2027 Stockli WRT

For 2027, the Stockli Laser WRT gets a graphics refresh but returns otherwise unchanged. This Laser WRT is an amazing example of a front side ski done right. By using Stockli’s available capabilities and technology, skiers will find themselves on the receiving end of a phenomenal build, turn shape, and style of ski. This version shares the same footprint as the WRT Pro, with a slightly peppier build. Stockli, as a company, has solidified its spot at the top of the performance and tech spectrum, and since all skis are handmade and put through a rigorous quality and testing process, skiers get the best possible outcome when it comes to snow feel and balance. If you are a skier who loves a blend of edge grip, energy, and smoothness, the WRT is a great place to be.

The way these skis are built is translated directly to notable performance on your feet. Stockli’s commitment to quality and excellence remains unmatched. Built with a sturdy wood core made with poplar and beech, and two sheets of metal, this ski is poised and ready for some of the most aggressive and strong skiing out there. Best when used by skilled skiers to access the pinnacle of performance, the skis are pretty darn rugged. They feature Stockli’s Solid Metal Edge for the utmost in edge grip and precision as well as two different applications of carbon. The first is a Carbon Power Turn laminate that starts underfoot and extends slightly into the tips and tails. This delivers more torsional stiffness and power in the middle of the ski. They also use Carbon Steering Control in the front of the ski in order to generate better initiation and more responsiveness to the start phase of the turn. The blend of poplar and beech wood, metal, carbon, and Stockli’s infamous rubber dust in the adhesive layers allows this ski to feel like a top-end model with performance to match. Tester John Stobierski states that "This is a great ski. I had the pleasure of skiing 4 premium front side skis in nasty conditions, the blizzards, Nordica, DPS and this one. All wonderful skis. The Stockli's seemed the stiffest of the group which served me well on the blue ice. It felt sturdy under her foot and was a quick turner."

The shape of these skis makes them ideal for on-piste and firm snow. At 67 mm underfoot, the skis are quite narrow, and that’s certainly by design. They’re extremely crisp in the waist, with wider tips and tails to create a shorter turn radius. The 172 generates a 14.8-meter turn radius, so this ski is a lot happier in the mid-range of turn shapes and styles. It’s capable of hitting shorter arcs as well as longer ones, mainly because it’s so well built. There’s no rocker to this ski, so it is on the precise side of the spectrum—much happier on edge than riding flat. While we’ve spent some time on this ski in softer snow, and in that realm it does okay, it’s certainly made for the firmer stuff, and there’s no limit to how icy the surface can/should be for this ski. Tester Emily Sampson notes that " These skis were so solid and fun. They hit a sweet spot of stiffness torsionally and are still playful. Today was icy and these felt very stable and safe. They do require someone who knows how to drive a ski to get the most juice out of the squeeze."

There's no mistaking that these have a slightly narrower audience due to the specificity of the ski. When on the feet of the right skier, the WRT loves to be used in a dynamic, sporty, and aggressive format. This ski is not for everyone, catering more closely to the advanced, expert, and former racer's realm. Those who are looking for the utmost precision and power will feel right at home on this ski, while those who fall to the timid side of the spectrum will be slightly overpowered. The high-end build and application of this ski make it a solid choice for those who love the feeling of a solid edge grip and minimal chatter. You get what you pay for when it comes to smoothness and silence.