2021 Stockli Nela 80

For an absolutely beautiful ski in a narrower shape, look to the 2021 Stockl Nela 80. These things are simply amazing. As a new ski for 2021, the Nela 80 is the narrowest in the Nela line which offers a 96 and an 88 to go along with the front-side oriented 80. As with most skis that have multiple models in their line, the narrower skis get less taper and rocker, and in this case, more positive camber underfoot. As a result, you're getting strong front side performance in a light weight package that has unmatched precision and snow feel in the category. Stockli makes some pricey skis, but their quality tends to match the cost. Many skiers will ask us if they're really twice as good as other skis, and while that depends a lot on your personal financial situation, we can say that yes, the quality of the materials used and the construction methods are superior. It's hard for us to put a price tag on it, though, it's certainly more up to you.

At 80 mm underfoot, the skis are very quick from edge to edge naturally, but when we see Stockli's light balsa wood core and a fiberglass laminate involved, it takes the light weight to a whole new level. These things are like feathers, but you'd never guess that when they're on your feet and you're engaged in the turn. Quite the contrary, the feel stable, smooth, and somewhat substantial. They flex differently than other skis in the 80 mm range as well, and this has some interesting consequences. With a softer flex, but still a precise build, Stockli is able to access all of the sidecut at a variety of speeds. Some other 80 mm front side carvers are stiffer, for sure, but you have to get them up to speed before they come alive. Not so with the Nela 80. The 157 cm length generates a 14-meter turn radius, and in order to take full advantage of it, the ski must bend. The way that it does so at lower speeds is indicative of a higher-end product. The fact that it doesn't really have a top-end speed either only reinforces that statement. The flat tail loves to stay engaged until the end, and the non-rockered tip with no taper hooks up cleanly and smoothly.

In order to get that higher-end performance, Stockli uses their Titec topsheet in order to get that precise feel. Using the topsheet as a functional metal laminate is a pretty ingenious way to build a ski. Not only is it the first part of the ski to be attached to the binding, but it also allows the ski designers to better use the core materials and not have to worry about sandwiching a metal laminate in there somewhere. It greatly reduces the friction of distance between the boot/binding interface and the edges of the ski. Each and every bit of energy that you put into your boot gets transferred accurately and directly to the ski and allows you to really get the most precise and exact performance.

Skiers who are looking to spend most of their time on the front side cruising groomers will love the light weight performance of the new Nela 80. For the utmost in precision and well-made products, these works of art will take you to great heights in the sport of skiing.