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 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 Fischer RC4 World Cup SL ski is a lightning-fast race ski engineered for aggressive turns. Featuring specialized shovel construction and the powerful M-Plate, these skis deliver explosive acceleration and unmatched agility. Hole Ski technology enhances stability, while the World Cup race base ensures lightning-fast speed.

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 Atomic Vantage skis are a lightweight all-mountain powerhouse that excels in a variety of conditions. Despite its incredibly light weight, this ski boasts exceptional edge grip and precision thanks to Atomic's innovative Prolite construction with Energy Backbone and Titanium Tank Mesh. This unique combination delivers impressive stability and power while maintaining a remarkably low weight, setting the Atomic Vantage apart from other skis in its class.

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 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 Head KORE Team skis offer control and stability thanks to a construction utilizing high strength-to-weight ratio materials, including Graphene and a Sandwich Cap Construction. A durable topsheet withstands the rigors of young skiers, while tip and tail rocker enhances flotation in softer snow and makes turn initiation effortless.

The Head Supershape skis push the boundaries of on-piste performance with innovative technologies designed to deliver a thrilling and exhilarating ride. Crossforce Carbon technology, exclusive to the Supershape collection, features an exposed carbon layer that directly enhances power transfer and responsiveness. Combined with Energy Management Circuit (EMC) technology, which reduces negative vibrations for a smooth and stable ride.

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.