Atomic Vantage X 86 Ti
Dimensions*: 123-86-106.5
Radius: 18.2m@173cm
Sizes: 165, 173, 181
Size tested: 181
Design: All New
*scaled sizing
The 86 Ti is light with great grip on edge. The turn radius feels much tighter than the 18.9 m advertised. The tip initiates easily and the tail follows suit with a taste of pop. Intermediate skiers and above will find this a viable frontside-biased all-mountain ski.
Atomic Vantage 90 Ti
Dimensions*: 127.5-90-114
Radius: 18.4m@176cm
Sizes: 161, 169, 176, 185
Size tested: 185
Design: All New
*scaled sizing
A new design of a personal favorite, the 2019 is much lighter and a bit stiffer than previous offerings. Some snow feel was lost in the new build, but the ski is much stronger during the turn. The 90 Ti is a nice one-ski quiver on the narrower end.
Atomic Vantage 97 Ti
Dimensions: 131.5-97-120.5
Radius: 19.1m@180cm
Sizes: 172, 180, 188
Size tested: 188
Design: All New
A fun, lightweight, off-piste-oriented ski that is exhilarating in the wind buff, bumps, and crud, the 97 Ti still serves up a quick, poppy ride on the groomed. Superior flex and snow feel complement a tip that makes entering turns easy. The solid tail releases on command. This IS the one-ski quiver for skiers in the West. My favorite of the Copper Mountain test.
Blizzard Rustler 9
Dimensions: 127.5-94-117
Radius: 17m@180cm
Sizes: 164, 172, 180
Size tested: 180
Design: All New
Blizzard hit the mark with this new offering in the 90-something category. The 9 is at home on and off piste, giving riders excellent turn initiation, stability, and energy. The ski finds an edge with ease but doesn’t lock you in to a turn. The flex is gradual and even, making variable snow feel smooth underfoot. Take these skis anywhere your heart desires, and they will perform.
Dynastar Legend X88
Dimensions: 125-88-106
Radius: 18m@180cm
Sizes: 166, 173, 180, 186
Size tested: 186
Design: Carryover/NGT
A little speed brings this ski to life. The Legend X88 is fun in the bumps and off piste with its even flex and dependable tip. Arcing GS turns is a great thrill on this confidence-inspiring ski.
Fischer Ranger FR 102
Dimensions: 136-102-126
Radius: 18m@177cm
Sizes: 170, 177, 184
Size tested: 184
Design: All New
This new ski for 2019 offers intermediate and above skiers a versatile off-piste ride that is surfy, slarvy, and stable. The Ranger 102 feels somewhat vague and slow to initiate turns on groomers until some speed is gained.
Head Kore 99
Dimensions: 134-99-120
Radius: 17m@180cm
Sizes: 162, 171, 180, 189
Size tested: 189
Design: All New
A new addition to the Kore family this year, the 99 has a nice wide shovel that keeps it on top of the chop and a stiffer feel that brings the power and stability needed in variable conditions. But this isn’t just a soft-snow whip: the grip on groomers and firm snow is remarkable. Arcing turns on the Kore is not a bore. Plenty of quickness and energy make for a stellar ride.
Head V-Shape V10
Dimensions: 139-85-121
Radius: 13.6m@170cm
Sizes: 163, 170, 177, 184
Size tested: 177
Design: All New
The V10 is billed as a “Titan Light,” and it is. A big shovel makes it easy to carve precise turns, and it isn’t overly demanding to pilot. Advancing intermediates will like this ski’s forgiving nature and ability to make a variety of turn shapes.
Kästle MX99
Dimensions: 135-99-120
Radius: 20.5m@176cm
Sizes: 160, 168, 176, 184
Size tested: 176
Design: All New
Yep, it’s got that Kastle feel. This new addition for 2019 has a superb tip and tail and glides effortlessly from edge to-edge. Fast or slow, the MX99 smooths rough snow, and the secure ride is confidence-inspiring. It is great option for ripping groomers and big lines alike.
Liberty VMT V92
Dimensions: 133-92-120
Radius: 17.5m@179cm
Sizes: 165, 172, 179, 186
Size tested: 186
Design: All New
Everything the thinner Liberties bring to the on-piste game, these take off piste. Super secure and solid with outstanding edge grip and a tail that happily obeys orders, the V92 makes soft crud and bumps unnoticeable. Groomer performance is exceptional for a ski of this width.
Rossignol Experience 94 Ti
Dimensions: 132-94-112
Radius: 19m@187cm
Sizes: 173, 180, 187
Size tested: 187
Design: All New
Rossignol is serious with this new ski for 2019. A stiff tip powers easily through crud and chop with a solid feel. Surprisingly, the flex of the 94 makes it a delight in bumps; I wasn’t expecting that. The heft helps with the smooth groomer feel. Edge hold is superior as well. I’ve been waiting years for Rossi to build a ski like this.
Salomon QST 99
Dimensions*: 138-99-120
Radius: 19m@181cm
Sizes: 167, 174, 181,188
Size tested: 188
Design: New Construction
*scaled sizing
The QST 99 is a superb soft-snow ski that is playful and confidence-inspiring off piste. The flex is smooth and even, making bumps, light crud, and wind buff a joy. What this ski lacks is any sort of groomer performance. The tip is slow to initiate, and the rocker of this ski lends itself to lots of flopping and flapping.
Stöckli Stormrider 88
Dimensions: 128-88-114
Radius: 19m@177cm
Sizes: 168, 177, 186
Size tested: 177
Design: All New
Stöckli spent a few years experimenting with builds on this ski -- some good, others not so much. The 2019 model puts this ski back where it belongs as a segment leader. The SR 88 serves up a luxuriously smooth ride. A strong tip guides the ski into the turn where the classic Stöckli feel makes chopped-up snow feel like smooth cord, and the compliant tail does what it’s told. The SR 88 is back!
Stöckli Stormrider 95
Dimensions: 131-95-120
Radius: 17.2@175cm
Sizes: 157, 166, 175, 184
Size tested: 184
Design: New Construction
A perennial favorite, this year’s model seems to lack the superior tip of years past but everything else remains. The SR 95 rocks the off piste like a champ. The 2019 model’s tip feels a tad vague and not as responsive as prior models on the groomed. That said, this is a fun ski all over the hill. Go fast or go slow, it doesn’t matter.
Völkl Mantra M5
Dimensions: 134-96-117
Radius: 19.8m@177cm
Sizes: 170, 177, 184, 191
Size tested: 184
Design: All New
A totally new Mantra welcomes camber back to the build. Groomers were sensational atop the M5 with great initiation and an energetic exit. Multiple turn shapes were a snap. The softened tip caused some dismay off piste as it deflected easily in heavier crud. The M5 embraces the “build 'em light” mantra, making this ski feel much narrower than the 96 mm it is.
Dimensions*: 123-86-106.5
Radius: 18.2m@173cm
Sizes: 165, 173, 181
Size tested: 181
Design: All New
*scaled sizing
The 86 Ti is light with great grip on edge. The turn radius feels much tighter than the 18.9 m advertised. The tip initiates easily and the tail follows suit with a taste of pop. Intermediate skiers and above will find this a viable frontside-biased all-mountain ski.
- Who is it for? Skiers wanting to spend time both on and off piste.
- Who is it not for? Pure carvers. This ski likes to play.
- Insider tip: Don’t be afraid to test your skills; the Vantage 86 Ti is willing to work with you.
Atomic Vantage 90 Ti
Dimensions*: 127.5-90-114
Radius: 18.4m@176cm
Sizes: 161, 169, 176, 185
Size tested: 185
Design: All New
*scaled sizing
A new design of a personal favorite, the 2019 is much lighter and a bit stiffer than previous offerings. Some snow feel was lost in the new build, but the ski is much stronger during the turn. The 90 Ti is a nice one-ski quiver on the narrower end.
- Who is it for? Those looking for a strong yet lightweight ski.
- Who is it not for? Lighter skiers may find this ski difficult to work.
- Insider tip: Mount an AT binder and experience the backcountry.
Atomic Vantage 97 Ti
Dimensions: 131.5-97-120.5
Radius: 19.1m@180cm
Sizes: 172, 180, 188
Size tested: 188
Design: All New
A fun, lightweight, off-piste-oriented ski that is exhilarating in the wind buff, bumps, and crud, the 97 Ti still serves up a quick, poppy ride on the groomed. Superior flex and snow feel complement a tip that makes entering turns easy. The solid tail releases on command. This IS the one-ski quiver for skiers in the West. My favorite of the Copper Mountain test.
- Who is it for? Skiers with imagination. The 97 Ti willingly goes wherever you want and performs admirably.
- Who is it not for? Groomer-only skiers. This ski wants to take you places.
- Insider tip: Don’t let the weight fool you, it is strong enough for the Clydesdales among us.
Blizzard Rustler 9
Dimensions: 127.5-94-117
Radius: 17m@180cm
Sizes: 164, 172, 180
Size tested: 180
Design: All New
Blizzard hit the mark with this new offering in the 90-something category. The 9 is at home on and off piste, giving riders excellent turn initiation, stability, and energy. The ski finds an edge with ease but doesn’t lock you in to a turn. The flex is gradual and even, making variable snow feel smooth underfoot. Take these skis anywhere your heart desires, and they will perform.
- Who is it for? Mountain adventurers. The Rustler 9 wants to see the entire ski area.
- Who is it not for? Party poopers: this ski likes a good time.
- Insider tip: If you like your Bones but want something less demanding and more versatile, here you go.
Dynastar Legend X88
Dimensions: 125-88-106
Radius: 18m@180cm
Sizes: 166, 173, 180, 186
Size tested: 186
Design: Carryover/NGT
A little speed brings this ski to life. The Legend X88 is fun in the bumps and off piste with its even flex and dependable tip. Arcing GS turns is a great thrill on this confidence-inspiring ski.
- Who is it for? All-mountain skiers who like speed.
- Who is it not for? Slowpokes stay home. Gravity is your friend on the X88.
- Insider tip: True to size.
Fischer Ranger FR 102
Dimensions: 136-102-126
Radius: 18m@177cm
Sizes: 170, 177, 184
Size tested: 184
Design: All New
This new ski for 2019 offers intermediate and above skiers a versatile off-piste ride that is surfy, slarvy, and stable. The Ranger 102 feels somewhat vague and slow to initiate turns on groomers until some speed is gained.
- Who is it for? Skiers wanting a ride around 100mm who spend most of the day off the groomed.
- Who is it not for? Groomer zoomers and lollygaggers.
- Insider tip: A demo binding may be the ticket to find the right setting to get the most out of this ski.
Head Kore 99
Dimensions: 134-99-120
Radius: 17m@180cm
Sizes: 162, 171, 180, 189
Size tested: 189
Design: All New
A new addition to the Kore family this year, the 99 has a nice wide shovel that keeps it on top of the chop and a stiffer feel that brings the power and stability needed in variable conditions. But this isn’t just a soft-snow whip: the grip on groomers and firm snow is remarkable. Arcing turns on the Kore is not a bore. Plenty of quickness and energy make for a stellar ride.
- Who is it for? All-mountain skiers will find harmony in the versatility of the Kore 99.
- Who is it not for? Traditionalists. This ski is different in a good way.
- Insider tip: Don’t be afraid to size up. This is an easy-going ski that is lightweight.
Head V-Shape V10
Dimensions: 139-85-121
Radius: 13.6m@170cm
Sizes: 163, 170, 177, 184
Size tested: 177
Design: All New
The V10 is billed as a “Titan Light,” and it is. A big shovel makes it easy to carve precise turns, and it isn’t overly demanding to pilot. Advancing intermediates will like this ski’s forgiving nature and ability to make a variety of turn shapes.
- Who is it for? Those looking to improve their technical skiing.
- Who is it not for? This ski doesn’t have the strength needed by larger chargers.
- Insider tip: The V10 would make an excellent instructor ski.
Kästle MX99
Dimensions: 135-99-120
Radius: 20.5m@176cm
Sizes: 160, 168, 176, 184
Size tested: 176
Design: All New
Yep, it’s got that Kastle feel. This new addition for 2019 has a superb tip and tail and glides effortlessly from edge to-edge. Fast or slow, the MX99 smooths rough snow, and the secure ride is confidence-inspiring. It is great option for ripping groomers and big lines alike.
- Who is it for? Advanced to expert skiers who know what they like in a ski.
- Who is it not for? Powder hounds. The MX99 isn’t the lightest in this segment.
- Insider tip: Invest in a performance tune to get the most out of this ski.
Liberty VMT V92
Dimensions: 133-92-120
Radius: 17.5m@179cm
Sizes: 165, 172, 179, 186
Size tested: 186
Design: All New
Everything the thinner Liberties bring to the on-piste game, these take off piste. Super secure and solid with outstanding edge grip and a tail that happily obeys orders, the V92 makes soft crud and bumps unnoticeable. Groomer performance is exceptional for a ski of this width.
- Who is it for? Off-piste lovers who still like to rip the corduroy.
- Who is it not for? Skiers seeking groomer performance only. These skis are too good not to take all over the mountain.
- Insider tip: The entire VMT family is worthy of a demo. Don’t be surprised if a purchase follows.
Rossignol Experience 94 Ti
Dimensions: 132-94-112
Radius: 19m@187cm
Sizes: 173, 180, 187
Size tested: 187
Design: All New
Rossignol is serious with this new ski for 2019. A stiff tip powers easily through crud and chop with a solid feel. Surprisingly, the flex of the 94 makes it a delight in bumps; I wasn’t expecting that. The heft helps with the smooth groomer feel. Edge hold is superior as well. I’ve been waiting years for Rossi to build a ski like this.
- Who is it for? Strong skiers will get the most out of the Experience 94 Ti.
- Who is it not for? Lightweights. This is a heavy ski that needs some force.
- Insider tip: Point ‘em and trust your line; these won't let you down.
Salomon QST 99
Dimensions*: 138-99-120
Radius: 19m@181cm
Sizes: 167, 174, 181,188
Size tested: 188
Design: New Construction
*scaled sizing
The QST 99 is a superb soft-snow ski that is playful and confidence-inspiring off piste. The flex is smooth and even, making bumps, light crud, and wind buff a joy. What this ski lacks is any sort of groomer performance. The tip is slow to initiate, and the rocker of this ski lends itself to lots of flopping and flapping.
- Who is it for? Off-piste lovers will find fun with the QST 99.
- Who is it not for? Those seeking a one-ski quiver.
- Insider tip: This is a viable backcountry option.
Stöckli Stormrider 88
Dimensions: 128-88-114
Radius: 19m@177cm
Sizes: 168, 177, 186
Size tested: 177
Design: All New
Stöckli spent a few years experimenting with builds on this ski -- some good, others not so much. The 2019 model puts this ski back where it belongs as a segment leader. The SR 88 serves up a luxuriously smooth ride. A strong tip guides the ski into the turn where the classic Stöckli feel makes chopped-up snow feel like smooth cord, and the compliant tail does what it’s told. The SR 88 is back!
- Who is it for? Want a narrow all-mountain ski? This is it.
- Who is it not for? Abusers. A ski this nice deserves good care.
- Insider tip: Spend the money.
Stöckli Stormrider 95
Dimensions: 131-95-120
Radius: 17.2@175cm
Sizes: 157, 166, 175, 184
Size tested: 184
Design: New Construction
A perennial favorite, this year’s model seems to lack the superior tip of years past but everything else remains. The SR 95 rocks the off piste like a champ. The 2019 model’s tip feels a tad vague and not as responsive as prior models on the groomed. That said, this is a fun ski all over the hill. Go fast or go slow, it doesn’t matter.
- Who is it for? Skiers looking to cull the herd. The SR 95 fills many spots in a quiver.
- Who is it not for? The easy answer is misers. These cost what they do because they’re worth it.
- Insider tip: You can’t go wrong with any model year.
Völkl Mantra M5
Dimensions: 134-96-117
Radius: 19.8m@177cm
Sizes: 170, 177, 184, 191
Size tested: 184
Design: All New
A totally new Mantra welcomes camber back to the build. Groomers were sensational atop the M5 with great initiation and an energetic exit. Multiple turn shapes were a snap. The softened tip caused some dismay off piste as it deflected easily in heavier crud. The M5 embraces the “build 'em light” mantra, making this ski feel much narrower than the 96 mm it is.
- Who is it for? Skiers who spend most of their time on groomers but like to try the trees and bumps on occasion.
- Who is it not for? Chargers who live off piste. The ski may not have the spine you desire.
- Insider tip: The inclusion of camber puts this ski back on the path to greatness.
