ARMADA
2027 Armada Antimatter 88
184 cm length
Radius: 17.7 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon Stringers, AR100 Sidewalls
A crisp and confident turning all mountain ski, there are a lot of capabilities here with the Antimatter 88. The new collection for 2027 from Armada is dense, packed with lots of technologies, materials, and models. The 88 here is a carryover of the Declivity 88 C from years past, just with a new name and topsheet. Carbon and camber is the story here. It won’t overwhelm you with its power and stability, but the 88 provides exceptional rebound and energy from the stringers of carbon and the stiff underfoot camber. Even in the 184 cm tested length, it has an engaging radius that you can tighten up if you jam it. A wide audience from intermediate to advanced level skiers looking for a lively and easygoing all mountain ski will find a good home here, with a great topsheet to boot.
2027 Armada Antimatter 100
182 cm length
Radius: 18 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (tapered “Speedmetal" titanal laminate)
Other Materials: AR100 sidewalls
Despite the similar name and freeride moniker, the Antimatter 100 couldn’t be much more different from its skinnier brother the 88. Or the 92, or any other Antimatter except for the insane 114 that it shares this new shape and profile with. It’s swervy, slashy, and loves to pivot thanks to the rocker and crazy tip shape. The 100 has more stability than the 88 due to the new Speedmetal laminate underfoot, so you can carry some serious speed. It’s a freeride ski at heart, with a strong backbone paired with a loose and predictable character. The pointed shovel doesn’t provide a lot of bite, nor will it engage immediately into a carving turn, but once you’re standing on it, it will cruise through groomers and chopped up snow. It’s a great option for those looking for all types of fun but don’t want to ride a super wide ski every day.
Read our full review of the Antimatter 100 and 108 here.
2027 Armada Antimatter 108
184 cm length
Radius: 24 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (tapered “Speedmetal" titanal laminate)
Other Materials: Full-length AR100 sidewalls
As you ascend in the Antimatter family, you again deviate from the previous width, as the 108 isn’t really that similar to the 100. A deep snow weapon makes for a strong freerider’s dream, and the Antimatter 108 brings the fight to your feet. The story here is the straight cut and damp construction, yielding a long turn radius and a need for speed. Even with the longer turn shape and burly build, you can dump your speed at any time, all while cutting through manky snow with ease. I personally don’t see much use for a ski like this on the East coast of the United States, we just don’t have terrain that merits a ski like this on a regular basis. It wants to run faster than our trails would let it. All things considered, if you desire relentless power with some freeride flair, you can’t go wrong with the Antimatter 108, no matter where you find yourself.
Read our full review of the Antimatter 100 and 108 here.
2027 Armada Whitewalker 108
180 cm length
Radius: 16.5 m
Core: Karuba
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon reinforcement, 3D-beveled “Smear Tech" tip and tail
An exciting new entry from Armada and addition to the line, the 108 brings all the smeary performance of the wider Whitewalkers into an approachable yet wildly capable package. A lightweight construction, surfy shape, and Sammy Carlson’s magic make for a flickable and energetic powder weapon. Ample flex and rocker allow for seamless edge release, and the short turn shape cap off one of the more unique skiing experiences this past season. It won’t really hold a true edge on firmer snow, but don’t look past the energy and rebound from the karuba and carbon stringers. If you want a 116 but live in a place where a ski that wide is way too much? The Whitewalker 108 will be exactly as fun as you might expect.
ATOMIC
2026 Atomic Bent 100
179 cm length
Radius: 19 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Dura Cap sidewall, HRZN 3D tip/tail construction
For skiers that don’t want to overthink it, the Bent 100 provides fun in most any type of snow. Through a half foot of fresh, firmer groomers, bumps, trees, you name it. If you balance on it and take advantage of the camber you can find some fun carves and dynamic turns, but keeping it at lower edge angles provides the best bang for your buck here. Returning unchanged for 2027 with a new topsheet (see the 110 for an idea of what to expect here,) the 100 is light, accessible, and more capable than you might think after you pick one up off the ski shop wall. Phenomenal in the trees and bumps, it’s hard not to have a good time if you’re on a Bent, and there might not be a better embodiment of that in the family than the 100.
Read our full review of the Bent 100 here.
2027 Atomic Bent 110
188 cm length
Radius: 19 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Fiberglass, HRZN 3D tip/tail construction
Want to have a surfy, slashy weapon for deep days and spring slush? Get a Bent 110. Want to do nose butters or cork 9’s in the backcountry? Don’t look past the 110. Never skied in more than a few inches of snow and want an approachable foray into powder skiing? You guessed it, try a Bent 110. Through its easy-going attitude and freestyle roots, the Bent 110 returns unchanged for 2027, and provides comprehensive deep snow performance for intermediates all the way through seasoned powder-hounds. It won’t be the most true through crud and heavier snow, nor is it a groomer ripping machine, but get the 110 on a deep day and you’ll hardly need much else for a memorable time on the slopes or steeps.
BLACK CROWS
2026 Black Crows Corvus
181.0 cm length
Radius: 25 m
Core: Poplar - Beech
Metal: Yes - one sheet (single titanal plate underfoot)
Other Materials: Fiberglass laminate, ABS sidewalls, semi-cap construction
As much fun as one might have on the Corvus on the east side of the Mississippi, it belongs in open terrain and cliff drops seldom found here. It’s a speed demon with a high octane attitude, and rewards speed and a powerful, determined captain at its helm. Only a handful of times throughout my season did I find myself mildly concerned with the speed I was carrying, and the Corvus provided nearly half of those moments. The 25m radius is the story here, and it wants nothing more than to run at highway speeds in a straight line or wide sweeping arcs. Sure, you can jam it into groomer turns on your average blue square, but it’ll want you to point and shoot down the fall line when you can. The Corvus returns unchanged for 2027 besides a graphics refresh, and if you’ve got the fortitude and attitude to handle a ski like the Corvus, you’ll be rewarded with podium-topping performance and capabilities through any condition.
2027 Black Crows Vena Cor
181.1 cm length
Radius: 17 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon, fiberglass laminate, ABS sidewalls.
In my 2026 Ski Test Roundup, I talked a bit about how Black Crows was one of my standout brands, primarily highlighting how they are unabashedly themselves. They do things their own way, and that couldn’t be more evident by taking a cursory glance at the Vena Cor. It’s nothing short of weird looking, not in a bad way. The tip shape doesn’t provide much in the form of turn engagement, and shouldn’t really be relied on to yank you into a carved turn. What you can rely on is effortless edge release, smooth and surfy turns, and a ski that wants to flow through all kinds of terrain. It’s marked at a 17m radius (across all lengths, even,) but I was hard pressed to get too caught up in that number. The Vena Cor seems to want to slash and power through funky snow rather than carve crisp turns. It makes for a unique foil to its cousin, the Mirus Cor, that loves to carve slalom turns all over the mountain. If you like the Black Crows ethos, want a ski that will turn heads in the liftline, and that can take you anywhere on the mountain to slash fun turns, the Vena Cor is for you.
BLIZZARD
2027 Blizzard Anomaly 88
176 cm length
Radius: 16 m
Core: Poplar-Beech
Metal: Yes - two sheets (Fluxform Double Titanal: one full-width sheet below the core, one segmented sheet above)
Other Materials: Fiberglass, full ABS sidewall
I’ve personally dubbed the Anomaly 88 the official ski of the “ice coast.” You see these things everywhere, and I understand the allure for a ski like this. It is arguably the strongest and stiffest ski in this waist width and provides limitless power. I found no limits to stability through various snow conditions, even in the 176 cm length, which would usually be a bit short for my personal ski. It absolutely rails carving turns and it doesn’t really care what’s in front of it. You’ll have to be mindful of the burly nature of the Anomaly, and be willing to accept that the versatility is earned, not given. If you’re up to the task of being a proactive pilot, don’t hesitate to grab a pair for yourself. It is a supremely comprehensive package that can take you wherever you might want to go, even in off piste terrain. There’s no speed limit, no bounds to its capabilities, all while being supremely appropriate for 90% of days here in the East.
2027 Blizzard Canvas 100
180 cm length
Radius: 17.5 m
Core: Poplar-Paulownia
Metal: No (a thin titanal strip runs tip-to-tail, but Blizzard states it's there to retain shape/profile and longevity, not for stiffness, damping, or performance)
Other Materials: Carbon stringers, fiberglass laminate
The Canvas collection is all new from Blizzard for the upcoming season, and is their latest reintroduction into the lighter-weight twin tip category for the first time in nearly a decade. A lightweight wood core and lack of performance metal laminates makes for a different feeling ski than we’ve seen from the Austrian manufacturer in a while. Exceptionally light and quick, (just around 1800 grams per ski in the tested 180 cm length,) the 100 isn’t meant for laying down carving turns on the frontside. It’s more at home in the woods or in the terrain park, and wants a skier that will explore different types of terrain with a fun loving attitude. I can’t ignore the similarities to another popular ski on this list, the Bent 100. With a similar design philosophy of light weight, snappy flex, and a fun-focused attitude, Atomic now has a serious competitor in this category. If the Bent’s success is any indicator, the Canvas 100 will be a regular sight on the hill in the coming seasons, and rightfully so. On anything other than a frozen groomer, it’s a wonderful tool for a modern all mountain skier with a surprising performance ceiling. Well done, Blizzard.
2027 Blizzard Rustler 9
180 cm length
Radius: 17 m
Core: Beech-Poplar-Paulownia
Metal: Yes - partial (FluxForm: two tapered titanal bands along the sidewalls plus a separate plate underfoot)
Other Materials: Carbon, fiberglass, full ABS sidewall
As a previous owner of a Rustler 9, I was reminded of its versatility and capabilities when I came back to it this past season. It’s almost never out of place, and can surprise even seasoned skiers with its performance. You won’t get the float of a Rustler 10, nor will you be able to hold a supreme edge like the Anomaly 88. What it rewards you with, if you’re willing to forego the extreme ends of performance, is unmatched capabilities across a vast spectrum of conditions. It carves exceptionally well thanks to the FluxForm metal, yet it retains a level of agility that burlier skis simply can’t match. In anything from a foot of fresh to firm granular, the Rustler 9 is a great choice for skiers looking for a ski to do it all. It’s simply a no brainer, and is arguably one of the most comprehensive skis on the market.
Read our full review of the Rustler 9 here.
DPS
2027 DPS Lotus 112
184 cm length
Radius: 15 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Aerospace-grade carbon fiber laminate, Phantom Glide base treatment
DPS has a unique spot in the market; with domestic production, radical shaping and performance that isn’t found anywhere else. The 112 joins the Lotus family for 2027, and is the narrowest ski in the line. The fact that the 112 here is the slimmest Lotus should be an indication that they are a family of exceptional powder skis. With some of the most ridiculous shaping in the world, gratuitous rocker and tons of technology, the 112 is built for deep days you dream about. It’s pretty light for a ski of this magnitude, which when paired with DPS’ signature 15m turn shape, makes the Lotus super quick and reactive. Any input you give it is relayed right back to you, and it comes around with some fun carves when you get back to a groomer. It provides unparalleled float thanks to the taper (just look at how far the shovel extends towards the binding plate,) so if staying on top of the snow is at the top of your list, you’ve found your answer. That being said, you can’t really mention a ski from DPS without also mentioning the price, unfortunately. If you’ve got $1800 burning a hole in your pocket and are looking for the purest expression of a powder ski, then don’t even hesitate. It’s one of the most unique skiing experiences you’ll find, and will reward you with some of the most charismatic and lively powder turns you’ll ever be lucky enough to make.
ELAN
2027 Elan Playmaker 111
180 cm length
Radius: 19 m
Core: Poplar-Paulownia (TubeLite)
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon rods underfoot, 360° sidewall
It’s always fun to highlight how, on paper, you can look at the DPS we just discussed next to the Playmaker 111 and notice the similarities. They both use lightweight wood cores, carbon for performance, extensive rocker, and shapely design principles. The differences end there, but frankly, they couldn’t be more different. The Playmaker is slashy and slarvy in its turn style, and has a distinct freestyle flair. It’s happy to ski switch in powder, swivel whenever you want, and wiggle through the woods with ease. It’s super agile and relatively soft, so don’t expect much groomer performance, especially if it’s low tide. Lots of rebound and bounce thanks to the carbon rods, it’s such a blast in soft and deeper snow, and is also quite easy to get on and go. For a freestyle powder ski with loads of flex and energy, the Playmaker 111 provides almost all you could ask for.
2027 Elan Ripstick 102
182 cm length
Radius: 18.8 m
Core: Poplar-Paulownia (TubeLite)
Metal: No
Other Materials: Full length carbon rods, unidirectional carbon bands, flax fiber, Amphibio Rocker
Much like the Playmaker except truly directional, the Ripstick changed the game when it was introduced years back. Power you might not expect after you pick one up off the ski shop wall, given the impressive weight figure. It’s definitely on the flexible side of the spectrum, but the tail especially is supportive and comes around great in a carved turn. The carbon in the Ripsticks is part of the identity of nearly every ski Elan makes, and the rods and tubes used here provide a great platform for those looking for versatile on and off trail performance in soft snow. There is so much to like here for intermediates all the way through directional experts. Some might say that you can’t really replicate metal with carbon, and I might be inclined to agree with them. Those skiers should do themselves a favor and experience a Ripstick, and they could be convinced that while it might not provide the dampness and power of titanal, it provides a unique proposition of incredible weight savings paired with surprising power. The 102 wraps all of that up in a package that you could easily ski every day, even on the East coast.
FACTION
2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti
179 cm length
Radius: 18 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: Yes - two sheets (full-width, “razor-thin” titanal sheets)
Other Materials: N/A
A new entry for 2027, the Dancer 89 Ti is exceptionally well rounded, which in and of itself is also new for Faction. The Dancer line is their all mountain, metal-clad family, and are exceptionally appropriate for so many skiers looking for strong frontside-oriented performance capabilities. This 89 Ti, in particular, is the most well rounded of the Dancers thanks to the waist width. Faction uses “razor thin” titanal sheets in the new Dancer Ti models, providing notable stiffness and power without being too heavy. It’s very crisp and has a surprising amount of energy, another byproduct of keeping the weight down. The 89 Ti is an excellent new entry into the ever-popular category of all-mountain skis, and hopefully skiers not normally thinking of Faction in their purchase process will consider giving one a try. It’s a sweet set of kit that nearly all intermediate and advanced skiers would enjoy, all while keeping the Faction freeride DNA intact.
2027 Faction Prodigy 2
177 cm length
Radius: 18 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon/rubber stomp pad, fiberglass
The Prodigy series from Faction is their no-nonsense, all-mountain ski with some obvious freeride and freestyle flair sprinkled in. It’s got a little bit for everyone, and is a quite well-rounded ski. Faction makes so many skis that everyday skiers would greatly enjoy, but might not gravitate towards when browsing at their local ski shop. It carves well for its profile, is a nice blend of forgiving but dependable, especially underfoot thanks to the carbon stomp pad. This is a great ski for folks looking for a ski to try and do everything, an obvious one-ski-quiver candidate for riders looking for a fun all mountain ski and they don’t want metal laminates. You won’t find Unleashed 98 power, but you get a nice blend of rocker and camber, giving a fun combination of smooth edge release and inspiring energy in your turns and carves. That was the standout here on my time, the energy you get from the construction and shape while being able to hold its own through uneven snow. I skied the 177, which for me, I could realistically ski either the 177 or the 183, and found a lot to like in the shorter length. If skiers are willing to take a chance on a brand outside of the usual contenders at the rental window, they’d find a great ski with the Prodigy 2.
FISCHER
2027 Fischer Nothing
186 cm length
Radius: 22 m, but who cares?
Core: Wood (undisclosed by Fischer as part of the ski's “no spec sheet" marketing.)
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (shaped titanal insert)
Other Materials: Undisclosed
I don’t want to call it an Anomaly, for reasons that should be obvious… but the Nothing is a bit of an interesting tactic by Fischer. Sure, it has sidecut dimensions, specs and construction materials, etc. When asking Fischer what they could tell me about it before I got on it for testing, they said… you guessed it, “I can tell you Nothing.” Taking the hint, I didn’t follow up as I normally would and just went and skied it, and I’m glad I did. The Nothing is a wide freeride ski with the demeanor of a smooth operator. It’s certainly on the demanding side, if anything. The Nothing won’t beat you up if you can’t drive it, but similar to Fischer’s Ranger series, from which the Nothing clearly draws inspiration, it’s heavy and it skis accordingly. Even though they’re scribbled out on the tail, you can make out a printed 22m radius in the tested 186 cm length, so don’t anticipate slalom-esque turns on this thing. In deeper snow and wide open terrain, the Nothing will be a standout: let it rip straight and fast and you won’t feel a thing on your feet, in the best way. It’s quiet, supple, and will gladly slash and smear all over the mountain.
HEAD
2027 Head Kore 106 Ti
184 cm length
Radius: 18.5 m
Core: Karuba-Beech
Metal: Yes - two sheets (dual titanal layers, top and bottom of core)
Other Materials: Graphene, flax laminate
A bit of a surprise for me during testing, the Kore 106 Ti is an excellent freeride ski. Quite shapely in its design, with lots of both camber and rocker, it has a good deal of float and smoothness while also having a surprising amount of energy. It can rip carving turns and propel you into the next arc, but is also capable of being slashed into a hockey-stop. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, because this thing is no featherweight. The stated weight hovers around 2150 grams in the tested 184 cm length, so there’s definitely lighter and more playful options in this category. If you want a ski that you can mosey around on, you should look elsewhere, as performance is best appreciated by those who want to give this thing all they’ve got for every run. The combination of weight and camber make this a highly engaging ski, so if you’re up to the task, there is hardly a ski capable of a more versatile blend of power and liveliness.
2027 HEAD OBLIVION 84
181 cm length
Radius: 20.2 m
Core: Poplar with recycled PET
Metal: No
Other Materials: Tuff-Wall ABS sidewalls, Independent Suspension System (ISS)
Such surprising performance that I didn’t capture any photos of the Oblivion, but don’t mistake my momentary lapse for forgetful performance. The 84 is a great blend of park performance with all mountain prowess. It’s basically a ski built for halfpipes and rails. With nearly no rocker nor taper in the tips or tails, you get full edge contact when you tip it over to carve, so it can turn pretty well, despite the longer turn radius. It’s not the stiffest or strongest ski on the market, but it’s exceptionally responsive to your inputs thanks to the construction. If park is a part of the equation but you don’t want to feel lost when you’re elsewhere, don’t hesitate to consider the Oblivion.
K2
2027 K2 Mindbender 88
182 cm length
Radius: 17 m
Core: Aspen-Paulownia
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Titanal I-Beam: strips running nearly tip-to-tail but not edge-to-edge)
Other Materials: Bio Resin, “Dark Matter" TPU/metal-powder damping weights embedded near the tip/tail
All new for 2027, and quite a departure from the outgoing Mindbenders, the 88 is a versatile and strong all mountain option. It’s no Mantra 88 or Enforcer 89 by any stretch, but while you lose some of the top end performance of those other skis, you unlock versatility and approachability that those options have no answer for. Incorporating existing technologies from their Disruption series, bringing both Dark Matter and Titanal I-Beam to the equation, there’s plenty of dampness and stability here for most anyone outside of ex-racers or those that prefer outright planks. Speaking personally here for a moment, the new Mindbenders are much more comprehensive than their predecessors, and offer lots of performance without the locked-in feeling the outgoing ones had. A great choice for folks seeking a frontside ski that can handle some ice and late afternoon snow that has a bit of a freeride flair to it. A wonderful and useful ski that I hope to see out there next season.
2027 K2 Mindbender 96
183 cm length
Radius: 20 m
Core: Aspen-Paulownia
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Titanal I-Beam: strips running down the central spine of the core, not edge to edge)
Other Materials: Bio Resin, “Dark Matter" TPU/metal-powder damping weights embedded near the tip/tail
Continuing on from the 88, the Mindbender 96 is honestly, a bit of a different animal than the rest of the collection. I’ll have to revisit it during the next season, but it felt like the most willing mindbender to turn and make prototypical carves, especially compared to its wider sibling, the 101. It is strong and stable through the varied conditions found during the majority of our testing, and thanks to the minimal taper (the widest part of the ski in the tip being closer to the tip rather than being closer to the binding under your feet) it initiates a turn quite quickly and easily. When in a turn, it’s very stout and you get a bit of that “yank” into the turn that many frontside purists enjoy. Funnily enough, I didn’t get a ton of that in the narrower 88, or any other Mindbender for that matter. I proclaimed the 96 the most versatile ski for 2027, and I stand firm in that assertion. This new 96 is exactly what the average consumer is looking for in an all mountain ski, with its power and profile that combines both new and classic shaping concepts to create an extremely well rounded and stout all mountain ski. It’s strong when you need it, and willing to wiggle when you want it. You’ll need to work for the versatility, though. It’s a strong and stable ski first and foremost, and for that reason, I think you’ll see a lot of these out there over the next few years.
2027 K2 Mindbender 101
185 cm length
Radius: 20 m
Core: Aspen-Paulownia
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Titanal I-Beam: strips running nearly tip-to-tail but not edge-to-edge)
Other Materials: Bio Resin, “Dark Matter" TPU/metal-powder damping weights positioned near the binding
Continuing on here in the family, the Mindbender 101 is, once again, quite different than it’s next narrowest sibling. Even on the wall next to the 96, the shaping and profile takes a different approach. Much smoother and lower taper, with a narrower tip and straighter sidecut makes for a slashier and less engaging turn shape. The 101 is much more of a freeride-oriented ski, with a soft-snow focus that’s tough to ignore. It handles hardpack just fine, but once you get it into a few fluffy inches of snow it all will make sense. I really liked the 185, but it has gratuitous rocker in both tip and tail, so it definitely skis a bit shorter than the stated length. Another ski with a nice combo of strength and playfulness that’s all the rage these days, it’ll check a lot of boxes for skiers looking for a fun daily driver that can handle all types of snow, and come with a fun mix of power and agility. A comprehensive package that will move the industry forward in this trajectory, and it embodies the Mindbender collection nicely alongside the 96.
Read our full review of the Mindbender 101 here.
2027 K2 Mindbender 111
187 cm length
Radius: 21 m
Core: Aspen-Paulownia
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Titanal I-Beam: strips running down the central spine of the core, not edge to edge)
Other Materials: Bio Resin, “Dark Matter" TPU/metal-powder damping weights positioned near the binding zone
Capping off the new Mindbender family is the big ski, the 111. It carries forward that soft snow focus and freeride attitude from the 101 into a true big mountain weapon. It’s capable of a lot of things you might not expect from a big mountain ski, and it’s part of the Mindbender charm. It can make some pretty dependable turns on groomers and even ski switch if you want it to. Obviously, at this width, its primary purpose is soft snow and float on the deepest days. Testing conditions didn’t allow for powder lines and pillow drops, unfortunately, but given the supple tips and tail with the titanal I-Beam reinforcement underfoot, the great new shaping profile and supportive flex, it’s going to be a stalwart in the 110 freeride category. It has some twin tip inspiration with a somewhat centered mount point, but should also satisfy purely directional skiers. The 111 is a great combo of powerful and playful that will appeal to freeride athletes and weekend warriors alike who are shopping in this category.
2027 K2 Reckoner 102
184 cm length
Radius: 19.4 m
Core: Aspen
Metal: No
Other Materials: Triaxial fiberglass braid, Carbon Spectral Braid, longitudinal carbon stringers (Carbon Boost,) full-length sidewalls, Bio Resin
Flexy and damp, the Reckoner is one of the most playful skis on the planet. It’s a unique combo of smooth and bendable while being filled with high quality materials and technology. Folks might get the wrong impression from such a park-focused and soft flexing ski that it’s just a whatever-wood core and not much else, but the Reckoner 102 is quite the contrary. Combining all the materials and adhesives to go along with those technologies adds up in the weight department, and the 102 is a heavyweight. This was one of the few occasions this season where I wish I could’ve spent time skiing a shorter length, as the 184 felt a bit too long for what I would’ve wanted. Plenty of slashes, slarves, and really fun turns were had during testing. I have no real experience in the terrain park and I still found a lot of to love with the 102, so skiers looking for a flexible, dependable, and truly playful twin tip that’s at home all over the mountain, it’s a great choice.
KASTLE
2027 Kastle Sublime 88
180 cm length
Radius: 18.4 m
Core: Poplar-Beech
Metal: Yes - two sheets (full titanal, above and below core)
Other Materials: Fiberglass, Hollowtech 2.0.
One of many new models for Kastle for 2027, the Sublime 88 is a sturdy and supple all mountain ski that many folks seeking a premium performance option will enjoy. Slotting in under the existing MX family, the Sublime takes a bit of the edge off from those skis, which are some of the strongest and most demanding entries in the category. If the Kastle story speaks to you, but the MX 88 is too much ski for your everyday needs, no need to look to another brand anymore. The Sublime is still a potent and stiff ski, so you can make strong and fast carves out of this thing. It holds up well through varied conditions, too, but is on the forgiving side of strong. As I’ve come to find out is the Kastle calling card, the tail is quite stiff, so responsiveness and precision are still very much in play. Light it up on the frontside, dive into the bumps if you want, and have fun all over the mountain in the classic Kastle mint green colorway. The Sublime series is a great new entry into Kastle’s lineup, and hopefully broadens the premium brand’s appeal to that many more skiers and riders.
2027 Kastle Transcend 98
181 cm length
Radius: 18 m
Core: Poplar-Beech
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Powerzone Titanal, centered on top of core, extending just beyond the binding mount area)
Other Materials: Fiberglass, Armoclad sidewalls, Hollowtech 2.0
Another new family from Kastle for the upcoming season, and venturing into the twintip world once again, the Transcend 98 is the narrowest option in the new line. The design ethos and performance characteristics are pretty much exactly what you might expect from Kastle, too. Responsive, energetic, and strong. There’s lots of tail rocker, especially for Kastle. It’s got a really great shape, I can’t lie. It all comes together as a really comprehensive package of performance, with fun graphics, too. It’s lively and playful but still, like the Sublime, has a responsive tail. Won’t make the best groomer turns, but is perfectly capable on trail. It’s a fun all-mountain twin tip with a Kastle flair. Because of the stiff tail, you can’t be the most lazy, so keep that in mind if you want to mosey all over the hill. I look forward to trying the other widths, as I know this shape will excel in wider skis. An excellent foray back into twin tips for the Austrian brand.
LIBERTY
2027 Liberty Radian 100
179 cm length
Radius: 18.5 m
Core: Bamboo, Poplar, and Ash
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Variable Titanal Technology, full width underfoot, tapering off in the tips/tails)
Other Materials: Full-length carbon fiber, ABS/sandwich sidewalls
The Radian series is Liberty’s all-mountain family of skis, and they provide exceptionally well-rounded and approachable performance and on snow feel. For 2027, the Radians (along with the other models in Liberty’s catalogue,) incorporate bamboo back into their wood core. Along with carbon and metal laminates, there’s lots of tech here, which pairs nicely with their limited taper shape in the tips and tails. The end result is a ton of energy and a surprising performance ceiling here. You’re not going to get the carving performance of say an Enforcer 99 or an Anomaly 102, mostly due to the lighter weight, but it’s quite dependable underfoot and can make nice turns on groomers. Its off-piste capabilities are of note, too, as it’s definitely designed for soft snow and being capable of handling trees and bumps quite well. It’s very approachable for how much you can rely on it, and for that reason, so many people should ski it. It’s a great choice for so many directional skiers that want to do it all but don’t want to work too hard. The Radian 100 is an exceptional ski that I would enjoy skiing most days without a second thought.
2027 Liberty Scope 110
182 cm length
Radius: 21 m
Core: Poplar-Bamboo
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon stringers, fiberglass, phenolic plate underfoot, poured polyurethane sidewalls
It won’t be for every skier looking for a powder ski, but the Scope 110 encapsulates creativity and fun maybe more than any other ski in the category. The Scope series is famous, or maybe infamous depending on who you ask, for being exceptionally flexible and soft. For the most part, that remains true with the 110, especially in the tail. If you get the chance and even see one on the shop wall, take a second to just flex the tail with your hand and feel it basically bend in half. For skiers looking for playfulness and looseness, it’s a dream. If you want to rail carving turns through any kind of condition, you should look to other offerings. In the soft snow during testing, it unlocked a level of agility and wiggly-ness that I’ve never been able to extract from a ski this wide, which makes the trees and bumps exceptionally easy. If you have freestyle aspirations and are looking for a creative powder ski, go get on a Scope 110.
2027 Liberty Super Radian 88
179 cm length
Radius: 15.5 m
Core: Poplar-Bamboo
Metal: Yes - full sheet (Variable Metal Technology, more titanal than the standard Radian)
Other Materials: Carbon fiber, sandwich sidewalls
A surprising new addition to the Radian family, the Super Radian 88 is a unique option from Liberty. Arguably the most frontside focused offering from the Colorado brand, its bread and butter lies with its shaping and short radius. At 15.5 meters in the tested 179 cm length, it loves to arc tight turns on groomers. It’ll let you off the hook if you want a wider arc and even if you venture off trail, it would be weird if you were meant to stay on groomers while skiing anything from Liberty. It’s not a true powerhouse, so its performance from a pure strength and speed perspective isn’t really anywhere near a true frontside ski. The Super Radian, on the other hand, is exceptionally quick and agile, but combining that mentality with metal and a long effective edge you can link some great turns with ease. Having spent some good time understanding what Liberty is all about, it makes sense that their piste focused all-mountain ski comes with a tinge of funk and won’t be for everybody. It reminds me of a Mirus Cor, from Black Crows. Tight groomer turns at moderate speeds are the sweet spot. If that ski is too weird and you like what Liberty does, the Super Radian is a really fun choice.
LINE
2023 Line Blade Optic
The 2023 Line Blade Optic 96 is the same as the 2027 Line Optic 96, just with a new topsheet graphic and a different, shorter name.
184 cm length
Radius: 18 m
Core: Aspen
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive, shaped titanal spine underfoot and through the ski)
Other Materials: Fiberglass , Fatty sintered base and edges
The Blade Optic 96 is a wonderful and versatile all mountain ski. It’s damp and has a good amount of strength that you can access alongside a taste of Line’s freestyle attitude. Its twin tip shape is still 100% directional in its design, so sure, ski it switch and take it into the terrain park, but this should be your all mountain setup and not purely for park use. The “Gas Pedal Metal” gives the Blade Optic some serious heft, and results in some equally serious power. It’s a unique blend of strong without the stiffness to match. The 96 is definitely no noodle, but it comes paired with a nice round flex that lets you throw it sideways near instantly. It’s not a very engaging ski, and doesn’t quite pull you into a turn, certainly more suited to slashing turns rather than carving them. A really fun ski that motors through afternoon crud, floats well in soft snow, and will throw down off some features when asked. Freestyle skiers looking for their strong all mountain ski will find the best home here.
2027 Line Blend
180 cm length
Radius: 20 m
Core: Maple-Aspen (Maple Macroblock: two full-length maple stringers surrounded by aspen)
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon Ollieband, Capwall sidewall construction, Fatty sintered base and edges
Almost comically flexible, the Blend is a legit freestyle weapon. There isn’t much application here for dedicated all mountain use, I would say. It’s not going to be supportive enough for high speed carving turns, and will just feel a tad out of place if you have no intentions to lap your local terrain park. With no formal park background, however, I was still able to find a lot to like with the Blend. I’ve struggled with center mounted freestyle skis in the past, but the super soft flex pattern almost made the mount point and overall shape a necessity. The Blend truly is so soft that, you might loop out of some landings or powerful slashes much easier if you didn’t have a lot of tail behind you. A true blast to ski, it encourages creativity you didn’t think you’re really capable of. Soft and damp with a surprising amount of springiness, too. The Blend is one of the best skis to represent the Line brand, and is a blast to kick around the mountain and the park.
2027 Line Optic 88
184 cm length
Radius: 17.9 m
Core: Aspen
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive, central titanal spine with branches, tapering toward the tip and tail)
Other Materials: Fiberglass laminate, Bio Resin, Fatty sintered base and edges
Essentially a width down from the Blade Optic 96, it’s a similar, yet stiffer, experience on snow. A directional twin with the heft of metal to get you through your East coast groomer days. Testing conditions were quite dismal; a dusting on top of near boilerplate ice scattered with death cookies. The Optic 88 gets exceptional remarks for its ability to remain composed in the less than ideal snow, and highlights its strength and composure. It has plenty of tip and tail rocker too, so it’ll get sideways on command and even let you slash and smear turns. It prefers groomers and a bit of speed, as the stiffer flex and the Gas Pedal Metal give it a real kick, so you can certainly depend on it to make some strong turns. I wish I skied it in the size down, as the quickness and maneuverability I would anticipate from a twin tip ski from Line was second fiddle to the strength and power. Lots to like here and I hope to get back on it in the length down. Freestyle skiers looking for an all mountain missile of a twin tip should start their search here with the Optic 88.
NORDICA
2027 Nordica Enforcer 99
179 cm length
Radius: 18 m
Core: Poplar and Beech
Metal: Yes - two full sheets (Energy 2 Ti titanal above and below the core)
Other Materials: Elastomer “Pulse Core" insert near the binding, True Tip wood-extended tips
The Enforcer, while it underwent an upgrade a few years ago, returns again for 2027 as one of the strongest and most dominant forces in the all mountain skiing landscape. The 99 is an exceptionally capable all mountain weapon, and the only thing that’s holding it back is likely the rider. Supremely stiff and responsive, it is unflinching through whatever snow you’ll experience out there. On firm and granular groomers, it held whatever line I wanted, no issues. Locked in and railed turns, it’s astonishing how much speed they’ll carry with absolute ease. On the sides of the trail and in the late afternoon leftovers it simply did not care what was under it, smooth and efficient right on through it. I quickly decided against taking it through extended off-piste terrain because it’s simply too much ski to be enjoyable in those zones for me. Riders and prospective buyers beware, as they’re heavy and rugged. They don’t really take any prisoners, and while they are a tremendous ski, more people will buy one than probably should. It’s so strong and so stiff, that the average skier that thinks they want the highest level of typical performance will get one. Not going to knock people’s choice to pick one up, but just be aware that there are drawbacks to picking a ski with this level of performance. The Enforcer 99 is as much ski as you’ll likely ever need, and if speed is your best friend, just go buy one, you will certainly not regret it.
2024 Nordica Unleashed 98
The 2027 Unleashed 98 returns with a new topsheet graphic for 2027, but remains otherwise unchanged from the 2024 version.
180 cm length
Radius: 18.1 m
Core: Poplar-Beech
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (one layer of “Terrain Specific" titanal)
Other Materials: Carbon, fiberglass
A really sweet combination of strength and charisma that I’ve yet to find in many other skis, the Unleashed 98 loves to rip carving turns. Tip it on edge and see for yourself, it’s downright hysterical that a responsive twin tip like the Unleashed can be so good making sweeping turns on groomers. There isn’t a ton of rocker in either tip or tail, and the widest part of the ski is pretty close to the ends of the ski, too. This means instant engagement when you lean onto your edge, but also it keeps the focus to on-trail performance. I’ve ripped through the bumps and the woods plenty on the 98, and it won’t fight you too much, but they’ll keep you honest. The camber is responsive and it wants to turn instead of drift along, so just be aware. It’s got some great strength to it, a tight turn shape, and you can ski backwards. An exceptional all mountain twin tip that does so many things well.
Read our full review of the Unleashed 98 here.
2027 Nordica Unleashed 106 CA
185 cm length
Radius: 18.7 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Carbon, fiberglass
New for 2027, the Unleashed family gets a new width with the 106, and says goodbye to the outgoing 108. The 108 was a ripping carver mixed with big mountain strength and energy, and lots of that trickles through down to the 106. This 106 in particular is the CA version, meaning there is no metal laminate here. In its place, we find carbon stringers that run longitudinally throughout the core, providing lots of energy and bounce. I wouldn’t call it an overbearing powerhouse, as the lack of metal is apparent if that’s what you’re used to. Don’t be fooled, however, the CA is certainly no slouch, and has an almost classic profile and camber, so it’s poised to rip turns on groomers. Nordica is in the business of making skis that mean business, and the 106 CA, despite the lack of titanal, certainly fits that bill. Energy and rebound packed into a sweet topsheet graphic, and if you want that story but with an extra dollop of strength, the “regular” 106 will answer the call. An awesome new addition to the Unleashed family.
ROSSIGNOL
2027 Rossignol Sender 110
184 cm length
Radius: 20 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (“Titanal Beam" running through the center spine of the ski)
Other Materials: Carbon Alloy Matrix (carbon/basalt diagonal weave with linear glass stringers), Damp Tech rubber inserts, Fiberglass laminate, rubber stringers (Line Control Technology), VAS (Vibration Absorption System) vibration-absorption rubber in the shovel, Air Tip insert
Some skis need no introduction, and the Sender 110 will only get one here because it gets a slight name change and graphic refresh. Otherwise, the Sender Free 110 returns with a shorter name and same podium-topping performance you might expect from a freeride ski. A nice smooth taper shape, boatloads of rocker, and packed with performance metal and materials makes for a heavy, damp, and fun-filled powder seeking weapon. You can basically go as fast as you want through whatever terrain you might encounter, and the Sender 110 is up for the job. Be wary, as the ski is heavy and requires a full time pilot. But, if you’re up for the task, you’ll hardly find a more worthy ski for a powder day. It’s a smooth operator and will take you as high as you can fly it, and as fast as you want. Some of the most visceral moments from this past season involved sending some questionable speed through variable terrain and experiencing the insulation and smoothness from the Sender 110. Confident and capable, it’s no wonder it returns as the same ski over and over again and is consistently used by some of the best freeride athletes in the sport.
Read our full review of the Sender 110 here.
2027 Rossignol Soul 102
180 cm length
Radius: 17 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: Yes - partial sheet (“Titanal Beam” running through the center spine of the ski)
Other Materials: Fiberglass laminate, rubber stringers (Line Control Technology), VAS (Vibration Absorption System) vibration-absorption rubber in the shovel, Air Tip insert
One of the most well rounded skis I got on this year, it’s a do it all ski for folks looking to attack groomers with speed and smoothness, but don’t want to lose their off trail capabilities. The Soul 102 is a strong ski, so if you’re looking for a more playful experience, I’d focus your search elsewhere, but the 102 is a great all mountain charger with tons of performance on tap. A crisp 17 meter turn radius means it’ll bring you across the fall line nicely, but it’s not so hooky that you feel locked down in your turn shape. It’s heavy, and skis accordingly. Like lots of what Rossignol offers, the Soul 102 is packed with tech and materials which lead to a stated 2050 grams per ski in the tested 180cm length. Titanal beam, Air Tip, Line Control technology, along with the brand’s Vibration Absorption System leads to a robust and smooth skiing experience, especially on groomed trails. A unique experience of damp and lively at the same time, the Soul 102 is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and sturdy platform or a wide one-ski quiver setup.
SALOMON
2026 Salomon QST 100
180 cm length
Radius: 17.5 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Basalt fibers interwoven with fiberglass, Cork Damplifier 2.0 (horseshoe-shaped inserts in the tip and tail), full sandwich sidewalls
The QST 100 returns unchanged for 2027, but has a new black topsheet that replaces the iceberg green and pink colorway. The 100 was my first introduction to the new construction and iteration of the family, and the amount of performance you get from the new build is notable and surprising. The same heft and damp nature are present from turn one, and the playful shape and abundant rocker combine to net one of the smoothest and most playful performers of the year. The unorthodox shape and profile makes for a ski that wants to turn, but it packs plenty of strength to glide over tons of different types of snow. It’s a playful ski at the end of the day, so don’t expect endless edge grip and power, but also don’t be afraid to let them run. An exceptional ski from Salomon, and after testing so many skis this season, I decided to buy one for personal use for the upcoming season. It’ll be my daily driver out here on the East coast, but can play in soft snow quite well for its width, and wiggles through the trees with the best of them. A world-class entry that does an exceptional job at checking so many boxes. I am looking forward to spending a few dozen days with them next season.
2025 Salomon QST 106
181 cm length
Radius: 19 m
Core: Poplar (Full Woodcore)
Metal: Yes - Ti Binding Reinforcement
Other Materials: C/FX (Carbon/Flax weave), Cork Damplifier in tip, full sandwich sidewalls
My most used ski from the past season, and deservedly so. The QST 106 is an elite soft snow ski, and we had abundantly good conditions across a good swath of the year here on the East coast. While certainly too wide for near daily use on this half of the U.S., the 106 is stout enough to hold up well to adverse conditions and terrain. It took me wherever I needed to go, while not putting up too much fuss. Its smooth on-snow feel had me after the first few runs and is what keeps bringing me back for more. It worked great in the early season glades at Stowe Mountain Resort and was equally as proficient in the springtime slush at Sunday River. I can’t recommend it to everyone, as it is quite heavy and cumbersome at slow speeds, and folks looking for the power of metal laminates won’t really find the performance they’d expect or demand. In a vacuum, it’s excellent. It will be a benchmark ski as future testing commences. Considering I have the 100 and a QST Blank dialed up for the upcoming season, I don’t foresee myself reaching for the 106 all too often, because of what those two can offer me in terms of versatility and performance. I think the 106 is an outlier in this lineup, at least for me. I’ll revisit this theory throughout the 2027 season, but the flanking members of the family offer so much performance from both a power and playfulness perspective that the 106 will likely get lost for me, but it deserves its flowers, 100%. It’s so buttery smooth and damp, and is a true delight in soft snow, and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend as much time as I did on another ski this year.
Read the rull review of the 2025 QST 106 here.
2027 Salomon QST 106
181 cm length
Radius: 19.5 m
Core: Poplar (Full Woodcore)
Metal: No
Other Materials: Basalt fibers interwoven with fiberglass, Cork Damplifier 2.0 (horseshoe-shaped inserts in the tip and tail), full sandwich sidewalls
The 2027 QST 106 returns unchanged from the then-new 2026 model, aside from the sweet new black and dark pink topsheet. The new updates found across the rest of the QST line are of course present here, and although the performance of the refreshed 106 is very similar to the outgoing orange ones, there’s some differences I found worth noting. They ski a tad lighter, thanks to the updated construction materials, which opens up the flex a bit too. They’re still very damp and quite sturdy, and just like the predecessors, are great groomer skis for their size. The turn shape opens up slightly, and thanks to the straighter cut like to run a bit more than the older version. All things being said, they still offer outstanding powder performance, crud busting capabilities, and smoothness. A refinement of the finest order, the 106 is an exemplary second ski for anyone wanting a powder option that doesn’t know what to look for in a wide ski. The slight weight reduction makes them more appropriate for more skiers searching for a strong freeride powder setup. If you don’t know which wider ski you want and have the opportunity to demo a QST 106, I highly recommend you give it a shot.
2027 Salomon S/Lab QST Blank
186 cm length
Radius: 19 m
Core: Poplar
Metal: No
Other Materials: Basalt fibers interwoven with fiberglass, Cork Damplifier 2.0 (horseshoe-shaped inserts in the tip and tail), full sandwich sidewalls
The QST Blank was my ski of the year, and if you read the write up for the 100 you’ll know I picked one up for personal use this upcoming season. I’ll be forthright and say that I definitely don’t need a ski like the Blank for the average east coast day, it’s much too wide and definitely has an affinity for bigger and deeper terrain. It’s heavy, and can be demanding and a bit bloated in tighter zones or at slow speeds. By the graces of whatever snow god you pray to when you want a powder day, you better get to experience what the Blank can provide you when the conditions are deep and soft. It’s a stunner, and is simply an effective and robust set of kit. Freeride athletes rip them, and weekend warriors like myself won’t stop telling you to try them. It’s rare to find a ski that caters to both crowds so well, and that’s what makes it so great. Bouncy and playful, yet damp and determined. Get it on groomers and you’ll be confident and poised, it’s a tad jarring to be honest how well it turns on groomers despite the slow edge-to-edge feel. If by chance you saw my write up from the SkiEssentials test, I proclaimed the following: “When I dream of endless powder, doing fun and crazy things, and the perfect ski day, I am skiing the QST Blank. Smeary when you want it, stable when you need it, but it’s always fun. Truly an impressive ski. I will own one.” I’m many things, including a man of my word, and I am indeed a new owner of a 2027 QST Blank, so if my opinion means anything to you, hopefully that’ll convince you to try and ski one when you’re blessed with some deep snow.
2024 Salomon Stance 90
182 cm length
Radius: 19 m
Core: Karuba-Poplar
Metal: Yes - two sheets (Double Ti / Metal Twinframe: one layer above, one below the core)
Other Materials: Carbon and basalt fibers (in milled window sections of the top titanal layer), full sandwich sidewalls
The 2027 Salomon Stance Pro 90 is the same ski as the 2024 Stance 90, just with a different graphic and name scheme. It’s also the second ski this season I spent time on but did not successfully capture an on snow picture of. The Stance 90 is a versatile, frontside focused option that has lots of appeal for so many skiers. The fact that I spent so much time on the Stance 90 and didn’t capture a single frame of them on snow, however, I think encapsulates their performance. I mean this in a complimentary way, as they’re unassuming and standardized. They’re quite strong, but are also supple and a bit forgiving if you need some compliance from them. They don’t rip you into a turn but will make railroad tracks down a groomer if you want to let them ride. Not always willing to be sideways but won’t break your back when you need to dump some speed or take an out of rhythm turn. While I might dream of powder days and skiing a QST Blank, there are plenty of ski days that you’d never dream of. Bitterly cold, frozen granular groomers, freeze thaw death cookies, funky wet snow, you know what I’m alluding to. The Stance 90 makes those days so much better, offering an exceptionally reliable amount of performance with the smooth nature that Salomon offers with many other skis in the catalogue. Want a ski for the average ski day or a freeride flavored frontside ski? The Salomon Stance 90 is the perfect pick.
Read our full review of the Stance 90 here.
STOCKLI
2027 Stockli Stormrider 108
180 cm length
Radius: 16.9 m (even though it definitely looks like 16.4 meters on the tail, I confirmed with Stockli it’s 16.9 m)
Core: Poplar-Beech-Paulownia
Metal: Yes - two sheets (dual titanal laminate; the top sheet doubles as the topsheet, Stockli calls it their “Titec" construction)
Other Materials: Fiberglass, rubber dust in the adhesive/laminate layers for damping, Polywall sidewalls
New for 2027, the Stormrider family gets a new addition that strays from the other Stormriders while retaining the parts that make it uniquely Stockli. Flat tail, gorgeous topsheet, and the smoothest snow feel money can buy. The Swiss brand provides the new wide Stormrider lots of rocker, a short radius, and another unique skiing experience. It’s simply so luxurious, and comes with the requisite price tag, as it’ll set you back a crisp 1700 United States Dollars for the privilege of owning one. The craziest part of the whole thing is that it is worth every single penny of that exorbitant cost. You get a level of quality and smoothness that is hard to find from other manufacturers. While certainly not an everyday choice for most folks, The Stormrider 108 makes some awesome, crisp turns and holds up to bad conditions excellently. It wants to be in deep snow and steep terrain above all else, and really comes alive when it’s insulating its rider from softer bumps at high speed. If you have deep pockets and want a gorgeous ski for snowy days, this is a ski that you don’t even need to demo. Just go buy one, and you will not regret it.
VOLKL
2027 Volkl Revolt 101
182 cm length
Radius: 19 m (Volkl's "3D Radius" sidecut: 24.6 m tip / 19 m waist / 22.4 m tail)
Core: Multilayer Woodcore (beech at the edges, poplar in the center)
Metal: No
Other Materials: Fiberglass, full sidewall (mini-cap) construction
The Revolt 101 is a supremely capable ski, with lots of power and carving capabilities on offer. It’s just a simple wood core ski, so the power might catch you off guard, especially if you’re expecting similar performance to most other Revolts. It’s made to be a little brother to the wider Revolt 114, which has spent lots of time in freeride competitions and big mountain settings. This 101 absolutely rips, and is not for the faint of heart. Don’t expect much playfulness unless you are driving it at full speed. Even then, the tail is responsive and will dial you into a carving turn. Good amounts of rocker in the tip allow for some swiveling when you want, but the subtle taper in the tip will yank you across the hill. You can absolutely stand on this thing with supreme confidence and ask a lot from it, which is where I found the most enjoyment from the 101. It’ll bite you back if you’re not careful, so intermediates proceed with caution. The Revolt 101 will serve aggressive skiers and freeriders with a stable and versatile platform, and it’s no surprise you’re starting to see them all over the place.
2024 Volkl Revolt 104
180 cm length
Radius: 19 m (Volkl's “3D Radius" sidecut: 24.2 m tip / 19 m waist / 22.2 m tail)
Core: Multilayer Woodcore (beech at the edges, poplar in the center)
Metal: No
Other Materials: Fiberglass, full sidewall construction with mini-cap overlap
For 2027, the Revolt 104 remains the same ski as it was when it was released way back in 2021, just with a refreshed graphic. The Revolt 104 is a sweet freestyle oriented twin tip powder ski, and is unlike anything else I really skied this year. It’s nearly center mounted, with the factory recommended line being less than two centimeters back from center. It’s quite soft, but quite dependable underfoot, so if you want you can trench some really unique carves on it. It’s a joy to wiggle through the trees and send off natural terrain features all across the resort, especially if you can take advantage of its freestyle prowess. The 104 loves soft snow and also floats really well, it’ll make for a great powder ski. It is definitely not for everyone, and won’t really provide too much traditional on trail performance. It’s a wonky ski for non-traditional park skiers as the target audience. If ripping carves on icy terrain is the last thing on your mind, and you want a funky freestyle ski with some serious soft snow chops, the Revolt 104 is exactly what you’re looking for.
Read our full review of the Revolt 104 here.