INDEPENDENT SKI TEST
There is no best ski. Only the best ski for you.
2025/2026 archive group
13tested configurations
Independent Ski Test
13 configurations
ATOMIC
REDSTER S9 RS REVOSHOCK S
New for the coming season, although very similar to their predecessors, these skis have earned enormous respect from our testers for years. Nothing changed this time: the Redster S9 RS finished third on points and received the silver medal.
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BLIZZARD
FIREBIRD SRC
We have known these skis extremely well for years. For the coming season they received new binding plates, which have slightly improved their sporting performance. The word our testers used most often was ‘easy’.
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BLOSSOM SKIS
NUMERO UNO SL
Blossom’s skis, known for their sporting character, have only recently begun appearing in our test but have already attracted a sizeable group of enthusiasts. This particular model divided the team somewhat. Stronger and heavier skiers seemed to extract more pleasure from it.
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DYNAMIC
VR PERF SL
There is no denying it – Dynamic delivers. This year the model arrived at our test with a lighter slalom plate under the bindings, and the result was obvious. It finished second on points, yet took the gold medal. The skis are built in Blossom’s factory, but to Dynamic’s own recipe.
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DYNASTAR
SPEED OMEGLASS MASTER SL R22
These Dynastars combine the characteristics of consumer and FIS skis, hence the word Master in the name. Our testers liked them enormously. They finished just off the points podium, but earned the bronze medal. Most considered them highly progressive skis suitable for a broad audience. They differ from the Rossignol Hero Master ST only in their graphics.
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ELAN
ACE SLX FUSION X
Elan has a recipe for skis with exceptionally smooth, almost silky manners, and these slalom skis are no exception. Nevertheless, some testers would have preferred more sporting character and rebound.
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FISCHER
RC4 NOIZE ST PRO
Completely new Fischer skis, both in construction and geometry. Even the designation is new. What remains is an unusually narrow waist for a consumer ski and that furious yellow-green colour. The model provoked mixed reactions.
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HEAD
WORLDCUP REBELS E-SL PRO
Well-known and highly regarded skis. The PRO designation indicates a race plate and bindings; otherwise, the construction is identical to the model without PRO in its name. And then there is that magnificent colour… They made an excellent impression and won considerable favour, although there were a few critical voices.
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KÄSTLE
RX12 SL
Unchanged from last year, they continue to receive very positive reviews. This time they did not reach the podium because the competition has not been standing still. As usual, some testers complained about the distinctive sound Kästle skis make on hard snow.
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NORDICA
DOBERMANN SLR DC FDT
As last year, these were the most divisive skis in an exceptionally closely matched category. There were very few neutral cards; enthusiastic and negative reviews appeared in equal numbers. The conclusion is obvious: these are skis with a strong personality that will not suit everyone.
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SALOMON
S/RACE PRIME SL
Not a single test card carried a negative comment – a rare occurrence. Unsurprisingly, they achieved the highest points score. Unfortunately, we cannot award the gold medal because the submitted model is a true race ski from Salomon’s FIS Prime line, which would be unfair to the other brands. We still include it because it is simply outstanding.
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STÖCKLI
LASER SL
Stöckli slalom skis have ranked among the leaders for years. Although the Swiss have softened them slightly, they remain more race-oriented than recreational. This time they finished just off the podium, although the tune may have cost them a fraction because testers repeatedly mentioned extremely aggressive edges.
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VÖLKL
RACETIGER SL
Völkl’s consumer slalom ski enters another season unchanged. Most testers liked it, describing it chiefly as easy, predictable and supple, although there were exceptions. Lighter testers were particularly enthusiastic.
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