For our second 2021 Ski Comparison, we’re looking at 18 different skis in the 100 mm width range. A lot of the trends we looked at in the 90 mm Comparison carry over to this range, but as skis get wider, we generally see more variety in shapes, constructions, and overall performance. Next week, we’ll be moving on to frontside skis. As always, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this article if you have a question or need clarification. Our customer service team is always standing by ready to chat about skis, so give us a call if you want to chat with us directly!

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Overview:

The Declivity 102 Ti is the widest ski (excluding the Declivity X) in Armada’s new line of all-mountain skis. This width, however, certainly blurs the line between all-mountain and freeride. Armada uses a lightweight wood core paired with their Articulated Titanal Banding technology. The sheet of metal along the top of the ski, just under the topsheet, is split into longitudinal strips in the tip of the ski, designed to allow for more torsional flex. This gives it a distinctly smooth feel when initiating turns, and once in that turn, the metal compresses an elastic compound, ultimately releasing a lot of energy when transitioning out of the turn. Smooth rocker and early taper in the tips and tails gives it a catch-free feel when pivoting and smearing turns, without sacrificing edge grip on firmer snow. It’s a well-rounded ski that can transition from carving turns on firm snow to dancing through tight lines in ungroomed terrain.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a relatively even mix of performance characteristics in a ski that they can take anywhere on the mountain. It also has a little bit of Armada “attitude,” which comes through in a counter-culture, slightly-different-than-the-rest feel.

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Overview:

Atomic’s given us a brand new ski for 2021, and it’s a good one. The Backland 100 follows the same recipe as the Backland 107, but its narrower width makes it a little more versatile. Atomic’s Ultra Power Wood Core is combined with a Carbon Backbone to provide impressive performance consider it comes in at just 1400 g in the 179 cm length. It’s designed for alpine touring, and it’s going to be a fantastic choice for that application, but its downhill performance is so good we think a lot of skiers would enjoy it within the resort as well. Its stability and overall responsiveness surpass what you’d expect when you just look at that weight figure on paper. Not quite as smeary in soft snow as the Bent Chetler 100, but still plenty maneuverable in soft snow conditions.

Who it's For:

A lot of skiers are looking for alpine touring equipment this season, and the Backland 100 is perfect if you’re not sure how much you’ll be doing and want a versatile ski for both the resort and the backcountry. Shift binding, anyone?

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Overview:

Even though it’s only been a few years, the Bent Chetler 100 has already achieved what many would call iconic status. It’s a ski that checks a lot of boxes for a lot of different skiers and is a perfect example of how good a ski can be with just a wood core and a proper shape. A light wood core in sandwich construction is basically all you get in the construction of the ski, although you do get HRZN Tech tips and tails. It’s a twin tip, but it’s a directional twin tip. There’s also a huge range of mount points. It’s heavier than the Backland 100, but still light enough to slap an AT binding on it. Some skiers will center mount it and use it as a park/all-mountain ski. Others will use an AT binding at a more traditional mount point and use it as a versatile resort/touring ski.

Who it's For:

A wide range of skiers. Approachable for an intermediate, but will satisfy an expert. It can be a park ski, it can be a touring ski, it really can do a lot. Its only weakness would be power and stability at high speeds, but only few will find its limits.

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Overview:

The Justis is a new ski for 2021 and replaces both the Deamon and Navis. Replacing two skis is a tall order, but if any ski can handle the task, it’s the Justis. The Justis borrows a lot of design elements from the narrower Orb. It uses a poplar wood core and two H-shaped sheets of metal. We’ve told this story before, but by positioning the metal along the edges, but not in the rest of the ski, you get a lot of stability and vibration damping without unnecessary weight. The Justis also uses a lot of rocker in both the tips and tails, with camber underfoot. Tip it on edge on firm snow and you get a lot of responsiveness, edge grip, and a relatively powerful feel. Ride a flatter ski, take it into soft snow, and it becomes a surfy powder machine.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a ski they can rip high speed turns on, then turn around and take it into the trees and deep powder and slash, smear, and surf their heart out. Who knows, maybe you’re doing all those things in one run?

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Overview:

Back for another season, the Rustler 10 continues to offer superb maneuverability and playfulness and is an excellent complement to the more power-focused Bonafide 97. Unlike the Justis, the metal in the Rustler is just in the middle of the ski, rather than along the edges in the tips and tails. With a similar rocker profile, but metal in the middle of the ski, it’s even more maneuverable and more playful than a ski like the Justis, although doesn’t have quite the same edge grip. That said, it’s still pretty darn good on firm snow thanks to the camber and full width metal underfoot. It’s one of those skis with a relatively even mix of performance characteristics, and it’s relatively easy to ski, so your last run of the day will be just as much fun as your first no matter what’s happened to the snow conditions or how long you’ve been out there.

Who it's For:

It’s one of the more forgiving skis among this list, which makes it an excellent choice for someone progressing in off-piste terrain, or anyone who wants a ski that isn’t too demanding or overly fatiguing in technical terrain.

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Overview:

The Wailer 100 is an impressive ski. A quick glance at its shape and you probably wouldn’t think it does very well on firm snow. It has a lot of rocker and a lot of early taper, and it’s also pretty darn lightweight thanks to DPS’ Alchemist construction. That gives it an ultra-quick, super maneuverable feel in tight terrain and really, really good performance in soft snow. That Alchemist construction also, however, gives it quite impressive edge grip on firm snow and way more stability and vibration damping than you’d expect. It doesn’t have significant chatter at speed, as a lot of skis with this much rocker do. Some might wonder where the high price is coming from for DPS skis, and this is as good a place to look as any. Not many skis can achieve this level of stability and edge grip while using this shaping concept.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value maneuverability, but don’t want to sacrifice firm snow performance and overall stability. We’ve seen a lot of skiers choose AT bindings for the Wailer 100, which is a great choice, but it can also be a fun resort ski too.

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Overview:

The M-Pro 99 from Dynastar is going to turn some heads this season. It offers superbly versatile performance for soft snow and a powerful feel, especially out of the tail of the ski. We’ve described it as a true “skier’s ski” as it does what you want it to, it doesn’t feel locked into a particular turn shape or style. Dynastar uses a hybrid core that combines poplar with a PU material along the edges. Then they work in their Rocket Frame metal laminate, with narrower metal in the tip, and wider, longer metal in the tail. There’s much more rocker in the tip than the tail, and you could say the same about the taper shape too. This gives it excellent performance even in deep snow, as the tip doesn’t feel catchy, but tip it into a carving turn on a groomer and you get seemingly endless power out of the tail of the ski.

Who it's For:

Skiers who want one ski they can take anywhere on the mountain. Likely too much ski for an intermediate, but advanced and expert skiers will love how you can manipulate it into different turns, but also just let it run into high speed Super G turns on firm snow.

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Overview:

Pink! The Ranger 102 FR is back for another season with its snazzy new topsheet graphic. Sure, you can get it in blue too, but where’s the fun in that? The Ranger 102 FR is another highly versatile ski that can check a lot of boxes for a lot of different skiers. Like the Bent Chetler 100, it can be a park/all-mountain ski for some, or a hybrid resort/AT ski for others. Some will just use it in the resort as a versatile freeride ski! A wood core is paired with metal underfoot and Fischer’s Carbon Nose. There’s plenty of tip and tail rocker, which is great in soft snow, but Fischer retains some really good stability too, especially considering the weight. Choice of mount point can custom tailor how the ski is going to work for you. Freestyle guy? Just go a little forward. Everyone else can stay near the recommended line for superb directional performance.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value playfulness and soft snow performance, but also don’t want a complete noodle. The Ranger 102 is energetic, super fun to ski, and will satisfy the demands of a huge range of skiers.

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Overview:

The Kore 99 is now officially the “middle” ski when looking at widths in the Kore line, but it’s also the stiffest and most powerful. We were impressed by the power that Head achieves in this ski when we first tested it, and that performance continues into 2021. Head uses a unique blend of materials: Karuba, Koroyd, Graphene, and Carbon. Those materials create a stiff, responsive ski, without the weight of traditional materials like metal. That increases overall quickness, which is supported by the rocker and taper used in the tips and tails. It’s not as pronounced as some skis, but there’s enough to allow for quick maneuverability in tight terrain. It might not have the vibration damping of metal, but the fact that it’s lighter on your feet feels like a reasonable tradeoff, and ultimately a valuable ski to have in this category.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value power and stability and ski aggressively, but also want some versatility. Similar to the Enforcer 100 and a few other skis in that regard, but it has its own unique feel thanks to Head’s construction.

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Overview:

Back again for 2021, the Mindbender 99Ti is similar to the Kore 99 in the sense that it provides powerful performance for aggressive skiers, but with its own unique feel. It feels heavier than the Kore, but there’s more vibration damping. The application of metal is basically the opposite of the M-Pro 99 from Dynastar. You can give it a lot of skier input in the forebody of the ski and it feels strong and stable, but by using metal in the middle of the ski in the tail, you can wiggle through moguls and tight terrain more easily than skis with full width metal. One of the smoothest skis in this category, and it can satisfy the demands of really aggressive, high level skiers, but does so with a touch of playfulness and a K2 attitude, similar to the way the Declivity 102 retains an “Armada” feel, while still rivaling more “traditional” ski brands.

Who it's For:

Powerful, aggressive skiers who value stability and vibration damping, but who will also take it off trail fairly regularly. A bit heavy for an AT ski, but darn good for resort applications.

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Overview:

Kind of like how the Rustler 10 complements the Bonafide 97, the new Reckoner 102 is designed to complement the Mindbender 99Ti. It’s softer flexing, much more playful, has more rocker, and feels lighter on your feet. Aggressive skiers looking for a powerful, stable ski may over-power it, but those skiers are better on the Mindbender 99Ti. The Reckoner 102 slashes, smears, and butters as well as any ski on the market. It is distinctly playful in its overall feel and attitude, and a heck of a lot of fun to ski. K2’s Carbon Spectral Braid is tighter underfoot, so the higher the edge angle and the more you flex it, the better the edge grip is, which is a really satisfying characteristic. It does require a relatively balanced stance because of the softer tips and tails, but modern freeride skiers won’t have any problem finding its sweet spot. We also expect to see a lot of skiers use it in the park this season.

Who it's For:

Skiers who look at the mountain as their personal playground. Maybe you have a freestyle background, maybe you’re still ripping in the park, or maybe you just value playfulness and fun over stability and speed.

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Overview:

Kastle’s MX series has traditionally been known for its precision, power, stability, and edge grip. This newest version retains all of those characteristics, but makes the ski just a touch more approachable and a little bit smoother. That’s thanks to a new tip rocker profile (which is pretty darn subtle) as well as a shockingly-good-looking carbon inlay in the tip. Kastle’s Hollowtech Tip not only reduces weight, it also reduces chatter, keeping your edges on the ski through the turn, resulting in incredible edge grip and an ultra-smooth feel. A flat, squared-off tail loves to finish a carving turn. It’s not the most playful ski, and isn’t the easiest when you take it into tight, technical terrain, but if you love ripping big, high speed turns, and you want to do it through whatever snow conditions are in front of you, it doesn’t get much better than the MX98.

Who it's For:

Aggressive skiers who want a precise, powerful, high-end feel. Sure, it costs a lot, but you get an extremely high quality product with an incredible feel and a beautiful finish.

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Overview:

The evolv100 is an impressive ski, and perhaps even more impressive considering it comes from Liberty. Liberty’s known for their lightweight, playful twin tips, but the evolv100 takes the power and stability to new levels for the brand, rivaling the best of the best on the market. They achieve this by using 2 vertical metal struts, which we’re seeing from a few other manufactures too, and have been proven to provide excellent stability and vibration damping at a slightly lighter weight than skis with horizontally laminated metal. It’s one of the smoothest, quietest skis in this comparison, which makes it great for ripping high speed turns through choppy snow conditions. The tip rocker profile helps it eat up soft snow, while the tail keeps you on your line, tracking through the chop while you turn heads from the lift above you.

Who it's For:

Aggressive skiers who like to take their skiing all over the mountain. It’s one of the best for arcing turns through choppy, skied out terrain, and has a little more playfulness and versatility and most skis that achieve this level of power.

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Overview:

The Line Blend has the most freestyle influence in this list, with a handful of skis jockeying for 2nd place. Line made some tweaks to the Blend for 2021, but retained its overall performance and general appeal. Soft flexing tips and tails with blunt, almost squared off ends and plenty of tip and tail rocker results in a super playful feel. You can butter, smear, ollie, wheelie… whatever you want, you can do it on the Blend. On the other hand, you can also rip them around the resort thanks to the Maple Macroblock wood core and the skis camber underfoot. Its shape and flex pattern also makes it a lot of fun in the trees, although directional skiers should remember that it has a more symmetrical shape than most skis, which results in a longer tail. Some skiers may not like that, but freestyle/freeski athletes will love it.

Who it's For:

Playful skiers who look at the whole mountain as a playground, and probably spend a significant amount of time in the terrain park too. What’s nice about the Blend is you won’t be stuck to the park, you can take it anywhere.

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Overview:

Nordica took technology from the Enforcer 104 and 88 and reapplied it to the new Enforcer 100. Simply put, it’s better than before, which is saying a lot as the Enforcer has been one of the most popular skis on the market over the past half a decade. We get more length options, True Tip technology, and Carbon Reinforced Chassis. The ski is lighter overall, but still as power, damp, and stable as its ever been. The tips and tails are specifically lighter, which makes it more maneuverable, less fatiguing, and more compliant in tight, technical terrain. What’s made the Enforcer 100 so popular is the way it blends playfulness and maneuverability with power and stability. It’s not jarringly stiff, but it never feels unstable or chattery. It’s one of those skis that can do a lot of different things for a lot of different skiers, which is why people keep flocking to it year after year.

Who it's For:

Just about everyone. Still arguably too much ski for an intermediate, although it’s more approachable for a less aggressive skier now. If you want a ski you can take anywhere with a smooth, powerful feel and some playfulness to boot, the Enforcer 100 is a great choice.

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Overview:

The Holyshred is a new name, but not necessarily a new ski. This is the latest incarnation of the previous Black Ops 98, and everything we loved about that ski is carried over to the new name. The Holyshred combines a freestyle mentality with a smooth, stable feel. Rossignol has some really cool construction in these skis, and they utilize rubber, which has superb vibration damping characteristics. The Holyshred isn’t exceptionally stiff, but it’s very stable at any speed and has a smooth overall feel. The rocker profile allows for easy tail release in tight terrain and increases its float in softer snow conditions. It’s kind of like the Ranger 102 FR in the sense that it’s capable in the park, while being a really, really good all-mountain ski too. It differs from the Ranger in the sense that it has more vibration damping and a smoother feel, although maybe not quite as much energy or quickness.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value stability at speed, power, and vibration damping, but also want a twin tip. There aren’t many skis that combine all those elements, and Rossignol does it as well as anybody with the Holyshred.

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Overview:

The Stance 102 is the widest ski in Salomon’s new line of skis. It also uses the most rocker, but quite a bit. These skis are designed to complement the existing QST line and offer more power and stability for aggressive skiers. Salomon uses a poplar wood core with Metal Twin Frame technology. Windows have been taken out of the metal laminate in the tips and tails to take some weight out, while providing the benefits of having metal along the edges and through the tips and tails. It’s very powerful and stable, but by using the same rocker profile as the QST 106, it can also be surfy, smeary, and feels catch-free and maneuverable in soft snow. It’s a more freeride-oriented version of the next ski we’re going to talk about. Of course there are differences, but there are a lot of similarities between the two, and the Stance 102 sets itself apart with its significantly more pronounced rocker profile.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value stability and power, but also want a ski that doesn’t feel locked into a turn and one that will give them a surfy, fun feel in soft snow. It’s not as light or as playful as the QSTs, but it’s a lot of fun in deep snow and far more powerful than those skis.

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Overview:

These last two skis really are quite similar. The Mantra 102 has lower rise rocker, so thus longer effective edge, more edge grip, and a little more responsiveness. For some skiers, that will work better for their skiing style, as there’s more feedback from the Mantra 102 and a less drifty feel than the Stance 102. It’ll rip turns and tracks incredibly well through choppy snow conditions, similar to how we described the evolv100. It almost feels more like a narrow big-mountain ski than a wide all-mountain ski, which is kind of supported by the fact that Volkl made an even wider version in the Katana 108, which truly is a big mountain ski. Unflinching stability, plenty of power, and more responsiveness and feedback than most skis in this comparison. It definitely feels like a Volkl, and Volkl skiers will know exactly what we mean.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value power, stability, edge grip, and responsiveness. You should have good technique if you plan on skiing it in tight, technical terrain, as the low rise rocker will require some unweighting of the tail.

Written by Jeff Neagle on 10/09/20