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2025/2026 archive group

Giant Masters

Giant slalom is the most widely practised discipline in alpine skiing. Some consider it the most difficult as well – and the best for developing sound technique. Over the past dozen or so years, race GS skis have undergone several major changes, most of them imposed by – in my opinion – some not particularly bright FIS officials.

10tested configurations

Independent Ski Test

2025/2026

10 configurations

ATOMIC

REDSTER G9 RSM

REDSTER G9 RSM REVOSHOCK

Tested length: 183 cm
Radius: 24 m

Known for years. Respected for years. You do not change a good design – you merely refine it slightly. They took first place on points and drew plenty of praise.

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DYNAMIC

VRACE GS FIS

Tested length: 186 cm
Radius: >25 m

Dynamic is still on form! This pair is additionally fitted with RS Aluplate race plates, adding stability but also weight. The testers agreed that these skis demand a serious pair of legs. In the points table, they finished just off the podium.

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DYNASTAR

SPEED COURSE WC GS

SPEED COURSE WC GS R22

Tested length: 185 cm
Radius: 27 m

Very serious skis. True GS skis. Narrow, slender, stiff and long, with a radius exceeding 27 metres. No wonder only the very best can master them.

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ELAN

ACE GSX

ACE GSX MASTER PLATE

Tested length: 180 cm
Radius: 21.1 m

These skis are simply different from most of the others in the group. In fact, they are the same skis that appeared in the consumer GS category, but fitted with a race plate and matching bindings. This makes them better suited to amateur racers.

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FISCHER

RC4 WORLDCUP NOIZE GS MASTERS

RC4 WORLDCUP NOIZE GS MASTERS M-PLATE

Tested length: 181 cm
Radius: 21 m

New skis in Fischer’s range, featuring Noize technology. They measure only 181 cm and have a 21-metre radius, but they deliver a thoroughly serious ride. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

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HEAD

WCR E-GS REBEL

WCR E-GS REBEL PRO

Tested length: 183 cm
Radius: 25.4 m

Head skis have set the standard in this group for years. Our testers consider them demanding but effective. Many liked them, although there were dissenting opinions too.

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KÄSTLE

RX12 GS FACTORY FIS MASTERS

RX12 GS FACTORY FIS MASTERS SOFT

Tested length: 183 cm
Radius: 20.2 m

These skis have the word Masters in their name, suggesting a perfect fit for this group. And that is exactly where they belong. Neither too difficult nor too stiff – just right for amateur racers. They earned considerable praise and took second place on points.

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ROSSIGNOL

HERO MASTER LT

HERO MASTER LT R22

Tested length: 183 cm
Radius: 21 m

A classic of the genre. These skis – continuously updated, of course – have been with us for a very long time. They are not heavy, highly demanding GS skis with little sidecut, but rather more approachable skis with more sidecut and a thoroughly race-oriented construction. This time, we tested them in the longest available length.

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SALOMON

S/RACE PRIME GS

Tested length: 183 cm
Radius: 24 m

They are very similar to the Atomic skis described earlier. For some testers, they were the best in the group; they placed third on points. These are skis with enormous potential.

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VÖLKL

RACETIGER GS MASTER

Tested length: 183 cm
Radius: 18.6 m

As with the Elan skis described above, these are skis from the consumer range, reinforced with a heavy race plate and matching bindings. Despite their 183 cm length, their radius is only 18.6 metres – the shortest in the entire group. The testers nevertheless liked them, although they would readily move them into the consumer GS category.

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