INDEPENDENT SKI TEST
There is no best ski. Only the best ski for you.
2025/2026 archive group
15tested configurations
Independent Ski Test
15 configurations
ATOMIC
REDSTER X9S REVOSHOCK S
For the 2025/26 season, Atomic presents a refreshed Redster X9 S – a model which, as you may remember, was one of the original blueprints for this fascinating category back when it was still called the Redster DD XT. The skis have received subtly revised geometry, a different construction and new plates.
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BLIZZARD
FIREBIRD HRC
These skis are well known and highly regarded, but… this season they have been fitted with the completely new aluminium FDT Race Plate Pro B, and that changes a great deal. Many testers considered them the best in the group, although others were not quite so enthusiastic. Either way, they deserve close attention.
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BLOSSOM SKIS
NUMERO UNO XC
These were probably the most divisive skis in the group. Some testers considered them ideal; others – especially heavier, more powerful skiers – complained that the 170 cm test length was simply too short. Even so, this is a model worth examining closely.
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DYNAMIC
VR EVOLUTION
We are watching Dynamic’s return to skiing’s top table with admiration. This model appeared in our test for the second time and, for the second year running, inspired real enthusiasm. It finished second on points, although many testers considered it magnificent but demanding.
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DYNASTAR
SPEED RACE KONECT
These skis do not entirely fit the group’s brief because they lack some of its sporting spirit. They would be ideal as a very high-performance All-Round ski and appealed more strongly to lighter testers and to our women.
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ELAN
ACE SCX FUSION X
This Elan model has been with us for several seasons, with only minor changes to its geometry and construction, so most of our testers know it very well. Opinions on the SCX remain divided: some love it, while others search for weaknesses.
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FISCHER
RC4 NOIZE
This model replaces the RC4 Worldcup CT, a ski we liked enormously, so the challenge was considerable. Everything about the Noize is new: the construction, geometry and technical solutions. These are intriguing skis, although they divided the testers to some extent. Many thought them ideal; lighter skiers found them too stiff.
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FORSZTY
STELA SPORT TI
Made in Poland – and that alone makes us warm to them. Most of our testers were pleasantly surprised by their performance, although opinions differed on precisely where they belong. The graphics are extraordinary.
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HEAD
WORLDCUP REBELS E-RACE PRO
These skis are not new to us either, yet one can confidently say that age has taken nothing from their excellence. Like several other designs, they define the race-inspired hybrid almost perfectly. On points they finished a whisker off the podium.
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KÄSTLE
RX11
These skis, also familiar from previous seasons, tend either to be loved or to resist every attempt at understanding. That is exactly how our testers split – fifty-fifty. Such a result clearly suggests a ski with real character.
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NORDICA
DOBERMANN MULTIGARA DC FDT
Well known and well liked, yet they still generate enormous enthusiasm among our testers. They share the same geometry as the Blizzard Firebird HRC, but use a different construction centred on Nordica’s distinctive Dual Core.
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ROSSIGNOL
FORZA 70°+ TI MASTER R22
The longest and widest skis in the group did not place near the top on points. The written reviews tell a completely different story, however, and are mostly enthusiastic. The reason is simple: these outstanding skis do not fit the race-inspired hybrid category at all.
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SALOMON
S/RACE GS PRO
Years ago, these skis and the Atomic Redster DD XT – both sharing the same geometry – began the modern hybrid, or Cross-Turn, trend. For the coming season they receive a new race plate and bindings. They also earned the highest marks in the category and not a single negative written review. Bravo!
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STÖCKLI
LASER WRT PRO
These skis are the third generation of the celebrated Laser WRT ST, the model that helped define the race-inspired hybrid. Although development has made them slightly lighter than the second generation and reduced some of their race potential, they remain excellent. On points, they took third place.
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VÖLKL
PEREGRINE 72 MASTER
Once again, the importer – not the editorial team – selected skis for the wrong category. As with the Rossignol, the points score is modest while the written comments are highly positive, because this is simply a very enjoyable model.
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