Best Men's Skis

The Salomon QST series is a versatile all-mountain ski. With various shapes and rocker profiles, these skis excel in both on-piste and off-piste conditions. Carbon Powered C/FX technology enhances dampening and power, while full ABS sidewalls and Powerframe Ti ensure edge grip and stability.

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I’ve tried out a number of skis within the Salomon QST family since they were introduced back in 2016. There’s a huge number of different models out there, but they all share a few common features: namely, ease of control and maneuverability across a variety of conditions and terrain types. Keep an eye out for QST 106s and later models, as that model is the first to feature a large swathe of updates to improve performance.

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Adrian Ryan

The Rossignol Hero FIS SL Pro skis are designed for elite slalom racers. LCT technology provides precise control and superior grip at high speeds, while a Full Camber maximizes power transfer. These high-performance skis deliver exceptional results on the World Cup circuit.

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The Rossignol Hero FIS SL Pro Skis are premium race skis that are targeted at the absolute highest level of skiers out there. They’re actually approved by FIS—the International Ski and Snowboard Federation—for use in professional events and, as you’d expect, they’re packed full of the latest and greatest ski technology. You don’t necessarily need to be a pro to rip some runs in these, but you really do need to know what you’re doing. I’m not a pro, but as an expert skier, I can tell you that you feel powerful skiing in them because you can really get close to your limits.

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Adrian Ryan

The Atomic Redster G9 is a high-performance ski that brings World Cup technology to the slopes. Inspired by the skis used by professional racers like Mikaela Shiffrin, the Redster G9 offers exceptional edge grip, stability, and responsiveness. Its Ultra Power Wood Core, titanal laminates, and Servotec technology deliver a powerful and precise ride, making it ideal for advanced skiers who demand the best. Whether you're carving turns on groomed runs or tackling challenging terrain, the Redster G9 will elevate your skiing experience.

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When it comes to racing, Atomic has led the pack since 2012 with their Redster line of skis. Dedicated to racing and piste, Redsters are designed to carve, turn, and speed down the mountain with precise grip and handling. Atomic offers a variety of models, some more ‘piste-forward’ and others more ‘race-forward’. The Redster G9 is Atomic's more resort-friendly race skis with a shorter turn radius. Build to go fast and maintain stability all the while.

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Ben Goodman

The Rossignol Hero FIS GS Pro skis feature size-specific flexes and balanced constructions to perfectly match the skiers growth and skill development. Race-proven Line Control Technology (LCT) ensures unrivaled precision and control, eliminating counter-flexing for unwavering line stability.

The HEAD World Cup Rebels e-GS RD Skis are designed for elite-level giant slalom racers, offering exceptional speed, stability, and precision. The e-GS RD skis feature Titanium Stabilizer which provides stability and vibration dampening, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. These skis also feature HEAD's innovative EMC technology, which provides enhanced vibration control and improved energy transfer.

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The HEAD World Cup Rebels e-GS RD Skis are a serious pair of skis for serious skiers. They also feel amazing whatever type of conditions you’re skiing, as a result of the vibration-dampening technology they contain. And, yes, I’m even talking about those terrible icy marbles. All and all, these are some of the best performing skis that you can get for an affordable price when buying used.

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Adrian Ryan

The Rossignol Experience ski offers a balanced blend of stability and agility. LCT technology ensures smooth turns, while the progressive sidecut and HD Core TI provide a dampened ride. This versatile ski is perfect for skiers of all levels seeking a reliable and enjoyable experience on the slopes.

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Although Rossignol is mostly known for World Cup-inspired carving skis, they really did knock it out of the park with their take on the all-mountain concept. I wouldn’t be going out on a limb by saying that they didn’t quite produce a dedicated pair of freeriders, but that wasn’t really what they were going for. These skis are more than able to handle some off-piste and glade skiing while also keeping together on groomed runs as well as you’d expect a Rossignol product to perform (which is quite well, for the record).

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Adrian Ryan

The HEAD World Cup Rebels i. GS RD skis deliver unmatched acceleration, supreme balance, and faultless control to dominate any GS competition. Boasting the most Olympic medals of any ski, its legacy is built on refined racing technology. Head's aggressive construction provides the explosive power and precise responsiveness you need to outrun the competition, while the lightweight, ultra-responsive core integrates Titanal, Graphene, and intelligent technology for unmatched strength and control.

The Fischer RC4 World Cup GS skis feature cutting-edge World Cup technology, to deliver exceptional speed, precision, and control. Sensational edge grip provides the confidence young racers need, while direct power transfer ensures explosive acceleration and unrivaled responsiveness. The stable wood core minimizes vibrations for a smooth and controlled ride, and the race-ready base eliminates the need for sidewall planning.

The Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis offer a versatile blend of power and playfulness. The wood core and titanal layers provide a strong, energetic feel, while the progressive shaping allows for easy maneuverability. Whether you're cruising the groomers or exploring the trees, the Enforcer delivers a smooth, confident ride.

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I know that not many people will travel to the mountain with a variety of different skis so that they can adjust to changing conditions, which makes a pair of great all-rounders like Nordica Enforcers incredibly valuable. The skis are wide enough to perform well in powder, even if it’s very deep, while the base’s tapered shape still allows you to carve on groomed trails. You’ll really feel the full range of possibilities that these skis afford you when you’re skiing groomed trails in the morning, but get enough extra snow during the day to ski some powder by your last few runs.

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Adrian Ryan

The Atomic Redster FIS GS skis feature revoshock technology that absorbs bumps for unmatched stability and control, while maintaining lightning-fast edge-to-edge transitions and explosive acceleration. Full-length sidewalls and Ultra TI Powered laminate ensure unwavering edge hold and torsional rigidity, even in the most demanding conditions.

The Völkl Racetiger GS skis offer exceptional performance on the giant slalom slopes. Tailored Carbon Tip technology provides precise torsional control, allowing for a more direct and agile approach to the gate. These skis also feature Full Sidewall ABSm which offer durability and impact resistance, protecting the ski from the rigors of racing. These skis are a top choice for competitive skiers seeking speed, stability, and precision.

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Although Volkl doesn’t quite have the profile of some other ski manufacturers, I’ve always enjoyed heading up the chairlift clipped into a couple of their skis. The Volkl Racetiger GS Skis are my favorite skis for those days you’re going to spend on hard or even icy slopes, since they have the strength and bite to keep you feeling confident in challenging conditions. They’re fast enough to be used in junior competition, if that’s what you’re looking for, but they’re also versatile enough to work as a day-to-day ski.

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Adrian Ryan

The Nordica Dobermann GS WC skis are the perfect blend of wood and metal construction that provides unmatched stability and responsiveness, while the 10mm Marker Piston Plate maximizes energy transfer for explosive acceleration. Available in soft or stiff flex options, the hand-finished Dobermann GS WC Dept is designed to meet the demands of the most competitive racers.

The Elan Exar E-Rise skis feature an easy-to-handle, lightweight design. The Early Rise Rocker profile with gradual tip and tail rocker enhances maneuverability and reduces the risk of catching an edge, making turns smooth and effortless. Constructed with a durable Comprex Wood Core and reinforced with fiberglass layers.

The Volkl RTM skis are designed for frontside performance with a wider waist width for versatility. Volkl's innovative 3D Ridge and 3D Glass construction techniques provide exceptional stability and power, while the UVO vibration damping system with steel construction ensures a smooth, quiet, and composed ride.

The Rossignol Hero Athlete GS skis are designed for serious giant slalom racers. Inspired by World Cup race skis, they feature Carbon Laminate for enhanced edge hold and responsiveness. This high-performance ski delivers maximum speed, stability, and control on the slopes.

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The GS Skis are the first pair of race skis that many kids get to own, and that makes a lot of sense, since that’s exactly who Rossignol designed them for. They certainly fit the bill, providing enough speed and edge control to take on Giant Slalom and Super G courses. In many ways, they’re the obvious choice for parents who are looking to get a competitive pair of race skis for their children. On the other hand, if that doesn’t exactly describe what you’re looking for, you might want to try to find more versatile skis that will open up more of the mountain.

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Adrian Ryan

The K2 Mindbender skis are a line of high-performance freeride skis featuring a range of waist widths to suit different skiing styles and conditions. Wider skis are better for a deep powder, while narrower skis are more agile on groomers. The Mindbender skis have All-Terrain Rocker, which provides a balance of stability and maneuverability, making it easy to turn and float in powder.

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I get why it’s the case, but it can be frustrating that so many freeride or powder skis are either too pricey or too advanced for intermediate skiers. Thankfully, the K2 Mindbenders are here for those looking to dip their toes into bowl or backcountry skiing without breaking the bank or needing expert-level skills. They provide a great entry point into more adventurous skiing while keeping you comfortable and in control, making them a solid choice for those who aren’t quite ready for high-end models like the Blizzard Rustler 11 Skis.

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Adrian Ryan

The K2 Escape Junior skis are designed to help young skiers progress quickly and confidently. Built with a forgiving flex and easy turn initiation, these skis make learning fun and accessible for beginners and intermediates. Their lightweight construction reduces fatigue, allowing kids to stay on the slopes longer. The Escape Junior skis are the perfect tool for building a solid foundation and fostering a lifelong love of skiing.

The Elan Explore 6 skis are designed for ease of use and control. These skis feature a forgiving Parabolic Rocker profile that makes turn initiation smooth and effortless. Elan's Groove Technology enhances edge hold, while the lightweight construction and adjustable bindings provide a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience.

The Blizzard Brahma skis have exceptional carving performance and torsional stiffness. The True Blend wood core provides great stability and power through various types of terrain. The Brahma will allow skiers to go through any types of terrain and give them the confidence to do so.

The K2 Amp Strike skis offer exceptional value for beginner skiers, providing a smooth and controlled learning experience. K2's MOD technology effectively dampens vibrations, enhancing edge-hold and stability, while the Catch-Free Rocker profile facilitates easy turn initiation and effortless stability.