Here’s a summary of our Men’s Frontside Carving Skis, conducted by Gear Institute staff.
Salomon Enduro XT 800
The Enduro XT800 was rated either the favorite or “excellent” by every one who tested it. It’s a fun, exciting ripper that’s versatile with a little softness. A ski for lift-served skiers who prefer groomed and hardpacked to packed powder conditions. Retail Price: $799. Gear Institute Rating: 93
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Blizzard Magnum 8.0 Ti
Blizzard’s Magnum 8.0 Ti is a groomed and hardpack snow eating machine. It handles a multitude of speeds and turn shapes with a quick and responsive feel underfoot. Easily handles a multitude of speeds. Responsive but a little heavy. Retail Price: $850. Gear Institute Rating: 92
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Nordica FireArrow EDT
Nordica’s FireArrow EDT is a serious ski for serious skiers, who will continue to find new ways to appreciate how it rewards their expertise. There’s no off switch on these babies and no speed limit. Retail Price: $1499. Gear Institute Rating: 88
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Fischer Motive 86
The Motive 86 delivers a wonderfully rounded all-terrain performance. It’s a A ski for lift-served skiers who prefer groomed and hardpacked to packed powder conditions. Inspires confidence with its versatility but no one feature sets it apart. Retail Price: $750. Gear Institute Rating: 86
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Volkl V-Werks RTM 84
A damp ski, the V-Werks 84 loves nothing more than turning hardpack into carpet. It’s stable and damp but not overly lively. Confident in mid-range turns. Retail Price: $1275. Gear Institute Rating: 85
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
K2 A.M.P. Ricter 82XTi
K2’s AmpRichter 82 is an aggressive frontside ski with incredible edgehold and a huge sweet spot. It’s not for lazy skiers as it rips mid-sized turns on its large sweet spot. A ski for lift-served skiers who prefer groomed and hardpacked to packed powder conditions. Retail Price: $1080. Gear Institute Rating: 84
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Atomic Blackeye Ti
Atomic’s Blackeye Ti is a reliable, predictable carving ski for everyone from intermediate to advanced skiers who want a worry-free day. Good edgehold and stability; not as versatile as some with lackluster off-piste performance. Retail Price: $900. Gear Institute Rating: 83
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Kastle MX83
The Kastle MX 83 skis like an all-mountain ski with a narrower profile for a frontside market. A ski for lift-served skiers who prefer groomed and hardpacked to packed powder conditions, it’s stable and damp preferring mid-radius turns. Retail Price: $1179. Gear Institute Rating: 81
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Rossignol Pursuit HP
Rossignol’s Pursuit HP shines when it comes to turn initiation and forgiveness. It’s one of the most playful skis in this class and meets a lot of different needs for different skiers. It does have a speed limit and might be more suited for West coast carving. Retail Price: $1050. Gear Institute Rating: 81
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Ramp Frenzy
Ramp’s Frenzy rewarded any tester who wanted to relax and take full stock of their amazing alpine environment. For lift-served skiers who prefer groomed and hardpacked, this ski is hard edging, has a light feel, and is fun and versatile, although it can lose stability at higher speeds. Retail Price: $599. Gear Institute Rating: 80
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
Armada Triumph
The Armada Triumph is a good fit for any lift-served skier who wants an all-around ski for typical in-bounds conditions, but not so much for the trench-digging carvers who like to speed down hardpack hot laps. It has versatility, playfulness and good turn initiation; but is not as confident as other skis in this class. Retail Price: $849. Gear Institute Rating: 78
To read the full report, check out our Men’s Frontside Ski Test.
