2022 Stockli Laser AX

The Stockli Laser AX sits beside the AR as the two widest skis in the piste Laser collection, although the AX is a little narrower than the AR, at 78 mm underfoot. They both use Stockli’s Light Core and 2 sheets of metal, but then we get some differences. The AX uses what Stockli calls Turtle Grip technology. Specifically engineered cutouts are integrated into the titanal layers of the ski. At slower speeds, that allows for easier skiing and a less demanding feel. As you increase speed and the applied forces on the ski, however, the metal interlocks, providing all the power and edge grip you could ask for. Stockli also uses their Adaptive Contact Length shaping. The further you get the ski up on edge, the longer the effective edge and thus the better the edge grip. This shape goes hand in hand with construction, so the harder you ski it, the more bite the ski has. It’s an impressive accomplishment, but what else would we expect from a manufacturer like Stockli?

Bob St.Pierre tested the 182 cm length in the Laser AX. That’s the longest available length, so Bob didn’t have the option of going longer, but he did comment that he thought it skied “true to size, but a tad short for me. Wish they made a 185.” That’s not the first time Bob has passively suggested Stockli makes him a custom length. Will it happen? No, but one can dream, right? Despite not being on his 100% ideal length, Bob still thoroughly enjoyed the performance of the Laser AX. 5 out of 5 scores for stability, quickness/maneuverability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. In a carving-focused ski, those are the sores we’re looking for. Not a huge concern that flotation dropped to 2 out of 5 and both forgiveness and versatility only earned 3 out of 5 cores. “Totally and completely awesome ski. The Laser AX has that GS style of build, but in a wider-bodied format so it rips amazing turns in all types of conditions and terrain. Quite stiff in the tail, and that gives an insane amount of rebound, which is great for a ski like this. It makes a variety of turn shapes and styles, but isn't a very versatile or playful ski overall. I'd keep it as a front side ski over an all-mountain one, but not by a whole lot. As with the other Stockli skis that we have tried over the years, the precision and quality is about six parsecs beyond anything else out there in the galaxy. The AX is one of the most impressive skis I've ever been on.”

Mike Anglin also skied the 182 cm length. Unlike Bob, Mike thought that length was perfect for him and didn’t feel the need to request and extra 3 cm of length. Similar scores from Mike, although this time not a single criteria dropped below 4 out of 5, which is always incredibly impressive. The 5 out of 5 full scores included stability, quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, torsional stiffness/edge grip, versatility, and overall impression. Stockli is a swiss powerhouse that has been producing hand crafted gems for years and years. Take a peek at any world cup skier cross podiums and you are sure to find a Stockli. Don't let the turtle shell technology of the Laser AX lead you to believe that it’s a slow mover, in fact it’s a rocket ship that checks all the boxes of what a 78 waisted Laser beam would feel like. Can handle firm and soft snow, loves changing up turn shapes, and isn't scared of any terrain. Although really finds its horsepower on the front side. Feels like you're driving a fancy sports car. (Not that I own one or drive one often. But I have). Honestly, anyone from the aspiring intermediate to the Liftline hollywood expert pro bro will enjoy making various sized trenches with the Laser AX.” John McIntosh opted for the 175 cm length, which he liked a lot, and commented that he thought it skied true to size. John focused his feedback on comparing it to other Stockli models he’s skied. “Still a very precise and fast on-piste ski with more versatility than the SX for off-piste or spring skiing conditions.” John makes a great point here. The Laser AX does a great job of retaining the edge-to-edge quickness and precision of a carving ski while working in more all-mountain versatility than most.

We say it all the time about Stockli, but the brand really does have a premium feel. The Laser AX is certainly no exception to that and is one of the most supple, well-rounded carving skis on the market. You can make snappy GS turns on it, while the 78 mm waist width allows for more soft snow performance and capability in off-piste terrain. It’s not as versatile as their Stormrider models, but for skiers who spend most of their time on groomers, it’s a fantastic choice for a daily driver.