2024 Men's 97-104 mm Twin Tip Comparison

OCTOBER 19, 2023 | WRITTEN BY Bob St.Pierre

In this first twin tip installment, we’re checking out skis ranging from 97 to 104 mm wide underfoot. In this range, there’s a lot of versatility. We move from straight-up park and freestyle skis to well-rounded and carvy all-mountain skis with some freeride notes in between. It’s no secret that we’ve loved this mid-fat twin tip category for years now and 2024 is an exciting one in that we’re getting a handful of new 101-102 twins to play with. We see a pretty big range in builds here as well, with some skis relying on metal or carbon for power, while others keep it simple with just a wood core. From aspiring park skiers to backcountry booter enthusiasts, there’s a lot going on with these twins, and we couldn’t be happier to live in a world where these skis exist.

At a Glance:

2024 Armada ARV 100 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
158, 165, 172, 179, 186 cm18 m @ 179 cm128 / 100 / 120 mm1,700 g @ 179 cmEnergy, Versatility, Durability

Overview:

New and updated for 2024, the Armada ARV 100 incorporates a lot of technology and design to take versatile and durable freestyle skiing to the next level. By taking some of the freeride properties of the existing 106 and moving it in a slightly wider direction than the 96, Armada has created a new and fresh ski that appeals to park skiers who are looking for a wider platform for both predictability and the occasional flotation. W3dgewall technology is one of the big new stories here with the 100, using more of a tongue-and-groove technique when it comes to pressing the sidewall into the ski. By incorporating a pre-built sidewall into the wood core of the ski during the pressing process, they’re not only making the ski more cohesive and smoother, but also more durable. This new ski is going to make some big leaps this year, and many skiers are going to be stoked on the new build and shape.

Who it's For:

Park skiers looking for a mix of wide, smooth, and strong. You still like the idea of Ash in a park ski, but don’t want to be bogged down by it.

Price: $699.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Armada Edollo Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
164, 172, 180 cm20 m @ 172 cm131 / 98 / 121 mm1,975 g @ 18p cmStrength, Pop, Durability

Overview:

I don’t think many skiers are going to challenge Henrik Harlaut to any type of freestyle ski competition, nor are they going to question his ability to put his personal spin on his own skis. The Edollo has returned for 2024 unchanged but for graphics, keeping this 98 mm waisted twin tip firmly at the top of the wider freestyle category. One of the coolest things about this ski is that it’s pretty darn burly. Built with a blend of poplar and ash, this ski is all there. They also use their thicker edges and bases to keep the ski durable. They have some rocker—more in the tips than the tails, but there’s quite a bit of camber underfoot to maximize the energy. Think of Henrik in the knuckle huck event—these skis are able to butter, smear, and then pop—all of that is due to the mixing of build and profile. With sidewall in the middle and cap on the ends, this allows for more creative and playful skiing when it comes to groundwork, while remaining very business-like underfoot.

Who it's For:

Henrik fans and wannabees. You like/love his style and want to emulate it as best as possible. Good luck!

Price: $649.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Bent 100 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
164, 172, 180, 188 cm19.5 m @ 180 cm129.5 / 100 / 120 mm1,700 g @ 180 cmAppearance, Versatility, Fun Factor

Overview:

We’ve been talking about this ski for a while now, and the impressive part is that it continues to impress. When it comes to softer snow, versatile playfulness, and all-around good intentions, there’s not a whole lot out there that beats the Bent when it comes to pure fun. The flex and float of the ski affords more all-mountain and freeride characteristics while the twin-tipped nature of the ski keeps it squarely in the freestyle firmament. With a wide range of sizes from 164 to 188, this ski suits the needs of a huge range of skier, from those looking for a first/wider freestyle ski to those that are established and looking for a ski that can do anything even close to resembling freeride performance. Great in the bumps and trees, this Bent 100 is agile and smooth. While firmer snow presents challenges, mainly due to the lighter weight and more flexible nature, experienced skiers can still get it up on edge when needed.

Who it's For:

A whole lot of skiers. You value versatility and manageability. Additionally, you like the graphics aspect of a ski.

Price: $649.95

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At a Glance:

2024 DPS Koala 103 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
168, 176, 184, 189 cm18 m @ 184 cm129 / 103 / 119 mm2,075 g @ 184 cmFlotation, Strength, Aggressiveness

Overview:

DPS’s stance that this ski is “Built for Animals” is actually pretty darn true. You need to be kind of a beast to handle the Koala 103 in any type of conditions or terrain, let alone the terrain park. Built with their foundation construction with a lot of fiberglass, this ski is on the weighty side of the spectrum. It’s also pretty darn stiff. That said, they make up for the rugged nature of the ski by implementing a gratuitous about of rocker and taper that makes it totally wrangleable. The key here is staying more in the middle of the ski rather than the ends. When you do this, the ski comes alive! In terms of freestyle applications, the Koala is ideally suited to natural features and off-piste hits rather than a pure park setting. By keeping it in softer snow, you’ll unlock its inner animal, creating a fun-loving, yet powerful personality.

Who it's For:

Skiers who spend a lot of time seeking out backcountry hits. You like powder and air, mostly at the same time.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
171, 179, 185 cm17 m @ 179 cm128 / 99 / 120 mm1,850 g @ 179 cmVersatility, Trees, Bumps

Overview:

While the Koala leans more to the animalistic side of the spectrum, the Dynastar M-Free 99 finds itself on the more manageable side. With more flexible tips and tails, and a smooth and easy build, the M-Free 99 is considerably more user-friendly in both park and freeride applications. It’s not that the build is easy, in fact, the hybrid core of the ski is actually quite advanced. By using Polyurethane along the sides and a poplar core wrapped in fiberglass, this thing is actually pretty rugged, especially underfoot. Fair warning on this ski—it skis short, especially in the 185, which actually measures a 182. Regardless, the M-Free 99 is one of the best skis on this list for blending all-mountain performance and park character. This ski is equally at home almost anywhere it goes, appealing to a large swath of skiers who are looking to mix it up in the most playful way possible.

Who it's For:

Playful and creative skiers who are looking to mix up their style and skill.

Price: $699.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Playmaker 101 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
164, 172, 180, 188 cm18.1 m @ 180 cm132 / 101 / 122 mm1,760 g @ 180 cmManeuverability, Flotation, Jumps

Overview:

A new ski for this year, the Playmaker 101 is an awesome addition to Elan’s lineup that allows for creative freestyle skiing with a unique and individualistic feel. There’s not a whole lot else out there like it, and we have said similar things about the Ripstick skis for years. Playmaker 101 uses carbon tubes in the underfoot zone, giving the ski a lot of grip in that area for increased energy and pop. In the forebody and through the tail, Elan uses their surf rocker profile that thins the angle of the capped portion as it reaches the ends. This not only boosts the grip in the middle of the ski, but also allows for more predictable flex as you get to the rockered portion of the ski. While there’s camber underfoot, there’s not a ton—skis like the Prodigy or the Edollo have more—but this adds to the soft snow capabilities of the Playmaker.

Who it's For:

Energetic and creative skiers who are looking for something light and agile. By blending freestyle and freeride, you place a high value on versatility.

Price: $699.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Faction Prodigy 2 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
159, 165, 171, 177, 183, 189 cm20 m @ 183 cm127 / 98 / 119 mm1,860 g @ 183 cmUsefulness, Creativity, Durability

Overview:

Fashion and function collide with the Faction Prodigy 2, giving active park skiers a wider-bodied ski that’ll hold up to all-mountain conditions and terrain while keeping the freestyle aspect squarely in its sights. The Prodigy 2 features a fairly simple poplar wood core but uses a thicker sidewall to give the ski some extra power and durability. Since the sidewall can be viewed as a vertical laminate within the ski, the thicker it is, the more power and strength it delivers to the feel of the board. With vertical sidewall spanning the cambered portion of the ski and cap in the rockered tips and tails, this ski is built a lot like the Edollo, Chronic, and Blend in that they align the cap with the rocker. The result here is that the tips and tails are a lot more playful with the underfoot zone being more poppy and purposeful. For a ski at 98 mm underfoot, versatility certainly comes into the equation, keeping the Prodigy 2 as a fantastic option for both park and freeride.

Who it's For:

Creative skiers looking for a ski that works great in a multitude of conditions and terrain. You like the idea of a traditional twin tip, but are looking for more width, float, and energy.

Price: $599.00

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At a Glance:

2025 Fischer Nightstick 97 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
163, 170, 177, 184 cm17 m @ 177 cm132 / 96 / 122 mm1,950 g @ 177 cmPark, Rails, Predictability

Overview:

While technically a 2024.5, the new and futuristic Fischer Nightstick 97 takes many of the properties that Fischer uses in their Ranger series of skis and puts them into a twin-tipped format. Mainly, the full poplar wood core is the backbone of this ski, and while the Ranger may use more of a shaped Ti laminate, the Nightstick uses a full width sheet above the edges underfoot. Not only will this increase the edge grip and torsional stiffness of the ski, but also the durability. Since the burly metal is underfoot, this will help with wear when it comes to rails, jibs, and grinds. It’s got some wider tips and tails, at 132 and 122 mm respectively, and there’s more taper to it than a lot of other skis on this list. The shape looks more Koala-esque but with a much more pliable flex to it. The rest of the ski is able to hold up to a variety of conditions and terrain, keeping the freestyle and freeride portions separate.

Who it's For:

More of a park ski than anything else, this wider-bodied twin will appeal to a varied crowd of freestyle enthusiasts.

Price: TBD

At a Glance:

2024 Head Oblivion 102 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
173, 181, 189 cm22.8 m @ 181 cm135 / 102 / 125 mm1,850 g @ 181 cmTorsional Stiffness, Smoothness, Predictability

Overview:

Another new twin tip for 2024! We’re having a blast with all of these new skis, and the Oblivion 102 does a great job at setting itself apart from not only the other Oblivion skis, but also the rest of the wider twins in this range. From a build perspective, this is one of the only skis on this list that uses carbon as a powering mechanism. The Reckoner does it, too, but in slightly different manners. The Oblivion is closer to Kore with the dual carbon laminate, damping layer, and carbon weave. The new parts include a poplar wood core with vertical PET stringers. This introduces a greener way to build a ski, and if a company can make a ski that performs as well while being more ecologically sound, then we’re all for it. Performance-wise the carbon adds a nice wrinkle to the twin tip zone. The profile is thin, so it’s not terribly stiff, but you can definitely feel the torsional stiffness come alive when this ski is up and on edge. As one of the most precise skis on this wall, it’s readily available to aggressive park skiers who are looking for something that shreds.

Who it's For:

Energetic skiers who are looking for more of a traditional twin tip in terms of shape and profile.

Price: $649.00

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At a Glance:

2024 K2 Reckoner 102 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
163, 170, 177, 184 cm19.3 m @ 184 cm134 / 102 / 127 mm1,822 g @ 177 cmPlayful flexibility, Fun-Loving Behavior, Underfoot Grip

Overview:

Whereas the Oblivion uses multiple layers of carbon for energy and power, the Reckoner uses a sophisticated technique of interlaced stringers that fine-tune the torsional stiffness throughout the ski. From a fore/aft perspective, the K2 is quite a bit more flexible, but torsionally, the engineers at K2 do a fantastic job at putting the right pressure in the right places to maximize the playfulness and energy of the ski. Like a lot of other skis on this list, the Reckoner has more substance in the underfoot zone than the tips and tails, allowing for more creativity in the groundwork—butters, smears, nollies, and ollies are super easy and approachable here. The Reckoner, along with the Koala, Nightstick, and M-Free 99, skis better when you’re standing balanced and central to maximize the funner parts of the ski. By fusing carbon spectral braiding with a light and energetic wood core, K2 has continued to produce a fantastic option for modern freeride skiers.

Who it's For:

Creative and playful skiers looking for a lighter and more maneuverable option in the ~102 mm range.

Price: $649.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Liberty Helix 98 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
165, 172, 179, 186 cm19.5 m @ 179 cm133 / 98 / 121 mm1,900 g @ 179 cmSilence, Predictability, Switch Performance

Overview:

With a thicker core profile and a quiet overall character, the Liberty Helix 98 fits really well in this category. Liberty makes very round skis overall, when it comes to the tip and tail shape, and that roundness comes through on snow as well. As a result, the Helix 98 is very smooth and predictable, opening up more freeride and all-mountain capabilities. The poplar and bamboo wood core is light and manageable while the carbon stringers and fiberglass laminates help give this ski the necessary energy to hold up to more aggressive skiing. There’s a lot of splay here, especially in the tail, but the rocker is more traditional. From a shape perspective, this ski actually looks a lot like the Oblivion 102, and that makes sense given the behavior and character. For switch riding, that tail splay comes in handy for sure, opening up a multi-directional nature that creative skiers really enjoy.

Who it's For:

Skiers seeking that smooth and balanced performance with a quiet overall feel.

Price: $629.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Line Chronic 101 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
164, 171, 178, 185 cm16.6 m @ 178 cm130 / 101 / 124 mm2,030 g @ 178 cmFlotation, Smeariness, Underfoot Strength

Overview:

The parade of new ~101’s doesn’t stop! The Line Chronic 101 builds off the success of the previous Chronic 95, adding a new width and build to the mix. Now we have 94’s and 101’s, with the 101 being the more freeride-oriented of the two. They use the concepts of thick and thin in order to create this ski’s useful and creative personality. While the core is thick underfoot, it’s very thin in the tips and tails. If you’ve seen us flex the Chronic skis in the past, it’s easy to see that they are some of the more flexible of the group. Along with the Blend, the Chronic has a lot of playfulness going on, but with the thicker underfoot zone, thick edges and sidewalls, this ski holds up to some very aggressive skiing. There’s a lot of rocker and splay here as well, so any and all freestyle components are right at the forefront of this ski’s capacity.

Who it's For:

Capable yet playful skiers looking for more of a freeride model. You view the natural features with respect and admiration.

Price: $649.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Line Blend Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
164, 171, 178, 185 cm20 m @ 178 cm133 / 100 / 122 mm1,850 g @ 178 cmFlexibility, Creativity, Freestyle

Overview:

Think of a maple sapling. You can bend the sapling and almost tie it in knots. There is no way to break it. That’s what you’re getting with the maple macroblock core in the Line Blend. This ski is the most flexible ski we’ve ever seen, allowing the most creative groundwork possible. If butters are your thing, look no further than the Blend. This is a dedicated freestyle ski that is considerably different than most other skis on this list. There’s not a whole lot of all-mountain or freeride points to be scored here, even at 100 mm underfoot. If you’re somewhat gentle and easy with it, you can carve a turn, but that’s not what this ski is designed for. In real life, the Blend is meant to Bend, and in this application, there’s nothing out there like it. If you’re looking for pure freestyle performance in a wider-bodied ski, this is it.

Who it's For:

Bendy and smeary skiers who do not want to spend any time with flat skis on the snow.

Price: $649.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
168, 174, 180, 186 cm17.6 m @ 174 cm132 / 98 / 121 mm1,870 g @ 180 cmCarving, Smoothness, Grip

Overview:

Built like a Santa Ana and shaped like a Blackops 98, the Nordica Unleashed 98 has a whole lot going for it. While it’s certainly a twin tip from both a shape and profile perspective, the construction leans more to the all-mountain and narrow freeride side of the spectrum. The partial metal laminate works great in this ski from a versatility standpoint, as it’s able to carve clean turns, hold an edge on hard pack, and limit vibrations in the best way possible. The fact that it has longer camber than the Enforcer series puts it a bit more to the trail side, but the width and flex allow it to cross over easily and efficiently into the off-piste and freeride realm. While park performance is accessible, the metal isn’t the best for full-time freestyle. At the end of the day, pretty much anyone who’s ever skied on the Unleashed 98 absolutely loves it.

Who it's For:

Expiring freestyle skiers who don’t want to give up their twin tips, but who still want the overall character of a freestyle ski.

Price: $699.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Blackops 98 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
162, 172, 182, 192 cm19 m @ 182 cm131 / 98 / 121 mm2,000 g @ 182 cmVersatility, Freestyle, Sturdiness

Overview:

Without the Blackops 98, Rossignol doesn’t really have a ski in this category unless we stretch out to the Sender 104 Ti. Since this is more of an all-mountain twin tip, we’ll give it the pass for now. Even if it had a flatter tail, though, the build and scope of this ski are very much on the fun-loving and entertaining side of the spectrum. This ski is one of the best in the bumps and trees, but the heft of it and the stability allows it to roam into the more business-like side of the spectrum. It’s a sturdy ski for sure and works best on the feet of advanced and expert skiers who don’t mind a bit of weight or a longer turn shape. It’s not the easiest ski to get on edge, rather it prefers to work in the more marginal angles. Please do not forget the freestyle aspect of this ski, either!

Who it's For:

Sturdy skiers looking for a sturdy ski. You want something that can handle rugged and rigorous terrain, aligning with your personality as a skier.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Revolt 104 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZESTURN RADIUSSIDECUTWEIGHTSTRENGTHS
172, 180, 188 cm21.5 / 19 / 22 m @ 180 cm132 / 104 / 122 mm2,030 g @ 180 cmFlotation, Smeariness, Sturdiness

Overview:

As the widest ski on the list, the Volkl Revolt 104 is also the most freeride oriented. Sure, it’s still got a twin tip, but it’s not so much a park ski as it is a creative off-piste ski. The tail tapers very thinly on this ski, and that makes the wiggle factor very high. You can use the ski like a rudder in softer snow, bringing your individual look to the forefront of the discussion. Built with a sturdy multi-layer wood core and thick edges and bases, the Revolt has some weight to it and skis very central. That centrality brings out the freestyle nature of the ski for sure, but it does take away some directional chops. We won’t see too many of the Revolt 104’s in the park, but for natural features and off-piste hits, this is one of the best of the group. Add in any powder skiing to the mix, and it’s tough to create a valid argument against this ski being one of the best on the list.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a mid-100's powder-oriented twin. You may not be invested in the park, but you are invested in fun.

Price: $649.99

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