The Best Men’s All-Mountain Wide Skis of 2022: J Skis The Hotshot
On firm snow, the Hotshots' Vermont roots came to light.
Join O+ to unlock this story.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
All-Access
Intro Offer
$3.99 / month*
- World-class journalism from publications like Outside, Ski, Trail Runner, Climbing, and Backpacker.
- Annual print subscription to Outside Magazine + 2 Gear Guides.
- Outside Watch – Award-winning adventure films, documentaries, and series.
- Gaia GPS – Premium backcountry navigation app.
- Trailforks – Discover trails around the globe.
- Outside Learn – Expert-led online classes on climbing, cooking, skiing, fitness, and beyond.
Ski Only Digital Access
Intro Offer
$2.99 / month*
- Access to all member-exclusive content and gear reviews on SKImag.com
- Ad-free access to SKImag.com
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
Brand: J Skis
Model: The Hotshot
Overall Ranking: #15
Overall Score: 3.55 / 5
Specs
Tip / Waist / Tail (mm)
134-106-124
Lengths (cm)
170, 177, 183, 189
Radius (m)
18 (183)
Waist Width (mm)
106
Gender
Unisex
Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Symmetrical
Yes
Rocker Technology
Yes
Core Material
Maple, Titanal
Stability at Speed
3.25 / 5
Quickness / Maneuverability
3.821428571 / 5
Playfulness
3.821428571 / 5
Forgiveness
3.785714286 / 5
Hard Snow Performance
2.964285714 / 5
Crud Performance
3.535714286 / 5
Balance of Skills
3.607142857 / 5
Binding Included
Yes
Flotation
3.642857143 / 5
Last year, testers noted that J Skis’ All-Mountain Wide contender, The Hotshot, has a speed limit. This year at Solitude Mountain Resort, comments were a little more illuminating, such as “well balanced,” “super playful,” and “easy to jump around on.” This notable ease of use translates to the fact that these skis shine at all speeds, and users don’t have to put the pedal to the metal to get the most out of them. In fact, one tester especially appreciated how lively the skis are at all speeds.
Made with a full maple wood core and two strips of Titanal, The Hotshot remains very poppy in and out of turns (and off jumps of all sizes). J Skis also incorporates four directions of fiberglass into the ski’s construction, which adds a high level of responsiveness. “The first feeling I had was this ski is intended for smearing,” ruminates veteran tester Bob Gleason. “But on firm snow, their Vermont roots came to light and they hold an edge well.”
The Hotshot lives up to J Skis’ bread and butter approach of building great skis using proven formulas and constructions, but modern shapes and side cuts to make skiing both fun and easy for all. Throw in a great price, and these skis are worthy of many skier’s “must try ” lists. “Very nimble,” notes Mike Britt. “Nice feel for the moguls once you trust the ski, and at speed could lay it over and put down some nice arcs.”
- Strengths: Quickness (1st in category), Playfulness (2nd)
- Weaknesses: Flotation (6th), Crud-Performance (6th)
Learn More
This Season’s Best All-Mountain Wide Skis for Men
Check out J skis’ best skis featured in SKI
How wide is too wide for resort skis?