The 12 Best Men’s Frontside Skis of 2022

This is the year to add something a little narrower to your quiver that can play in the moguls, tear through chalky conditions, and even handle a bit of fresh. Enter 2022’s crop of Frontside skis.

A little wider underfoot than traditional carving skis, but not as fat as all-mountain sticks, these skis were designed to straddle the slope markers. They still rail on hardpack and know a thing or two about carving, but thanks to additional tip rocker (and sometimes tail rocker), frontside skis can handle off-piste terrain and snow conditions, too. If you’re the kind of skier who spends most of your time on the groomed but occasionally venture off trail to go explore, you’ll want to look closely at these 12 frontside skis that rose to the top of the pile at SKI’s 2022 gear test.

Section divider

No. 1: Völkl Kendo 88

Every tester loved the Kendo 88, giving the ski a unique universalism (yes, we know that’s a contradiction) in an increasingly fragmented category. Built with Völkl’s 3D Radius sidecut, the ski has a shorter turn radius at slower speeds and a longer one when you kick it into gear. The result is a ski that’s easier to get on edge and is especially maneuverable in the steeps. Says tester Michael Rogan: “This ski can handle it all and you can adjust your turn at any moment. Just outstanding.”

2022 Völkl Kendo 88 Specifications

• Overall Score: 4.15/5
• Strengths: Overall Impression, Hard-Snow Integrity
• Weaknesses: Flotation, Forgiveness
• Dimensions (mm): 129-88-111
• Available Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184
• Radius (m): 17
• Price: $775 (Buy now)

Read more: See how the 2022 Völkl Kendo 88 scored in every skill category

Section divider

No. 2: Armada Declivity 88 C

With category-topping scores in Quickness, Playfulness, and Forgiveness, the all-new Declivity 88 C was one of the biggest surprises of the test according to testers. The well-placed rocker profile allows for noticeable versatility on all terrain and snow types, and a relatively soft shovel makes turn initiation a breeze. The caruba wood core holds its own at speed, too. Dustin Cook: “Supple and forgiving in the crud, these skis have great hold and stability on groomers. Lots of life and energy.”

2022 Armada Declivity 88 C Specifications

• Overall Score: 4.12/5
• Strengths: Quickness, Playfulness
• Weaknesses: Flotation, Crud Performance
• Dimensions (mm): 131-88-112
• Available Lengths (cm): 160, 168, 176, 184
• Radius (m): 17.2
• Price: $700 (Buy now)

Read more: See how the 2022 Armada Declivity 88 C scored in every skill category

Section divider

No. 3: Stöckli Stormrider 88

Unlike the planky Stöcklis of years past, the new Stormrider 88’s lightweight freeride tip and a balsa wood core provide a wonderfully smooth and supple feel when tipped on edge. With two sheets of metal, the ski still has a backbone, however. Strong intermediates through experts will enjoy these beautiful skis more than enough to justify the price. Luke Larsen: “I may just skip out on the rest of the test and bring these skis home to meet my parents to really take it to the next level.”

2022 Stöckli Stormrider 88 Specifications

• Overall Score: 4.09/5
• Strengths: Stability at Speed, Hard-Snow Integrity
• Weaknesses: Flotation, Playfulness
• Dimensions (mm): 128-88-114
• Available Lengths (cm): 166, 175, 184
• Radius (m): 18.4
• Price: $1,049

Read more: See how the 2022 Stöckli Stormrider 88 C scored in every skill category

Section divider

No. 4: Nordica Enforcer 94

“Beefcakes! You need to be moving pretty quick to make these bad boys turn. Definitely a lot less forgiving than most of the skis in this category. Surprisingly nice in bumps and crud—the rocker makes them fun in those conditions. Not for beginners, and even experts will need to work for it.” –Dustin Cook

2022 Nordica Enforcer 94 Specifications

• Overall Score: 4.07/5
• Strengths: Flotation, Crud Performance
• Weaknesses: Forgiveness, Quickness
• Dimensions (mm): 127-94-115.5
• Available Lengths (cm): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
• Radius (m): 17.1
• Price: $800

Read more: See how the 2022 Nordica Enforcer 94 scored in every skill category

Section divider

No. 5: Dynastar M-Pro 90

Can there be such a thing as the perfect early-rise shovel? After skiing the Dynastar M-Pro 90, testers were inclined to say yes. The perfectly placed lift created a turn initiation that was described as “lightning-bolt quick,” “silky smooth,” “top tier,” and “comfortable.” It’s a great one-ski quiver option for both coasts, but East Coast skiers are most likely to find directional skiing heaven. Larsen: “Fun to lay it over but amazingly responsive in crud and bumps.”

2022 Dynastar M-Pro 90 Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.94/5
• Strengths: Forgiveness, Versatility
• Weaknesses: Flotation, Stability at Speed
• Dimensions (mm): 120-90-110
• Available Lengths (cm): 162, 170, 178, 186
• Radius (m): 18
• Price: $700

Read more: See how the 2022 Dynastar M-Pro 90 scored in every skill category

Section divider

No. 6: Rossignol Experience 86 Ti

There’s a lot of technology packed into the all-new Experience 86 Ti, including two sheets of Titanal, a full basalt wrap, PEFC-certified poplar wood core, and Rossi’s new Drive Tip, which is a shovel made from directional carbon fibers and a soft visco damping material. The result is a ski with a perfect level of forgiveness that nearly every ability of skier is sure to enjoy in the East and the West. Loomans: “A great option for intermediate to advanced skiers, but can be enjoyed by all.”

2022 Rossignol Experience 86 Ti Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.92/5
• Strengths: Forgiveness, Quickness
• Weaknesses: Flotation, Crud Performance
• Dimensions (mm): 132-86-120
• Available Lengths (cm): 167, 176, 185
• Radius (m): 16
• Price: $800

Section divider

No. 7: Blizzard Brahma 88

They might look like narrow all-mountain skis, but the Brahmas perform like Formula 1-inspired superchargers. All of the damp power was favored by the stronger testers who wanted to keep the speed at Lewis Hamilton-levels in all conditions. If you’re an expert in the East or West with strong legs, these skis aim to please. Todd Casey: “It has plenty of guts and is a very versatile tool for advanced skiers. But not the most forgiving if you get lazy or impatient.”

2022 Blizzard Brahma 88 Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.91/5
• Strengths: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed
• Weaknesses: Forgiveness, Playfulness
• Dimensions (mm): 128-88-110
• Available Lengths (cm): 165, 171, 177, 183, 189
• Radius (m): 16
• Price: $840

Section divider

No. 8: Fischer RC One 86GT

Once again, the Fischer RC One 86GT fooled testers into thinking it was made only to carve, but when they took it beyond the groomed terrain, it exceeded expectations in the choppy snow and moguls of Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon. With a unique construction layup that incorporates shaped Titanal and BAFATEX for stability at speed, this ski can crush the frontside without crushing you. Mark Syrovatka: “Very versatile all across the mountain, a great ski for anyone.”

2022 Fischer RC One 86GT Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.82/5
• Strengths: Quickness, Hard-Snow Integrity
• Weaknesses: Flotation, Versatility
• Dimensions (mm): 130-86-116
• Available Lengths (cm): 161, 168, 175, 182
• Radius (m): 17
• Price: $1,000 with binding

Section divider

No. 9: K2 Mindbender 90Ti

Built with K2’s Titanal Y-Beam plus a maple and aspen blended wood core, the shovel and tail of the Mindbender 90Ti seem stiffer than the rest of the wider skis in the Mindbender line. Regardless, these puppies prefer to go Mach speeds when the snow is smooth. Because they have K2’s signature level of forgiveness, they don’t punish the user for mistakes, and have an absolute ball away from groomed terrain. Casey: “A ‘check out all different parts of the mountain’ ski.”

2022 K2 Mindbender 90Ti Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.82/5
• Strengths: Forgiveness, Flotation
• Weaknesses: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed
• Dimensions (mm): 127-90-114
• Available Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184
• Radius (m): 17.9
• Price: $800

Section divider

No. 10: Salomon Stance 90

The Stance 90 was commended for being deafeningly quiet. Built with two layers of Titanal and a poplar wood core, the ski lets its high-speed performance do the talking by staying damp and stable. Salomon did liven up the ski by removing some of the top layer of Titanal and replacing it with the company’s signature carbon and flax blended laminate for versatility, but this ski is definitely more sports car than SUV. Mark Elling: “So clean and mean.”

2022 Salomon Stance 90 Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.69/5
• Strengths: Stability at Speed, Flotation
• Weaknesses: Playfulness, Crud Performance
• Dimensions (mm): 126-90-108
• Available Lengths (cm): 168, 176, 182, 188
• Radius (m): 18
• Price: $800

Section divider

No. 11: Kästle FX86 Ti

With two sheets of Titanal sandwiching a beech and poplar wood core, full sandwich sidewalls, and a translucent Hollowtech 3.0 tip, the FX86 Ti is a pretty stiff ski. Testers felt comfortable on groomed terrain, but only the braver, stronger, taller testers were able to handle it in variable terrain and bumps. Nick Loomans: “Crushes groomers like a big mountain GS ski. Great balance of energy and stability for aggressive advanced/expert skiers or former racers.”

2022 Kästle FX86 Ti Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.65/5
• Strengths: Hard-Snow Integrity, Versatility
• Weaknesses: Playfulness, Forgiveness
• Dimensions (mm): 123-86-114
• Available Lengths (cm): 153, 161, 169, 177, 185
• Radius (m): 17.6
• Price: $1,099

Section divider

No. 12: J Skis Fastforward

The new Fastforward features a subtle rocker with two strips of Titanal sandwiching a full maple wood core. The result is the Vermont brand’s signature poppy and fun feel with a relatively skinny waist, which allows for easier carving and better overall maneuverability in all types of resort terrain. A viable option for skiers who just want to get on a great pair of skis and go. Jon Jay: “These are a barrel of monkeys! So fun and playful, I was laughing the whole way down.”

Specifications

• Overall Score: 3.62/5
• Strengths: Playfulness, Forgiveness
• Weaknesses: Hard-Snow Integrity, Stability at Speed
• Dimensions (mm): 124-94-111
• Available Lengths (cm): 160, 167, 174, 181
• Radius (m): 16.5
• Price: $666

Looking for women’s-specific frontside skis? Check out the 11 best women’s frontside skis of 2022 here. To revisit last year’s best skis, scroll down. 

Section divider

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best frontside resort skis for men?

1. Völkl Kendo 88
2. Armada Declivity 88 C
3. Stöckli Stormrider 88
4. Nordica Enforcer 94
5. Dynastar M-Pro 90
6. Rossignol Experience 86 Ti
7. Blizzard Brahma 88
8. Fischer RC One 86GT
9. K2 Mindbender 90 Ti
10. Salomon Stance 90
11. Kästle FX86 Ti
12. J Skis Fastforward

What are frontside skis?

Do-it-all skis with middle-of-the-road waists (81mm-90mm), a more moderate rocker profile primarily in the tip, more camber underfoot, and a flatter tail. This kind of profile orients all-mountain narrow skis towards the frontside of the mountain, and these skis generally perform best on groomed terrain or in the bumps. While rockered tips add some versatility, these skis are not designed to be skied in deep powder.

Read on: Carving vs. frontside skis—what’s the difference?

Section divider

The Best Men’s Frontside Skis of 2021

BEST IN TEST: Stöckli Stormrider 88

With the highest overall ranking and top scores in six out of eight categories, the Stormrider 88 garnered numerous comments from testers along the lines of “category-defining.” The Stöckli earned its Best in Test award for its ability to handle the biggest, baddest skiers, but remained extremely kind and approachable when testers took their feet off the gas. Says Mike Rogan: “Don’t let looks fool you, this ski is not as bulky as it appears. You have found the holy grail with this ski.”

2021 Stöckli Stormrider 88 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 4.45
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 166, 175, 184 
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 128-88-114
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 18.4 (175cm length)
• MSRP: $999

Check out all of the 2021 Stöckli Stormrider 88’s scores

See all of Best in Test Skis of 2021

Blizzard Brahma 88

Like a European sports car, the all-new Brahma 88’s performance is jawdroppingly good at high speeds. The ski’s new TrueBlend core maps out harder and softer woods at key locations and is sandwiched between two edge-to-edge sheets of Titanal, meaning this is a burly ski that strong skiers will cherish. Testers couldn’t find a speed limit or chink in its armor. Elling: “I thought I was over the Brahma, but now I get to love it all over again. Great ski for skilled skiers.”

2021 Blizzard Brahma 88 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 4.35/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 165, 171, 183, 189
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 128-88-110
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 16 (177 cm length)
• MSRP: $840

Shop for the 2021 Blizzard Brahma 88: REI | evo | Amazon

Check out the full scoresheet for the 2021 Blizzard Brahma 88

Read more about Blizzard’s TrueBlend Core Technology

K2 Mindbender 90Ti

The SKI Test crew took the Mindbender 90Ti all over the place at Taos Ski Valley, and not a single skier had anything negative to say about it. At lower speeds, the K2 remains easy to get on edge and maintains a friendly demeanor in every situation. As the testers’ speed increased, they were thrilled to report that the ski remained damp, capable, and stable. Donahue: “Possesses a gentle smooth feel that masked the raging power beneath. An even flex makes it predictable and solid in any turn shape. A nice blend of power and finesse!”

2021 K2 Mindbender 90Ti Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 4.16/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 163, 170, 177, 184
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 127-90-114
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 17.9 (177 length)
• MSRP: $800

Buy the 2021 K2 Mindbender 90Ti: REI

2021 K2 Mindbender 90Ti’s full scores from SKI Test

Fischer RC One 86GT

Last year’s cover ski is still the crème de la crème of the more pure carving-oriented entries in this category, but that doesn’t mean it should be written off as a one-trick pony. Testers enthusiastically took the RC1 86GT all over, lighting up the world-famous bumps and devouring the steep, chalky terrain of Taos Ski Valley. Still, it was nearly unanimous that this Fischer absolutely owns the groomers, and it has absolutely no speed limit. Larsen: “Round, snappy fun that has the feel of a beer league GS ski without losing that all-mountain ability.”

WATCH: SKI Reviews the 2021 Fischer RC One 86GT

Video not displaying correctly? Watch it here.

2021 Fischer RC One 86GT Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 4.05/5 (Men’s Score)
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 161, 168, 175, 182
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 130-86-116
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 17 (175 cm length)
• MSRP: $800

Shop for the Fischer RC One 86GT Ski: REI | evo | Amazon

Go deeper on the scores of the Fischer RC One 86GT Skis

Head Kore 87

The narrowest member of the freeride-oriented Head Kore family, the 87 is an ideal option for any skier who wants in on Head’s award-winning line, but feels the wider versions are a step above their ability. At the same time, stronger skiers looking for a narrow all-mountain option that can hold its own at every ski resort across North America need to consider this ski. Plus, it’s light enough to be a solid spring backcountry option, and is always hungry for corn snow. Loomans: “Great all around frontside ski. Versatile and stable, and just quick and playful enough.”

Watch: SKI Review the 2021 Head Kore 87

Video not displaying correctly? Watch it here.

2021 Head Kore 87 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 4.05
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 153, 162, 171, 180, 189
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 130-87-110
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 16 (180 cm length)
• MSRP: $750

Buy the 2021 Head Kore 87 Ski: REI | evo | Amazon

See all of the Kore 87’s scores from SKI Test

BEST VALUE: Rossignol Black Ops Escaper

While it was one of the wider entries in the Frontside category, testers found the all-new, 94mm-waisted Rossignol Black Ops Escaper to be made for laying down railroad carves on firm snow, while still being fully capable in most other types of terrain, too. The sandwich construction is fairly traditional, meaning this Rossi has plenty of get-up-and-go that amped up our testers’ attitudes all day long. Britt: “Open up to full throttle and it performs wonderfully. Once you apply the brakes and pop off the little short turns, it performs just as well.”

2021 Rossignol Black Ops Escaper Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 4.00/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 156, 164, 172, 178, 186
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 128-94-118
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 19 (178 cm length)
• MSRP: $700

Shop now for the Rossignol Escaper: Backcountry | evo | Skis.com | Amazon

See all of the Escaper’s Scores from SKI Test

Elan Wingman 86 CTi

Elan has been quietly raising the bar in the frontside performance category over the past few years. The Wingman 86 CTi combines the best elements of the brand’s carving-specific Amphibio lines with the all-mountain prowess of the better-known Ripsticks. The result is a delightful carver that is comfortable in moguls, steeps, and beyond. The Wingman is stable enough to handle strong experts, but can also help intermediates learn how to carve and break through on all terrain. Holmquist: “I love that green machine! What a ripper. Great edge hold, fast and stable.”

2021 Elan Wingmant 86 CTi Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 3.98/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 160, 166, 172, 178, 184
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 130-86-115
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 16.5 (178 cm length)
• MSRP: $800

Shop Elan Wingman 86 CTi Skis: Skis.com | Amazon

See all of the Wingman 86 CTi’s Scores from SKI Test

Nordica Enforcer 94

Nordica’s completely new Enforcer 94 creates a narrow, burly resort-oriented ski that has a strategically engineered rocker profile, a redesigned tip shape, and a modified construction that reduces weight without affecting performance. According to the SKI Test crew, the new formula results in a damp, powerful ski with a lot of bite on firm snow. The more speed and muscle testers put into these bad boys, the bigger the reward. Gleason: “Precise and solid grip on hard pack. Nicely versatile with an underlying desire to charge down the hill. They speak Eastern fluently.”

Watch: SKI Review – Nordica Enforcer 100 and Enforcer 94

Video not displaying correctly? Watch it here.

2021 Nordica Enforcer 94 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 3.95/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 165, 172, 179, 186, 191
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 127-94-115.5
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 17.1 (179 cm length)
• MSRP: $800

Buy the Nordica Enforcer 94: REI | evo | Skis.com | Amazon

Check out more info about the Nordica Enforcer 94

Armada Declivity 82 Ti

Despite being shorter, narrower, and generally smaller compared to the other skis on the rack, the all-new Declivity 82 Ti from Armada punches well above its weight in terms of all-mountain frontside performance. Don’t count these skis out on a groomer day or during a dry spell—they can carve and perform at a level on-par with frontside skis from brands that make World Cup race skis. Plus they keep the playful, maneuverable soul Armada is best known for. Syrovatka: “Very strong ski. Perfect length and stiffness to allow any skier to have the best day.”

Watch: SKI Review – Armada Declivity Line

Video not displaying correctly? Watch it here.

2021 Armada Declivity 82 Ti Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 3.90/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 166, 174, 182
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 130-82-111
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 16.4 (182 cm length)
• MSRP: $950 with binding

Shop the Armada Declivity 82 Ti: REI 

Get more info about the 2021 Armada Declivity 82 Ti

Read about the new Declivity line from Armada

Dynastar M Pro 90

With a subtle topsheet graphic and a lightweight poplar and PU core reinforced with strategically placed Titanal, the all-new M Pro 90 was fairly unassuming until testers got it going. Then it nearly knocked quite a few socks off with its refined maneuverability and ample chargeability on steeps, bumps, and beyond. This isn’t your dad’s Dynastar; it can handle different turn shapes and unique skier styles with fluid ease. Elling: “Doesn’t look like much but watch out, this one has fangs. Carve, slash, trench, rip. A super fun frontsider.”

2021 Dynastar M Pro 90 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 3.88/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 162, 170, 178, 186
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 120-90-110
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 18 (178 cm length)
• MSRP: $700

Shop for the 2021 Dynastar M Pro 90: evo | Skis.com 

See all of the M Pro 90’s Scores from SKI Test

Völkl Kendo 88

Compared to the other skis in this category, Völkl’s 3D radius sidecut technology takes some time to figure out, but once testers got the hang of it, they were smitten. The tech provides a variable turn radius dependent on speed and turn shape, and, when combined with the ski’s stiff demeanor, the Kendo 88 separates the thrashers from those who know how to bend a ski with proper technique. Those who found the sweet spot didn’t want to put it back on the rack. Rogan: “This is a great ski! It will have as much fun taking you for a ride as you do skiing it.”

2021 Völkl Kendo 88 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 3.85/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 163, 170, 177, 184
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 129-88-111
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 17 (177 cm length)
• MSRP: $775

Shop for the 2021 Völkl Kendo 88: REI | Skis.com | Amazon

Read more about the Völkl Kendo 88

Scott Slight 93

Lacking the huge amount of Titanal found in most of the other skis in this category, the poppy Scott Slight 93 understandably earned the highest category score for Playfulness. These are all-mountain frontside skis designed to be capable at every ski area in North America and remain versatile enough to take on backcountry conditions. Testers were especially impressed by this ski’s maneuverability and liveliness at Taos. Casey: “Just the right amount of spicy. It held the fall line nicely and stepped around big bumps with ease.”

2021 Scott Slight 93 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 3.81/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 170, 175, 180, 185
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 136-93-124
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 16 (175 cm length)
• MSRP: $800

Shop for the 2021 Scott Slight 93: Backcountry | Amazon

See more info about the Slight 93

Salomon Stance 90

The narrowest member of the all-new Stance series was all bite with minimal bark. Using a plentiful amount of Titanal and the brand’s signature Carbon and Flax laminate, the Stance 90 is especially damp and remains mostly chatter-free at speed. The race-inspired sidecut combined with a freeride feel means the Stance is a next-level frontside charger for strong mavericks who feel the need for speed. Gleason: “Electrifying quickness slings you from arc to delectable arc. The smooth recoil in each turn begs to push the pedal harder.”

Watch: SKI Review – Salomon Stance Line

Video not displaying correctly? Watch it here.

2021 Salomon Stance 90 Factsheet

• Overall Rating: 3.78/5
• Available Lengths (In Centimeters): 168, 176, 182, 188
• Tip-Waist-Tail Dimensions (In Millimeters): 126-90-108
• Turn Radius (In Meters): 18 (176 cm length)
• MSRP: $800

Buy the Salomon Stance 90: REI | evo | Skis.com | Amazon

See the full scoresheet for the Salomon Stance 90

Read more about the new Stance line

Skis that go further: Best Men’s All-Mountain Skis of the Season

2021’s Best All-Mountain Wide Skis

Bigger is Better: Top Men’s Powder Skis of the Year

Note: Many of the links on this page lead to affiliate partners. SKI receives a small compensation when purchases are made for a limited time after clicking these links.