Browse every configuration we tested in 2025/2026. Open a model to see the tested length, specifications, full archive review and comments from individual testers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New for the coming season, yet somehow already familiar. The geometry and available lengths have been revised slightly, while the construction, plates and bindings are all new. Our testers liked the changes and the skis earned positive reviews.
These skis are already very familiar to our testers, but for this season they have received new plates and bindings – and that changes the picture. The Blizzard WRC has consequently become a little more race-oriented. Together with the Head, it finished a whisker off the podium.
The Italian manufacturer’s skis divided our testers. The lighter skiers regarded them as enjoyable and distinctly sporty, while the heavier testers tended to place them closer to the All-Round category. Objectively speaking, they were among the shortest skis tested in the group.
The Polish importer of Dynamic skis equips its race-oriented models with aluminium RS Aluplate competition plates of its own design. These were also the longest skis tested in the group. Both factors made them particularly popular with heavier and more aggressive skiers.
Successive versions of these skis have been with us for several years. They have devoted fans, but also skiers who speak about them more critically. The test pair was fitted with the lighter Konect plate and binding system.
This familiar model has one of the longest turn radii in the group – more than 21 metres at a length of 180 cm. At the same time, the skis are fairly supple, creating a rarely encountered combination. Our testers were sharply divided.
Completely new skis from Fischer, featuring Noize technology. Despite being short for this category at 178 cm, they made an excellent impression on our testers and finished second on points.
These are unquestionably skis with a strongly race-oriented character, as their large turn radius and narrow waist already suggest. Slender and unwilling to do much on their own, they become extremely effective in the hands of experienced pilots. On points they finished a whisker off the podium, but still took the bronze medal.
Kästle has accustomed us to receiving its GS skis in the longest available length for our tests. This time, we had the same model in 178 cm. The skis earned highly favourable reviews from our testers.
A classic of the genre. These skis have ranked among the leading consumer GS models for years. Their construction uses Nordica’s distinctive Dual Core technology, producing an exceptionally smooth ride. For some testers, they were the best skis in the group.
These skis do not belong in the category, because they are simply junior GS race skis. Even so, our testers gave them a very warm reception and placed them third on points. Unfortunately, we cannot award them the bronze medal because they do not actually belong in the group.
These skis have been on the market for quite some time, but this was their first appearance in this category at our test – and, as a reminder, the importer chooses which models are submitted. The debut was a resounding success and the Salomon took first place on points.
The most successful skier in the world today, Marco Odermatt, races on this brand, so the consumer version of his winning machines could hardly be poor. These skis earned considerable praise from our testers, although there were more critical voices too.
Among the shortest skis in the group and equipped with a relatively short radius, they are also fairly supple. They produced mixed feelings among our testers. Some found them extremely enjoyable, while others had reservations.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
The new Redster X9, this time in the RS version – the results for the S version can be found in the Cross-Turn category – comes with a new Icon race plate and matching bindings. It made a tremendous impression on our testers. It finished second on points, and we are still wondering why Atomic entered it in the VIP category rather than among the race-inspired hybrids.
These skis are already familiar, but this time we tested the stronger LTD version fitted with the new and highly effective FDT Race Plate Pro B. They divided our testers: many considered them the best in the category, while a smaller group raised objections. They unquestionably have character.
Dynamic made the bold decision to enter a slalom ski in this category. It is what we call the second slalom model in the range – a slightly more supple version of the flagship ski. Slalom skis are not known for great versatility, of course, yet this model received a very warm welcome.
Among the shortest skis in the group and endowed with the smallest radius, these have an unmistakably slalom-oriented character but a more forgiving construction. They turn very easily and provoked mixed reactions among our testers.
Entering an all-mountain ski in the VIP category is a bold decision, but these are exceptional. Most testers were positively rapturous, and the skis missed the podium by only a small margin on points. Only strong, heavier men wished for the next length up.
For the VIP group, Fischer entered its newest creation, the Noize. These are the same skis described in the Cross-Turn category, but in a different length. Our testers regarded them as thoroughly sporting and demanding, yet enormously enjoyable – mainly for powerful pilots.
Made in Wisła, Poland – and genuinely something to show off to the skiing world. The Forszty made an impression, finishing just off the podium. Most testers appreciated far more than their graphics.
A limited special edition from Head bearing the Porsche name. Noblesse oblige – and most of our testers liked them. The only reservations concerned the size, as the test pair measured just 170 cm.
Beautiful skis from Kästle. This special model, called Legend 1956, uses graphics inspired by the famous ski from that year. At 83 mm underfoot, it is relatively wide and distinctly all-mountain in character. Many testers liked it, although some thought it slightly too short.
The latest creation from this Polish company. Although intended mainly for piste use, these are still the widest skis in the group, so outright sporting performance would be too much to expect. Many testers liked them; others had reservations.
Following the enormous success of the Multigara, Nordica’s technicians set out to create a ski for a wider audience and a broader range of conditions. The result is the Multipista. Opinions were divided, largely because too many testers expected Multigara-level performance.
The fashion for graphics borrowed from the 1960s is thriving – and rightly so, because these skis are exceptionally handsome. Among the most deeply sidecut skis in the group, they have a distinctly slalom-like character. Most testers liked them.
Number one in the group on points. These skis have delighted our testers for several seasons, and the lightly updated version for the coming winter continues to impress through its versatility. Relatively long, with a short turn radius and a narrow waist. Rather strange – and magnificent.
Beneath the beautiful and unconventional graphics lies an almost legendary ski: the Laser SC, the best-selling model in the entire collection of the famous Swiss company. Our testers liked it, although several pointed to the rather meagre length of the test pair.
In the VIP group, each company may show the ski of which it is most proud. Völkl chose its cult model, which sells across the Atlantic like hot cakes. Most of our testers agreed with the Americans, although a few were less enthusiastic.
A completely new Atomic model from the All-Mountain Classic subgroup, which means it carries a substantial dose of freeride DNA. Our testers split into two camps: those who liked it very much and those who could not establish a friendship. On the first day, an overly aggressive tune also caused problems.
This new addition to Blizzard’s range earned considerable approval from our testers. Many did feel, however, that it belonged more naturally in the All-Round category because it offered too little in soft snow.
Another familiar model and another one that, according to our testers, is far better suited to groomed pistes than even light off-piste use. Many considered it highly successful, although a few grumblers remained. At just 77 mm, it was the narrowest ski in the category.
A new and powerful ski from Dynamic. Like the brand’s other models, it has a strongly sporting personality, which naturally delighted some testers and appealed less to others. For many, it behaved like an exceptionally wide GS ski. Demanding and beautiful.
Known from earlier editions of the test and very well received in the past, these skis again earned a positive response. They possess a forceful personality focused on difficult snow and off-piste terrain – a model you will either love or reject outright.
We had never tested this exact model before because Elan had always sent the outstanding version one width larger. The Wingman 83 Ti also earned praise for its versatility and friendliness, although many thought it would have performed even better one size longer.
We already knew these from last year, although they remain relatively new to the market in only their second season. They made a very strong impression and finished just off the points podium. Almost every test card was positive, and we shall simply ignore the handful of grumblers.
A completely new construction of which Head is very proud, replacing the skis on which Ted Ligety could carve seemingly impossible arcs. Our testers liked this model enormously too, and it finished third on points.
These skis are already familiar, yet our testers continue to like them. The word used most often was ‘solid’. They took first place on points, and the cards contained almost nothing but praise.
A Polish product, and we always appreciate those. Fairly long and the widest skis in the group, with unmistakable freeride genes. Their points score could never be outstanding in this category, yet a surprising number of testers praised them warmly in writing.
The Steadfast line has been on the market for two seasons, but this was our first test of the 85 mm version. It received an exceptionally warm welcome and finished second on points.
The Arcade line enters its second season on the market. Last year we tested the version one width narrower. This pair seems purpose-built for more difficult conditions. Many testers were delighted, although critical voices remained.
New for the season and carrying intriguing graphics, these skis belong to the All-Mountain Classic subgroup. They sit closer to freeride models than many others in the category. Opinions were divided, although a great many testers considered them successful.
These skis have been with us for many years in successive, continuously updated versions. They always rank near the top of the category, although this time they missed the podium by a whisker. They have a devoted following and a few opponents.
The Peregrine line enters its second season and has already become highly mature. Many of its models, including this one, use Völkl’s so-called 3D radius – in other words, variable geometry. Most testers liked the skis and awarded them a high points score.
A familiar and highly regarded ski – and one of Atomic’s best-selling models. Our testers agreed both on its quality and on the fact that it is better suited to more advanced skiers. On points, it finished a whisker off the podium.
In theory, we know these skis very well, but this time Blizzard entered the LTD version, equipped with new plates that perform extremely well. The skis were warmly received and finished third on points. Almost every tester highlighted their remarkable versatility.
Dynamic appeared in our test last year and immediately won the hearts of the team. Hardly surprising, because the build quality is matched by the on-snow performance. This model placed third on points and was regarded by many as the most sporting ski in the category.
A new Dynastar construction with a relatively short radius and narrow waist. The skis made a strong impression, and testers repeatedly emphasised their ease of use.
We know this model from previous tests, but not in this form. This time Elan sent us a beautiful pair from the limited Black Edition range. They proved that they not only look superb but ski extremely well too. Only heavier testers wished they were longer.
Versatile skis that we first encountered last season. They performed very creditably in our test and earned favourable comments. Most testers described them as friendly – a quality that matters enormously to many skiers.
This Head model has been with us for a very long time. Continually modernised and refined, it has resisted the passage of time while retaining the original concept. Among the longest and widest skis in the group, it appealed far more strongly to heavier, powerful skiers.
The MX74, sometimes designated MX75, has been part of Kästle’s range since the brand returned to the market. It has been modernised repeatedly while retaining the character of an ideal All-Round ski. This version earned applause and took first place on points.
Another Polish product from Majesty, the well-established Gdynia brand. This time its engineers expand the range with an All-Round ski. Testers reacted in different ways, although the word ‘calm’ dominated.
We have known successive versions of these skis extremely well for years. One might even call them a Nordica classic. As before, opinion was divided: some testers adore them, while others point to shortcomings.
Another ‘love me or leave me’ ski with a decisive personality. Most of our testers liked it enormously, although some admitted that the relationship simply did not work. The geometry and construction are intriguing and unconventional; the model is slowly becoming legendary.
It appears that Salomon’s engineers discovered a magic formula when developing the Addikt line – or came very close. Although among the longest skis in the group, they delighted almost all our testers and took second place on points.
The narrowest member of the Montero family, through which Stöckli is successfully trying to escape its image as a purely race-focused brand. For many testers, it represented the essence of this category; others complained that it felt too much like a slalom ski. On points, it finished just off the podium.
Another member of Völkl’s falcon line, the Peregrine. These models are intended for versatile skiers covering long distances in changing conditions, and that is exactly what our testers discovered. The Peregrine 72 made a very strong impression.
New for the coming season, these skis continue the tradition established by earlier versions of the model. The minimalist, elegant graphics are new too and will probably appeal to most women. Third on points.
These skis are well known to our female testers from previous editions. For this season they received new, stiffer plates, improving their effectiveness but increasing their weight. Several women considered them the best in the group; several others found them too heavy and demanding for a women’s model.
Blossom is a recent arrival at our tests, but the company has made a genuinely strong impression. This model uses slalom-ski geometry combined with lighter materials, and our female testers liked it.
Dynamic’s engineers are working extremely hard – and they have little choice if the brand is to make a successful return to the market. This is the women’s version of the ski causing such a stir in the All-Round category. These made an equally strong impression, although our female testers regarded them as fairly demanding.
Slalom geometry combined with the greatest length in the entire group – 166 cm. Most of our female testers found them demanding, but also saw considerable potential, especially on well-groomed pistes.
The Wildcat was the widest model in the women’s test, yet it still received a warm welcome. These are typical all-mountain skis, so the tested length – only 160 cm – appeared somewhat too short.
Another women’s ski based on slalom geometry, this time using lighter woods and thinner aluminium layers. These divided our testers: some considered them the most enjoyable in the group, while others pointed out weaknesses.
These skis are already familiar to our female testers. Light and friendly, they nevertheless divided opinion. Some regarded them as excellent for women who want to progress; others pointed to the low weight and the limited stability that comes with it.
Another wider ski in the comparison – 84 mm underfoot – so its character should be close to the all-mountain category. Unfortunately, the test pair was also among the shortest in the group, which undoubtedly affected both its usefulness and its score.
Yet another women’s ski built around slalom geometry. Our testers liked this model, and some even considered it the best in the group. On points, it finished a whisker off the podium.
Salomon’s new women’s ski for the coming season made a very strong impression, even though it is not the most advanced model in the women’s line. Second on points, with a high level of agreement and plenty of enthusiasm.
The undisputed leader of the group – and not only this season. These skis achieved the highest score, and negative comments are nowhere to be found on the test cards. The women did stress, however, that this is a model for more accomplished skiers.
The shortest skis in the group, and also those with the smallest radius. Unsurprisingly, they are agile. Our testers nevertheless found them fairly versatile considering the geometry. On points, they finished just off the podium.