2022 Stockli Laser SC

In terms of width and overall performance, the Laser SC basically falls right in the middle of Stockli’s frontside-oriented Laser line of skis. It’s 72 mm underfoot, which makes it quicker edge to edge than skis like the Laser AR or AX. On the other hand, Stockli has designed it to be more forgiving than skis like the Laser GS or WRT ST. We should emphasize that it’s more forgiving just compared to those skis, as in the grand scheme of things, it still uses 2 sheets of metal and is still a high performing frontside ski that’s best for a relatively accomplished skier. To give it that slightly-more-forgiving feel, Stockli has used their Torsion Racing Technology. Small longitudinal slits in the metal laminates are positioned both in the tips and tails of the ski. We’ve seen similar technology before, and the intention is to reduce torsional stiffness in the extremities of the ski, while retaining strong edge grip underfoot. This allows for smoother turn initiation and less of a jarring feel when you need to release the tail edge and get the ski to skid or smear. Shape is pretty straight-forward for a carving ski. Lots of camber, extended sidecut through the tips and tails, although the turn radius is noteworthy at just 16.2 m in the longest 177 cm length.

Jeff Neagle skied that 177 cm length, which he liked for his size. “177 cm was a good length, although I feel like 170 would be a lot of fun too.” The 170 cm length has a shorter turn radius at 14.9 cm, so if you feel somewhat between sizes like Jeff, we’d recommend focusing on that turn radius and picking which one matches your skiing style better. Jeff had some impressive scores for the Laser SC, with quickness/maneuverability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression all earning the coveted 5 out of 5 scores. Stability was right behind at a solid 4 out of 5. “The Laser SC is a ton of fun to ski. It doesn’t have limitless stability like some carving skis, but what it lacks in stability at speed it more than makes up for in quickness, responsiveness, and overall fun factor. It’s one of those skis that makes you feel like your ability level just went up a few notches. It comes across the fall line incredibly easily and although it’s a high performing carving ski with a ton of torsional stiffness and edge grip, it doesn’t feel particularly demanding. I’m not sure I’d recommend it for an intermediate, but a timider, less-aggressive skier would do just fine on them. I feel like every time I say something like that people might perceive that it’s not for experts, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s more approachable than some, it’s still a precision tool for an expert skier.”

Marcus Shakun went for the 170 cm length, and his situation was basically the opposite of Jeff. At Marcus’ size, we’d venture a guess that he’d be better off on the 177, but he still had fun on the 170 and didn’t comment that it felt particularly short. “Would be nice to have longer,” was Marcus’ comment, but he still scored it 5 out of 5 for stability, which is impressive. Torsional stiffness/edge grip and overall impression also both earned 5 out of 5 scores. After that, all 4 out of 5 scores from Marcus, with the exception of flotation, just a 2. “Smooth subtle carver. Perfect stiffness to lock in throughout the turn, but also dip and dive into without being launched into the next turn. The softer shovel gives it that smooth transition. Find it to be a slightly more forgiving version of the WRT, but still just precise and powerful. Can just relax a bit more on it. Lacks some versatility off the frontside and soft spring snow, but not where it should be either. Prefers to be skied on the hard fast morning corduroy!!”

We like Marcus’ assessment that the Laser SC compares well to the narrower, more aggressive WRT ST, just with a slightly more forgiving feel. For a lot of skiers, it’s really valuable and beneficial to have that slightly more relaxed feel. You don’t have to be on it all the time, but when you want to be, the ski will respond extremely well and reward you with quick, precise, and snappy carving turns.