Name | Volkl M6 Mantra | Salomon Stance 96 | K2 Mindbender 99Ti | Dynastar M-Pro 84 | Atomic Maverick 95Ti | Nordica Enforcer 94 | Rossignol Experience 86 Ti | Blizzard Rustler 9 | Head Kore 93 | Elan Ripstick 96 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product image | ||||||||||
Where to buy | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Category | All-mountain | All-mountain | All-mountain | All-mountain back | All-mountain | All-mountain | All-mountain front | All-mountain | All-mountain | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 135-96-119mm | 132-96-114mm | 138-99-123mm | 127-99-117mm | 129-95-113mm | 127-94-115.5mm | 125-78-111mm | 127.5-94-117mm | 133-93-115mm | 136-96-110mm |
Ability Level | Intermediate to expert | Advanced to expert | Advanced to expert | Intermediate to advanced | Advanced to expert | Intermediate to expert | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate to advanced | Advanced to expert | Intermediate to advanced |
Radius | 30/18/24m | 20m | 18.5m | 20m | 19.3m | 17.1m | 15m | 17m | 16.4m | 16.2m |
Waist Width (mm) | 96 | 96 | 99 | 97 | 94 | 94 | 86 | 94 | 91 | 96 |
Size Available Lengths | 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 | 168, 176, 182, 188 | 163, 170, 177, 184 | 162, 170, 178, 186 | 164, 172, 180, 188 | 165, 172, 179, 186, 191 | 180, 187, 194 | 164, 172, 180, 188 | 153, 162, 171, 180, 189 | 164, 172, 180, 188 |
Core Materials | Poplar/Beech/Double Titanal | Poplar/ Dual Titanal Laminate | Maple/Aspen Woodcore/Titanal | Poplar/PU /Partial Titanal Layer/Fiberglass Laminate | Poplar Wood Core/Dual Metal Laminate | Woodcore/Double Titanal | Poplar Woodcore/Titanal | Multi-layer Woodcore/Carbon Fiberglass/Titanal | Wood/ Graphene/ Carbon | Woodcore/Carbon Inserts |
Weight per ski | 2043g | 1940g | 2226g | 2052g | 1800g | 2100g | 2000g | 1863g | 1680g | 1430-1660g |
Name | Volkl M6 Mantra |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 135-96-119mm |
Ability Level | Intermediate to expert |
Radius | 30/18/24m |
Waist Width (mm) | 96 |
Size Available Lengths | 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 |
Core Materials | Poplar/Beech/Double Titanal |
Weight per ski | 2043g |
Name | Salomon Stance 96 |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 132-96-114mm |
Ability Level | Advanced to expert |
Radius | 20m |
Waist Width (mm) | 96 |
Size Available Lengths | 168, 176, 182, 188 |
Core Materials | Poplar/Poplar/ Dual Titanal LaminateBeech/Double Titanal |
Weight per ski | 1940g |
Name | K2 Mindbender 99Ti |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 138-99-123mm |
Ability Level | Advanced to expert |
Radius | 18.5m |
Waist Width (mm) | 99 |
Size Available Lengths | 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 |
Core Materials | Poplar/Beech/Double Titanal |
Weight per ski | 2226g |
Name | Dynastar M-Pro 84 |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain back |
Dimensions | 127-99-117mm |
Ability Level | Intermediate to advanced |
Radius | 20m |
Waist Width (mm) | 97 |
Size Available Lengths | 162, 170, 178, 186 |
Core Materials | Poplar/PU /Partial Titanal Layer/Fiberglass Laminate |
Weight per ski | 2052g |
Name | Atomic Maverick 95Ti |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 129-95-113mm |
Ability Level | Advanced to expert |
Radius | 30/18/24m |
Waist Width (mm) | 94 |
Size Available Lengths | 164, 172, 180, 188 |
Core Materials | Poplar Wood Core/Dual Metal Laminate |
Weight per ski | 1800g |
Name | Nordica Enforcer 94 |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 127-94-115.5mm |
Ability Level | Intermediate to expert |
Radius | 17.1m |
Waist Width (mm) | 94 |
Size Available Lengths | 165, 172, 179, 186, 191 |
Core Materials | Woodcore/Double Titanal |
Weight per ski | 2100g |
Name | Rossignol Experience 86 Ti |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 125-78-111mm |
Ability Level | Beginner to intermediate |
Radius | 15m |
Waist Width (mm) | 86 |
Size Available Lengths | 180, 187, 194 |
Core Materials | Poplar/Beech/Double Titanal |
Weight per ski | 2000g |
Name | Blizzard Rustler 9 |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 127.5-94-117mm |
Ability Level | Intermediate to expert |
Radius | 17m |
Waist Width (mm) | 94 |
Size Available Lengths | 164, 172, 180, 188 |
Core Materials | Multi-layer Woodcore/Carbon Fiberglass/Titanal |
Weight per ski | 1863g |
Name | Head Kore 93 |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 133-93-115mm |
Ability Level | Advanced to expert |
Radius | 16.4m |
Waist Width (mm) | 91 |
Size Available Lengths | 153, 162, 171, 180, 189 |
Core Materials | Wood/ Graphene/ Carbon |
Weight per ski | 1680g |
Name | Elan Ripstick 96 |
---|---|
Price | |
Product image | |
Where to buy | Buy now |
Category | All-mountain |
Dimensions | 136-96-110mm |
Ability Level | Intermediate to advanced |
Radius | 16.2m |
Waist Width (mm) | 96 |
Size Available Lengths | 164, 172, 180, 188 |
Core Materials | Woodcore/Carbon Inserts |
Weight per ski | 1430-1660g |
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.
Advertisement
Continue reading below
1) Volkl M6 Mantra Ski
The new 2021-2022 M6 Mantras from Volkl are all about stability and control.
These metal laminate 96mm wide all-mountain Men’s skis will take your mountain adventures to the next level with their powerful underfoot thanks to broad layers of aluminum that beef up the binding’s strength without adding weight or slowing down response time.
The 2021 M6 mantra improves over previous models with increased stability in rough terrain and better edge hold when turning.
The all-new tailored titanal alloy frame is designed to match your exact ski length. It has now been applied as a major structural component on skis, precisely where it would hold up most of the weight while still having enough material left over for added stiffness.
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
The 2020 Salomon Stance 96 is the perfect ski for those looking to take on any terrain.
The Stance is a versatile ski that can handle anything from groomers to bumps and light powder.
It’s perfect for the intermediate-to-advanced skier who loves traditional metal but also requires versatility to take advantage of all that the mountain has to offer them.
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’s Mindbender collection has coast-to-coast appeal with widths ranging from 90 to 108 millimeters. The wide selection of sizes ensures you find the right set, no matter where you use them.
The Y-shaped metal layer underfoot gives it excellent stability, and the planted design powers comfortably through any terrain with ease.
In addition, the Mindbender has a wide width that allows it to float on powder snow.
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
The Dynastar M-Pro 84 is perfect for all types of groomed and ungroomed snow due to its versatility.
This ski combines power with lightness, specifically designed by combining a traditional core that offers excellent balance in elasticity/resistance while being lightweight enough so you can easily control it through turns on either side or narrow alpine runs overseas.
The Dynastar M-Pro 84 provides an outstanding balance of elasticity, resistance, and weight.
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
The new Atomic Maverick 95Ti men freeride ski certainly delivers on the company’s goal, which is to create an affordable and versatile ski that can tackle every inch of the mountain.
The new series outperforms Vantage models in deeper snow and weighs less than its predecessor while still delivering on those same techy qualities that make it an attractive choice among riders who don’t want their ride feeling too soft or mushy underfoot.
The new ski incorporates HRZN Tech, which gives the ski tip more surface area with almost no extra weight and offers a narrower ski that you can use in many situations.
In addition, it’s playful yet agile, making it easier for you to take control of your turns while still getting a fantastic performance out of it at every turn.
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.
Advertisement
Continue reading below
6) Nordica Enforcer 94 Ski
Last year, Nordica made a risky but profitable move when they introduced the “94” ski. This mid-width model replaced last year’s 93mm wide Enforcer, and we think it’s our favorite one thanks to its sturdy yet fun personality.
The design of the ski has been tweaked to make it more modern and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, carbon fiber is used in more significant quantities, with less plastic than before, for a lighter front end that features wood instead.
The lighter weight front end reduces stress on your body while still providing excellent steering control for those who want it.
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
The 86 Ti version of the Experience is a fantastic choice, as you can wear it while you’re still skiing at medium speeds.
It has enough stiffness and edge hold to keep advanced-level riders on the track.
In addition, its smooth design allows precision in all conditions, even when cornering or accelerating out of turns.
The ski has exceptionally smooth behavior: two layers combined provide ample power but don’t make them heavy-handed, so you’ll stay connected whether you’re riding hardpack terrain.
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 Blizzard Rustler is a versatile all-mountain ski that can take you from groomed slopes to hard packed snow.
The wide range of widths makes it perfect in all conditions, with three options available: 9mm (for more forgiving terrain), 11mm, or 12 millimeters if you want an aggressive feel when riding steep groomers.
The narrowest ski design will highlight how versatile this binding is since its do-everything construction can be used by both experts looking at their lineup and beginners who are just getting into skiing.
The Rustler is a fun ski to ride because of its lightweight and responsive front end. It can’t match the high-speed stability of skis like the Brahma or Bonafide, but this trade-off is worth it in bumps & off-piste terrain where you want more response from your feet.
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
The Head Kore 93 Ski is a light and powerful skiing machine, but its unforgiving nature makes it less enjoyable to ride at slower speeds.
The new 2022 model has improved on that by giving you more of a poppy personality to make your ride much smoother, whether on or off the trail.
In addition, the new Kore features an updated construction that includes two layers of carbon fiber, a caruba/poplar wood core, and chamfered design.
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
The Elan Ripstick 96 is a ski that emphasizes fun. The freeride-oriented design floats well in the soft stuff and can be super quick when it needs to be.
There is more camber along the inside edge, while outside edges feature rocker for an even quicker response time.
This makes the skis buttery smooth and pretty easy to control in most conditions, but it still needs some effort for high-speed turns.
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.
Advertisement
Continue reading below
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
Bato is the father of three beautiful children. When he's not dealing with product reviews and comparisons, he enjoys hiking through untouched nature. He loves adrenaline sports such as skiing, hiking, rafting, and scuba diving. In addition, he likes to grill and discover new exciting food.