2016's Best Skis: Women's Groomed
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Very rarely does a ski rip so hard and still maintain a sense of humor. Strong in both grip and ease, it will bound down the fall line like a tiger one minute and then purr quietly like a kitten the next. It’s extremely energetic, thanks to a lightweight wood core, happily popping in and out of turns. Full camber throughout the midbody and tail gives it great snow contact and edge grip, and a rockered tip keeps it approachable for less aggressive skiers. “A ripping good time,” said one tester.
Dimensions: 125/83/103
Lengths: 147, 154, 161, 168
Radius: 17.1 at 161
Price: $650
More on these skis here.
Testers were psyched that Scott made it into the winners’ circle with a strong and energetic carver. “Should have been called Black Velvet,” said one tester about the Black Majic’s smooth and manageable feel. “Superhappyfuntimes!” gushed another. It has a strong sidewall construction for superior hold, and the generous sidecut invites you to lay it all the way over.
Dimensions: 120/76/110
Lengths: 157, 167
Radius: 18
Price: $900
More on these skis here.
Built with race-inspired power and precision for shorter turns, the Elite 11 is one quick stick. The edge hold is off the hook, yet testers were surprised by its versatility in bumps and at lower speeds. “Great on-piste slayer.”
Dimensions: 121/72/105
Lengths: 148, 153, 159, 165
Radius: 14 at 165
Price: $900
More on these skis here.
Sandwich construction, full sidewall, wood core, titanium: This is a ski you can stand on. It’s no surprise it carves, but it also proved to be versatile and forgiving, capable of helping you develop excellent form. “An excellent choice for an ex-GS racer.”
Dimensions: 124/81/107
Lengths: 146, 153, 160, 167
Radius: 13.5 at 160
Price: $960
More on these skis here.
The Temptation 84 was polarizing. “Smearing didn’t faze this ski at all,” said one tester. “Best on edges, carving only, very sharp,” said another. We think that’s probably because its smooth feel belies the torsional beast inside. It may eat crud for breakfast, but it always puts the napkin on its lap. No metal here, just wood-core responsiveness with carbon damping. By all accounts, a capable trencher.
Dimensions: 133/84/120
Lengths: 146, 154, 162, 170
Radius: 12 at 162
