Top Men’s Value Skis of 2021
Save some cash without sacrificing performance.
For at least 10 years, the overall price of skis has stagnated while the price of outerwear and apparel—jackets, gloves, and the like—have gone up. There are murmurs that the price of skis, regardless of target audience, will soon start to climb noticeably higher, and consequently, the way we calculate our Value Ski scores will likely need to be tweaked next season. Until then, check out these exceptionally priced skis that went toe-to-toe with their more expensive counterparts at SKI Test in Taos Ski Valley, N.M.
How we calculate: To find a ski’s Value Score, we take the ski’s average test score, multiply it by 1,000, and divide this number by the MSRP (system skis had the price of their bindings subtracted to make things even). We didn’t set a firm price limit this year as the equation demands a low price in order to be competitive, but we did include the ski’s actual test score to allow you to choose what’s most important: a great deal, best-in-class performance, or a mix of both.
Check out the best value skis for women here.
Best Value: Rossignol Black Ops Smasher
Testers were a bit nervous about the 170cm Smasher, but they got to the bottom wholly impressed by this Rossi’s ability to hold a solid edge at moderate speeds. The rocker and shorter effective edge allows the ski to wiggle through and slide over bumps and crud, making it an ideal choice for teenagers and adults who don’t need a lot of ski to have fun.
- Value Score: 8.11
- Test Score: 3.24/5
- Dimensions: 118-90-108
- Lengths (cm): 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180
- MSRP: $400
Shop now for the Rossi Smasher: REI | Backcountry | evo | Amazon
Dynastar Menace 90
While it wasn’t revered for its carving skills, the Menace 90 was able to skid down the mountain comfortably in a way that intermediate skiers who like variable terrain will enjoy. The kicked tails help the ski pivot turns in tight spaces. The minimal weight is great for those interested in backcountry skiing, but mostly ride the chairlift when they are in the mountains.
- Value Score: 7.10
- Test Score: 2.83/5
- Dimensions: 118-90-108
- Lengths (cm): 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180
- MSRP: $400
Armada ARV 96
While the test crew was divided about the graphics, they were universal in praise for the ARV 96’s capabilities. This twin-tipped all-mountain ski’s poplar and ash wood core can handle high speeds but is still poppy and playful. With the highest overall score in the Value category and a nice price, this ski is likely to be a winner for you, too.
- Value Score: 6.22
- Test Score: 3.73/5
- Dimensions: 125-96-117
- Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184
- MSRP: $600
Check out the Armada ARV 96 online: REI | evo | Skis.com | Amazon
Nordica Navigator 80
Testers said Nordica’s value ski needs just a few turns to figure out the sweet spot, but once acquired, the Navigator 80 rewards with solid frontside performance. The skis’ construction and dimensions felt right at home on groomers, bumps, and even expert terrain at Taos. A competitively priced option that intermediates, advanced, and even expert skiers will appreciate.
- Value Score: 5.77
- Test Score: 3.17/5
- Dimensions: 119-80-104
- Lengths (cm): 158, 165, 172, 179
- MSRP: $550
Liberty Helix 88
Narrower than all of the All-Mountain skis tested, the Liberty Helix 88 was appreciated by testers for its tenacity at all speeds, and its ability to transition from hard snow to bumps to chalky steeps with ease. The bamboo and poplar wood core is matched with carbon fiber, and the overall construction allows the ski to be lightweight and snappy.
- Value Score: 5.68
- Test Score: 3.41/5
- Dimensions: 118-88-118
- Lengths (cm): 168, 175, 182
- MSRP: $600
Learn more about the Liberty Helix 88: Liberty Skis’ Website
Line Sick Day 94
At Taos, the majority of testers were more than happy to get on these lightweight planks on a day when the heavy metal options were plentiful. The proprietary Aspenlite wood core makes the ski playful at moderate speeds and allows it to float over crud easily. Skiers who like to have fun and know when to call in “sick” will enjoy it.
- Value Score: 5.66
- Test Score: 3.68/5
- Dimensions: 131-94-117
- Lengths (cm): 172, 179, 186
- MSRP: $650
Shop for the Line Sick Day 94: REI | Backcountry | evo | Skis.com | Amazon
Read about the Gear of the Year Nordica Enforcer 100: Gear 360 Review
Best Value Skis of 2020
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy skis. That doesn’t mean you should run up your credit card to buy a new pair of planks. Instead, we added skis under $675 MSRP into our annual SKI Test to see just how good they are compared to the more expensive models found in the 2020 Gear Guide. We classify these as Value Skis, and—spoiler alert—there are some jaw-droppingly great skis at or below this price point.
To create the Value Score, we take the ski’s overall test score, multiply it by 1,000, and divide it by the ski’s MSRP. This means that the lower the price, the better the ski will do, unless a) It’s a truly terrible ski, or b) It’s astoundingly great, albeit slightly more expensive. There are no category prerequisites, and these skis run the gamut from frontside to all-mountain wide. Make sure you know what category suits you before putting a pair in your shopping cart.
BEST IN TEST: Dynastar Menace 90
With a full poplar wood core and capable sidecut, the Menace 90 is great for intermediate skiers who crave cruising, moguls, and steeps. Testers praised the Menace 90’s playfulness in particular, labeling it a perfect one-ski quiver for skiers ready to experiment with turn shapes and catching air.
Dynastar Menace 90 Value Score: 7.31
Rossignol Smash 7
The Smash 7 utilizes rocker in the tip and tail combined with a poplar wood core to make a capable, quick ski at a budget-friendly price. While its performance didn’t surprise testers as much as the price point, they still found it responsive, fun, and enjoyable at moderate speeds, making it a solid option for beginner and intermediate skiers ready to advance.
Rossignol Smash 7 Value Score: 6.44
Learn more about the Rossignol Smash 7
Read all about the best all-mountain men’s skis for 2020
Head Monster 83 X
The Monster 83 X’s tenacious carving abilities punch well above the weight of its feathery price tag. This year, testers commended the ski’s ability to devour hard snow with plentiful stability. The Monster 83 X does get a little sheepish off of groomers, but the wide shovel helps it float through softer conditions if need be.
Monster 83 X Value Score: 5.84
Check out more info about the Head Monster 83 X
Atomic Vantage 97 C
Atomic’s translucent Prolite construction turned heads in the test corral, and testers appreciated the friendliness of the carbon tank mesh, which makes the Vantage 97 C easier to manage at slower speeds compared to the Titanal version. Testers enjoyed this ski at moderate to fast speeds in variable conditions, noting it has energy for days.
Atomic Vantage 97 C Value Score: 5.75
Read more about the 2020 Atomic Vantage 97 C
Blizzard Bushwacker
For testers who thought the Brahma 88 was too much ski, the Bushwacker proved to be just the ticket. Featuring similar dimensions without metal, it’s a great resort ski for anyone who wants Blizzard-level performance without a loan application. Non-race testers said the Bushwacker was especially playful in moguls.
Blizzard Bushwacker Value Score: 5.73
Check out more scores for the 2020 Blizzard Bushwacker
Nordica Navigator 85
With the highest overall performance score for the Value Test, the Navigator 85 has similar chops to the Enforcer family but is significantly easier to ski, making it the best option for intermediate skiers ready to level up or skiers who want effortless reliability. Bargain hunters should be able to easily find it for less than MSRP, too.
Nordica Navigator 85 Value Score: 5.62
More info about the Nordica Navigator 85
Check out the best value skis for women
Best Value Skis of 2019
There are a few rules for this category: The MSRP must be at or below $660 (or $850 with a binding), and the ski has to perform on par with the rest of the models at the SKI Test. Any type of skis are welcome. To generate the value score, we take the ski’s test score, multiply it by 1,000, and divide that number by the retail price.
BEST IN TEST: Dynastar Slicer Factory
This ski is a bit of a throwback—to the days when twin-tips were just as versatile out of the park as in it. Partially designed by Dynastar’s athletes, the Slicer wowed testers with carving abilities and playful pop, but it really earned its name in crud, where it attacked like a skilled swordsman. “What a refreshing blast!” said tester Matt Schiller.
Value Score: 6.86
K2 Pinnacle 85
K2 calls this ski a “gateway drug” and our testers certainly agreed. Performing best at moderate speeds and shorter turns, the easy-to-ride Pinnacle 85 is ideal for those on the cusp of great skiing, and will likely expedite the process. It’s lightweight, nimble, and fun for nearly everyone. “A lot of bang for the buck,” according to Todd Casey.
Value Score: 6.26
Head Monster 83x
The Monster 83x was resoundingly nimble and hungry to get on edge, making it a rock-solid candidate for skiers who are learning to love the carve. Testers found it to have sophisticated yet approachable manners on smooth slopes and fresh corduroy. “Holds long to short arcs smoothly and can pivot easily,” commented Erme Catino.
Value Score: 5.99
Atomic Vantage 97 C
Atomic’s fully revamped Vantage line of skis has plenty of slick technology with low price tags. The translucent Carbon Tank Mesh forms the Vantage 97 C’s backbone, and makes it easy to turn at various speeds, but it struggled in extra tough crud. “A confidence builder for skiers who know their speed limit,” said Jon Jay.
Value Score: 5.73.
See how the Atomic Vantage 97 C scored in every category here
Nordica Navigator 85
Inspired by the Enforcer series, the Navigator includes similar construction of a full wood core and metal laminates, and provides a playful dampness that can handle variable snow. Testers noticed it was a little uncomfortable at high speeds. “At home in the bumps, sun affected softness, and on firm snow,” said Bob Gleason.
Value Score: 5.58.
You can find the rest of the Nordica Navigator 85’s specs and scores here
Völkl Kanjo
Quiet, confident, and playful were terms that testers used to describe the Kanjo. Built with a Titanal band and a multi-layer wood core, this ski is a perfect option for intermediate skiers and Völkl fanatics who just want something a bit easier to ski. “Super fun on soft snow,” said Mark Elling. “But surprisingly powerful on edge.”
Value Score: 5.57
Read more about the Völkl Kanjo
Check out the best value skis for women