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Reviewers' score
16.8
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Zag H95 review 2017

BEST SKI
Best ski 2017

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

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 spiel really matches up to a ski's performance. The H95, Zag presumptuously announced; "Enjoy the luxury of not having to choose: link a series of parallel turns down a steep slope, float in the forest powder or carve up the manicured pistes... the H95 can do anything!"

Well, for once, the ski lived up to the talk!

The H95 is incredibly versatile and high-performing, perfect for what we look for in this "All Mountain 50/50" category, in other words, a ski that's as happy on the piste as off the beaten track.

Overall performance is very good, with strong emphasis on performance. The reviewers were especially impressed with its stiffness, which meant it was happy carving fast on the piste, tackling steep corridors or maximizing rides through the crud. The ski is designed to go fast, to grip hard and to stay unflappable in turn performance. It's fantastic in long-radius turns both on and off piste.

While the ski is accessible and gives confidence, it should be noted that the H95 focuses on efficiency; designed to go fast, it's happier carving than in skid turns. Accessibility is not its strong point and it's not the ideal model for relaxed rides where fans of the latter would do better to choose a Mantra or a Stormrider.

The reviewers did not hold back on their praise, describing the ski as "awesome", "a very good ski", "a super ski"... the superlatives flew around in all directions. For us, this is a great choice for athletic freeriders with good technical skills who want a tool that's truly efficient on all terrains.

Review: Pros

  • Excellent overall performance
  • Grippy
  • Excellent performance in long turns
  • Good flotation in the powder

Review: Cons

  • A stiff ski that just wants to fast, less happy at lower speeds and in skid turns
  • More demanding in short turns

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
16.5
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
18.1
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
16.3
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
16.3
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
15.3
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
17.8
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
14.1
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
18.5
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
17.0
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
17.8
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
18.1
Freeride - Flotation quality
☆☆☆☆☆
17.1
Handling in powder
☆☆☆☆☆
17.8
Performance on hard snow
☆☆☆☆☆
17.0
Freeride - Performance on hard snow
☆☆☆☆☆
16.0
All-terrain comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
16.0

Who's it for?

Very good → Expert

Manufacturer's remarks

The H95, from the Freeride Patrol range, is a genuine one-quiver ski. As happy both on and off piste, the H95 offers incredible enjoyment and comfort! It will give all riders unique slide and grip sensations on all types of snow.


Features of the H95

Brand : Zag
Model : H95
Year : 2017
Family : All-mountain/Freeride
Size tested : 184 cm
Tip size : 132 mm
Waist size : 96 mm
Tail size : 118 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : Not available

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Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2016