Testers loved the Black Diamond Element’s ability to float, and its responsiveness in powder. A soft snow specific ski, it excels in off-piste conditions and can be lots of fun with a touring setup. Count on it to make consistent medium radius turns.

Get it on hard snow or even in mixed conditions, however, and it is much less predictable. On groomed, or anything other than pure powder, the Element has a tendency to lose stability and get kicked around.