to allow the ski to release from the turn with ease, as well as strategic carbon fiber reinforcements over the inside edge to further aid in edge-hold and power transmission throughout the turn. This construction explains tester Peter Nestor’s praise of a “smooth damp ride and ability to stay quiet on a hard edge,” as well as the Ripstick’s strong scores for Hard-Snow Integrity.

Thanks to Elan’s Tubelite Woodcore, which combines a wood core with carbon tube inserts to increase torsional stability. The Ripstick 106 is also hungry to charge into variable conditions and power through even the heaviest crud. Tester Gabe Gosbland pointed out that the Ripstick was a hard charger with no issues on- or off-piste in longer lengths. He also noted that in shorter distances, the ski is more “playful, nimble, energetic, and balanced,” so you may want to select your size based on your style: shorter for a more playful experience, longer for a more assertive approach.

But even in the shorter lengths, all testers agreed that the Ripstick 106 likes to ski fast and is better suited to more aggressive skiers. “It feels like a chilled-out race ski that could be a daily driver for the West Coast skier,” added Gosbland. With its weakest scores for Playfulness and Forgiveness, the Ripstick 106 suits a more attentive skier who wants to push their limits on and off-piste, but it isn’t too demanding to be unobtainable for strong intermediate skiers.

For skiers looking to find a ski that can rally inbounds but is also light enough for backcountry touring, the Ripstick 106 may be a good option (though the brand-new the Elan Ripstick Tour 104 is Elan’s specific offering for touring). But at 106mm underfoot, the Ripstick 106 provides just a little extra flotation in soft and variable snow and the confidence-boosting stiffness you want and need when tackling different terrain.

In short, the Elan Ripstick 106 is a ski that can carve groomers at speed, push through even the most variable snow, and is light enough to have you considering that short tour out of the backcountry gate if conditions are right. With the proper length selection, most strong intermediate to advanced skiers can make the Ripstick 106 their do-everything-ski that’s willing to adapt to their skiing style.

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The Best Women’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024

How We Test

Women’s Skis vs. Unisex Skis

Meet the Testers

Erika Northrop

The Reviews: The Best Women’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024

No. 6: Head Kore 103 W ($875)

No. 7: Armada Reliance 102 Ti ($975)

No. 8: Elan Ripstick 102 W ($900)

No. 9: Völkl Secret 102 ($800)

No. 10: Line Pandora 104 ($750)

No. 11: Peak 104 by Bode ($1,090)

No. 12: K2 Mindbender 106C W ($700)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best wider all-mountain skis for women?

What are all-mountain wide skis?

Who are all-mountain wide skis for?

How wide is too wide for a resort ski?

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s skis?

The Best All-Mountain Wide Skis of the Year

How We Test

Meet the Testers

Jon Sexauer

Otto Gibbons

Chad Jacob

Luke Larsen

The Reviews: The Best All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2024

Editor’s Choice: Nordica Enforcer 104 Free ($850)

No. 6: Dynastar M-Free 108 ($900)

No. 7: Fischer Ranger 108 ($950)

No. 8: Salomon QST 106 ($750)

No. 9: 4FRNT MSP 107 ($749)

No. 10: Head Kore 105 ($925)

No. 11: Armada Declivity 102 Ti ($975)

No. 12: K2 Mindbender 106C ($850)

No. 13: Faction Dancer 3 ($849)

No. 14: Peak 104 by Bode ($1,090)

No. 15: Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition ($1,100)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are all-mountain wide skis?

What is the difference between freeride and all-mountain wide skis?

Who are all-mountain wide skis for?

How wide is too wide for a resort ski?

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s skis?

Review: 2024 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free

At a Glance

Specs

Test Scores

2023 Blizzard Rustler 9 Review

The Scores (out of 10)

The Specs

In a Nutshell

2023 Fischer Ranger 96 Review

The Scores (out of 10)

The Specs

In a Nutshell

2023 Dynastar M-Pro 90 Review

The Scores (out of 10)

The Specs

In a Nutshell

2023 Head Kore 93 Review

The Scores (out of 10)

The Specs

In a Nutshell

2023 Nordica Enforcer 100 Review

The Scores (out of 10)

The Specs

In a Nutshell

2023 Armada Declivity 92 Ti Review

The Scores (out of 10)

The Specs

In a Nutshell

2023 Elan Ripstick 106 Review

The Scores (out of 10)

The Specs

In a Nutshell

Jon Sexauer Archives - ��ԹϺ�� Online