The No.1 Carving Ski of 2022: Stöckli Laser AR
The Stöckli Laser AR ski was picked by SKI Magazine testers as the best carving ski of 2022 with high scores for Quickness and Versatility.
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Brand: Stöckli
Model: Laser AR
Overall Ranking: #1
Overall Score: 4.10 / 5
Specs
Tip / Waist / Tail (mm)
130-83-112
Lengths (cm)
154, 161, 168, 175, 182
Radius (m)
16.5 (175 length)
Waist Width (mm)
83
Gender
Unisex
Level
Expert
Rocker Technology
Yes
Core Material
Wood, Titanal
Sidewall Construction
Sandwich
Stability at Speed
4.58 / 5
Quickness / Maneuverability
4.27 / 5
Playfulness
3.85 / 5
Forgiveness
3.92 / 5
Hard Snow Performance
4.58 / 5
Crud Performance
3.27 / 5
Balance of Skills
4.04 / 5
The Stöckli Laser AR combines European sports car finesse with the dependability of a luxury four-door sedan. Unlike some of the “almost-race” skis in this category, the Swiss carver impressed testers with how easy it is to ski and how it still hold its own when the speed and power intensifies. “Stable as a table!” comments tester Mike Britt. “GS turns are as smooth as glass, and they flow downhill like a mountain stream.”
In fact, this year’s Best in Test carving ski had all the testers saying one word: Smooth. The ski is built with Stöckli’s light core which incorporates fuma and balsa wood sandwiched between two sheets of Titanal. The Laser AR has a bit of rocker in the tip and tail, but Stöckli incorporates its Adaptive Contact Length into the ski, which increases effective edge contact with the snow when the edge angle increases. The result is a ski that gets better as the skier improves, and can handle experts with ease, as well. “Great combination of energy and stability that’s pretty easy to ski,” comments tester Nick Loomans. “Solid carving ski choice for any advanced skier.”
With the highest category score in Quickness/Maneuverability plus good showings in Versatility, Hard-Snow Integrity, and Overall Impression, the Stöckli Laser AR is a piste-oriented ski. But thanks to rocker and the wide 83mm waist, this ski could definitely hold its own off the groomers and could be a great single ski option for East Coast skiers. “Pulls every arc and builds multiple G forces with zero backlash,” comments tester Matt Schiller. “Any PSIA/Town Series gunner/ex-pro will relive their best dream days and feel 10 years younger.”
- Strengths: Quickness/Maneuverability (1st in category), Balance of Skills/Versatility (2nd)
- Weaknesses: Playfulness (3rd), Stability at Speed (4th)
Check it Out: The Best Carving Skis of the Year
All of Stöckli’s Award-Winning Skis
All of this Year’s Best in Test Skis
More info: Stoeckli.ch