Welcome to our 2023 Men’s Frontside Ski Comparison! The conclusion that we reached after recording this video is that every skier should own a ski either on this wall or one that we mentioned. The front side category is truly unique in that it offers a lot of potential for performance-oriented skiers, but also has the ability to provide conditions-appropriate skis for the vast majority of skiers out there in the world today. Since most of us are skiing on groomers most of the time, it makes sense to have gear that aligns with that application. Sure, the wider skis are sexier and more glamorous, but the skis on this list are far more useful and realistic. Ranging in waist width from 65 to 82 mm, the frontside list is drastically overlooked by a huge portion of the ski audience, and it certainly should not be the case.

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Overview:

We think this is one of the coolest skis out there this year. At 65.5 mm underfoot in the 175, it’s the narrowest of the bunch, but still has some GS leanings to go along with the 15.2-meter arc. The big thing here is the Revoshock Steel plates that dampen the vibrations and keep the ski glued to the snow. We’re seeing this in pretty much all Atomic front side skis these days, from the carbon plates used in the mid-range skis all the way up to the World Cup level FIS skis. By having these floating plates in the forebody of the ski, the Redster X9 S is about as smooth and quiet as they come. With the narrow waist and metal laminates to go along with it, this ski is pretty much unstoppable and unflappable on any type of firm snow.

Who it's For:

Former and current racers who are looking for that narrow waist and unlimited torsional stiffness.  If you want edge grip for days, this is your ski.

Price: $1,049.95

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Overview:

As one of the narrowest skis on this list, the Laser WRT ST is a short-turning enthusiasts with precision on its mind. The 172 cm length generates a 14.8-meter turn radius, so this ski definitely has that slalom mentality to go along with endless grip underfoot and a ton of torsional stiffness. In addition to the wood core and two sheets of metal, the WRT ST also gets Stockli’s Carbon Steering Control technology to keep the forebody of the ski firmly planted on the snow. By inserting this carbon laminate under pressure, the stiffness and response of the front half of the ski is unmatched both on this list and in the ski world as a whole. The quality and precision of the ski match the price, as you will be hard-pressed to find a better product out there that shares these same characteristics.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who don’t want to feel anything under their feet. You want to glide down the hill allowing the ski to do most of the work.

Price: $1,719.00

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Overview:

While the Divus and Declivity lean more to the all-mountain side of the spectrum, the Blizzard Firebird WRC is pretty much on the other side. With a race-like build and a strong overall composure, these skis have a whole lot to offer skilled skiers who know how to rip. At 68 mm underfoot and with a sturdy construction, these skis will hold tight to the firmest snow on the planet, delivering concise and clean edge control from top to bottom. This is a fantastic choice for a beer league ski with its 17.5-meter turn radius and multitude of lengths available. The dense wood core pairs well with dual carbon applications for stiffness and response. From the race course to the early-morning groomers, this speed-focused ski is a fantastic choice for strong current and former racers who are leaning to the narrow and responsive side of the spectrum.

Who it's For:

FIS-level skiers will be able to get the most out of this ski at a high rate of speed.  You want something to race on whether it’s in the gates or out on the trail.

Price: $1,149.95

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Overview:

Similar in feel and overall composure to the Superhsape Rally, the Speed takes it into overdrive in terms of torsional stiffness and edge hold. Like the name indicates, these things are fast, and most at home on edge and in a carved turn. At 68 mm underfoot, the skis are on the narrow side of the list, and while this requires a good amount of balance to appropriately find the limit of the ski, it also allows for quickness and agility that a lot of mid-range skiers also really like. It involves much the same construction and technology of the wider skis in the line, keeping the good things in common across the models. If you’re searching for a narrow ski that carves like the dickens, you’ll love the race-like feel yet friendly performance of the Head Supershape e-Speed.

Who it's For:

Narrower enthusiasts who are looking to max out on grip and quickness.  You want nothing to stand in your way of a cleanly carved turn, especially ice.

Price: $1,149.00

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Overview:

A great choice for short turn enthusiasts who are looking for a bit different of a feel in a front side ski. At 68 mm underfoot, it leans to the narrower side of the spectrum, and with a 14-meter turn radius, it also falls to the short arc side. The interesting stuff is found in the construction, with a bi-directional poplar wood core and a V-Tech shaped titanal laminate, Dynastar packs a lot of punch into a non-traditional construction format. This is more the slalom-style turner in Dynastar’s lineup, with the 763 having a wider waist and a slightly longer arc. The narrow platform is great for gripping tight to the firmest snow that the ski hill can create, and these skis make a great option for both front side cruising as well as ski bum racing and recreational gate running.

Who it's For:

High-end recreational skiers who are looking to get the most out of their morning runs.  You value quickness and agility to go along with superb edge grip.

Price: $1,049.95

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Overview:

This all-mountain race ski is ready to go whenever you are. The Deacon 72 Master is the shorter-turning version of the 76, allowing skiers who lean to the more precise and agile side of the spectrum the ability to lay down some of the cleanest carves at the highest rates of speed. Some skis do it more slowly than others, but this is not one of them. Built with Volkl’s full Ash race-room wood core and two sheets of metal, the 72 Master also includes 3D Glass and tailored carbon tips to add to the energy and responsiveness. And it certainly helps! These skis have an amazing mix of stability and power to balance the quickness and agility. They come with a Marker Piston Plate that’s ready to accept the Marker race binding of your choice, so you’re getting the ultimate setup in terms of World Cup racing blended with high-end recreational skiing.

Who it's For:

Strong and athletic skiers who value their time on the hill, and want to get the most out of it in terms of performance. You want a race-room feel with a friendlier turn radius.

Price: $949.99

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Overview:

The initial impression that we got back in the day on the MTi was that it was impossibly quick, and that sensation hasn’t changed at all. At 74 mm underfoot, the skis don’t have a race-like feel to them so much as an all-mountain carving one. You get the sense that there’s a lot of good skiing to be done on these skis in a front side format, and it doesn’t have to be super-aggressive all the time. Some skiers prefer to have all the control that they want, but not be overpowered, and that’s a good spot for the MTi to be. Thanks to the titanal I-Beam, the skis are smooth and damp from tip to tail, and the full-width metal underfoot allows for great traction on icier trails. While there’s not a huge call for this in a racecourse, the freshly groomed trails at the beginning of the day are right in this ski’s wheelhouse.

Who it's For:

Advanced and expert skiers who want a carver, but not a racer.  This ski also has some all-mountain capabilities due to the width and weight, so if you’re looking to mix it up, this is a great choice.

Price: $949.95

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Overview:

The 2023 Rossignol Hero Elite MT gets some spiffy updates that allows it to be more forgiving yet super energetic and grippy still. Built with a poplar wood core, the skis get Rossignol’s titanal beam to go along with their V-Carbon Alloy Matrix. They put the criss-cross carbon alloy stringers in more of a v-shape for this year, and that puts more emphasis on power being delivered to the edges. As a result, the skis are pretty darn stiff from a longitudinal standpoint while being torsionally stiff as well. The 74 mm waist adds to the grip as well, delivering a 15-meter turn radius in the 175 cm length. They separate these skis a bit from the ST and LT versions of the Hero Elite, allowing a more recreational application to the mid-range ski in the line. If you’re more focused on Slalom or GS style turns, then those other skis have more or a race-room build, while the MT ski is slightly more approachable, but still a totally ripping ski.

Who it's For:

Advanced and Expert skiers who want something that they’re able to turn without being thrown around. You value control and precision without giving up anything on the top end.

Price: $899.00

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Overview:

The Spitfire series is pretty cool in that they make the same ski in three different widths. We are splitting the difference with the 76, but many of the same attributes found in this ski can also be used when discussing the 72 and the 80 Spitfires. Nordica uses their full wood core to go along with dual-metal laminate as well as carbon race bridge technology. This carbon laminate makes the tips and tails light and responsive, as they seamlessly transition into the normal construction of the ski. This is a very race-like feel to this ski, and while it shares a similar platform with skis like the Thunderbird R15 WB, it definitely has more of that FIS heritage in terms of feel and build. From beer league races to front side crushing, the Dobermann Spitfire 76 is a high-octane choice for very strong skiers.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers looking for a race-like feel in a mid-width format. You value precision and power at the same time.

Price: $949.99

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Overview:

This one caught us by surprise last year, and we loved every minute of it. Certainly, we always knew that there was a great application for skis like this where we ski in Vermont, but spending a few days on the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB really brought those experiences into a sharp focus. It was about 40 days into the season here, and by our determination, the R15 WB would have been an ideal ski for about 38 of those days. It’s an insane percentage of time that you would benefit from a ski like this versus a more popular mid-90's underfoot ski, and if you’re into stats and data, then you should probably take a strong look at a ski like this if you’re not skiing fresh snow a whole lot. The combination of TrueBlend wood core, dual-metal laminate, and Active Carbon Armor works quite well with the 15-meter turn radius in the 174. Full camber and a long effective edge smooth out any irregularities in the snow, allowing strong and capable skiers the ability to truly lean into and stand on their edges for full-confidence and carving fun.

Who it's For:

Advanced and expert skiers, but not necessarily top-flight racers. You want solid and strong performance, but also some accessibility, and that’s really where TrueBlend sticks out as a positive.

Price: $999.95

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Overview:

Sitting in the middle of the front side widths, the 75 mm Atomic Redster Q9 has the breeding of a race ski but the width of a more complacent carver. Built with Atomic’s power wood core and powered by steel and steel Revoshock, the Redster Q9 is a friendlier carver that excels in shorter turns with a tremendous amount of stability and poise. Generating a 13.5-meter turn radius, the Redster Q9 is one of these modernly-shaped skis that has some width, and also prefers a shorter arc. The Revoshock goes a long way in keeping the forebody of the ski glued to the snow and the edges engaged in the hard packed conditions. This combination delivers race-like feel and performance, but from a more accessible viewpoint.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers, but not necessarily racers, looking for a mid-wide frontside ski for carving early-morning arcs.  With a touch of versatility built into the width, you also want something to stand up to broken or choppy snow as the day progresses.

Price: $999.95

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Overview:

We had a total blast on this ski this past winter, and it was a pretty universal feeling, from testers to staff and beyond. It’s got the all-mountain inspiration but in a narrower shape, taking something like the Brahma 82 and dropping the width to the next level. It’s kind of like how the Laser AX used to be before it got all fat at 80 mm wide. The Pure Piste benefits from a blend of paulownia and beech in the wood core to go along with a titanal reinforcement underfoot. Scott also uses carbon fibers in a cross-hatched format that deliver power to the edges of the ski in an efficient and light weight manner. In the 177, the Pure Piste 77 generates a 15-meter turn radius, so in addition to being fantastic all-mountain options, the Pure Piste 77 is also a sharp carver that can lean into the turn with the best of them.

Who it's For:

All mountain skiers looking for one of the narrowest flat option skis out there. You want something specific out of a ski, and the Pure Piste 77 is a great choice for that application.

Price: $879.95

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Overview:

This ski is an absolute treat to ski. The most amazing thing that I found about it was that it didn’t feel like you had to work hard to get these amazingly clean and round turns with an absolute minimum of vibrations. Whatever they’re doing with the EMC technology, I hope they keep doing, because it really works well. At 78 mm underfoot, it’s a great option for frontside only skiers, and really does an effective job of having that wider waist while keeping the performance deadly and silent. There’s a very long effective edge with this ski, much like what we see in the Supershape Speed, and that leads to a very smooth feel from start to finish.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers will like it best, but there’s some range and opportunity here for less-aggressive skiers who are looking for the ski to do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to stablity.

Price: $1,149.00

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Overview:

A bit wider for this year, but still insanely carveable, the Stockli Montero AX blends true front side performance with an all-mountain flair. While certainly happier on-trail and in a carved turn, at 80 mm underfoot and with the Laser/Montero pedigree, the AX does have some versatility built in to the shape. It’s got a seamless blend of attributes due to the construction, allowing advanced and expert skiers the ability to make gliding turns down the hill with minimal to zero vibrations. Flex torsion control is a big reason for this smoothness, as the curved slits running down the tips and up the tails allow for proper flexion while keeping the ski glued to the snow. The turn initiation is about as smooth and predictable as one could dream, offering up a unique and complete ski experience for those willing to pay a bit extra to get it.

Who it's For:

Agile and strong skiers looking to get the most out of their ski day. You want something narrow for on-piste, but with a bit of versatility built in. As always, you want a high-quality piece of gear that will not leave you wanting more.

Price: $1,299.00

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Overview:

The Salomon Stance 80 is a bit of an outlier of this group, but we wanted to include it because it probably has the most to offer the widest group of skiers. As more of an intermediate all-mountain option, the Stance 80 checks a whole lot of boxes for a ton of different skiers. By using a poplar wood core, a metal laminate underfoot, and carbon stringers in the forebody and tail, these skis have a pretty uncommon build for this level of product. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes, spanning from 141 to 185 cm, so this ski can really be something for everyone. We even have it available as a package on SkiEssentials.com, further enhancing the value of this great setup. Does it compare in terms of feel and performance to the Ti.80 or the Montero AX? No it does not. But for the mid-range skier, the Stance 80 has a surprising amount of performance and a fantastic personality.

Who it's For:

A huge range of skiers, from emerging beginners all the way to experienced veterans looking for a good value setup.

Price: $499.95

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Overview:

Kind of like the Stance 80, but in a slightly higher league of performance, the Deacon 80 is a great choice for a wide variety of skiers. From intermediates all the way to seasoned experts, the glass frame of the Deacon 80 will impress you with its combination of grip and energy. This is a classic Volkl “kitchen sink” style of ski with all of their technologies packed into one. 3D Glass, 3D Ridge, 3D Radius Sidecut, Steel Laminate, Multi-Layer Wood Core, and their Lowride XL binding system make this a very high-tech ski that stands up to the hype. It kind of gets over/under shadowed by the Deacon 84 or 72/76, but in reality, that middle-ground of the 80 is likely a better fit for a whole lot more skiers. As a lighter all-mountain carver, the Deacon 80 is a perennial skier-favorite.

Who it's For:

Lots of skiers who want precision, energy, and pop to their skis while keeping versatility and all-mountain range on the table.

Price: $949.99

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Overview:

This ski is a great option for skiers looking for a ski with a light swing weight with strong grip underfoot. The S/Force Ti.80 combines a poplar wood core with a dual titanal laminate to create a strong on-piste option for carving enthusiasts who love the feeling of a clean and round turn. With a 16-meter radius in the 177 cm length, these skis turn on a dime, and when you see the total lack of taper or rocker, it all makes sense. This ski is shaped very much in the spirit of the Supershape Rally in that there is a long effective edge, a sharp tail, and a dramatic sidecut. There’s a beefed-up sidewall underfoot that amplifies the grip and leverage that skiers can get on the mid-zone of the ski, allowing for deeper arcs and more confident carves

Who it's For:

Carvers looking for something a bit out of the norm. You value strong grip and great control, but want it in a slightly lighter feeling setup.

Price: $849.95

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Overview:

This ski makes the list in an interesting way—the Kastle PX 81 is one of the few high-performance skis that does not use metal laminates in its application, but still manages to totally shred the groomers and ice like a much sturdier ski.  The PX 81 relies on fiberglass and carbon to do the heavy lifting instead of metal, and that really brings a new level of energy and pop to the table.  Built with a poplar and beech wood core, we’re getting stability there, and that’s boosted by two carbon strips and two full sheets of glass.  It’s a pretty sharp turner, generating a 16.7-meter turn radius in the 179, and while it may not have the edge hold of some of the narrower and more metallic skis in this group, it’s one of the easiest and most fun for sure.

Who it's For:

Agility seekers who want something maneuverable and energetic rather than damp and heavy.  You value quick turns and fast initiation over long and drawn-out carves on ice. 

Price: $799.00

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Overview:

Along with the other 82’s on the list, the Blizzard Brahma 82 has wider skis in its line that it takes inspiration and shaping notes from.  As a result, the narrowest ski in Blizzard’s Freeride/All-Mountain line is a great choice for strong and skilled skiers who are looking for more of a high-end build, but not a race-like feel.  At the same time, these skis are built and shaped to rock all over the mountain, from the bumps and trees to the steeps and groomers.  From an all-mountain perspective, it’s a bit narrow in focus, while from a front side view, the Brahma 82 lacks a bit of the race-like personality that precludes it from being as capable as skis like the Disruption 82 or Wingman 82 when it comes to deep carves and super-stable arcs.  As a result, it slides right into the middle in terms of performance and application, and there’s definitely a sweet spot for skis like that in this category.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who may be looking for something like this as a narrow complement to the wider skis in their quiver.  A Bonafide 97 and this would make a great pairing.

Price: $599.95

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Overview:

Like the Declivity 82 and the Brahma, the Divus is a bit of an outlier of this group as it blends the front side and the freeride rather seamlessly. If you’re looking for a poppy and energetic ski that carves great but doesn’t have that race-like feel, the Divus is a fantastic selection. Built with a poplar wood core and H-Shaped metal laminates, the Divus has a lot of pep and power to the edges while the tips and tails remain slightly friendlier and more approachable. The skis generate a 17-meter turn radius, so that’s on the longer side of this group, and since it’s offered flat, it has that all-mountain feel to it while being a very accomplished carver on hard pack and ice. While it’s not the pure carver of some of the more race-like skis in this group, it’s definitely a whole lot of fun and one of the most versatile.

Who it's For:

Energetic and fun-loving skiers who are seeking a narrower all-mountain ski to handle the low-snow times of the year.  The nice thing is that even when the snow is softer, these skis are complete enough in their nature to satisfy even more adventurous skiers.

Price: $869.95

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Overview:

Sometimes skis get a very significant downgrade when going from flagship, like the 86, to the narrower version like this 82, but that’s not really the case with Fischer. Other than slightly thinner metal and a lighter binding, the RC One 82 GT is still a fantastic choice for on-piste enthusiasts who are looking for the ultimate in firm snow performance but in a wider-bodied format. By utilizing their turn zone featuring Bafatex and the solid feel that the rest of the ski provides, the RC One 82 GT is a very clean turner that focus more on its ground game than anything else. In that realm, it’s hard to look past this Fischer to find anything better.

Who it's For:

Recreational carvers who are looking for a sturdy ski underfoot.  You spend most, if not all, of your time in search of a clean and round turn.

Price: $849.99

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Overview:

As one of the more well-rounded skis on this list, the Rossignol Experience 82 Ti fits in well with Wingman and the Fischer as strong-performing front side skis that offer some versatility as well. Built with a poplar wood core and two sheets of metal, the Experience 82 also features Rossignol’s Drive Tip Solution that helps eliminate vibrations and keep you on your intended course. When you get into crunchier terrain and snow conditions, you can really feel the ski’s ability to plow through crud and chop while remaining stable and predictable throughout the turn. Following in the footsteps of the Experience 86 Ti, this is a premium-level ski that has a whole lot to offer a wide range of skiers.

Who it's For:

Advanced and expert skiers looking for an all-mountain ski that leans to the narrow side of the spectrum. You spend most or all of your time on-trail, and prefer a wider-bodied ski that won’t shy away from technical conditions or terrain.

Price: $949.95

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Overview:

As one of the more well-balanced skis in this range, the Armada Declivity 82 Ti blurs the line between front side and all-mountain quite effectively. With a 15.9-meter turn radius in the 174, the Declivity, along with the Divus and Brahma, is a turny ski that is ideal for skiers who spend most/all of their time on the groomers but are looking for more of a fun-loving personality. Thanks to the articulated titanal banding that we speak of ad-nauseum with the wider Declivity’s, the 82 is a sharp turner that also makes a great bump ski or off-piste companion. As far as skis on this list go, these are a fantastic option for a one-ski quiver.

Who it's For:

Intermediates through expert skiers who are searching for a narrow all-mountain ski.  You value well-roundedness in your skis and don’t mind leaning to the all-mountain side of the spectrum for narrower skis.

Price: $824.95

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Overview:

As the widest overall ski on the wall, the Elan Wingman 82 CTi is very stable and stout, but feels quite a bit lighter than some other options. It’s a slick ski that just kind of oozes its way down the hill. Built with carbon tubes like we see in the Ripstick skis as well as two sheets of metal, the Wingman 82 CTi has a whole lot going for it in terms of strong on-trail performance and shaping. That shaping, along with a lower-profile tip, do make this ski a lot more race like than some of the other 82’s up here, so as a wider-bodied format, the Wingman 82 has an incredible blend of attributes. Even though it’s wider, it doesn’t quite have the versatility for soft snow, but in a groomer-rich ski environment, these skis are certainly a treat.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a lighter and quicker carver that leans on the wide side. You want agility and poppiness over supreme stability and dampness.

Price:

Written by Bob St.Pierre on 10/20/22