Men's All-mountain/Freeride ski reviews 2017

With several "Best ski" awards under its belt in recent years, Völkl's Mantra is one of the best skis on the market in this category. It remains top again this year, despite the increasingly strong competition in this highly lucrative segment.

The ski doesn't seem to have changed since last year, and confirms its main quality: its totally amazing on/off-piste versatility!

On piste, the Mantra has a lively and playful character. Initiation is remarkably fast and easy, giving the impression of real lightness under foot. Turn performance is excellent from every angle. The excellent grip means you can engage in hard, steep terrain with no worries.

Easy turn initiation,... Read on

PROSKILAB™'s aim is to make a comparative test of a limited selection of the best skis available on the market. We've been watching the ZAG for several years now and, after some discussions with the brand, decided to include the H95 in the 2017 review. Well, it was definitely a good move as the reviewers absolutely raved about the model.

It's very rare that the brands' marketing... Read on

High-performing, comfortable, versatile and well balanced, the ski stands out for its all-round qualities. A real Swiss knife, it will take you anywhere, on all terrains and snow conditions and in all types of ride, without shining in any particular area. It requires little engagement, even if initiation is a little slow. However, once into the turn, the performance is smooth and the grip excellent thanks to its stiff tail.

Off-piste, it planes well and pivots easily in deep snow, while rides through crud and difficult snow are consistent with this category.

When you step up the adrenalin at high speeds or on steep slopes, the ski remains highly efficient, even if it's not quite up to the... Read on

Although the Italian market is more focused on racing than freeride Nordica's Enforcer gave the PROSKILAB™ reviewers a good surprise last year. The Enforcer is fast becoming a benchmark ski in the All Mountain Fat category (or All mountain 30/70 at PROSKILAB™).
The ski got a "Best ski" distinction in the All Mountain 30/70 category, and did just as well this year!

We tested a 93-mm waist version (as opposed to 100 mm for its big brother) that puts it in the 50/50 category. The model was pre-tested in January 2016 and accepted for the PROSKILAB™ 2017 review.

The Enforcer 93 has kept most o the qualities of its big brother, notably its exceptional accessibility,... Read on

Sage from Scott is the new name of the Sagebrush, reviewed last year by PROSKILAB. The ski does not seem to have changed much and its performance is very similar to the model already tested.

The Sage will instantly reassure the least experienced skiers. Its behaviour is sound and intuitive and the ski is stable and quickly gives confidence. Tolerant, it's very forgiving in errors of positioning or pressure. Its performance is good as long as you don't push it too hard.

You'll be comfortable taking the Sage anywhere thanks to the excellent cushioning qualities, and it requires very little physical engagement.

Despite its sound performance and the enjoyment it gives the... Read on

The Cham 2.0 97 by Dynastar is a ski that will surprise by its exceptionally user-friendly handling that performs intuitively both on and off piste.

On the piste, it behaves extremely well. The ski is agreeable, agile and very simple to use. Initiation is easy and the ski has a natural inclination to round off turns. In addition, boasts a good kick (despite a light back rocker), it's particularly lively and happy in short-radius turns.

However, it’s performance deteriorates when you step up the pace, reducing stability and precision.

Its freeride performance is OK, but not quite up to the high standard of this sector. While flotation in powder is not exceptional, the ski... Read on