The Best Men's All Mountain Skis

Gear Institute’s ski test is held annually at Snowbird, Utah, in conjunction with Mountain Magazine and Outside Magazine. The 2018 test was held in February, with more than 20 testers, several of who work in the snowsports industry as ski instructors, ski patrollers, professional athletes, and magazine editors, as well as one former member of the U.S. Ski Team. Other testers included former NCAA Division I ski racers, some hard-charging beer league skiers from the East Coast, as well as local rippers from Alta and Snowbird, and also from Jackson Hole, Vail, Taos, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Initial product testing was also conducted in January 2018 at Copper Mountain, Colorado, during the SnowSports Industries America tradeshow.

Snowbird offers the kind of world-class terrain, including everything from expertly groomed hardpack to tight trees, windswept bowls, big bumps, steep chutes, endless cornices and all-around mixed conditions that allow us to test skis in almost every imaginable condition. With many top name ski manufacturers—such as Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Salomon—having their headquarters in Utah (including several, such as Blizzard, with satellite offices in the Beehive State), we can also easily coordinate with the brands to ensure that we test products in exactly the kinds of conditions in which they were designed to excel. We don’t test Powder skis on hardpack, and we don’t test Frontside skis when the Wasatch is experiencing one of its legendary storms. Each day of our test we check the weather conditions and test the right skis for those conditions accordingly.

We do test skis head-to-head, one after the other, rating them on the same criteria that we feel is most relevant to each specific category, with an emphasis on top of the line products for advanced to expert skiers who know how they want a ski to perform. The five major Classifications we focused on while testing each ski in the All-Mountain Category were the Overall Classification, which measured how well the ski performed in All Mountain conditions, from groomers to bumps to windblown powder and crud, but also including Responsiveness, Resort Float, and Carving.

Below is a summary of the overall results of our test, including which ski scored the Best in Class, and how each ski scored in each specific test classification.

Men's All Mountain Ski Review Results

by: Peter Kray

These results dig into each of the test criteria to provide an in depth evaluation to help you find the best ski for you.

Overall Overview

In the Overall Classification, testers focused on how each ski performed in a wide variety of All Mountain conditions, including hardpack, bumps, trees, light powder, and pretty much whatever the expansive terrain of Snowbird could deliver on any given run. What we found is skis like the DPS Wailer F99, Liberty Origin96, Line Sick Day 94 or Black Crows Daemon might offer superior off-piste Float and ease of initiation, but at a slight cost to the ski’s hardpack performance. At the other end of the spectrum, skis such as the Nordica Enforcer 93, Blizzard Bonafide or Salomon QST 99 feature great Carving ability, but not as much Float, and more easily edge through off-piste conditions rather than porpoise. Overall leaders, such as the Kastle FX95 HP, Rossignol Experience 100, Head Kore 93 and Fischer Pro MTN 95 Ti, offer a more evenly balanced mix of both.

Responsiveness Overview

The Responsiveness Classification was scored in a slightly similar fashion to the Overall Classification, testing scores for how well each ski moved from edge to edge in a variety of conditions, whether it performed better off-piste or on, and how easy it was to drive each ski in a variety of turn shapes. Skis such as the DPS Wailer F99, Line Sick Day 94, K2 Pinnacle 95 and Black Crows Daemon felt more Responsive off-piste, partly as a result of their superior Float and ease of initiation. Skis such as the Blizzard Bonafide, Elan Ripstick 96 and Nordica Enforcer 93 were much accurate on-piste, although off-piste each of those skis still held a strong edge. Skis such as the Kastle FX95 HP, Rossignol Experience 100, Head Kore 93, Fischer Pro MTN 95 Ti, Dynastar Legend X88 and All Mountain arcing Atomic Vantage 100 CTI all received 8s and 9s for Responsiveness, for their ability to rip on any piste.

Resort Float Overview

As discussed in the Overall Overview (see above), skis such as the DPS Wailer F99, Liberty Origin96, Line Sick Day 94, K2 Pinnacle 95 and Black Crows Daemon offer superior off-piste Float and ease of initiation, with generous tip rocker and a progressive, even shovel flex. The Kastle and Rossignol also performed well in this classification, while skis such as the Volkl 90Eight, Nordica Enforcer 93, Blizzard Bonafide, and Salomon QST 99 received average scores, due often to increased Stability courtesy of metal laminate layers and a damper feel underfoot.

Carving and Stability Overview

As we found in the Frontside Category, the Stability of a ski often impacts its Carving ability, providing ready power transmission underfoot and torsional strength for better edge hold through the shovel. That was also generally the case in the All Mountain Category. While skis such as the Liberty Origin 96 carved better off-piste, and the DPS Wailer F99 rewarded carvers who prefer a lighter touch, it was damper, stiffer skis such as the Volkl 90Eight – which earned 9s for Carving and Stability (out of a possible 10) – that scored best in each of these classifications. The Kastle FX95 HP, for instance, scored a 9 for Carving and a 10 for Stability, the Head Kore 93 scored 9s in each classification, the Elan Rip Stick 96 scored a 10 for Carvcing, as did the Blizzard Bonafide, while the Nordica Enforcer 93 scored a 9 for Carving and an 8 for Stability. While Carving and Stability Classification scores were well above average in the All Mountain Category, as mentioned above, several of the skis with the best off-piste Float also earned lower Carving. Something to consider as you decide exactly what you prefer in your perfect All Mountain ski.

Review Year

Best in Class

Overall Rating

Price

Name	Overall Rating	Ratings	The Good	The Bad	Price
Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI 2017	95 Best in Class 2016	Edge Hold 10 Float 7 Versatility 10 Stability 9 Carving 10 Value 9	Most versatile turn radius in this category Ginsu-like edge hold Beautifully balanced Super energetic Very quick edge to edge	Might like a little more float Experts will get the most out of this ski Couple testers thought it had a speed limit	MSRP $899.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Blizzard Quattro RX 2017	94	Edge-hold 10 Float 8 Versatility 9 Stability 9 Carving 9 Value 9	Perfectly balanced Damp, yet agile Big sweet spot Very easy to initiate Super stable at high speeds	Better on groomers More rewarding for technical skiers Needs to be skied all the time Not as responsive at slower speeds Little on the pricey side	MSRP $1,320.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Volkl M5 Mantra	94 Best in Class 2019	Overall 10 Responsiveness 8 Stability 9 Resort Float 8 Carving 9	So much versatility in turn shapes Delivers at every speed Insanely stable and reactive Even with high expectations, this ski delivered	Not for surfer/slough skiers Rewards your full attention Not as effective at slower speeds Some wanted to feel something ‘more' underfoot	MSRP $825.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Rossignol Experience 88 HD	93	Edge Hold 9 Float 8 Versatility 8 Stability 10 Carving 9 Value 9	Powerful but not demanding True all-mountain performance Big sweet spot Confidence-inspiring ski Great grip	Prefers GS turns More damp than lively Rewards skiers who steer Carves instead of floats Advanced to expert only	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Rossignol Experience 100 HD 2017	93 Best in Class 2016	Responsiveness 9 Float 9 Versatility 8 Stability 9 Carving 10 Value 8	Balanced in every respect Purest arcs possible A pleasure to ski Powerful ski Confidence builder	Better for technical skiers More damp than nimble Prefers mid to long radius turns	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Rossignol Experience 94 Ti	93	Overall 9 Responsiveness 8 Stability 9 Resort Float 7 Carving 10	So quick edge to edge Amazing stability Lots of energy Super confident Versatile ski	Could use a little more float Has to be on edge Not a ski for freestylers	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL $399.95 Skis.com
Fischer Pro MTN 86 2017	92	Responsiveness 9 Float 7 Versatility 8 Stability 9 Carving 10 Value 9	Effortless to get on edge Tenacious grip Versatile at different speeds and turn shapes Powerful and damp Big sweet spot	Not for the faint of heart Needs to be driven Better on-piste Best for technicians and ex-racers Likes GS turns the most	MSRP $750.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Kastle FX95 HP	92 Best in Class 2017	Overall 9 Responsiveness 7 Stability 10 Resort Float 7 Carving 9	Excellent edge hold Superior stability Awesome ski-to-snow contact Great energy at speed Performs on and off-piste	Experts only Less lively than damp Prefers mid-radius turns Pricier than most	MSRP $1,199.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Dynastar Legend X88	92	Overall 9 Float 8 Stability 8 Edge Hold 9 Carving Pleasure 9 Turn Shape 9	Smooth and dynamic Even flex Easy to initiate Responsive Super edge hold	Has to be in a turn Better in the fall-line More lively than damp Best on softer surfaces There are a couple better carvers in the class	MSRP $750.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition	92	Overall 8 Responsiveness 9 Stability 8 Resort Float 7 Carving 10	Damp but responsive Super smooth Effortless edge to edge Great hold Fun to ski	Not as much float Not as much pop Prefers medium-radius turns	MSRP $900.00 BEST DEAL $584.99 UtahSkis
Blizzard Bonafide Ski Review 2017	91	Responsiveness 9 Float 6 Versatility 8 Stability 10 Carving 10 Value 8	Awesome hold Super precise Powerful and confident Best stability Loves high speeds	Not much for float Sinks a little in deeper snow Not for the faint of heart Better on best or hard snow Needs to be driven	MSRP $840.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Atomic Vantage 100 CTI	91	Overall 9 Responsiveness 9 Stability 7 Resort Float 8 Carving 8	Versatile Super grip Quick for its size Great for carving Very stable	Demands your full attention Better off-piste than on Some testers felt it lost performance on hard pack There are damper skis in this category	MSRP $600.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Head Kore 99	91	Overall 8 Responsiveness 6 Stability 10 Resort Float 9 Carving 8	Stable and happy to go fast Blast through crud with decent float Powerful for being so lightweight Strong All Mountain performance Smooth flex	No pop Needs to be on edge Really, really damp Bit too big and powerful for on-piste	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL $479.00 Peter Glenn Ski & Sports
Volkl Kendo Ski Test Results 2016	90	Responsiveness 8 Float 8 Versatility 9 Stability 9 Carving 8 Value 8	All around solid performance Charges the fall-line Busts the crud Great edge hold Fast and precise One of the top skis in this category	Not as fun in the bumps Actually preferred mixed conditions Race style skiers will opt for the Blizzard or Head Monster 88	MSRP $825.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Salomon X-Drive 8.8 FS	90	Edge Hold 9 Float 7 Versatility 9 Stability 8 Carving 8 Value 9	Great carver Feels light and easy to move Solid edge-hold Very versatile Super easy to initiate	It's possible to over turn Not the best at higher speeds Does not dampen out all vibrations Needs to be on edge Best for skiers who like to make a lot of turns	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Rossignol Experience 100 HD	90	Overall 8 Responsiveness 7 Stability 10 Resort Float 6 Carving 9	Excellent carver Wonderfully damp Confident in all conditions Great edge hold Excellent balance	More damp than lively Best for technical skiers Not as much float Bigger skiers might prefer the 182 cm length	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Fischer Pro MTN 95 Ti	90	Overall 9 Responsiveness 8 Stability 8 Resort Float 6 Carving 9	Great edge grip Versatile turn shape Rewards being pushed Very damp Carving machine	Not as lively Feels like more of a Frontside ski Sluggish in bumps Good use more float	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Blizzard Bonafide 2018/19	90	Overall 8 Responsiveness 7 Stability 9 Resort Float 6 Carving 10	Damp Smooth feel on the snow Vaporizes mank and crud Strong hold Exciting ski	Not the best floater For experts only Performs better at higher speeds More damp than playful Prefers mid to long-radius turns	MSRP $840.00 BEST DEAL $559.96 Backcountry.com
Salomon QST 99 2018/19	90	Overall 8 Responsiveness 7 Stability 9 Resort Float 8 Carving 8	All around performance Super smooth underfoot Great hold Feels big off-piste But can still hold on edge on hardpack	More damp than lively Still needs to be on edge Short turns aren’t its strength	MSRP $725.00 BEST DEAL $599.99 Skis.com
Dynastar Powertrack 84 Ski Test Results 2016	89	Responsiveness 9 Float 6 Versatility 8 Stability 8 Carving 9 Value 9	Very responsive Excellent carving capability Fantastic edge hold Easy to turn Fun to ski	Very little float Better on piste Needs to be steered	MSRP $600.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Fischer Pro MTN 95 Ti 2017	89	Responsiveness 9 Float 7 Versatility 7 Stability 9 Carving 9 Value 8	Great energy and hold Powerful yet easy to engage Very solid all over the hill Aggressive charger Vaporizes manky snow	Not as forgiving Needs to be driven Stiffer in the forebody Best going fast	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Head Kore 93	89	Overall 8 Flotation 8 Stability 9 Edge Hold 8 Carving Pleasure 9 Turn Shape 7	Lightweight Easy carver Super stability Very good Frontside ski Incredible grip	Not as much float Not as much pop Needs to be on edge	MSRP $750.00 BEST DEAL $379.97 evo
Blizzard Bonafide	89	Overall 8 Responsiveness 7 Stability 9 Resort Float 5 Carving 10	Damp Smooth feel on the snow Vaporizes mank and crud Strong hold Exciting ski	Not the best floater For experts only Performs better at higher speeds More damp than playful Prefers mid to long-radius turns	MSRP $840.00 BEST DEAL $559.96 Backcountry.com
Atomic Vantage 97 TI	89	Overall 8 Responsiveness 7 Stability 9 Resort Float 6 Carving 9	Great edge-hold Super stable Makes great medium and long radius turns Confident ski Loves to carve	Not as great at short turns More carve than float Too aggressive for all but advanced/expert skiers	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL $489.99 Skis.com
Nordica NRGy 90 Ski Test Results 2016	88	Responsiveness 8 Float 8 Versatility 7 Stability 9 Carving 8 Value 8	Great edge hold Excels off-piste Lot of pop underfoot Blew through mixed conditions Better at speed	Not as much fun on the groomed Prefers bigger turns Rewards stronger skiers	MSRP $699.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Rossignol Experience 88 Ski Test Results 2016	88	Responsiveness 8 Float 6 Versatility 8 Stability 8 Carving 9 Value 9	Stable Loves hardpack Awesome at mid-range turns Sweet carve Easy to initiate	Not much float More damp than lively Not as powerful as other skis in this category	MSRP $650.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Salomon QST 99 2017	88	Responsiveness 8 Float 8 Versatility 8 Stability 9 Carving 7 Value 8	Super initiation, even in longer turns Great edge hold Very stable Good float Can gobble up terrain	Better off-piste than on Less precise on hardpack Slightly slower on quick edge changes Prefers medium to long radius turns	MSRP $725.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Fischer Ranger 98 Ti	88	Overall 7 Responsiveness 8 Stability 6 Resort Float 9 Carving 8	Fairly versatile turn shape Especially off-piste So responsive Reliable initiation Excellent maneuverability	Not as great at higher speeds Not as great on-piste Lighter tips could get pushed around Prefers medium to short-radius turns	MSRP $749.00 BEST DEAL $449.97 Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Head Monster 88 Ski Test Results 2016	87	Responsiveness 8 Float 7 Versatility 7 Stability 9 Carving 8 Value 8	Excellent edge hold Superior stability Loves high speeds Great carving ski Exciting	Not for the faint of heart Experts only Has to be forced into short swing turns Felt heavy	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Dynastar Powertrack 84 2017	87	Responsiveness 8 Float 7 Versatility 8 Stability 7 Carving 9 Value 8	Carves like nothing else Super easy to initiate Very fast edge to edge Smooth snow contact Lively underfoot	Needs to be driven Better at mid-speeds And at short to medium turns More finesse than float Has to stay on edge	MSRP $600.00 BEST DEAL N/A
K2 Poacher 2017	87	Responsiveness 8 Float 7 Versatility 8 Stability 6 Carving 8 Value 10	Fun, easy to ski Super quick edge to edge Playful Maneuverable Flat out ripper	Can be over skied Loses some stability at higher speeds Don't load the tail on hard snow Not for ex-racers More fun and finesse than power	MSRP $600.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Elan Ripstick 96	87	Overall 8 Responsiveness 8 Stability 7 Resort Float 4 Carving 10	Turns are automatic Giant sweet spot Wicked grip Lots of energy Won’t let go of a carve	Not so much float Lost some performance at higher speeds Prefers short to medium-radius turns Some testers wanted a beefier ski	MSRP $700.00 BEST DEAL $486.93 REI.com
Kastle MX 89 2017	86	Edge Hold 8 Float 7 Versatility 7 Stability 9 Carving 8 Value 7	Powerful ski Stable The harder you push it the more it gives back Loves high speed Predictable feel	Needs to be driven Some testers thought it was too damp Does not perform at mid to slower speeds Smaller sweet spot Not as forgiving	MSRP $1,299.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Elan Ripstick 96 Ski Review 2017	86	Responsiveness 8 Float 8 Versatility 7 Stability 6 Carving 9 Value 8	Great carver Lively Easy to turn Forgiving flex Transitions well from packed to crud	Not the highest ratings for stability A little too much rocker for super high speeds on the groomed Skis a bit short Might be a little too carvy off-piste	MSRP $700.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Atomic Vantage 95 C Ski Review 2017	86	Responsiveness 7 Float 8 Versatility 7 Stability 8 Carving 8 Value 8	Lively Nice turn initiation Good edge hold Easy swing weight Loves mid to long-radius turns	Does not excel in any one condition Has to be forced in short turns Little too much rocker on the groomed Definitely prefers to be on edge	MSRP $600.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Salomon QST 99	86	Overall 7 Responsiveness 6 Stability 8 Resort Float 8 Carving 7	Damp Stable Good edge grip Stable platform Very balanced	Prefers off-piste terrain And softer snow Less lively than damp Performs at its best in medium radius turns Can be overpowered by high-speed turns on hardpack	MSRP $725.00 BEST DEAL $599.99 Skis.com
Nordica Enforcer 93	86	Overall 8 Floatation 5 Stability 9 Edge-hold 9 Carving Pleasure 8 Turn Shape 7	Precise, aggressive ski Edge hold is awesome Loves to arc Fun to ride ALL the way through the turn Lot of ski for the price	Not for short turns Will punish late carvers More damp than lively Some folks may want to detune the tail Small amount of Float	MSRP $749.00 BEST DEAL $649.99 Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Dynastar Legend X96 2018/19	86	Overall 7 Responsiveness 8 Stability 7 Resort Float 5 Carving 9	Fast, fun ski Great edge hold Super carver Very responsive Super swing-weight	Can be overpowered by GS chargers Needs to be on edge Better at shorter turns	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Armada Invictus 89ti Ski Test Results 2016	85	Responsiveness 9 Float 8 Versatility 8 Stability 7 Carving 6 Value 7	Very playful Nice float Good turn shape versatility Lightweight feel Fun to slarve	Not as fun for carving More finesse than power Prefers off-piste Can ski short--buy the longer length	MSRP $700.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Kastle FX 95 HP 2017	85	Responsiveness 7 Float 7 Versatility 6 Stability 10 Carving 8 Value 7	The king of stability Excellent edge grip Confident at high speeds Super damp Powerful ski	Not lively Can overpower less technical skiers Needs to be driven Hard to push into short radius turns Best at speed	MSRP $1,199.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Armada Invictus 99 Ti 2017	85	Responsiveness 7 Float 8 Versatility 7 Stability 8 Carving 7 Value 8	Stable and damp Easy to initiate Nice touch of playfulness Does really well in soft snow Nice hold on the groomers too	Not so versatile More schmear than carve Dampness comes at a cost to liveliness Prefers mid to long turns Not as quick edge to edge	MSRP $825.00 BEST DEAL $499.97 Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Kastle FX85 HP Ski Test Results 2016	84	Responsiveness 8 Float 6 Versatility 7 Stability 8 Carving 8 Value 7	Stable Easy to turn Don't have to work to get on edge Good energy Easy swing weight	Less float Not as playful Not for freestylers	MSRP $999.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Armada Invictus 89 Ti 2017	84	Edge Hold 7 Float 7 Versatility 8 Stability 6 Carving 8 Value 8	Very responsive Great off-piste Easy to initiate Playful and forgiving Lots of fun for a variety of skiers	Extra tip rocker can make it feel short Not as good on hardpack Loses stability at higher speeds And on ice Didn't stand out in any one category	MSRP $700.00 BEST DEAL $399.97 Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Volkl 90Eight	84	Overall 7 Responsiveness 6 Stability 8 Resort Float 4 Carving 9	Great turn versatility Some of the best short carves in the category Super stability Outstanding edge hold Great on-piste performance	Not much float More of a hard snow ski There are more responsive skis in this category For technical skiers only	MSRP $775.00 BEST DEAL $449.97 Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Fischer Motive 86 Ti Ski Test Results 2016	83	Responsiveness 6 Float 8 Versatility 7 Stability 8 Carving 7 Value 7	Loves mid-range turns Great stability Good edge hold Handles a variety of terrain Predictable	Not very versatile turn shape Very damp underfoot Not as responsive Prefers on-piste	MSRP $750.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Head Monster 88 2017	83	Responsiveness 8 Float 6 Versatility 7 Stability 8 Carving 7 Value 7	Beefy and confident Crisp feel on the corduroy Very stable No speed limit Loves to be on edge Great for skiers who like to drive their turns	Feels heavy Better on piste Needs to be steered No float Really a hard chargers ski	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Dynastar Powertrack 89 Ski Review 2017	83	Responsiveness 8 Float 6 Versatility 6 Stability 7 Carving 9 Value 7	Super damp Solid edge hold Good versatility The faster you go, the better it performs Quick edge changes	At the top end, the performance is not as robust Very little float Better on piste Needs to be on edge Slightly narrow for this category	MSRP $750.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Armada Invictus 99 Ti	83	Overall 6 Responsiveness 5 Stability 8 Resort Float 5 Carving 9	Great carver Solid feel underfoot Stable in crud Good edge hold Smooth turner	Not as lively Can feel a little planky Mixed reviews on how this ski floats Need to make big turns	MSRP $825.00 BEST DEAL $499.97 Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Scott Sage	82	Responsiveness 7 Float 8 Versatility 6 Stability 7 Carving 7 Value 7	Big forgiving flex Nice and turny Soft snow seeker Good stability Handles a variety of turns and conditions	Not lively Favors a standup style Can feel planky More fun off-piste than on	MSRP $650.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Liberty Origin96	82	Overall 6 Responsiveness 6 Stability 7 Resort Float 8 Carving 5	Great All Mountain feel Stable and steady Predictable Good edge hold Even flex	Less lively than damp Better off-piste than on Lost some performance at higher speeds, especially Needs to be in a mid-radius turns There are purer carvers in the category	MSRP $725.00 BEST DEAL N/A
K2 Pinnacle 95	82	Overall 6 Responsiveness 7 Stability 6 Resort Float 8 Carving 5	Smooth, even flex Responsive Solid edge hold Fun at medium-radius turns Good swingweight	Has a speed limit Some testers thought the tail was too stiff Performed better in softer snow conditions More pivot than solid edge contact Not the purest carver in the class	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL $499.97 Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop
Black Crows Daemon 2018/19	82	Overall 6 Responsiveness 7 Stability 5 Resort Float 9 Carving 5	Fun ski Slays soft snow Easy to initiate Great to slarve on Easy to steer in trees and bumps	Not a great carving ski Less effective on hard snow Some testers felt it skied short Not as responsive "Racers" will want something more traditional	MSRP $799.00 BEST DEAL N/A
DPS Wailer F99	81	Overall 6 Responsiveness 6 Stability 5 Resort Float 7 Carving 7	Lightweight Easy to initiate Responsive Nice float Predictable	Better off-piste Prefers short to medium radius turns Not as good at higher speeds Hard to discover the preferred turn radius Would have preferred more power in the tail	MSRP $799.00 BEST DEAL N/A
K2 iKonic 85 Ti Ski Test Results 2016	80	Responsiveness 6 Float 7 Versatility 7 Stability 7 Carving 6 Value 7	Fun in the bumps Not demanding Easy to turn Maneuverable	Prefers hardpack Out-muscled by other skis in the category Didn't stand out in any one category	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Salomon X-Drive 8.8 Ski Test Results 2016	80	Responsiveness 6 Float 6 Versatility 6 Stability 8 Carving 7 Value 7	Loves speed And long radius turns Plows through crud Very good stability	Not versatile Very little float Has to be driven at all times One dimensional	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Elan Amphibio 84 Ti 2017	80	Edge Hold 7 Float 6 Versatility 6 Stability 7 Carving 7 Value 7	Quick and nimble Easy to initiate Fast edge to edge Smooth flex Fun to carve	Skis short Not much for long turns More damp than responsive Smaller sweet spot Not exceptionally versatile	MSRP $850.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Black Crows Daemon	80	Overall 5 Responsiveness 6 Stability 5 Resort Float 9 Carving 5	Fun ski Slays soft snow Easy to initiate Great to slarve on Easy to steer in trees and bumps	Not a great carving ski Less effective on hard snow Some testers felt it skied short Not as responsive Racers will want something more traditional	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Line Supernatural 92 Ski Test Results 2016	79	Responsiveness 7 Float 7 Versatility 7 Stability 6 Carving 5 Value 7	Maneuverability Easy to initiate Nice float off-piste Responsive	Not for hard edgers Some testers felt it was easy to overski Better at moderate speeds	MSRP $750.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Head Monster 98 2017	79	Responsiveness 6 Float 6 Versatility 5 Stability 9 Carving 7 Value 6	DAMP! Super stable Incredible edge hold Relishes being skied hard Gets better at higher speeds	One dimensional turn shape Not versatile Needs to be driven Sluggish at slower speeds Much more damp than lively	MSRP $800.00 BEST DEAL N/A
DPS Cassiar 95 2017	79	Responsiveness 7 Float 8 Versatility 6 Stability 7 Carving 5 Value 6	Easy to pivot Fun to schmear Nice float Good edge-to-edge swing weight Fun to ski	Got on edge late in a turn Not the best edge hold on piste Hard to carve Kind of planky Less control at high speeds	MSRP $799.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Scott The Ski Test Results 2016	78	Responsiveness 8 Float 7 Versatility 7 Stability 5 Carving 5 Value 6	Responsive Easy to turn Great at short to mid-range turns Not demanding Playful	Not for high speeds Softer tail Less edge engagement Loses stability in long arcs	MSRP $825.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Line Sick Day 94	77	Overall 5 Responsiveness 5 Stability 5 Resort Float 8 Carving 4	Damp Stable Easy to steer Fun in soft snow Nice amount of float	Not as lively Better off-piste than on Feels planky on groomers Lost responsiveness at higher speeds	MSRP $625.00 BEST DEAL $499.95 Skis.com
Line Supernatural 86 2017	76	Edge Hold 5 Float 7 Versatility 7 Stability 5 Carving 6 Value 6	Damp Easy to maneuver Good swing weight Slarvy Playful	Not great on edge Outmuscled by other skis in this category Better for off-piste Felt kind of planky	MSRP $700.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Liberty Variant 87 Ski Review 2017	76	Responsiveness 6 Float 7 Versatility 6 Stability 5 Carving 6 Value 6	Forgiving Easy to initiate And maneuver Playful off-piste Light and predictable	Not for high speeds Easily overpowered Too forgiving for some testers More all mountain than frontside Felt out of category for direct comparisons in this test	MSRP $725.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Liberty Origin 96 2017	75	Responsiveness 7 Float 6 Versatility 5 Stability 5 Carving 6 Value 6	Forgiving Easy to initiate Performed at medium speeds Better in softer snow Traditional feeling ski	Easily overpowered Prefers to be steered instead of carved Feels planky at high speeds Not the best grip More damp than lively	MSRP $725.00 BEST DEAL N/A
Line Supernatural 92 2017	67	Responsiveness 4 Float 6 Versatility 5 Stability 3 Carving 4 Value 5	Easy to turn Lightweight Ok on piste Playful feel Forgiving flex	Not powerful Unstable at high speeds Did not do any one thing exceptionally well Kind of planky Lacked energy	MSRP $750.00 BEST DEAL N/A

Summary of Men's All Mountain Skis Reviews

Best in Class

Volkl M5 Mantra

All Mountain Skis , Men's All Mountain Skis , Ski & Snow & Skis

Best in Class 2019

Volkl’s new M5 Mantra (marking the 5th iteration of the ground-breaking ski, which has continually ushered in another new era of All Mountain performance with less effort) won the All Mountain Category. Period. The majority of our testers wanted to ski the rest of the day on it, or the week, or the season, dropping over the ridge to Alta on the test models with a wave and a nod, and a quick, “Yeah, I’m good.” This is the new benchmark for high-performance multi-condition skis.

Read the Full Review Shop Now at

Best for Responsiveness

Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

All Mountain Skis , Men's All Mountain Skis , Ski & Snow & Skis

$584.99

Last year we said, “The Elan Ripstick 96 is the purest, most accurate carving ski in the All Mountain Category of the Gear Institute Ski Test.” That was before Elan added a lighter, increasingly stable carbon construction (i.e., the “Black Edition”) to Amphibio Technology (a specific left and right ski with camber for hold on the inside of each tip, and rocker on the outside for ease of initiation), which makes it amazingly easy to carve medium to short-radius turns that it’s practically automatic. Along with a “Tubelite Woodcore” inserted into the wood to provide power and an even flex, the Black Edition 96 offers effortless carve and superior grip.

Read the Full Review Shop Now at UtahSkis

Best for Stability

Head Kore 99

All Mountain Skis , Men's All Mountain Skis , Ski & Snow & Skis

$479.00

Head’s Kore 99 delivers strong, stable, confidence-building All Mountain performance, particularly if you ski primarily off-piste. The added waist width of the 99-millimeter design (Head had us test the 93-millimeter waist width in this category last season) provided the extra bit of light powder/crud/mixed condition performance testers asked for, and it showed in the positive results. This is a very damp ski that can feel sluggish on the hardpack, but it absolutely rules – and rips – on every other kind of condition where we tested it.

Read the Full Review Shop Now at Peter Glenn Ski & Sports

Best for Resort Float

Fischer Ranger 98 Ti

All Mountain Skis , Men's All Mountain Skis , Ski & Snow & Skis

$449.97

Fischer’s Ranger 98 Ti has the amazing ability to give you the confidence you get ripping groomers, even when you’re off-piste. This ski is super maneuverable, incredibly responsive, and lots of fun to ski, especially when you’re poking around in the bumps and trees. It’s not as confident on the groomed, and the lighter weight freaked a few testers out when they were mach-ing on hard snow back to the lift. Overall, the ease with which this ski performs should garner a serious look.

Read the Full Review Shop Now at Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop

Best for Carving

Rossignol Experience 94 Ti

All Mountain Skis , Men's All Mountain Skis , Ski & Snow & Skis

$399.95

Rossignol’s new Experience 94 Ti is one super fun, very exciting ski. The performance on these boards is so easy-access, and so amazingly confident, that more than a few times testers had to dial it back to keep from breaking the speed limit. Easily one of the top three skis in the All Mountain Category, it has a wonderfully smooth swing-weight that practically invites you to start a new carve, but also such great edge-hold and sidecut that you can just park in an arc. Not a ski for freestylers or jibbers, this is a hard-charging alpine ski that’s perfect for pass holders and weekend warriors alike.

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