The 10 Best Skis - Must Read Before Buying

It's not always easy to find a pair of skis that will suit your needs. Whether you're ordering them online, walking into the store for the first time, or an experienced skier needing some new equipment, selecting the perfect ones can be tricky.

With various options available to suit any type or level of ability ranging from beginner through professional, these days it's easier than ever before to find the best ones. All you need is some advice from someone who knows their stuff. So here is our list of the ten best skis available today.

1) Volkl M6 Mantra Ski

The added stiffness thus creates more responsiveness at higher speeds or when riding steep terrain with bumps.

The 3D radius design provides better grip allowing new opportunities during each race season without sacrificing control even if they are knee-deep in powder snow.

Volkl M6 Mantra Pros

• The M6 mantra is a highly versatile pair of skis. It can be stable, confident-inspiring, and magnetic, thanks in part to the wide profile that allows it to glide over even when conditions aren't ideal for anything other than turning or stopping quickly.

Volkl M6 Mantra Cons

• This ski is a challenge! It's not meant for the casual user.

2) Salomon Stance 96 Ski

Salomon Stance 96 Pros

• The pros at Salomons say that the boots are powerful, fast, and love to turn on hardpack. In addition, they have a stiffer sole for better traction in slippery conditions or when you need some extra edge on your turns.

Salomon Stance 96 Cons

• Salomon Stance 96 Ski is a classic, but it doesn't have the freshness of our top picks. It's also dated-looking with old graphics and design elements from Salomon's past that don't work very well in modern-day skiing conditions or culture as we know it today.

3) K2 Mindbender 99Ti Ski

K2 Mindbender 99Ti Pros

• The K2 Mindbender 99Ti Ski is a great performance upgrade from the outgoing Pinnacle Ti. It has impressive capabilities and makes light work of any hillside, even on powder snow.

K2 Mindbender 99Ti Cons

• The K2 Mindbender 99Ti Ski is an intermediate-level ski, but it's not for everyone. The skis also bend easily.

4) Dynastar M-Pro 84 Ski

Dynastar M-Pro 84 Pros

• The Dynastar M-Pro 84 ski is a classic. It has a nice balance of quickness and stability that makes it perfect for any skier looking to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible without overdoing it on one side or another.

Dynastar M-Pro 84 Pros Cons

• The M-Pro 84 is a lower performing ski than its class leaders.

5) Atomic Maverick 95Ti Ski

Atomic Maverick 95Ti Pros

• The Atomic Maverick 95Ti is a true all-mountain expert, with quick and nimble handling that will get you down any mountain.

Atomic Maverick 95Ti Cons

• The Atomic Maverick 95Ti is an excellent board for when you need to get up and plow through deep snow, but it can't keep pace with the Head Kore in poor conditions.

6) Nordica Enforcer 94 Ski

Not only does this ski excel in hardpack conditions, but it also has plenty of pop when skiing off-trail, making these excellent all-around skis no matter what type of terrain we throw at them.

Nordica Enforcer 94 Pros

• Nordica's Enforcers are well-rounded and versatile in the all-mountain category. They have a beefy frame, with plenty of stiffness for crushing any obstacles you can throw at them, from groomed runs to rough conditions - or anywhere in between.

Nordica Enforcer 94 Cons

• The Nordica Enforcer 94 is the perfect choice for anybody who loves to ride powder days. It can be a little narrow at times, but this ski will take you anywhere!

7) Rossignol Experience 86 Ti Ski

It's fast, stable, and precise with its two layers of metal that make it perfect on medium-width arching turns as well.

Rossignol Experience 86 Ti Pros

• The Rossignol Experience 86 Ti is a fast, powerful carver with an exceptionally smooth ride.

Rossignol Experience 86 Ti Cons

• It's not that incredible when it's on powder.

8) Blizzard Rustler 9 Ski

The narrowest widths are best for deep snow conditions, which may be why most riders have problems there with other brands' wider models before now.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Pros

• The Blizzard Rustler 9 is a perfect board for lovers of all things snow-related. It's stable at high speeds, which means you can ride with confidence no matter what type of slope or terrain conditions are presented to you.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Cons

• With a price tag to match, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is for the expert only. It's soft and chattery at speed, but it also has some of our most unforgiving gear!

9) Head Kore 93 Ski

Head Kore 93 Pros

• The new Head Kore 93 is smoother and more versatile than the prior generation yet lightweight enough for agility on any terrain.

Head Kore 93 Cons

• Despite its top speed, the Head 93 is still not a leader in terms of stability.

10) Elan Ripstick 96 Ski

Elan Ripstick 96 Pros

• It's super light, quick, and a blast to ski. In addition, the lightweight construction produces excellent floatation.

Elan Ripstick 96 Cons

• The Elan Ripstick 96 Ski is a mid-range, precision ski that can be brittle and nerve-racking to ride at high speed.

There Are Many Factors to Consider When Buying Skis

The most important thing to consider when buying a new pair of skis is where you plan on using them. Every skier has a particular track where they feel confident when skiing.

• Every ski model will react differently based upon its design and capabilities, so knowing yourself is key.
• Ski shop employees are great resources for information on their products and can answer things like terrain preference for particular skis and the best ones for doing tricks or making high-speed carves.
• Just because a specific ski model might be "the hot" of this year's line doesn't mean it will work well if you have needs/abilities that go beyond what those particular skis offer.
• Don't just take the shop owner's word for it! Instead, take time demoing various brands and models of skis, even if you have a good feeling about one specific brand or model in particular. There are always other options that can meet your needs better than what they're offering, so don't be afraid to try others on too.
• What type of terrain you enjoy most and how often you like to ride on it is also essential because terrain such as powdery snow and dry conditions can help with making decisions. 

There Are Also Many Factors to Avoid When Buying Skis

Skiers are often attracted to the latest and greatest model, regardless of how they ski. Unfortunately, the trend today is that most people buy skis that may be too wide for where they typically go skiing regularly. This can lead them to buy something that doesn't fit their needs.

In general, don't be fooled by gimmicky marketing and graphics. However, it is essential to do your research and take the time to find the best one for your needs in this case.

The biggest potential pitfall to avoid in the ski-purchasing process is to not look for the best deals.

Do You Know How to Find the Right Ski Length?

It's easy, measure your height and choose a corresponding size. Then, you'll know if it doesn't fit because of different preferences or abilities in skiing.

A beginner's skis should reach from their feet to their chin, about 140 cm. 

An intermediate rider can get more stability at higher speeds with something closer to 155-160cm long, which will track well across curves while still being light enough as long as the skis reach from the floor towards nose height. 

More advanced or aggressive skiers who prefer to slide at high speeds should consider getting longer ones, which reach from the floor up past their eyebrows, about 180cm.

Benefits of Skiing

• it boosts bone and joint strength
• better mood by increasing activity levels in certain parts of the brain
• boosts cardiovascular endurance
• calorie burner
• gives you a sunnier outlook
• improved balance skills
• improving flexibility
• promote deep sleep
• increase immunity