Background on me: I am a 49-year-old female advanced intermediate/advanced skier who is a perfectionist hellbent on technique and possesses a high level of fear partly due to a past tibial plateau fracture. I am 5'5", 127+ lb, and an avid mountain biker in the off-season. I skied 97 days last season, and have been skiing consistently for four seasons now. My home mountain is Snowbasin, which is also where most of these skis were tested; a few were tested at Beaver Mountain in fresh snow while it was snowing (read: cut-up crud that was filling in). Conditions at Snowbasin were a mixed bag and not particularly easy on Day 1. Day 2 was better with sunshine and some fresh.
Atomic Vantage 90 Ti W
Dimensions: 122.5-90-111
Radius: 16.5m@161cm
Sizes: 153, 161, 169
Size tested: 169
Design: All New
Let me start by saying this ski was long for me and I really didn't like it. (I’m on shorter skis this year, with my daily driver at 159 and my powder ski at 164.) It felt really planky, like I was skiing on 2x4s. I just had nothing really positive to say about them.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Dimensions: 126-88-110
Radius: 14m@166cm
Sizes: 152, 159, 166, 173
Size tested: 159
Design: Carryover
Caveat: I own this ski. I tested it last season and bought it immediately after. I love this ski in just about any condition. I suppose I can see someone who is heavier than me or a bit stronger maybe overpowering it, but honestly, this is the Mazda CX-5 of skis, with a zippier engine. User-friendly, jack-of-all-trades, fun fun FUN! Yes, tip engagement is still a bit vague compared to other skis in this category with a wider tip, but it makes up for it in spades in variable snow, crud, light powder, and soft groomers. This ski is just that much easier and more fun in those conditions than others in this category.
Blizzard Black Pearl 98
Dimensions: 135-98-119
Radius: 15m@166cm
Sizes: 152, 159, 166, 173
Size tested: 159
Design: Carryover
I’d been wanting to get out on these since last season. I’m so glad I did! They truly do feel like their little sister, the Black Pearl 88, in a wider, more stable platform. They are much more playful than their predecessor, the Samba (which I owned). I could own these skis as my “powder day leftovers” ski (read: almost any powder day in Utah, where the freshies get tracked out in a hurry).
Blizzard Sheeva 9
Dimensions: 124-92-114
Radius: 14m@164cm
Sizes: 148, 156, 164, 172
Size tested: 164
Design: All New
At 92 mm underfoot, the Sheeva 9 is very similar to the 102mm Sheeva 10 (which I own): playful, easy to turn, easy to ski. I skied it on two separate days and loved it both times. It is just a really fun, friendly ski that can handle a wide range of conditions. I could easily make this ski my go-to for a “normal” Utah winter, when we have fresh snow regularly. They do ski short, which puts them in an odd place lengthwise for me, with the 172 being too long and the 164 leaving me wanting another couple centimeters. These things do rip the groomers, just like their big sisters.
Fischer My Pro MTN 86
Dimensions: 127-86-114
Radius: 15m@161cm
Sizes: 147, 154, 161, 168
Size tested: 161
Design: All New
I really liked this ski. It was smooth (as I’ve encountered on other Fischers before) and very easy to ski. The square tail still would skid and release easily. I could own this ski, and wish I had gotten out on it for another run or two.
K2 Luv Machine 72 Ti
Dimensions: 125-72-104
Radius: 13m@160cm
Sizes: 146, 153, 160, 167
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
I’m not sure why, but I was at first intimidated by the addition of Titanal in these skis. There was nothing to be intimidated about at all, as they are just as easy to ski as the Luv Machine 74, with the added smoothness and ease that comes with Titanal. I really like these skis and could easily own a pair as my dedicated frontside carving skis.
K2 Luv Machine 74
Dimensions: 128-74-108
Radius: 12.4m@160cm
Sizes: 146, 153, 160, 167
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
All of the K2s I skied were very nice skis. This was the first pair I took out, and they are easy to ski, have great edge grip (thanks, K2, for having good tunes on your skis), and feel smooth yet solid. I was yearning for a bit more oomph and dampness, though, which I found with the Luv Machine 72 Ti.
K2 Tough Luv 82
Dimensions: 129-82-111
Radius: 14m@160cm
Sizes: 146, 153, 160, 167
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
This ski felt a bit like a combo of the two Luv Machines I tested, which is a good thing! Really nice, smooth, and easy to ski. They didn’t WOW me like some others in this category, as they don't feel quite as zippy or playful, which might make them a really nice ski for an advancing intermediate who prefers a bit more dampness in their skis.
Kästle FX85
Dimensions: 119-85-105
Radius: 19m@181cm
Sizes: 157, 165, 173, 181
Size tested: 157
Design: Carryover
I’m not sure if it was the short length, but these skis felt anything but stable and smooth to me, which has not been my experience on my own personal Kästles. I also found the tips, and therefore turn initiation, to be a bit of a mystery. They are VERY easy to initiate turns on, but I still never felt I could actually find the tips of the skis, if that makes sense. I’d like to say it makes them feel playful, but in reality, it makes them feel a bit squirrelly.
Nordica Astral 88
Dimensions: 124-88-109
Radius: 14m@158cm
Sizes: 151, 158, 165, 171
Size tested: 165
Design: Carryover/NGT
I’ve typically liked the feel of Nordica, but I wasn’t a huge fan of this ski. To be fair, since I’ve gone to a shorter ski for myself this season, it’s possible the 165 length is more than I’m used to, which makes it feel slow edge to edge and cumbersome. It is easy to initiate turns on, but it just takes the ski longer than I like to get it there.
Renoun Z-90
Dimensions: 136-90-124
Radius: 15m@174cm
Sizes: 157, 165, 174, 180
Size tested: 157
Design: Carryover
Maybe I was tired, maybe the wax was too slow, but these skis KICKED MY ASS. I have a tendency to rush my turns if conditions are a bit challenging or if I’m feeling a bit nervous on a ski, and these skis do not tolerate that at all. The only thing I can assess fairly is that I could definitely feel the dampening technology at work, and it is pretty amazing. Other than that, if you are a lighter-weight intermediate who sometimes skis cautiously, these might not work for you. I’d be curious to try them in the longer length, which seems counterintuitive. I just can’t figure out why I can get out on so many skis in two days and do just fine, then get on these and feel like I don’t know how to ski.
Rossignol Experience 84 Ti W
Dimensions: 126-84-116
Radius: 12m@160cm
Sizes: 144, 152, 160, 168
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
This was the first ski I took out for the day, and I’m glad I chose it first. My comments: “Stupid easy to ski!” I took them in some crud and also encountered ungroomed manmade “powder,” and they are much more user-friendly in variable conditions than the previous iteration. They are not particularly damp or stable, but fun, easy, and playful, instead.
Stöckli Laser MX
Dimensions: 119-65-100
Radius: 11.4m@156cm
Sizes: 144, 150, 156, 162
Size tested: 156
Design: All New
Holy moly, what a friendly little sports car! I was really nervous to ski these, because they just LOOK like a supercharged race ski. Well, they are in a way, but they are also a barrel o’ fun and really easy to ski! If Santa or some elves brought me a pair, I’d be a happy lady. They are just so easy to turn, and smooth like nothing I’ve ever skied on. SUPER confidence-inspiring! I want a pair!
Stöckli Stormrider Motion 85
Dimensions: 129-85-113
Radius: 15.8m@168cm
Sizes: 153, 161, 168
Size tested: 161
Design: New Construction
Color me another Stöckli fan. These felt a little slow edge to edge at first, but DUH, I’d just skied a 65mm sports car (aka the Stöckli Laser MX mentioned previously). Once I relaxed on these and let them cruise, I really liked them. Smooth and easy to turn, with a serious yet relaxed side to them. I’d love to ski these back to back with my Black Pearls, which are more playful yet not as smooth.
Dimensions: 130-92-113
Radius: 16m@163cm
Sizes: 149, 156, 163, 170
Size tested: 163
Design: All New
I really liked this ski. It is typical Völkl with metal to smooth it out. It is easy to ski, smooth, and very stable. I would liked to have gotten it into some powder as I think it would have been a blast there.
Völkl Yumi
Dimensions: 123-84-104
Radius: 17.6m@168cm
Sizes: 147, 154, 161, 168
Size tested: 161
Design: Carryover/NGT
So, I skied this ski three times, because the first day, I really loved it. It was easy to turn, absorbed lumpy bumpy snow and poorly formed bumps. It was really easy to ski on the man-made “powder” that I was skiing all day. But on the second and third days, it felt stiff and planky, which was surprising for a Yumi. Völkl added metal under the foot, which changed the character of the ski, I think. Visibility was also quite poor on Days 2 and 3, which meant I was skiing more defensively aka slowly. It’s possible I just wasn’t able to drive the ski in those conditions, which is a dealbreaker for me. I need a ski that gives me confidence in poor light and does not punish me for skiing more slowly. This ski wants to go fast. The other factor might be that I should have tried a longer length.
Atomic Vantage 90 Ti W
Dimensions: 122.5-90-111
Radius: 16.5m@161cm
Sizes: 153, 161, 169
Size tested: 169
Design: All New
Let me start by saying this ski was long for me and I really didn't like it. (I’m on shorter skis this year, with my daily driver at 159 and my powder ski at 164.) It felt really planky, like I was skiing on 2x4s. I just had nothing really positive to say about them.
- Who is it for? I honestly don’t know.
- Who is it not for? An intermediate skier who wants a ski that bends into the turn.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Dimensions: 126-88-110
Radius: 14m@166cm
Sizes: 152, 159, 166, 173
Size tested: 159
Design: Carryover
Caveat: I own this ski. I tested it last season and bought it immediately after. I love this ski in just about any condition. I suppose I can see someone who is heavier than me or a bit stronger maybe overpowering it, but honestly, this is the Mazda CX-5 of skis, with a zippier engine. User-friendly, jack-of-all-trades, fun fun FUN! Yes, tip engagement is still a bit vague compared to other skis in this category with a wider tip, but it makes up for it in spades in variable snow, crud, light powder, and soft groomers. This ski is just that much easier and more fun in those conditions than others in this category.
- Who is it for? An all-mountain ripper who never knows what the day will bring; a cautious intermediate who wants a ski that will grow with her. Instructors at my mountain love this ski.
- Who is it not for? Someone who might overpower it.
Blizzard Black Pearl 98
Dimensions: 135-98-119
Radius: 15m@166cm
Sizes: 152, 159, 166, 173
Size tested: 159
Design: Carryover
I’d been wanting to get out on these since last season. I’m so glad I did! They truly do feel like their little sister, the Black Pearl 88, in a wider, more stable platform. They are much more playful than their predecessor, the Samba (which I owned). I could own these skis as my “powder day leftovers” ski (read: almost any powder day in Utah, where the freshies get tracked out in a hurry).
- Who is it for? An all-mountain ripper who skis off-piste more than on who likes a playful ski, who wants a bit wider platform than 88 underfoot.
- Who is it not for? I am not sure; I think this ski is accessible to a wide variety of skiers.
Blizzard Sheeva 9
Dimensions: 124-92-114
Radius: 14m@164cm
Sizes: 148, 156, 164, 172
Size tested: 164
Design: All New
At 92 mm underfoot, the Sheeva 9 is very similar to the 102mm Sheeva 10 (which I own): playful, easy to turn, easy to ski. I skied it on two separate days and loved it both times. It is just a really fun, friendly ski that can handle a wide range of conditions. I could easily make this ski my go-to for a “normal” Utah winter, when we have fresh snow regularly. They do ski short, which puts them in an odd place lengthwise for me, with the 172 being too long and the 164 leaving me wanting another couple centimeters. These things do rip the groomers, just like their big sisters.
- Who is it for? Someone who wants a narrower all-mountain ski that can tackle powder with greater ease than a Black Pearl and that also has some metal in it for dampening.
- Who is it not for? A lower intermediate might struggle on these a bit.
Fischer My Pro MTN 86
Dimensions: 127-86-114
Radius: 15m@161cm
Sizes: 147, 154, 161, 168
Size tested: 161
Design: All New
I really liked this ski. It was smooth (as I’ve encountered on other Fischers before) and very easy to ski. The square tail still would skid and release easily. I could own this ski, and wish I had gotten out on it for another run or two.
- Who is it for? Someone who wants a solid, smooth all-mountain ski that won’t kick their butts.
- Who is it not for? I think it could be overpowered by a top-end skier.
K2 Luv Machine 72 Ti
Dimensions: 125-72-104
Radius: 13m@160cm
Sizes: 146, 153, 160, 167
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
I’m not sure why, but I was at first intimidated by the addition of Titanal in these skis. There was nothing to be intimidated about at all, as they are just as easy to ski as the Luv Machine 74, with the added smoothness and ease that comes with Titanal. I really like these skis and could easily own a pair as my dedicated frontside carving skis.
- Who is it for? An intermediate to expert who wants a really nice frontside ski that can rip if they want.
- Who is it not for? A beginner to lower intermediate who skis slowly.
K2 Luv Machine 74
Dimensions: 128-74-108
Radius: 12.4m@160cm
Sizes: 146, 153, 160, 167
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
All of the K2s I skied were very nice skis. This was the first pair I took out, and they are easy to ski, have great edge grip (thanks, K2, for having good tunes on your skis), and feel smooth yet solid. I was yearning for a bit more oomph and dampness, though, which I found with the Luv Machine 72 Ti.
- Who is it for? An East Coast advancing intermediate who wants an easy, smooth ski to grow into.
- Who is it not for? A higher-level or heavier skier could overpower it.
K2 Tough Luv 82
Dimensions: 129-82-111
Radius: 14m@160cm
Sizes: 146, 153, 160, 167
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
This ski felt a bit like a combo of the two Luv Machines I tested, which is a good thing! Really nice, smooth, and easy to ski. They didn’t WOW me like some others in this category, as they don't feel quite as zippy or playful, which might make them a really nice ski for an advancing intermediate who prefers a bit more dampness in their skis.
- Who is it for? Advanced intermediates who are cautious and want a ski to grow on.
- Who is it not for? Hard chargers might overpower this ski.
Kästle FX85
Dimensions: 119-85-105
Radius: 19m@181cm
Sizes: 157, 165, 173, 181
Size tested: 157
Design: Carryover
I’m not sure if it was the short length, but these skis felt anything but stable and smooth to me, which has not been my experience on my own personal Kästles. I also found the tips, and therefore turn initiation, to be a bit of a mystery. They are VERY easy to initiate turns on, but I still never felt I could actually find the tips of the skis, if that makes sense. I’d like to say it makes them feel playful, but in reality, it makes them feel a bit squirrelly.
- Who is it for? Someone who does not care for a squared tip or tail on their skis.
- Who is it not for? Someone who appreciates a ski that locks into and holds a turn.
Nordica Astral 88
Dimensions: 124-88-109
Radius: 14m@158cm
Sizes: 151, 158, 165, 171
Size tested: 165
Design: Carryover/NGT
I’ve typically liked the feel of Nordica, but I wasn’t a huge fan of this ski. To be fair, since I’ve gone to a shorter ski for myself this season, it’s possible the 165 length is more than I’m used to, which makes it feel slow edge to edge and cumbersome. It is easy to initiate turns on, but it just takes the ski longer than I like to get it there.
- Who is it for? An advanced intermediate/advanced skier who wants a true all-mountain machine and isn’t enamored of the Black Pearl.
- Who is it not for? A Black Pearl lover.
Renoun Z-90
Dimensions: 136-90-124
Radius: 15m@174cm
Sizes: 157, 165, 174, 180
Size tested: 157
Design: Carryover
Maybe I was tired, maybe the wax was too slow, but these skis KICKED MY ASS. I have a tendency to rush my turns if conditions are a bit challenging or if I’m feeling a bit nervous on a ski, and these skis do not tolerate that at all. The only thing I can assess fairly is that I could definitely feel the dampening technology at work, and it is pretty amazing. Other than that, if you are a lighter-weight intermediate who sometimes skis cautiously, these might not work for you. I’d be curious to try them in the longer length, which seems counterintuitive. I just can’t figure out why I can get out on so many skis in two days and do just fine, then get on these and feel like I don’t know how to ski.
- Who is it for? Someone who wants a premium ski who skis with very good technique.
- Who is it not for? Me.
Rossignol Experience 84 Ti W
Dimensions: 126-84-116
Radius: 12m@160cm
Sizes: 144, 152, 160, 168
Size tested: 160
Design: All New
This was the first ski I took out for the day, and I’m glad I chose it first. My comments: “Stupid easy to ski!” I took them in some crud and also encountered ungroomed manmade “powder,” and they are much more user-friendly in variable conditions than the previous iteration. They are not particularly damp or stable, but fun, easy, and playful, instead.
- Who is it for? An advancing intermediate who wants a ski to grow with them and start playing around off-piste on.
- Who is it not for? A hard charger.
Stöckli Laser MX
Dimensions: 119-65-100
Radius: 11.4m@156cm
Sizes: 144, 150, 156, 162
Size tested: 156
Design: All New
Holy moly, what a friendly little sports car! I was really nervous to ski these, because they just LOOK like a supercharged race ski. Well, they are in a way, but they are also a barrel o’ fun and really easy to ski! If Santa or some elves brought me a pair, I’d be a happy lady. They are just so easy to turn, and smooth like nothing I’ve ever skied on. SUPER confidence-inspiring! I want a pair!
- Who is it for? You, me, and everyone else. Someone who desires the feel of a premium carving ski, and has the budget to purchase said premium carving ski.
- Who is it not for? A powder snob who only skis on powder days.
Stöckli Stormrider Motion 85
Dimensions: 129-85-113
Radius: 15.8m@168cm
Sizes: 153, 161, 168
Size tested: 161
Design: New Construction
Color me another Stöckli fan. These felt a little slow edge to edge at first, but DUH, I’d just skied a 65mm sports car (aka the Stöckli Laser MX mentioned previously). Once I relaxed on these and let them cruise, I really liked them. Smooth and easy to turn, with a serious yet relaxed side to them. I’d love to ski these back to back with my Black Pearls, which are more playful yet not as smooth.
- Who is it for? An intermediate to advanced skier who wants a ski that is friendly, smooth, and crud-busting.
- Who is it not for? Those on a budget.
Dimensions: 130-92-113
Radius: 16m@163cm
Sizes: 149, 156, 163, 170
Size tested: 163
Design: All New
I really liked this ski. It is typical Völkl with metal to smooth it out. It is easy to ski, smooth, and very stable. I would liked to have gotten it into some powder as I think it would have been a blast there.
- Who is it for? An upper intermediate to expert skier who wants to rip the whole mountain in variable conditions.
- Who is it not for? Someone who doesn’t want their ski to ski them: as with all Völkls I’ve been on, you need a decent skill set to make it work for you.
Völkl Yumi
Dimensions: 123-84-104
Radius: 17.6m@168cm
Sizes: 147, 154, 161, 168
Size tested: 161
Design: Carryover/NGT
So, I skied this ski three times, because the first day, I really loved it. It was easy to turn, absorbed lumpy bumpy snow and poorly formed bumps. It was really easy to ski on the man-made “powder” that I was skiing all day. But on the second and third days, it felt stiff and planky, which was surprising for a Yumi. Völkl added metal under the foot, which changed the character of the ski, I think. Visibility was also quite poor on Days 2 and 3, which meant I was skiing more defensively aka slowly. It’s possible I just wasn’t able to drive the ski in those conditions, which is a dealbreaker for me. I need a ski that gives me confidence in poor light and does not punish me for skiing more slowly. This ski wants to go fast. The other factor might be that I should have tried a longer length.
- Who is it for? Someone who wants a ski that plows through anything, and also likes to ski fast.
- Who is it not for? A lighter-weight, more cautious skier.