Men's ski reviews 2020 - PROSKILAB™
SKI REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Men's ski reviews 2020

Reviewers' score
18.2
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

The Proskilab reviewers came back from the Speed Master SL tests with huge smiles on their faces! It must be said that the ski offers an exceptional accessibility–performance ratio.
This year, the model was equipped with its R22 "race" plate (like its twin from Rossignol).

It only takes a few metres to notice that we are dealing with a ski with a well-tempered "slalom" personality.... Read on

Reviewers' score
18.0
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

After some difficult years in which the products of Rossignol/Dynastar were poorly rated by Proskilab, it is clear that the group has been able to go uphill and offer products particularly suited to certain market segments.
In these performance-oriented categories, the group's models have become essential. It should be noted that their success is due in part to the R22 "race" plate, which boosts the... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.9
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

The Proskilab reviewers came back from the tests of the Hero Elite ST Ti with huge smiles on their faces! This year, the model was fitted with its R22 "race" plate (like its twin from Dynastar). It must be said that the ski offers an exceptional performance–accessibility ratio.

It only takes a few metres to notice that we are dealing with a ski with a well-tempered "slalom" personality.... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.6
AWARD

AWARD

Völkl usually offers performance-oriented skis and the Racetiger SL won't change our mind. The ski well deserves its name. The reviewers' comments speak for themselves: "aggressive", "beastly", "nervous", "a weapon"…

The level of performance is therefore at the top in this "leisure" slalom category. It is a powerful ski, "precise and... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.5
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

Already much noticed during the pre-tests, the Mantra V.Werks quickly won over the Proskilab reviewers. To put it bluntly, the "V.Werks" version has nothing to do with the classic version of the Mantra "M5" reviewed last year and renewed by the brand this year. The edge lines, construction, weight and behaviour are very different. It must be said that the Mantra V.Werks is a unique ski on the market.

First... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.3
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

For a few years now, K2's Konic series skis have been reviewed and appreciated by the Proskilab reviewers.
Last year, the Konic 78 won the "Accessibility/Performance" medal; this year, the Konic 76 wins the "Best Ski" medal, which is well deserved.

The very best quality of the Konic 76 is its very high accessibility. The ski is very "easy to get to grips with", intuitive.... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.2
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

The Wingman 86 CTI proposed by Elan had made a strong impression during pre-selection in January 2019. We included it in the Proskilab review, considering that the ski was perfectly suited to our specifications for this category. We were looking forward to having it tested by a team of professionals in a comparative situation with other market leaders.

The result did not disappoint us and the ski (a first in... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.1
AWARD

AWARD

From Rossignol, the new React range replaces the Pursuit range, already reviewed by Proskilab last year.

The React R6 Compact excels in this category, where we are looking for skis that are accessible at the lowest levels and able to advance the skier towards a more technical practice.

As far as accessibility is concerned, it perfectly fulfils the contract. The ski, considered "very balanced",... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.0
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

Well known to the Proskilab reviewers and often positioned in the top places, the Laser SC from Stöckli is this year's winner of the "Best Ski" medal in the category.

Performance is on the programme. The ski is lively, quickly enters curves and easily deforms without excess. Its holding to curves is excellent, the ski grips, is very precise and the "pressure reactions are easy to find".... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.9
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

The React series replaces the Pursuit range from Rossignol reviewed in previous years. The Rossignol R8 Ti, reinforced with a Titanal plate, is at the top of the range.

In this "top of the range" category, we select skis offering a balanced mix of performance, comfort, accessibility and versatility. The React R8 Ti meets the defined specifications perfectly… with one big plus: fun.

On... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.8
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

Two years ago, Rossignol transformed its Experience range from a very "piste" one to a real "all-mountain" one. The shape has become more reasonable and the tips more progressive, to the benefit of their behaviour, which is much improved.

The Experience 94 Ti benefits from the various modifications made and is at the best level of a very competitive category. This year, the ski wins the "Best... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.7
AWARD

AWARD

Although the reviewers found the same qualities of the GSX Fusion from Elan, already tested last year, they also found the ski a little more accessible this year.

While its accessibility is good, it is somewhat lower than other models in this comparison. It is above all the performance–accessibility ratio that surprises the most.

With its 21.2 m radius in the size tested, the ski is built for big... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.7

In this programme that focusses on performance and, above all, the sensations the skier gets, the WorldCup Rebels i. Race from Head did not disappoint the reviewers.

They were unanimous in highlighting the sporting qualities of the ski: "incisive at the beginning of curves", "good grip", "demonic in edge-to-edge transitions". It allows you to move quickly "with a great feeling... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.6

The Kore 93 from Head, with its 93 mm waist, is positioned between the two All-Mountain Proskilab categories.
It was successfully reviewed last year in "All-Mountain 50/50", where it received a "Best Ski 2019" award. The arrival of the Kore 99 in this category encourages us to review its little brother in the "All-Mountain 70/30" category more aimed at the piste, where it does not let... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.5

The Speed Zone 12 Ti from Dynastar offers good overall performance and excellent homogeneity.

The performance is indeed there. The ski makes it possible to go fast, even very fast. The level of performance was considered excellent and the ski's behaviour is reassuring. The Speed Zone 12 Ti "goes well into curves" even if it is not as incisive as other skis. The supports are solid and curve handling... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.2
AWARD

AWARD

Regularly invited to the PROSKILAB review, well-known to the reviewers and "Best Ski" last year, the SLX Fusion from Elan is one of the skis that we regularly find in the top pack. It doesn't seem to evolve much over time, playing the card of accessibility and fun.

As far as performance is concerned, you get a lot for your money, even if a little bit less than Rossignol/Dynastar and Völkl.

The... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.1
AWARD

AWARD

Völkl has earned a reputation as a performance-oriented brand on both piste ski and all-mountain skis. We have been reviewing skis for 14 years and it is clear that this reputation has rarely been denied by Proskilab reviewers.

This will not be the case of the RACETIGER GS, which stands out as the "performance" ski of this comparison.

The ski likes to go fast, wants "to just accelerate"... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.1

The Speed Zone 4x4 range is new from Dynastar.
Described as "All-Mountain" by the brand, it is nevertheless very piste-oriented. It corresponds more to what we at Proskilab call an "All-Round" programme, i.e. skis dedicated to the piste but with an "all-terrain, all-snow" vocation. It is available in two waist sizes (78 and 82 mm), with two different constructions: normal and "pro",... Read on

Reviewers' score
16.0
AWARD

AWARD

The Stormrider 95 from Stöckli is one of the references in this market segment. It has not changed and remains a safe bet!

The "easy to handle" ski keeps its qualities of accessibility and comfort. Its general behaviour is good, and it is reassuring: the Stormrider 95 is stable and predictable. The terrain damping, as on most skis in the range, is exceptional.

Agile, with a nose that engages... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.9
AWARD

AWARD

The Hero Elite LT ("Long Turn") Ti is another ski that is well known to the reviewers, evaluated here with the famous "R22" race plate that can be found on other models of the Rossignol/Dynastar group.

The effectiveness and precision of the Hero Elite LT Ti has been tested in previous years. The R22 plate offers an undeniable plus in terms of performance. The ski has power and offers qualities... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.8
AWARD

AWARD

Well known to the Proskilab reviewers, the Wayback 96 at K2 remains at the best level and is confirmed as a reference in the market.

The ski was unanimously appreciated for its accessibility. "Easy to handle", the Wayback 96 is particularly docile on all types of terrain and "turns in all conditions". It is also a ski on which you can enjoy yourself quickly and easily without having to deploy... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.8

The trend is to merge the piste/all-round and even all-mountain ranges with large width variations. The RC One range from Fischer is no exception to the rule with waists ranging from 72 mm to 86 mm!

We reviewed the narrowest of the range, the RC One 72 Multiflex, which, let's say right away, did not disappoint us.

Overall performance is excellent.
Trigger speed, grip, stability, quality of curve... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.8

The "Best Ski" last year, the MX67 at Kästle keeps all its qualities.

What meets the eye (or the foot?) when testing the MX67 is the compromise between accessibility and agility.
The ski engages curves intuitively, without excessive engagement. A small lean on the edge and hop, the nose takes, the ski deforms and we are already comfortably installed in a curve, naturally rather tight. An honest... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.7

The GS Rush from Salomon is the least "giant slalom" of the comparison. It is also the most versatile.

The reviewers appreciated a ski that is very "homogeneous in deforming", with behaviour that is "sound and predictable". The ski is reassuring and enabling. The ski is accessible at intermediate levels. It does not require a great deal of commitment and is comfortable in all types... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.6
AWARD

AWARD

The S/ Force Range from Salomon is aimed towards all-round behaviour with a slight rocker at the front and slightly larger sizes at the waist, ranging from 76 mm to 84 mm. The S / Force 11 reviewed here is positioned at the top of the range. Note that it is reinforced by a double Titanal plate.

In this category, where homogeneity and versatility are sought above all, it is clear that the S/ Force 11 fulfills... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.5
AWARD

AWARD

After the Mantra, here is the Kendo, one of the references of this market segment, renewed by Völkl and derived into two versions for the occasion: the 92 and the 88. Here, we're reviewing the second one.

The modifications are similar to the Mantra M5. The ski is narrower with a waist that goes from 90 to 88 mm. The construction changes and adopts, more or less, that of the Mantra with two plates of... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.4

The RX12 SL from Kästle plays the card of accessibility and fun. The reviewers were unanimous in enjoying its user experience. The word "pleasant" came back on five review sheets out of six. That's saying something…

The ski, with its "immediate initiation", shows great docility for this category. Turning is done spontaneously with a limited need for commitment. The ski is... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.3
AWARD

AWARD

The QST 99 ("Quest" 99) from Solomon fulfilled its contract as a good all-mountain ski.

A "pleasant and efficient ski", the QST 99 is versatile and comfortable on all terrains. The reviewers appreciated a ski that was overall "easy" and "balanced".

On-piste, the reviewers noticed the behaviour of the QST 99, which was considered "sound". Despite its 99... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.3

While we asked Völkl to put the Mantra M5 in the competition this year, the manufacturer wanted to offer us the 90Eight in this category. It is an excellent ski, but a little light in this rather demanding programme. The Mantra M5 has not changed and we recommend our reviewers interested in a more performance-oriented ski to refer to the test carried out last year.

The 90Eight shines when you leave the pistes.... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.3
AWARD

AWARD

The FX96 HP (for "High Performance", indicating the presence of carbon reinforcement this season) is a new ski from Kästle, replacing the FX95 HP.

It is a very versatile ski, perfectly comfortable in this All-Mountain 50/50 programme. On the piste, it is comfortable in all types of handling, carves well and is quite agile.

The reviewers especially liked the gentle way it worked. The reactions... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.3

The World Cup Rebels i.Speed from Head was reviewed in a little short a size (175 cm for 180 cm requested). With a radius of 18 metres, it is less of the giant type.

The ski is accessible, even "too easy" and gives "good sensations". The performance is good without reaching that of the top of the category. In particular, the reviewers appreciated its ability to enter turns, its curve handling... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.2

While the Kore 93 brilliantly earned a "Best Ski" medal last year in this category, the Kore 99 appears to be a much more rigid and performance-oriented ski.

The ski is made for high speeds, where it excels on- and off-piste. The stability and ability to absorb vibrations is simply exceptional. The ski wants only one thing: to go fast, and according to the reviewers, it "requires space".

In... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.2

"Super ski, very responsive and playful" but "tested in too short a size", the I.SL pro from Head shows some good qualities that could not be fully exploited. Tested in 160 cm instead of the 165 cm requested, it would probably have gained additional points had it been the larger size. But the level is already excellent and the ski offers very nice sensations.

The WC Rebels I.SL is very easy... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.2
AWARD

AWARD

The comments we made last year for the RX12 GS from Kästle are absolutely valid this year.

Its overall performance is good. Curve entry, intuitive and incisive, was particularly appreciated by the reviewers.

The ski is versatile, able to slow down the pace or even evolve into skid handling, comfortable on all types of curves. Its intermediate radius, cut shape and certain flexibility make it a very... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.2
AWARD

AWARD

Already tested last year, the Speed Charger from K2 does not seem to have changed much.

The Speed Charger's behaviour is sound, with a very progressive flex. It is particularly effective in large curves with the DNA of a giant ski.

The ski is incisive, gripping, and solid in curves; it loops very well the ends of curves. The boost is correct without being destabilising. You feel confident, even... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.2
AWARD

AWARD

The Amphibio 16 Ti2 has taken a prominent place in the "high end" category, and the Amphibio 16 Ti is now being reviewed in this category.

Note that the ski is asymmetrical: there is a left ski and a right ski. Care must be taken not to switch the skis, otherwise the behaviour will be somewhat impacted.

The main quality of the Amphibio 16 Ti is its homogeneity. The ski is great in all areas:... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.0

In a category where we are looking for homogeneity, that is to say, a balanced mix of performance, comfort, accessibility and versatility, the Amphibio 18 Ti2 has some real assets to show.

There's nothing to say about the performance. The ski, equipped with two Titanal plates, does a great job and remains calm in all circumstances. The grip is excellent; it holds curves well, especially in large bends.

Its... Read on

Reviewers' score
14.8

The "Best Ski" last year, the Deacon 74 from Völkl appeared more powerful but also more demanding this year.

The Deacon 74 is made to go fast, very fast and for big curves. The stability of the ski, the curve holding, and the "powerful" grip are high-flying. "A rail", the reviewers say. The ski just asks for acceleration and a lot of energy.

The ski requires adaptation... Read on

Reviewers' score
14.8

From Kästle, the new DX series is designed to attract price-conscious customers with two models, the DX73 and the DX85, both priced at €599 with bindings.

"Docile ski", "pleasant and gentle", the DX73 is a delight at moderate speed. The ski's behaviour, very balanced and intuitive, the easy pivoting, the homogeneous skid handling make it a very easily accessible ski.

When... Read on

Reviewers' score
14.7

Presented as an All-Mountain range, Head's "V-shape" range (named because of the shape of the skis, which are wider at the front) is rather a range of piste/"All-Round" skis (like the Speed Zone 4x4 range). It consists of five models with increasing levels of performance: V2, V4, V6, V8, V10.

The V-shape 4 is available in a much larger XL version, with an additional 11 mm at the waist.... Read on

Reviewers' score
14.3

Another reference ski on this market, the Stormrider 88 from Stöckli remains faithful to itself.

The ski has not changed and displays the same qualities. It is generally very efficient, comfortable on all terrains. A relatively rigid tail allows it to guarantee a strong grip on hard snow. The ski is very stable and accelerates confidently. The terrain damping is excellent, as with the other products from... Read on

Reviewers' score
14.2

The Ripstick 96 from Elan is well known and appreciated by the Proskilab reviewers.

The ski is always "easy and pleasant" off-piste. It "floats straight away" in powder snow, pivots well in all conditions, including in the more difficult types of snow. Transitioning to choppy snow is good. It's a real treat in 20 centimetres of fresh snow.

On the piste, its behaviour is good.... Read on

Reviewers' score
14.2

The V-Shape series takes its name from the shape of the skis, which are substantially wider in front. The V-Shape 8 from Head immediately shows its favourite terrain: carving.

A true "carving machine", "reactive", the ski puts itself very "on the edge easily". It feels comfortable and allows you to take important angles. Its flexibility allows it to deform with a minimum of speed... Read on

Reviewers' score
13.8

While the MX84 from Kästle brilliantly won a "Best Ski" medal last year in this category, the behaviour of the model reviewed this year appeared a step backwards. The reviewers found, in particular, that the ski was less precise, "stable and safe" than last year.

This difference is difficult to explain because the model does not seem to have changed. Maybe a problem with the preparation... Read on

Reviewers' score
13.6

The little brother of the FX95, but not benefiting from the "HP" (High Performance) version, the FX86 from Kästle plays the card of lightness and ease. It is indeed one of the lightest models of this category, with 1.7 kg per ski, according to Kästle, in the size reviewed.

The FX86 is a homogeneous, versatile, gentle, easy, efficient ski as long as you don't go too fast. Its flexibility... Read on

Reviewers' score
13.6

In this category, we are looking for skis that are accessible at the lowest technical levels but that nevertheless let the skier advance.
In particular, the ski is expected to be able to pivot easily (i.e. to be turned when flat), the skid handling is progressive and homogeneous, and the ski behaves correctly when the skier is in a centred or slightly rear position. Once these qualities have been acquired, we look... Read on

Reviewers' score
13.1

The Mindbender series replaces the excellent Pinnacle series from K2, well known to the Proskilab reviewers.

We have tested the red "C" (carbon) version, which has "Carbon Spectral Braid" technology, a carbon weaving with a variable density and orientation depending on the desired characteristics. There is a higher-end "Ti" version (sold for an extra $100 in the USA) that incorporates... Read on

Reviewers' score
12.6

While the Speed Zone 78 Pro from Dynastar has distinguished itself in the "accessible piste" category, its big brother in 82 mm width is a little more to the point in this category where we find a higher level of performance.

Its general behaviour is good. Its stability was particularly noted by the reviewers. On the other hand, its 82 mm underfoot gives it an advantage over soft or varied snow.

Despite... Read on