2023 Stockli Stormrider 88 Skis
Stockli Stormrider 88 Skis
The Stormrider 88 has become a staple in the quivers of skiers worldwide as it features the unmatched build quality, precision and premium feel highlighted in all of Stockli's carving skis, just in a much more versatile, all-mountain-friendly platform. Built with a bit more backbone than its wider counterparts, the Stormrider places the most emphasis on carving fast, powerful, and precise turns on firmer snow, but it boasts a profile that provides more than enough versatility to handle a wide variety of terrain and snow conditions. At 88 millimeters under the boot, this thing can't really be classified as a floater by any stretch, but it does have the capability to handle some softer snow thanks to a slight bit of tip rocker and an updated tip design, which Stockli is calling Freeride Tip Technology. The new tip is light and shaped in a way that increases float for more effective soft snow performance, so while the Stormrider maintains its piste prowess, it is now even more well-rounded in its ability to provide an effortless ski experience in a wide variety of terrain. Other than the new tip shape, the profile of the Stormrider remains widely unchanged in comparison. Featuring mostly camber, you can expect the same power and edge hold out of this rendition of the ski as the last, so fear not, these things still love to carve and go fast. Another subtle change that can be seen across the entire line of Stormrider skis is the Titanal Technology Pro finish otherwise known as Titec Pro. This essentially just helps repel scratches, and snow, and just makes the entire line of skis look pretty darn awesome if you ask us.
Features:
- Sidecut: 128/88/114 mm at all lengths
- Radius: 18.4 meters at 175 cm length
- Core: Light Wood Core
- Full Sidewall Construction
- Rocker Camber Rocker Profile
- Titanal Laminates
- Solid Metal Edge
- Ability Level: Advanced to Expert Skiers
Preferred Terrain
All-Mountain • Groomers


Rocker Profile






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Thanks for your inquiry-
The main difference between the two would be waist width, (88 to 83) construction and versatility. The Stormrider is much more capable all-mountain ski, really having no weaknesses with the exception of the deepest powder days. The AR is more of a front side carver with more race construction and a stiffer flex, with some ability to go off trail as well. If you are looking for the ultimate one-ski quiver to rule the entire mountain, go with the 88. If you spend more time on groomers and or on hard pack conditions, go w the Laser AR.
Hope this helps and think snow!
SE
Thanks for a great website & your really helpful reviews!
David
Hard to beat a Stormrider 88. It's the pinnacle of the 88 waisted category by far. No one is using the small build runs, innovative technology es and quality of construction as Stockli. You will notice the difference immediately on your very first turn on these skis. Nothing against the Kastle 88, its a fine ski, but the SR 88 is another level.
SE
Thanks!
Without hesitation, I would recommend the SR 88. Much more versatile for everything frontside and a SE Tester favorite for one-ski quiver. The 88 will carve up the hard pack and groomers but has the unique ability to ski bumps, trees, steeps, crud, and even 2-4" of powder. Just has no weaknesses and make make any turn shape at any speed. The Laser is a fine ski and a tremendous carver, but more of a carving specialist.
At your height and weight, go for the 184cm length.
Have fun!
SE
Its hard to go any other direction once you have skied a Stockli than on another Stockli. Nothing else even comes close. The 88 is the pinnacle of its class and defines all-mountain. The 95 is just a step up width wise giving you more float in softer or deeper snow while still giving you that superior edge grip, precision and dampness. I ski the 95 as my one ski quiver back here in Stowe, VT. If gives you the flexibility to travel out West and have a pow ski if you need it while still having all of the power and precision you need when things get firm and tracked out. Buy the 95 and you will never need another ski again for any coast.
Nothing against Armaigan, but its not even a comparison.
Have fun and happy New Year!
SE
I am 59, weigh about 86kgs/190lbs wearing water drops. Use a katana v werks 112 @ 184 in Japan, India and mantra m5 96 @ 177 in NZ resorts and club fields and sometimes australia.
planning some Canada visit e.g kicking horse and Europe ( Val d/Tigne, verbier) to catch up with friends in the next couple of years. reckon I am about 60% the skier of when I was younger but can still cope with gulmarg and Craigieburn nz as examples. Just not the look at anything, no problem skier of a few years ago. Age does weary them…well at least legs.
Starting to choose a ski for deep Powder is relatively simple ie go wide and then wider…sort of duh. But skiing eg NZ can range from Ice to boot deep powder and all manner of everything between. Chuck report and heli into mix…bloody hell.
Turning 60 this year, airports opening up, and as time as gone on one always hears of ‘Stockli’ in almost revered tones. Setting up for next few years and money…aaa…wtf! The time has come. Kastle also gets whispered in the head voices, but Stockli stormrider a bit louder. The hard part….
88, 95, 102 and length. Started thinking 95 at 175 just for steep, trees, variable snow…or….aaghhh…184? Then started to think….get an 88 at 175 and 102 at 182? I am waiting for the ‘hey man, you live once….get all three answer’ lol, but point doing that? Still leaves the dilemma of length, especially the 88 or 95’s for eg trees and tight techy spots.
Got Pivot 15’s with cast system for katana and mantra so can move them across I suppose.
Just love to hear thoughts on this. Thanks for any advice
Happy to sell you all three, but you really only need the 95 in the 175. That ski will ultimately get you all you need, and since you have the wider skis already, that 95 will really check all of your boxes. Hopefully that Pivot has a 95 brake on it?
SE
Thought's?
Any time anyone has a Stormrider 88 on the list, it's hard to talk them out of it. Does it all at a high level. If you have the wider ski in the SFB, I think the SR88 makes great sense for you. Enforcer and Brahma are a bit more business-like than the Stockli, so I think the transition makes sense as well. I'd go 184 in that ski as well. Have fun!
SE
Why is the turn radius of the Stockli SR 88 a bit longer than that of the Volkl M6 Mantra (at 94) and the Enforcer 94? The Stockli sounds great but are the others more versatile? I'm 5'10" 155 so in the 175-179cm range. I ski east coast & out west, like to make quicker turns on steeps and longer turns on groomers, and ski bowls and bumps too. I'm 48 so no longer as physically strong as I used to be, but pretty skilled technically and like to think I can still ski anything. I'd also consider the Enforcer 88 and Stormrider 95 (and open to other ideas, too). Thanks!
Turn radius can be kind of independent from ski style, as a really wide ski could have a very short turn radius if the taper shape of the ski is more dramatic. The longer shape of the SR 88 is likely due to the reduced taper versus the Mantra and Enforcer leading to a longer effective edge and a smoother carved turn. I would say the Stormrider 95 is the most versatile of the bunch in that it is lighter than the Mantra and Enforcer, but still capable of carving very powerful turns. The Enforcer has more of a freeride shape to it, so it is a lot of fun in the softer snow, but it's also heavier, so it requires more effort. The Mantra is likely the most precise and powerful, but again, that comes at the cost of weight and effort. For a lighter feel and a silky-smooth ride, there's nothing else out there like the Stormrider, and the 95 is a great choice for one ski. Have fun!
SE
I do want to improve in moguls, and I thought perhaps the SR 88's would make a nice combination with my Enforcers. I'm 5'10" and 190 lbs. I'm not sure whether 175 or 184 would be an appropriate length. The fact that 184 is Stockli's longest in this ski suggests to me I should be on 175. On the other hand, I want a ski that has enough strength to jump off trail and deal with varied snow conditions, including chunky cut up snow and occasional powder stashes.
175 or 184?
thank you!
I don't think 175 is too short, especially if you're focusing on moguls and variable snow conditions. It's more about preference, though, and if you're happy with the 185 Enforcer 100, you may not feel that the 184 in the 88 is too long. Have fun!
SE
First of, thank you for all of the Youtube videos. So informative and helpful. I'm a primarily West coast east skier of 12-14 days per year but nin 22-23 will be skiing more out East. I have a pair of 2018 Enforcer 100 185 cm (bought from you, thanks!) and they are a good companion for the West and more snowy days. I was thinking of getting something skinnier as complementary ski (Enforcer will like be upgraded to something 100-110'ish in a season or 2) and focusing in on the 88mm width. I tried the Kastle MX88 in 180cm enjoyed them a lot in Jackson Hole during the low snow of Feb'22. The Stormrider 88 also look like also a good match. My priorities would be to have damp yet light skis that I could do lots of carving and tackle some bumps on (continuously taking lessons to improve technique). The enforcer do a good job in carves but the backs tend to release a bit early, something the Kastle were better at. I am intrigued by the Stormrider 88 in 184 cm length as it sounds like it would carve like a beast but want to make sure I'm not getting too much ski for bumps. I'm 6'2", 185 lb, aggressive skier.
Thanks!
The SR 88 is packed with versatility and would be a great alternative to the MX 88 if you wanted a little more off trail ability. The SR 88 is light for a dual metal laminate ski so you get a ton of performance in a very user friendly package. It's also a Stockli and that immediately puts it in a class of its own when it comes to quality of construction and smoothness. Being both damp and stable you can rail GS carves or jump into the bumps with this ski.
SE
I am 5'11'', 200 Ibs., Intermediate-Advanced skier. I ski mostly in the East, but will do one trip out west or to Europe. I'm between the Stockli SR-88 & SR-95, probably in 175 cm. Which one would you recommend as a one ski quiver ? Thank you for your help.
2023 STOCKLI STORMRIDER 88 vs Kastle FX86 Ti. Im trying to decide between the 2 skis. Im 5'8", 160lbs, advance/expert skier on the west coast (tahoe). Skiing the whole mountain, but need something to go thru the Sierra crud, moguls, as well as the occasional powder days, yet still holds edge at hi speed. Thanks
Thanks for reaching out,
I will try and help you decide between the two. Firstly, The are both rooted in the same family. Both are in the all mountain category with an emphasis on reliability no matter what the mountain throws at you. The Fx 86 will have a slightly shorter turning radius which is expected considering its thinner waist. But the Stormrider is going to be able to perform far past your expectations for a ski that is categorized in the 90mm all mountain ski category. This thing can turn like a frontside ski with a racing background. The Kastle and the Stormrider both boast maximum dampness and stability thanks to dual sheets of Titanal laminates. Honestly both of these skis are a homerun and offer a very similar ride. Fear not when you show up to the mountain to find that heavy wet snow both of these will leave you confident and having fun.
I hope this helped you out,
Cheers!
What do think about a two ski quiver:
Storm Rider 102 in 191 cm - for when it’s snowing and a bit pillowy
Storm Rider 88 in 184 cm - for when it hasn’t snowed in a while
I had the opportunity to borrow the 2020 Stormrider from a friend. Are there any noticeable differences between that ski and the new 2022 model? Additionally, the Stormrider 88 and Kastle MX 88 seem like pretty similar skis to me, could you please explain some of the key differences? Thanks!
It's not a huge difference. The 2022 is a bit stiffer and burlier due to a thicker metal topsheet, but still remains a bit more approachable and versatile than the Kastle, which has always struck me as more front-side oriented versus all-mountain like the SR 88. Shape and profile remain the same, so it's really just some thicker metal doing the heavy lifting, and it's still not that heavy. Have fun!
SE
I'd go 175 in that ski, mostly because the 184 is likely going to be too long. Have fun!
SE
The 88's really do it all. Skied them yesterday, in fact, and was reminded of not only how solid and stable, but also how versatile they are. I'd go Nela 88 in the 152 and SR 88 in probably the 166--175 might be long. We currently have both of those in stock, but I cannot say for how long, if that spurs you along in any way. Have fun!
SE
Both are great choices. I'd give the edge to the Stormrider 95, especially if you're heading out west. The Stormrider 95 is considered a one ski quiver to some skiers. The 88's are great and would excel on the east coast but may not be as versatile in softer snow out west. I'd recommend going with the 166cm, 175cm could be a little too much ski for what you're trying to do. Hope this helps!
I am 5'10", 155 pounds, 72 years, advanced skier. At your recommendation I purchased Blizzard Brahma skis (173) six years ago. I now ski in the Black Hills instead of Colorado and started looking for a groomer oriented ski. Somehow I ended up considering the Stormrider 88. I ski about 15 times per year and in my mind at least I ski hard. Do you think it is too early to give up on the Brahmas? Is there a more groomer oriented ski you would recommend? If I stick with the Stormrider, would you recommend the 166 or 175?
I still tell people I ride on the chair with the good service you gave me on my previous purchase.
Thanks for your help?
EE
Firstly, the Brahma has undergone some changes since then, making it a bit more accessible and turny. I always felt that it had to go fast to turn, now it can do it at more of a speed range. I don't think the Stormrider is necessarily a better groomer ski than the Brahma, in the STockli family, I'd look to the Laser (Montero for 2023) AR for that purpose. Similarly, if you like the overall composure of the Brahma 88, you could also check it out in the 82. Moving outside those brands, Rossignol Experience 82 Ti in the 168 makes sense, as do the Volkl Deacon 84's. This would move you into a more front-side ski than the all-mountain Brahma/Stormrider realm. Have fun!
SE
I am a west coast intermediate skier 5 7" 145lb. I enjoy mostly groomers and the occasional bumps. I am trying to decide between the laser AR and SR 88. Please advise on size and model. Thanks!
For one ski for what you're looking to do, I would go with the 88. This makes for a great one-and-only ski for all conditions and terrain. I'd go with the 166 in that ski. Have fun!
SE
We won't see changes for next year on that ski. If we have the size you want, I'd suggest jumping on it!
SE
Yup! You'll have a blast on that ski in that size.
SE