In a world of fun-loving and crisply-turning skis the 2024 Stockli Laser SX is one of the smoothest and cleanest performers of the bunch. Thanks to an innovative and high-quality construction and shape, these skis are fantastic front side performers that carve across the fall line with the best of them. While still on the narrow side, there’s some all-mountain purpose to this ski, and it all comes to life on the feet of strong and skilled skiers. If we’re being honest with ourselves, most skiers spend most of their time on groomed or smooth surfaces. In that light, it just makes sense to have conditions-appropriate skis for the majority of this time. Stockli is right at the forefront of this discussion, mainly because the widest ski the company makes is a “paltry” 102. Most of their focus is on the narrower, more front side skis, and they do a fantastic job of sticking to their strengths, not like they couldn’t make a great powder ski, but they seem to know their audience.

Built with a sturdy wood core and two sheets of metal, this ski returns unchanged for 2024. That wood is bolstered by the dampness and stability of the metal, giving this ski a high-end and powerful feel. Great snap, positive energy, and consistent grip are all hallmarks of the amazing SX. As per usual with all of Stockli’s handmade skis, the binding layers consist of rubber dust, giving the ski a quiet, silent personality that makes these skis stand out from the rest. The Turtle Shell technology allows for proper articulation of the ski when under pressure, as two interlocking pieces of metal are able to attach and release depending on edge angle and pressure.

At 70 mm underfoot, these skis fall on the narrow side, and are certainly better-suited for on-trail carving and front side skiing, but some of the profile allows for creeping versatility as well. Built with tip rocker, these skis become smoother in the entry phase of the turn, and this is good news for those who are looking to improve their transitions between turns without getting in too much trouble or working too hard. Additionally, this allows for better flotation for when the snow gets cut up and variable. This also helps out in the bumps and trees, as the ski is able to be more swively and maneuverable for skiers who like some all-mountain features in their front side skis. In the 173 cm length, the ski produces a 16-meter turn radius which is right in the mid-range zone. Stockli seems to do this on purpose to allow the skier to better dictate the shape and duration of the turn. Equally at home in more mellow turns and moderate speeds, the SX also is able to open it up and let it rip.

There’s a whole lot to like about the slender-waisted ski from both a front side and all-mountain format. The blend of shaping and construction makes a lot of sense, and it wasn’t that long ago that a 70-mm underfoot ski was a mid-fat, so there’s certainly a case to be made for the versatility of this ski. These days, it’s squarely in the on-piste discussion, but that doesn’t mean that skiers won’t find a lot to like about it regardless of terrain or conditions. The quality and precision of a Stockli ski is unrivaled in the ski world today, and that certainly carries through to the Laser SX.