I think it would be useful, when showing skis, to hold them base-to-base so that we can see the degree to which there is front rocker and where, on the length of the ski, that rocker begins. Same with the tail. It's rare in reviews or overviews of skis that the reviewer shows the tails. For some of us, whether we like to ski switch on occasion or whether we just like the characteristics of some degree of tail rocker (or if you want to see how skin attachment looks for the tail), seeing the degree of tail rocker and how far from the rear end that rocker begins would be pretty helpful.
great review...lots of good info in there for sure. So thanks. I bought the Atomics last yr and love them. I ski 80 - 90% off piste and they work well everywhere for me.
I enjoyed last year's 100mm review - it helped with a purchase. With regards to a strategy to deal with the large number of skis in this category and size underfoot, you could consider a more generic discussion of types of skis in this range and provide examples of the skis within the type - a typological evaluation. Then, on other videos - if you are so inclined - you could discuss the properties of the individual skis within the typology.
I think that's a great idea. We could do an overview article of all types of "all mountain skis," although I do think it would be important to also have some videos and articles highlighting the differences between those types of skis, as you mentioned. We'll keep your idea in mind!
Awesome video, thank you. While looking more into the navigator I discovered the Nordica GT 84 ti evo. I ski on the east coast and 80% on groomers (ice). Do you happen to have any knowledge of the GT? And what the differences are between the two?
Awesome video! What ski would you recommend for someone that's a beginner and skiing in the PNW. Also what size would you suggest? The person is 5'8" and about 205 lbs?
Hi Dieselman! You get a fair amount of snow in the PNW, so even though this is for a beginner you could, in theory, go wider than a traditional beginner ski. Is this a true beginner we're talking about? A never-ever skier? Or do they have some experience on snow already? The Nordica Navigator 80 or 85 comes to mind. A higher-end ski than traditional beginner skis, but would work well for his size. The K2 Pinnacle 85 would be another good option, approachable for a beginner, but something they could ski for years to come as they improve. Ideally I would go for something in the 80-85 mm waist width range with some tip rocker, and not a stiff ski.
Dieselman There is a 165 cm in the Navigator that I think could work well for him. In general I would stick to the low to mid 160 cm range. That should be manageable for him.
Good review and good skiing. I love the KENDO for its versatility , so fun and it still holds on ice but man it is HEAVY. But , for the slopes skied in this video I prefer short turn, race inspired skis I think a lot of people are on the "wrong" skis 95% of the time.
How do you think the Volkl RTM 84 falls in here? I skied a pair on hard NY snow at a demo day and loved them. I wonder if they would have enough float on the rare soft day to be my one ski quiver. I’m contemplating the Nordica Enforcer as well, but worry I’m not going to be able to arc turns the way the Volkl does.
The RTM line in general are really more focused on frontside carving performance than any of the skis in this comparison. They rip on firm snow, but aren't as versatile. In my opinion they have some drawbacks on soft snow days. Enforcers, for example, are way more versatile. Sure, they don't carve quite as well, but they still perform really well on firm snow and are drastically more versatile.
Awesome review Jeff! I'm looking for my first pair of skis to buy , I'm 5.7 with 165lbs , skiing mostly blues and easy blacks but looking to get more off piest, maybe some ski mountaineering later on. I live in the east coast but ski on both west and east. Can you help me out with ski sizes and model recommendations ? Thanks a lot !!
Hi Roberto! The first ski that comes to mind is the Kore 93 because of your mention of ski mountaineering. It's impressively lightweight, so a great ski for anyone who is going to be doing any kind of uphill work. It's also relatively approachable for a skier of your ability level. Not too demanding, perfectly happy on blues and easy blacks. Because it uses quite a bit of rocker I think you could ski the 171 cm length. That's about as tall as you, but should be manageable for you.
Skiessentials.com Thank you so much for the answer! After watching your video I started considering the 2018 K2 Pinnacle 88 Skis 170cm. What are your thoughts on these for the objectives I mentioned and for someone that is hopping to improve quickly in the next 1-2 seasons ?
Roberto Terzini That was actually one that I was going to mention. It's not as geared towards ski touring as the Kore 93, but it's actually probably more appropriate for your current ability level. You'll progress more easily on the Pinnacle 88 than the Kore 93, and if that's a goal of yours, I'd go with the K2 over the Kore. A great ski for you, that's for sure.
Got to get on the Armada Tracer, you are right. Huge category special for us selling in CO. Have u skied the J Metal? A few J skis came through the shop this week.
What about the Black Crows Captis? Really interested in buying a pair but I'm still a little hesitant and can't make up my mind whether the kendo's are better. Any thoughts?
Hi, I have moved to the canadian rockies to ski here for a season and I'm not sure what ski I should go for. I am a pretty advanced skier growing up close to the alps, however I used to mostly ski on groomers and on skinnier carver type skis though I did venture out into deeper snow sometimes. Now that I'm here I've heard that theres a lot more powder and off piste skiing available that I want to try. I am thinking of the Kore 93 due to it being able to do groomers well while still allowing me to explore other parts of the mountain too. Is that correct?
Hey Jeff. I can only imagine how difficult it is to pick the skis to do this video in such a competitive category. So I won`t complain you did not include this ski or the other. How does Kastle FX95HP fall in to that group? Every where else the place it as a “monster” apart. Maybe because of the price tag, it is constantly left out, I don`t know... Thx, for the awesome work. Regards, Mauro.
Hi Mauro! Yeah, tough to include everything, thanks for understanding. The FX 95 HP is an awesome ski. Super powerful, quite versatile, a nice overall feel with a lot of stability and damping properties, but lighter swing weight than some similar models. It's kind of like a combination of the Brahma and an Enforcer 93 (although Bonafide and Enforcer 93 would result in a closer waist width). It's torsionally stiff, powerful, and relatively stiff overall, kind of like the Brahma and Bonafide, but it's more maneuverable than those skis due to the shape and Kastle's Hollowtech construction. Lighter swing weight and some nice rocker/early taper makes it easier to smear and maneuver than the Brahma/Bones. It's not quite as easy as an Enforcer in terms of maneuverability and pivoting/smearing nature, but at the same time it holds an edge a little better and is a little stiffer than the Nordicas. Hope that helps! SE
Thx for your answer. I am on the market for an all mountain freeride ski. The FX95HP (very classic on construction but with a modern shape) was my ski of choice, but with the arrival of the new Kore 99 and the very interesting Rustler 9, I am really in doubt. These two are so light weight, less fatiguing and in such a modern package/approach (progressiveness, new materials and shape) on skiing, that I am at least, curious. I ski in Chile and Argentina a lot and I use to take just one ski. Material carrying has some limitations and tends to be troublesome sometimes. Any suggestions? What do you think?
great review! i'm about to buy an allmountain ski with about 90mm range. which of these skis are the best for carving down the groomers? i really like carving but i also want to be able to do fast smooth turns (moguls) as well as to go skiing in the soft snow. i was thinking about the nordica navigator 90 so far. any opinions?
I would say Nordica Navigator 90, Blizzard Brahma, or Rossi Experience 88 HD are the standouts for carving performance. Between the three you can kind of pick and choose what you want for construction, how heavy you're willing to ski, etc.
Great comparison again ... I was waiting for this one, but a few days ago I ended up buying the Head Kore 93 ... I selected them over the Enforcer and Kendo (also Black crows Captis) and listening to your review here I think I made the right choice :-) We'll know for sure on Nov 4th when the slopes open up here in and around Calgary. Thanks for doing these reviews they are super helpful for people like me.
Thanks Dirk! The Kore 93 is a great ski, everyone who got on it during our 2018 ski test was pretty blown away by the performance it achieves at an impressively light weight! Let us know what you think after a few days on them. Fingers crossed for a snowy winter!
Hey Dirk, Do you still think it was the right choice after your first ski sessions on them? Would be helpful to know because I'm pretty much debating between the same skis and right know I'm tending to buy the kore 93s. Thanks!
Hi Niklas, sorry for the delay ... after 7 days of skiing I'm getting happier with the ski's. In the beginning I did not like them very much as they are definitely for more advanced intermediate and up: making short turns is harder than I expected, but I have since gotten used to them so no more complaints there ... The only problem I still have with them is on icy patches (or very hard pack): I keep loosing grip :-( ... in hindsight I probably should have opted for a more on-piste oriented ski as I have dedicated powder skies ...
Thanks! We did a video comparing 100 mm skis last season that's still quite relevant as a lot of the skis didn't change. ruclips.net/video/wch1UlPoRQg/видео.html
Skiessentials.com Will watch that, looks like some interesting skis! Will you talk about the Black Crows Daemon ski in the new video? That ski looks really interesting
I'll see if we can get our hands on a pair! Ideally I'd like to put some time into testing it before we talk about it, but winter is right around the corner!
Hi Paul! The Enforcer 93 does a great job cutting and plowing through piles of crud snow like that. It's rockered tip and the stability from the two sheets of metal really give it excellent ability in variable snow. Other skis in this article could definitely work too, like the Kendo, but the Enforcer 93 definitely comes to mind as a good one.
Thanks! I would go with the XDR 88. In my opinion the QST 99 is more like 50% on piste, 50% off piste, or even skewed a little bit to the off piste side. The XDR rips groomers, but still feels playful and maneuverable off piste.
Maybe a little bit, but it still comes down to what you're actually going to use the Salomon for. If you're looking for a ski to blend 70% on piste and 30% off piste I think the XDR is that ski. How much of that 70% will you be using your Elans? I think that's ultimately the question. If you're going to stick with the Elans on most firm days, might as well go with the QST 99 to really get some true off-piste performance and a little more float for powder days.
Where does Nordica NRGY 90 fit in here? I live in midwest. Ski mostly in Michigan and Wisconsin. Intermediate skills. Trying to choose between NRGY 90 and Kendo. Which performs better in icy conditions?
The Navigator 90 replaced the NRGY 90. Their construction is pretty similar with a similar metal grid providing the power and damping properties, but the shape of the NRGY 90 is more designed for soft snow. I would say between the Kendo and NRGY 90 the Kendo is going to hold an edge better on icy slopes, but if we were comparing it to the new Navigator 90 it would be a closer comparison.
Hey Steve! Unfortunately we haven't had enough time on either of those 4FRNT skis to really closely compare them and give you an accurate review. I will say they're both a bit lighter weight than the Enforcer and they're both more "freestyle" or "freeski" influenced than a ski like the Enforcer. The Vandal is often center mounted, where you wouldn't want to do that on the Enforcer or really any other ski we talk about in this video. We'll try our best to get out on them this season!
What about the Volkl RTM 84/86 ? I'm between the Salomon XDR 88 ti or the Volkl 84/86 (I think 86 construction is better than the 84). Could you please give me some hints on this 3 skis. Thank you so much. I can't decide ahah
i was planing to buy fischers brand ski can you please let me know is it a good one or should i go for some other brand ... i want to buy a all mountain ski - powder .... I'm 5.6 with 115lbs, I'm a intermediate skier
Fischer makes fantastic skis! I would take a look at the Fischer Ranger W 89, that ski works really well as an all mountain ski and can definitely handle some powder conditions. As an intermediate skier who's relatively lightweight I think you'd be well off on the 157 cm length. Hope that helps!
Hey Jeff! Quick question. Just bought some Volkl Kendo's 2017. Im 16 165lbs and 5'6. So I picked up the Kendo's in the 163cm. I live on the east coast. Do you think that 90mm will hold up in those some times Icy conditions we get over here. These are my first 90mm skis... Thank you any help is appreciated.
Hey Thomas! For sure! The Kendo is a popular east coast ski thanks to its versatility. It's wide enough and maneuverable enough to ski trees, moguls, light powder, etc, but still has plenty of torsional stiffness and edge grip for icy eastern conditions. I think you'll be psyched with how they perform!
Is there such ski: carving/onpiste/hardpack oriented all mountain ski in range of 80mm to 99mm waist? Thanks. After I watches your video, I like Brahma Pinnacle 95. I rode 88xdr, I likes it but It was heavy and head to drive hard during carve. I liked carving and poppness of 88 xdr. What do you recommend?
That's a pretty wide range... 80 to 99 mm. I would put the Blizzard Brahma and Bonafide in that category, however. They're within that width and are ripping skis on firm snow, but they're both heavier than the XDR 88 because they use more metal. Do you want something lighter than the XDR 88?
Hey Guys , I just purchased the Head Kore 105 as I read great reviews on them and listened to some friends. I am normally a Rossignol guy but made the choice to switch. I have never really acted this impulsively when purchasing skies but was in desperate need of new gear and needed a change. I am skeptical of one thing and that is I am also from the East and ski mostly in Ontario Canada. I do go out West from time to time but not often. I wanted to know your opinion; would I be better off with the 105 or 93? I do not have the 105 in my possession yet and its not to late to change. I am willing to listen to anyones advice here. Thanks. Can the 105 handle ice and harder pack hills well?
Hi Can you let me know what do you think of the skis by Scott called Scott the ski ,I've just bought a pair 2018 and titainnium bindings and they look the part but not had the chance to try them out, had to buy new this year has my other pair of Scott Aztecs the bindings only went up to a 11 and after foot opp had to get bigger boots so did not want to re drill the old skis, so looking forward to the new ones. Regards Paul
Hi Jeff. I would consider myself an intermediate skier. Which ski would you recommend for the PNW? I have always rented skies. I would like to purchase my own that will do all. Thanks.
Hey Andrew! I would get something relatively relaxed as you're an intermediate skier. The Pinnacle 88 from K2 would be a great option, or the Blizzard Brahma Ca, although I think the Pinnacle is a little more versatile for your PNW terrain and snow conditions.
Hey Ryan! We talk about the Kore 93 at the end of this video. It's an impressive blend of being lightweight, but also pretty strong. Very maneuverable, but can still hold an edge on firm snow. It's kind of like a lighter version of the Enforcer 93 as they have pretty similar shapes.
Hello! We had 38 testers during our 2018 Ski Test. Check the ski test home page for more details: www.skiessentials.com/2018-ski-test You'll also find links in the description here to each individual ski results page, which shows you the exact people who tested it and links to their profile. Unfortunately we did not have access to Stockli for our 2018 test. We had a total of 14 brands, which you can also view on the test home page.
Great Video! I currently own a set of Volkl One's (I know, much bigger than these) that I absolutely love. I love how easily they release the turn. I have been getting much more into mogul amd piste skiing and really want a ski that has a similar slarvey feel but is smaller. Been looking into the Volkl Kanjo, and something like the Atomic Vantage. What are your thoughts on something like the Vantage 95c from last year. Just looking for a simmilar, fun feel.
Hey Tyler! I think the Vantage 95 c could accomplish what you're looking for. I also would take a look at the QST line from Salomon, they have a very slarvy feel when you want them to. The Kanjo might be a little bit too narrow and doesn't quite have enough tail rocker to really be considered a slarvy ski. There are also some twin tips on the market that achieve that feel, the Volkl Revolt comes to mind, as well as the Soul Rider 97 from Nordica. Now, none of them are really going to match the "slarviness" of your Volkl Ones due to their reverse camber shape, but some of those skis will come close. SE
I love the brahma and know it well... how is the Kore 93 on piste relative to the brahma? Does the Kore's camber give you rebound turn to turn like the Brahma?? Thanks.
It does; it's quite energetic. It doesn't quite have the same quiet, damping properties as the Brahma. The Brahma's 2 sheets of metal really give it a "glued-to-the-snow" feel. The Kore does have impressive damping despite not having metal, but I would say that's the big difference in the feel of the skis. The shape of the Kore is a little more geared towards off-piste use as well.
Hey Pierre! I would say the Stormrider 88 is somewhat in between the Brahma and Vantage in a sense. It's not quite as stiff as the Brahma, but not quite as maneuverable as the Vantage. It's a very smooth ski thanks to the two sheets of metal, but doesn't quite have the power of the Brahma or the responsiveness and quickness that the carbon in the Vantage 90 CTI provides. Lots of people describe the Stormrider 88 as a great "cruiser" ski for advanced and expert skiers, and I think that's a pretty accurate description.
Hi Niels! The QST 92 was a ski that I thought about when I was organizing the article and this video, but ultimately decided to go with the XDR 88 Ti as it's a brand new ski for 2018. I think the QST 92 is similar to both the Kore 93 and Enforcer 93 in the sense that its shape is largely derived from more freeride-oriented skis. The construction of the QST kind of falls in between those two models thanks to the partial metal laminate and their CFX Superfiber (very similar to how I describe the XDR 88 Ti in this video). Hope that helps! SE
Much more of a park-specific ski. It can also be used as a playful all mountain ski, but its flex profile and overall performance is designed to enhance its ability in the terrain park.
We would've liked to include the Ranger 90 Ti, but unfortunately we didn't have a pair in stock when putting this article and video together. We did cover the Ranger 98 Ti in our 2018 Ski Test, as well as the Pro Mtn 95: www.skiessentials.com/2018-ski-test?skis=fischer-ranger-98-ti www.skiessentials.com/2018-ski-test?skis=fischer-pro-mtn-95-ti We'll try to get on the Ranger 90 Ti once we can get on snow!
The ARV 96 is a little more of a wide park ski than the skis we included in this video. It would be fun to do a comparison of all mountain twin tips like the ARV 96. If we can fit one in we'll do it.
Hi Nick! We'll try to find time to do an all mountain twin tip comparison. The Enforcer 93 is a super fun, playful all mountain ski that really rips in a variety of snow conditions, although it's still not a twin tip. Soul Rider 97 from Nordica is a good one!
Thank you for your quick response. Due to the enforcer’s 93 tail rocker, I placed it under (partial) Twin. Since 90% of reviews were positive, I set my eyes on a pair of these. Wil look in to the soul rider 87 and 97 as wel. This is exactly the reason why I Would really appreciate the comparison. Looking forward to it, if you guys find the time.
Our apologies, Mike! I hope you found some of it useful. I think you'll find our more recent videos are of higher overall quality. Since this video we've invested in a new studio, equipment, and I would say my own delivery and that of my coworkers has improved immensely. Have a great day!
Liberty origin 90!!!! Is kinda hard to find them but they exist!!
I think it would be useful, when showing skis, to hold them base-to-base so that we can see the degree to which there is front rocker and where, on the length of the ski, that rocker begins. Same with the tail. It's rare in reviews or overviews of skis that the reviewer shows the tails. For some of us, whether we like to ski switch on occasion or whether we just like the characteristics of some degree of tail rocker (or if you want to see how skin attachment looks for the tail), seeing the degree of tail rocker and how far from the rear end that rocker begins would be pretty helpful.
Sounds good! We'll try to do that for every comparison video from now on. We often do that in our more in-depth review videos on a specific model.
great review...lots of good info in there for sure. So thanks. I bought the Atomics last yr and love them. I ski 80 - 90% off piste and they work well everywhere for me.
I enjoyed last year's 100mm review - it helped with a purchase. With regards to a strategy to deal with the large number of skis in this category and size underfoot, you could consider a more generic discussion of types of skis in this range and provide examples of the skis within the type - a typological evaluation. Then, on other videos - if you are so inclined - you could discuss the properties of the individual skis within the typology.
I think that's a great idea. We could do an overview article of all types of "all mountain skis," although I do think it would be important to also have some videos and articles highlighting the differences between those types of skis, as you mentioned. We'll keep your idea in mind!
Awesome video, thank you. While looking more into the navigator I discovered the Nordica GT 84 ti evo. I ski on the east coast and 80% on groomers (ice). Do you happen to have any knowledge of the GT? And what the differences are between the two?
Awesome video! What ski would you recommend for someone that's a beginner and skiing in the PNW. Also what size would you suggest? The person is 5'8" and about 205 lbs?
Hi Dieselman! You get a fair amount of snow in the PNW, so even though this is for a beginner you could, in theory, go wider than a traditional beginner ski. Is this a true beginner we're talking about? A never-ever skier? Or do they have some experience on snow already? The Nordica Navigator 80 or 85 comes to mind. A higher-end ski than traditional beginner skis, but would work well for his size. The K2 Pinnacle 85 would be another good option, approachable for a beginner, but something they could ski for years to come as they improve. Ideally I would go for something in the 80-85 mm waist width range with some tip rocker, and not a stiff ski.
@@SkiEssentials they have a little bit of ski experience. What would you suggest for length?
Dieselman There is a 165 cm in the Navigator that I think could work well for him. In general I would stick to the low to mid 160 cm range. That should be manageable for him.
@@SkiEssentials thanks!
Good review and good skiing. I love the KENDO for its versatility , so fun and it still holds on ice but man it is HEAVY. But , for the slopes skied in this video I prefer short turn, race inspired skis I think a lot of people are on the "wrong" skis 95% of the time.
How do you think the Volkl RTM 84 falls in here? I skied a pair on hard NY snow at a demo day and loved them. I wonder if they would have enough float on the rare soft day to be my one ski quiver. I’m contemplating the Nordica Enforcer as well, but worry I’m not going to be able to arc turns the way the Volkl does.
The RTM line in general are really more focused on frontside carving performance than any of the skis in this comparison. They rip on firm snow, but aren't as versatile. In my opinion they have some drawbacks on soft snow days. Enforcers, for example, are way more versatile. Sure, they don't carve quite as well, but they still perform really well on firm snow and are drastically more versatile.
Awesome review Jeff! I'm looking for my first pair of skis to buy , I'm 5.7 with 165lbs , skiing mostly blues and easy blacks but looking to get more off piest, maybe some ski mountaineering later on. I live in the east coast but ski on both west and east. Can you help me out with ski sizes and model recommendations ? Thanks a lot !!
Hi Roberto!
The first ski that comes to mind is the Kore 93 because of your mention of ski mountaineering. It's impressively lightweight, so a great ski for anyone who is going to be doing any kind of uphill work. It's also relatively approachable for a skier of your ability level. Not too demanding, perfectly happy on blues and easy blacks. Because it uses quite a bit of rocker I think you could ski the 171 cm length. That's about as tall as you, but should be manageable for you.
Let me know what you think. Definitely other options out there, but the Kore 93 really came to mind.
Skiessentials.com Thank you so much for the answer! After watching your video I started considering the 2018 K2 Pinnacle 88 Skis 170cm. What are your thoughts on these for the objectives I mentioned and for someone that is hopping to improve quickly in the next 1-2 seasons ?
Roberto Terzini That was actually one that I was going to mention. It's not as geared towards ski touring as the Kore 93, but it's actually probably more appropriate for your current ability level. You'll progress more easily on the Pinnacle 88 than the Kore 93, and if that's a goal of yours, I'd go with the K2 over the Kore. A great ski for you, that's for sure.
Got to get on the Armada Tracer, you are right. Huge category special for us selling in CO. Have u skied the J Metal? A few J skis came through the shop this week.
So what skies to buy ?
What about the Black Crows Captis? Really interested in buying a pair but I'm still a little hesitant and can't make up my mind whether the kendo's are better. Any thoughts?
Hey Jeff! Your reviews are great, any chance we could get a similar video with 2019 models?
Planning on it! We'll start releasing them early to mid-October and release about 5-6 of them between then and mid-November.
Awesome, thanks!
Hi, I have moved to the canadian rockies to ski here for a season and I'm not sure what ski I should go for. I am a pretty advanced skier growing up close to the alps, however I used to mostly ski on groomers and on skinnier carver type skis though I did venture out into deeper snow sometimes. Now that I'm here I've heard that theres a lot more powder and off piste skiing available that I want to try. I am thinking of the Kore 93 due to it being able to do groomers well while still allowing me to explore other parts of the mountain too. Is that correct?
Great review, thanks. How would you compare the Icelantic Pioneer 96 to this group?
Hey Jeff. I can only imagine how difficult it is to pick the skis to do this video in such a competitive category. So I won`t complain you did not include this ski or the other. How does Kastle FX95HP fall in to that group? Every where else the place it as a “monster” apart. Maybe because of the price tag, it is constantly left out, I don`t know... Thx, for the awesome work. Regards, Mauro.
Hi Mauro! Yeah, tough to include everything, thanks for understanding. The FX 95 HP is an awesome ski. Super powerful, quite versatile, a nice overall feel with a lot of stability and damping properties, but lighter swing weight than some similar models. It's kind of like a combination of the Brahma and an Enforcer 93 (although Bonafide and Enforcer 93 would result in a closer waist width). It's torsionally stiff, powerful, and relatively stiff overall, kind of like the Brahma and Bonafide, but it's more maneuverable than those skis due to the shape and Kastle's Hollowtech construction. Lighter swing weight and some nice rocker/early taper makes it easier to smear and maneuver than the Brahma/Bones. It's not quite as easy as an Enforcer in terms of maneuverability and pivoting/smearing nature, but at the same time it holds an edge a little better and is a little stiffer than the Nordicas.
Hope that helps!
SE
Thx for your answer. I am on the market for an all mountain freeride ski. The FX95HP (very classic on construction but with a modern shape) was my ski of choice, but with the arrival of the new Kore 99 and the very interesting Rustler 9, I am really in doubt. These two are so light weight, less fatiguing and in such a modern package/approach (progressiveness, new materials and shape) on skiing, that I am at least, curious. I ski in Chile and Argentina a lot and I use to take just one ski. Material carrying has some limitations and tends to be troublesome sometimes. Any suggestions? What do you think?
great review! i'm about to buy an allmountain ski with about 90mm range. which of these skis are the best for carving down the groomers? i really like carving but i also want to be able to do fast smooth turns (moguls) as well as to go skiing in the soft snow. i was thinking about the nordica navigator 90 so far. any opinions?
I would say Nordica Navigator 90, Blizzard Brahma, or Rossi Experience 88 HD are the standouts for carving performance. Between the three you can kind of pick and choose what you want for construction, how heavy you're willing to ski, etc.
Hi ski essentials what are your thoughts on the 2017 Ranger 90 Ti skis?
Can you tell me which is the lightest here? and between Head Kore 93 and Atomic Vantage 90, which is lighter? Thanks!
Both are quite lightweight. Kore is lighter than this version of the Vantage, but the 2019 Vantage is even lighter.
Great comparison again ... I was waiting for this one, but a few days ago I ended up buying the Head Kore 93 ... I selected them over the Enforcer and Kendo (also Black crows Captis) and listening to your review here I think I made the right choice :-) We'll know for sure on Nov 4th when the slopes open up here in and around Calgary. Thanks for doing these reviews they are super helpful for people like me.
Thanks Dirk! The Kore 93 is a great ski, everyone who got on it during our 2018 ski test was pretty blown away by the performance it achieves at an impressively light weight! Let us know what you think after a few days on them. Fingers crossed for a snowy winter!
good to know! I am debating between those as well!
Hey Dirk,
Do you still think it was the right choice after your first ski sessions on them? Would be helpful to know because I'm pretty much debating between the same skis and right know I'm tending to buy the kore 93s. Thanks!
Hi Niklas, sorry for the delay ... after 7 days of skiing I'm getting happier with the ski's. In the beginning I did not like them very much as they are definitely for more advanced intermediate and up: making short turns is harder than I expected, but I have since gotten used to them so no more complaints there ... The only problem I still have with them is on icy patches (or very hard pack): I keep loosing grip :-( ... in hindsight I probably should have opted for a more on-piste oriented ski as I have dedicated powder skies ...
I got the Kore 93 too. Love them in almost all conditions.
Great review! Love all the information!
This ski isn’t really in the same category, but what is your opinion of the Voelkl Revolt 95?
Great video, very informative. Cant wait for the video on 100 mm skis!
Thanks! We did a video comparing 100 mm skis last season that's still quite relevant as a lot of the skis didn't change.
ruclips.net/video/wch1UlPoRQg/видео.html
Skiessentials.com Will watch that, looks like some interesting skis! Will you talk about the Black Crows Daemon ski in the new video? That ski looks really interesting
I'll see if we can get our hands on a pair! Ideally I'd like to put some time into testing it before we talk about it, but winter is right around the corner!
What ski would you recommend for tackling that sugar snow crud which piles up on busy groomers especially near the end of the season?
Hi Paul! The Enforcer 93 does a great job cutting and plowing through piles of crud snow like that. It's rockered tip and the stability from the two sheets of metal really give it excellent ability in variable snow. Other skis in this article could definitely work too, like the Kendo, but the Enforcer 93 definitely comes to mind as a good one.
Great job. For a 70% on piste 30% off piste skier, I love the Salomon skis. Torn between the XDR 88 and QST 99. Thoughts?
Thanks! I would go with the XDR 88. In my opinion the QST 99 is more like 50% on piste, 50% off piste, or even skewed a little bit to the off piste side. The XDR rips groomers, but still feels playful and maneuverable off piste.
Thanks. I do own a pair of Elan Amphibio 80 for hard snow days. Does that change your thoughts?
Maybe a little bit, but it still comes down to what you're actually going to use the Salomon for. If you're looking for a ski to blend 70% on piste and 30% off piste I think the XDR is that ski. How much of that 70% will you be using your Elans? I think that's ultimately the question. If you're going to stick with the Elans on most firm days, might as well go with the QST 99 to really get some true off-piste performance and a little more float for powder days.
Is this because you think the XDR 88 is the perhaps the best, most forgiving, fun ski ever? :)
Most forgiving ski ever might be a bit of a stretch ;)
I know it’s difficult, but it will be nice to test the Zag h95
Great review! Which size of skis would you recommend for the atomic vantage 90 cti if i measure 182 cm and weight 66 kg ?
Where does Nordica NRGY 90 fit in here? I live in midwest. Ski mostly in Michigan and Wisconsin. Intermediate skills. Trying to choose between NRGY 90 and Kendo. Which performs better in icy conditions?
The Navigator 90 replaced the NRGY 90. Their construction is pretty similar with a similar metal grid providing the power and damping properties, but the shape of the NRGY 90 is more designed for soft snow. I would say between the Kendo and NRGY 90 the Kendo is going to hold an edge better on icy slopes, but if we were comparing it to the new Navigator 90 it would be a closer comparison.
Skiessentials.com Thank you.
Do you have any input on 4frnt MSP or Vandal? Freeskier magazine rated them very high. How do they compare to Nordica Enforcer, etc....thanks, steve
Hey Steve! Unfortunately we haven't had enough time on either of those 4FRNT skis to really closely compare them and give you an accurate review. I will say they're both a bit lighter weight than the Enforcer and they're both more "freestyle" or "freeski" influenced than a ski like the Enforcer. The Vandal is often center mounted, where you wouldn't want to do that on the Enforcer or really any other ski we talk about in this video.
We'll try our best to get out on them this season!
Which All Mountain ski would you recommend an intermediate inspired skier???
Height 5’8
145 pound
XDR 88, Navigator 90, Bushwacker (Brahma Ca). Those are all good places to start.
What about the Volkl RTM 84/86 ?
I'm between the Salomon XDR 88 ti or the Volkl 84/86 (I think 86 construction is better than the 84). Could you please give me some hints on this 3 skis. Thank you so much. I can't decide ahah
Rossignol Experience 88 HD vs. K2 Pinnacle 88?
i was planing to buy fischers brand ski can you please let me know is it a good one or should i go for some other brand ... i want to buy a all mountain ski - powder .... I'm 5.6 with 115lbs, I'm a intermediate skier
Fischer makes fantastic skis! I would take a look at the Fischer Ranger W 89, that ski works really well as an all mountain ski and can definitely handle some powder conditions. As an intermediate skier who's relatively lightweight I think you'd be well off on the 157 cm length. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much
Hey Jeff! Quick question. Just bought some Volkl Kendo's 2017. Im 16 165lbs and 5'6.
So I picked up the Kendo's in the 163cm.
I live on the east coast. Do you think that 90mm will hold up in those some times Icy conditions we get over here.
These are my first 90mm skis...
Thank you any help is appreciated.
Hey Thomas! For sure! The Kendo is a popular east coast ski thanks to its versatility. It's wide enough and maneuverable enough to ski trees, moguls, light powder, etc, but still has plenty of torsional stiffness and edge grip for icy eastern conditions. I think you'll be psyched with how they perform!
Is there such ski: carving/onpiste/hardpack oriented all mountain ski in range of 80mm to 99mm waist? Thanks. After I watches your video, I like Brahma Pinnacle 95. I rode 88xdr, I likes it but It was heavy and head to drive hard during carve. I liked carving and poppness of 88 xdr. What do you recommend?
That's a pretty wide range... 80 to 99 mm. I would put the Blizzard Brahma and Bonafide in that category, however. They're within that width and are ripping skis on firm snow, but they're both heavier than the XDR 88 because they use more metal. Do you want something lighter than the XDR 88?
Can you do a Full in depth review of the Volkl Katana V werks with the Kingpin blinding please and thank you
We'll try to fit it in!
Hey Guys , I just purchased the Head Kore 105 as I read great reviews on them and listened to some friends. I am normally a Rossignol guy but made the choice to switch. I have never really acted this impulsively when purchasing skies but was in desperate need of new gear and needed a change. I am skeptical of one thing and that is I am also from the East and ski mostly in Ontario Canada. I do go out West from time to time but not often. I wanted to know your opinion; would I be better off with the 105 or 93? I do not have the 105 in my possession yet and its not to late to change. I am willing to listen to anyones advice here. Thanks. Can the 105 handle ice and harder pack hills well?
Hi
Can you let me know what do you think of the skis by Scott called Scott the ski ,I've just bought a pair 2018 and titainnium bindings and they look the part but not had the chance to try them out, had to buy new this year has my other pair of Scott Aztecs the bindings only went up to a 11 and after foot opp had to get bigger boots so did not want to re drill the old skis, so looking forward to the new ones.
Regards Paul
would like to hear about the faction dictator 2.0 in this category..
Hi Jeff. I would consider myself an intermediate skier. Which ski would you recommend for the PNW? I have always rented skies. I would like to purchase my own that will do all. Thanks.
Hey Andrew! I would get something relatively relaxed as you're an intermediate skier. The Pinnacle 88 from K2 would be a great option, or the Blizzard Brahma Ca, although I think the Pinnacle is a little more versatile for your PNW terrain and snow conditions.
What are your thoughts on the Head KORE 93 skis?
Hey Ryan! We talk about the Kore 93 at the end of this video. It's an impressive blend of being lightweight, but also pretty strong. Very maneuverable, but can still hold an edge on firm snow. It's kind of like a lighter version of the Enforcer 93 as they have pretty similar shapes.
Who or how many skiers participated in the test, was it only the guy who we saw few times in the video? Where is the new Stöckli Stormrider 88?
Hello! We had 38 testers during our 2018 Ski Test. Check the ski test home page for more details: www.skiessentials.com/2018-ski-test
You'll also find links in the description here to each individual ski results page, which shows you the exact people who tested it and links to their profile.
Unfortunately we did not have access to Stockli for our 2018 test. We had a total of 14 brands, which you can also view on the test home page.
Great Video! I currently own a set of Volkl One's (I know, much bigger than these) that I absolutely love. I love how easily they release the turn. I have been getting much more into mogul amd piste skiing and really want a ski that has a similar slarvey feel but is smaller. Been looking into the Volkl Kanjo, and something like the Atomic Vantage. What are your thoughts on something like the Vantage 95c from last year. Just looking for a simmilar, fun feel.
Hey Tyler! I think the Vantage 95 c could accomplish what you're looking for. I also would take a look at the QST line from Salomon, they have a very slarvy feel when you want them to. The Kanjo might be a little bit too narrow and doesn't quite have enough tail rocker to really be considered a slarvy ski. There are also some twin tips on the market that achieve that feel, the Volkl Revolt comes to mind, as well as the Soul Rider 97 from Nordica. Now, none of them are really going to match the "slarviness" of your Volkl Ones due to their reverse camber shape, but some of those skis will come close.
SE
I love the brahma and know it well... how is the Kore 93 on piste relative to the brahma? Does the Kore's camber give you rebound turn to turn like the Brahma?? Thanks.
It does; it's quite energetic. It doesn't quite have the same quiet, damping properties as the Brahma. The Brahma's 2 sheets of metal really give it a "glued-to-the-snow" feel. The Kore does have impressive damping despite not having metal, but I would say that's the big difference in the feel of the skis. The shape of the Kore is a little more geared towards off-piste use as well.
Ahh gotta throw the Liberty Origin 90's into the mix
That would've definitely been a good ski to include, we'll try to test a pair once we can get on snow!
Where would the wreckreate 90 fit into this category?
Honestly I have never skied a Lib Tech ski and have heard varying reactions to their Magnatraction concept...
Very informative reviews
Thanks!
How does the Stockli Stormrider 88 stack up against the others? Particularly the Brahma and Vantage
Hey Pierre! I would say the Stormrider 88 is somewhat in between the Brahma and Vantage in a sense. It's not quite as stiff as the Brahma, but not quite as maneuverable as the Vantage. It's a very smooth ski thanks to the two sheets of metal, but doesn't quite have the power of the Brahma or the responsiveness and quickness that the carbon in the Vantage 90 CTI provides. Lots of people describe the Stormrider 88 as a great "cruiser" ski for advanced and expert skiers, and I think that's a pretty accurate description.
How much power ski
Give me one piece
80 all mountain please???!!!
We'll have a narrow all mountain comparison for 2020.
Skiessentials.com awesome can’t wait 😊
Great video
Compared to the 11 skis discussed here, where would you place the Salomon qst 92?
Hi Niels!
The QST 92 was a ski that I thought about when I was organizing the article and this video, but ultimately decided to go with the XDR 88 Ti as it's a brand new ski for 2018. I think the QST 92 is similar to both the Kore 93 and Enforcer 93 in the sense that its shape is largely derived from more freeride-oriented skis. The construction of the QST kind of falls in between those two models thanks to the partial metal laminate and their CFX Superfiber (very similar to how I describe the XDR 88 Ti in this video).
Hope that helps!
SE
How about the Völkl Transfer 89?
Much more of a park-specific ski. It can also be used as a playful all mountain ski, but its flex profile and overall performance is designed to enhance its ability in the terrain park.
Volkl 90eight all day long nothing better IMO in that range I'm a light weight guy also have a tour binding.
About the fischer ranger 90 ti
We would've liked to include the Ranger 90 Ti, but unfortunately we didn't have a pair in stock when putting this article and video together. We did cover the Ranger 98 Ti in our 2018 Ski Test, as well as the Pro Mtn 95:
www.skiessentials.com/2018-ski-test?skis=fischer-ranger-98-ti
www.skiessentials.com/2018-ski-test?skis=fischer-pro-mtn-95-ti
We'll try to get on the Ranger 90 Ti once we can get on snow!
What about the Armada ARV 96 184cm.
The ARV 96 is a little more of a wide park ski than the skis we included in this video. It would be fun to do a comparison of all mountain twin tips like the ARV 96. If we can fit one in we'll do it.
Hi Nick! We'll try to find time to do an all mountain twin tip comparison. The Enforcer 93 is a super fun, playful all mountain ski that really rips in a variety of snow conditions, although it's still not a twin tip. Soul Rider 97 from Nordica is a good one!
Thank you for your quick response. Due to the enforcer’s 93 tail rocker, I placed it under (partial) Twin. Since 90% of reviews were positive, I set my eyes on a pair of these. Wil look in to the soul rider 87 and 97 as wel.
This is exactly the reason why I Would really appreciate the comparison. Looking forward to it, if you guys find the time.
Why would you pick the soul rider 97 over the 87 one?
It's a little bit more versatile. The 87 feels more like a park-specific ski. Source: I ski both.
Yo man, excellent, thank you!
kästle is defenetely Missing Out
What about the qst 99?
We included the QST 99 in our comparison of 2017 100 mm skis. The XDR 88 Ti fits into this category a little better.
The Heads
Lib Tech Wreckreate
Armada ARV 96
First 2 min wasted saying absolutely nothing useful. Repetition, waffle, poor delivery. Work out what you're going to say before you hit record ffs.
Our apologies, Mike! I hope you found some of it useful. I think you'll find our more recent videos are of higher overall quality. Since this video we've invested in a new studio, equipment, and I would say my own delivery and that of my coworkers has improved immensely. Have a great day!
Dude take this down it’s old