2023 Line Blade Optic 114 Review
This ski offers an impressive balance between flotation and power
SKI reviews the best new skiing products all year long. From testing skis and ski boots at organized tests to putting new ski apparel and backcountry ski gear through the wringer all over the world, our staff of skiers knows how to tell the best from the rest. We only publish ski gear reviews and videos of products that perform well, so if you see it here, you should really check it out at your local ski shop soon.
SKI reviews the best new skiing products all year long. From testing skis and ski boots at organized tests to putting new ski apparel and backcountry ski gear through the wringer all over the world, our staff of skiers knows how to tell the best from the rest. We only publish ski gear reviews and videos of products that perform well, so if you see it here, you should really check it out at your local ski shop soon.
This ski offers an impressive balance between flotation and power
This ski is one of the best in class when it comes to balancing performance and approachability
Finally, an Enforcer designed to adventure beyond the ropes
This year’s Most Improved award goes to this energetic and fun ski
This year’s best wide all-mountain ski is a tried and true performer
A quick whip for all-mountain adventures in tight terrain
This year’s No. 2 ski is a wider waisted frontside ski that can crush groomers as well as the crud
It’s not the lightest backcountry option out there, but if you’re plowing through backcountry crud, this is the ski you want underfoot
This easy-going ride will follow you wherever you go, as long as it’s on edge
If you’re looking for a confidence-inspiring teaching tool to help you level up, give this ski a try
These skis let you bring the playfulness of your resort skiing to the backcountry
If you’re a carver girl at heart but need something a little wider underfoot, the Ripstick 94 W is your compromise
This quick and reliable backcountry ski for ladies gets the job done on all but the deepest of days
This wider all-mountain ski can cut through crud and carve up groomers
If you have your sights set on long backcountry tours even during low tide, this ski may be just the ticket
This ski didn’t steal the show again this year, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better crud ski
A bomber all-mountain ski tailor-made for hard-chargers
Super-stable planks for strong skiers who know how to steer a ski
These playful planks were designed for skiers of the mountain west
It’s got race heritage, but it’s much more accessible than you’d think
This lightweight free-touring ski with a moderate waist is for ladies who charge technical lines
If you like playful powder planks (who doesn’t), check out this energetic ski
These playful sticks are down to show you a good time all over the mountain
An easy-turning frontside tool that will help all skiers level up
Glen Plake’s first ever signature model is a backcountry tool that skis like Glen Pake
The e-Titan is a groomer ski with a one-track mind: to slice and dice hardpack
Testers once again designated the Enforcer 100 as the benchmark ski of the all-mountain category
Allow us to introduce you to this stealthy backcountry player
No women’s powder ski list would be complete without this perennial favorite
This new addition to the all-mountain category impressed with its balance of skills
It’s built for deep snow, but you’d be surprised by its versatility
A ski made for the playful pow slasher
Introducing the top-rated women’s all-mountain ski of the year
This fast and light backcountry ski doesn’t skimp on downhill performance
If it’s deep, this ski will float your boat
It’s like the Enforcer, but way more fun
This year’s most playful wide all-mountain ski also eats crud for breakfast
This perennial favorite didn’t win any awards this year, but testers still love it for its backbone and dependability
If you gravitate towards a damp, stiff ski for backcountry adventures, this is your stick
A powder ski that floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee
This powder ski for ladies is as playful as it is pretty
If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski that can also carve up a storm, look no further
A powder ski with a versatile waist width to tackle the snow you get instead of the snow you want
The Ranger 96 is an approachable and fun do-it-all ski
A dialed groomer ski that excels in short to medium turns
It’s not a backcountry powder plank, but it sure is quick in steep, technical terrain
A backcountry stick for those who gravitate towards directional skis
When it’s soft and light in the backcountry, reach for these playful planks
Not just for carving, this all-mountain ski can do it all
Allow us to introduce you to this scrappy brand and its supremely fun all-mountain ski
A beefy ski with stability and power for strong intermediates and up
A ski that likes to stay on-piste for skiers who like to do the same
This new powder ski from Faction is for hard-chargers who don’t shy away from the steep and deep
Don’t let the pretty top sheet fool you—this all-mountain tool means business, especially in the crud
Featuring a slim waist and lightweight construction, this backcountry ski is for those who need quick sticks to tackle big, technical terrain
If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski to do it all, and do it all really well, this is your ticket to ride
We've already tested these 2023 models, and they're worth getting excited about.
Montana-based Peak Ski Company introduces a new line of direct-to-consumer products featuring newly-developed technology.
The bad news is these skis won't be on retail shelves next season. The good news is, they're on sale now.
The Black Crows Mirus Cor didn't score top marks at our gear test, but here’s why I still recommend it.
The narrowest ski in the new Fischer Ranger series represents an entirely new direction for the brand.
Say goodbye to the hot pink Fischer Ranger 102 FR and hello to a whole new Ranger lineup.
Völkl made some construction tweaks to the beloved Kendo 88 and Kenja 88, and they make all the difference.
We don't have auto-steering skis (yet), but these come pretty close.
"I'm looking for something fun in the powder & trees mostly, but that won't be too squirely on groomers."
If you're going to spend several days at the same resort, chances are you're going to want to explore more than just the frontside groomers.
Why should you trust SKI's gear reviews? Because our veteran testers know skis—like, really know them.
If you like to go fast in crud and variable terrain on powder days, you’d probably give the Nordica Enforcer 110 top marks.
Despite the hardcore name and top sheets, the Faction Dictator 2.0 is a surprisingly forgiving, playful, and fun ski.
All-black, all-speed, and all-mountain. The Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition is back for 2022 and it comes with QuadRod technology.
Skinny, blue, and incredibly powerful, the Black Crows Mentis Freebird is an ideal option for long uphills.
Super lightweight, great for skiing the steeps, and reasonably priced? The Dynafit Blacklight 95 checks all the boxes.
This Swiss ski brand is making some waves in the North American backcountry ski scene, and, with lightweight skis like this one, it's easy to see why.
The DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2 is made with foam in the core, but it's also made to be super fun on the down. Here's why.
This beefy backcountry ski is made for skiers who want to go fast down the mountain, and don't mind hauling a little extra weight up for it.
The brand is known for making snowboards, but the fat backcountry-specific planks are fun for skiers, too.
The Utah-based company built a super-fat backcountry ski for earning your turns in powder. Here's how it skis.
Intermediates looking to get off the groomed would do well to consider the Dynastar M-Pro 99 W.
Like to bop around in the bumps? Allow us to introduce you to these cute shorties.
Testers agreed that the Wildcat 82 C would make a great all-mountain tool for beginners and intermediates.