2024 Men's Mid 100mm All Mountain & Freeride Ski Comparison

This is a fun one! For this series, the skis have a big span of shapes, styles, weights, and performance levels, but they do not have a large range of widths. These skis are very tight in their grouping, ranging from 104 to 107, and within this realm, there’s a lot of variation. One of the other interesting things is that there’s a lot of double-ups here, with two different Ripstick 96’s, two Enforcer 104’s, two QST 106’, and only slightly different, two Rossignol Senders. These hybrid/resort versions give the consumers more choices even within a given shape, and that’s a win for everyone. And then on the other end, there’s supremely unique skis that don’t fit in any mold like the Line Sakana. Organized from slarvy to carvy this time, we see lighter and more drifty skis on one side and heavier and more business-like boards on the other. For those that ski in zones that have a lot of variable snow conditions and terrain, these skis make excellent daily drivers, or for others in lower snow areas, skis on this wall serve well as a powder day option.

At a Glance:

2024 Armada Locator 104 Skis

Overview:

Coming in at 1422 grams per ski, the Locator 104 is quite light, and as such, has a great character for touring, but each time we’ve skied it in the resort, we’ve been incredibly impressed with the flotation and ease of use. It also has a pretty quiet sound to it, which not a lot of touring skis have, putting it in the friendlier and more satisfying portion of touring skis. Since it relies on a light weight carbua core, there’s a good deal of energy here, and the carbon stringers help keep the ski energetic and poppy. The big story here is the dramatic taper shape and the longer turn radius—both attributes contribute to the floaty nature of the ski and the smooth overall performance. Even in the 178 we’re looking at 22 meters in the radius, so this thing is a straight shooter that can easily be thrown sideways due to the weight.

Who it's For:

More of a touring ski by the book and the numbers, it still has resort application for those that prefer light skis with a long shape.

Price: $849.95

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At a Glance:

2024 K2 Mindbender 106 C Skis

Overview:

As a new ski on the wall, the K2 Mindbender 106 C fills an important role in K2’s lineup. This ski is a total blast. We’ve liked the 90 C for a while, and the 116 C always seemed like fun, but these new 106’s really fit the bill when it comes to soft snow, powder, and especially trees. This ski uses the same carbon spectral braiding of the other carbon powered skis in the Mindbender lineup while incorporating a wonderful shape that’s proportionally tapered and rockered for smooth soft snow performance. The tail shape, combined with the stiffer longitudinal flex, makes them feel like rudders in the deep snow, creating an easy-steering ski that inspires confidence in a playful manner. While there are certainly stronger carvers on this list, we were at least somewhat impressed with how this ski handled firmer groomers, especially as the day progresses and the snow surface degrades.

Who it's For:

Tree skiing enthusiasts who are looking for directional maneuverability and flotation. You are not looking for a demanding ski, but you still want a modicum of high-performance out of the thing.

Price: $699.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Blaze 106 Skis

Overview:

A long-standing stalwart in this division, the Volkl Blaze 106 continues to chug along, offering a light weight and floaty shape that can handle a surprising amount of terrain and conditions out there. In the 179, the ski weighs 1739 grams, putting it right there with Echo 106, but heavier than the Locator by almost 300 grams. With long and low rocker, this is one of the flattest skis of this group, and that makes it incredibly amenable to smeary and slashy turns while retaining a directional character. It’s an amazing floater and crud buster, and it feels totally intuitive on your feet. The touring application exists as well, although Volkl’s marketing department has begun to shy away from specifying it in that regard. They’ve learned that it has a lot of resort properties as well, so why limit it to the touring world. With a full-width metal plate underfoot and rubber in the tips and tails, this ski is a surprisingly good on-trail performer.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a lighter resort powder ski option. Also, you want something that’ll hold up well on the groomers and all-mountain realm when it’s not a full-on powder day.

Price: $699.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Salomon QST Echo 106 Skis

Overview:

Built with the same mold as the normal QST 106, the Echo shaves some weight by using a lighter Karuba/Poplar wood core and basalt fibers. It’s not a huge drop in weight, and that was on purpose, as the normal 106 kept inching upward in mass, taking it out of the touring category. Echo brings it back, allowing more adventurous skiers the possibility of putting a lighter binding and boot setup to pair with Echo. This opens up the backcountry without taking away from the amazing shaping properties of the QST 106. Echo weighs 1760 grams to the 106’s 1980, so we’re seeing a drop of about 220 grams per ski. While this is not earth-shattering, it does add up on longer tours. If you’re not interested in touring and simply want a lighter version of the QST 106, then Echo makes a whole lot of sense.

Who it's For:

Adventure seekers who love the shape of the 106 but want a lighter version. You could also just want to ski at the resort with a proven mold with less effort.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Backland 107 Skis

Overview:

While billed as more of a touring ski, there’s no denying the resort powder day applications of this ski as well. It functions very well in a 50/50 realm containing both in and out of bounds performance. Certainly, light enough to be a touring-specific ski, it also has Atomic’s carbon backbone that adds a good amount of stiffness and energy to the mix. It is stable at speed and even functions well on hard pack and firm snow. We’ve seen some very high-level skiing done on this ski when it comes to speed and aggression, so anyone who’s concerned that the Backland 107 doesn’t have the appropriate top gear, should rest assured that this ski has the chops for top-end performance. As more of a directional ski, this thing cuts through the crud and chop with ease and precision, much like the narrower Maverick skis in Atomic’s lineup.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a mix of attributes ranging from light weight touring potential to precise variable snow performance.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Enforcer 104 Unlimited Skis

Overview:

By sharing the same shape and profile with a legendary ski, the Enforcer 104 Unlimited adds some versatility from a skier standpoint, as well as bringing the touring potential into the fold. While this isn’t a super-light ski that simply floats uphill, it certainly is a fantastic floater when it comes to downhill performance. It’s also amazing in the trees, as the lighter weight works great with the rocker profile and taper shape to make it about as amenable as it gets when it comes to mobility in deeper and tighter zones. Surprisingly, the skis also have a good amount of pop and zip to them thanks to the dual carbon stringers. When you lay it over and get the energy out of it, it’s a very satisfying and rewarding ski to carve upon. This ski opens up a wider audience—those that have either liked Enforcers in the past but felt that they were too heavy, or those that are looking for a lighter, rockered mid-100's ski for all-mountain freeride performance.

Who it's For:

Hybrid style skiers who are looking to tour a bit but spend most of their time in search of softer snow.

Price: $849.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Liberty Origin 106 Skis

Overview:

These skis just continue to impress when it comes down to mixing freestyle and freeride applications. The Origin 106 certainly rewards creativity, providing inspiration to skiers who like to think outside the box. With a blend of poplar and bamboo in the wood core, the skis also benefit from carbon strips and one vertical metal strut. While it’s not a lot of metal, it works like it is, being placed in a vertical manner. In this way, the strut serves as an I-Beam for the ski, taking a lot of the flex and chatter of the ski and filtering it right out. With a lot of rocker in the tips and tails to go along with a rounded taper shape, this ski loves to swish turns, mix it up forward and back, and generally play in the softer snow of the mountain. As per usual with Liberty skis, the Origin 106 has a quiet and silent overall nature.

Who it's For:

Freestyle oriented skiers who like natural terrain and features. You want some dampness to your ski, but still want it firmly in the creative realm.

Price: $779.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Ripstick 106 Skis

Overview:

Built with a light wood core, two tip to tail carbon tubes, and a horizontal carbon layer, the Elan Ripstick 106 is a fun-loving ski that’s equal parts smooth and powerful. The tubes definitely come to life the harder you push the ski, making it very approachable at lower edge angles while it feels like a much higher-end ski when the thing is up on edge. As a result, this 106 is an awesome product for those that are progressing through the levels and are looking for a wider bodied ski that can carve on groomers while still remaining light and agile enough for off-trail adventures and avenues. The shovel is light and floaty, and that pairs well with the amphibio rocker technology that makes the uphill ski more maneuverable and drifty while keeping the downhill edge of the ski fully engaged with more camber.

Who it's For:

Progressing and advancing skiers who still want a light ski to throw around in a multitude of conditions and terrain.

Price: $799.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Salomon QST 106 Skis

Overview:

With endless versatility and a ton of soft snow fun built in, the Salomon QST 106 is about as all-encompassing as they come. From carving clean turns on groomers to staying on top of deep and fresh snow, this is one of the most versatile skis on this list. There’s a decent amount of taper in the shovels, as it cuts right through any depth or quality of snow with ease. Since it’s more of an athlete-inspired ski from Salomon, they kept the longer turn radius intact rather than the shorter shape of the Blank or QST 98. This makes it smoother in a straight line and more amenable to aggressive skiing. It’s not that light, and that’s part of the reason why the Echo has come into play. QST started as more of a hybrid style of ski, but they’re pretty heavy for any type of consistent touring.

Who it's For:

High-end skiers who are looking for a blend of performance and accessibility. You want all the benefits of a top-shelf ski without having to work too hard for it.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Armada ARV 106 Skis

Overview:

A holdout of previous season’s construction in the ARV line, the 106 still uses a blend of poplar and ash in the core to create one of the smoothest, strongest, and yet still most playful skis in this range. Without using metal, the ARV 106 accomplishes an insane amount of stability and smoothness, especially when it comes to softer snow and more creative skiing. While it does come with some extra weight and heft that takes it slightly out of the maneuverable zone, the ARV 106 more than makes up for it with a unique and credible feel overall. You can really stand on this ski and rip it aggressively down the mountain with little to no talk back on the ski’s end. It’s a good floater, but still has a more traditional profile that aligns more with a freestyle twin tip rather than a modern smeary freeride ski.

Who it's For:

Progressive traditionalists who love the feeling of a twin tip but also want a strong and stable build to carry them down the mountain with confidence.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Black Crows Corvus Freebird Skis

Overview:

Whereas the downhill version of this ski (we still have a bunch of 2023’s by the way) has a bunch of metal and is a big-mountain straight line shooter, the Freebird takes the maneuverability, flotation, and touring potential to the next level. Like the Backland, this ski also hits 107 mm in the waist and offers a nice progressive rocker shape that allows for fantastic flotation and wonderful freeride performance. The tail is more secure, again like the Backland, as it’s supportive and confident in a variety of conditions and terrain. They also have a nice long turn radius to maintain smoothness and predictability in bigger mountain and backcountry zones. If you’re looking for a ski that conquers the freetour world and does so with a great deal of style and substance, this is a great place to be. Sure, it’s on the heavy side for a pure touring ski at 1825 grams, it’s still open and available for mixed use.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for more of a burly and rugged touring ski to handle rigorous mountain terrain. You want excellent performance from a ski that was built to handle the steep and deep French Alps.

Price: $999.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Black Crows Atris Skis

Overview:

The new build that came out last year carries forward into 2024 with a new graphic. By moving the ski more into the mid-100's rather than upper, it opens up the Atris for more versatile all-mountain skiing, especially more than it used to be. This makes a better distance in the Black Crows line between Atris, Corvus, and Anima in terms of both shape and build. The turned-up tail of the Atris leads to a lot of freestyle potential and creative skiing while the well-rounded construction of the ski is both sturdy and predictable. This is one of the skis that likes to be skied at a bit of speed, and when you do, it opens up the smoothness and stability. Additionally, this is one of those skis that can be skied at longer lengths, as we feel that it allows for proper flex and with a longer turn style.

Who it's For:

Fun-loving and creative skiers who are looking for a versatile and well-rounded freeride ski. This is an all-encompassing and welcoming soft snow performer for a wide range of skiers.

Price: $899.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition Skis

Overview:

If you’re looking for the same as the Ripstick 106 but with a higher ceiling when it comes to stability, dampness, and power, then the Black Edition should be calling your name. Built with two extra carbon rods that run in the middle chord of the ski in the forebody and in the tail, the 106 Black Edition is a smooth ski that functions very well in both on and off-piste conditions and terrain. Since it shares the same directional feel, shape, and profile as the regular 106, it is capable of handling deep snow while also keeping the on-trail performance firmly in the limelight. This is one of those skis that found its way into the back of my truck the first year it came out and I didn’t want to give it back. Very capable, insanely fun, and a wonderful skiing experience, the Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition is not to be overlooked as an awesome choice in this realm.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers looking for the dampness and power of a metallic ski but with the feel and energy of carbon.

Price: $949.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Faction Dancer 3 Skis

Overview:

With a poplar core and two sheets of metal, this ski, on paper, should be one of the heaviest hitters of the group. That said, it’s still got a fantastic amount of energy and pop. Compared to something like a Cochise, or even a Blade Optic 104, the Dancer is a lot snappier and bouncier than most skis on this list. That’s a testament to the build and shape that Faction employs to make a fan-favorite ski in the Dancer 3. While there are more playful floaters out there as well as more business-like chargers, this ski occupies its own space when it comes to mixing energy through a carve and less than ideal conditions and challenging terrain. Skis with camber hold on firm snow really well, so if you find yourself in a tricky spot, it’s nice to know you have the metal for confidence and the camber for grip that’ll make any type of adventure skiing a total breeze.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a wider on-trail ski that has a round and clean carving attitude. You like and value energy in your skis above most other properties.

Price: $849.00

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At a Glance:

2024 DPS Kaizen 105 Skis

Overview:

Crisp, sharp, and incredibly reactive, the new DPS Kaizen 105 strikes a nice mix of high-end performance and soft snow accessibility. By using horizontally laminated wood cores, and two full sheets of aerospace-grade carbon, these skis are very thin, very light, and insanely precise when it comes to initiating and completing all sorts of turn shapes and styles. Split core is the key here—mixing poplar and ash layers to create a smooth and strong ski that is about as intuitive as it gets. Kaizen 105 uses more of the older C2 shaping principles, creating an 18-meter turn radius that absolutely motors down the hill. In addition to the performance and precise nature of the ski, you’re also getting an insane amount of quality here, as the skis are handmade and awesomely detailed. Sure, they come with a high price tag, but there’s nothing else out there that performs like this at such a light weight.

Who it's For:

Fans of light weight flotation and incredibly precise edge grip. You like high edge angles just as much as drifty and smeary pow turns.

Price: $1,549.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Head Kore 105 Skis

Overview:

Thanks to two full sheets of carbon, the Head Kore 105 can withstand some very aggressive skiing, but it’s certainly not limited to that application. The light weight of the ski also keeps it squarely in the maneuverable zone for those that are looking to access both high and low edge angles. Despite how stiff they flex, they’re still very swishable and able to make quick, smeary, and pivot-like turns. At the same time, they have the ability to carve a clean and round turn in the firmest of conditions and terrain. This has always been the best part of the Kore lineup of skis—they can be so many things to so many different skiers. For us, here in VT, they do a great job of maneuvering through the tighter trees and more technical spaces, and at the same time, they absolutely destroy softer groomers and mixed conditions days.

Who it's For:

Both strong skiers as well as progressing ones looking for a rare combination of light weight and stiff flex. You’re an avid powder skier but still want that same ski to rip groomers.

Price: $799.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Line Sakana Skis

Overview:

As an outlier to this group, the Sakana was very difficult to place on this wall. Sure, it’s 105 mm underfoot, so it fits in this category, but it’s also got a massive 150 mm shovel and a swallow tail that’s layered with thick metal. Sure, it’s got a floaty and fun character, but it’s also got a wicked short turn radius. These things can be opposed to each other so it’s a challenge to label and organize this ski accordingly. In our opinion, that’s the best part. This ski sits in a different realm than others out there, and we love every bit of it. It’s an extremely rewarding and entertaining ski to be on, regardless of conditions or terrain, but there’s no doubt that this is one of the purest carving skis on this wall. The fact that it does a bunch of other stuff too, that keeps it off the very right side. Ski it for yourself.

Who it's For:

There’s not really a target market here. Mainly skiers who are looking for something unique and different should take a shot at these amazing skis.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Line Blade Optic 104 Skis

Overview:

The Line Blade Optic series of skis is a very interesting one. Enforcers, for example, get lighter and more drifty as they get wider. The Blade Optics, however, keep getting stronger, heavier, and more aggressive, starting with the 92 and ending in the 114. This 104 falls in the middle, having both strength and power to go along with playfulness in the tips and tails. This is more of a hard charger than a drifter. That said, it’s still a decent floater, but the weight and the underfoot stiffness keep it more planted. Strong and powerful skiers will unlock the ski’s potential from a playful perspective, but if you’re a less active or aggressive skier, you may find it to be on the blocky side. There's actually a lot of metal in this ski, but Line uses it in a strategic manner in order to boost the overall performance.

Who it's For:

Rugged yet playful skiers who are seeking out natural features and deeper snowpacks. You don’t mind a ski that can handle some groomers on the way back to the lift, either.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Sender 104 Ti Skis

Overview:

With a flatter tail and an energetic feel, the Rossignol Sender 104 Ti absolutely crushes variable snow conditions and terrain with uncanny levels of smoothness and predictability. The shovels still use the air tip that keeps them afloat, and the fairly straight shape of the ski makes it very consistent. This ski has a very traditional style to it, making it appealing for a huge range of skiers. Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite caught on in the mainstream—certainly there are skiers that love it, but for how well-rounded it is, it doesn’t quite get the same billing as other skis in this range. The flatter tail is part of the reason, but it’s also not terribly eye catching. The performance far exceeds the graphics, so if you’re not interested in standing out from the crowd, this is a great ski to blend right in and rip some unassuming turns.

Who it's For:

Traditional skiers who like the longer effective edge and a true smooth feel from tip to tail. You do not want to skimp on the performance at the back side of the ski.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free Skis

Overview:

Still one of the burlier skis on wall and in this category, the Enforcer 104 Free has long been the standard example of a high-end and high-performance freeride ski. With longer rocker and more dramatic splay than its 100mm counterpart, the 104 took soft snow performance to the next level, without dropping too much of the on-trail expertise. As a result, skiers can still lay these things over on edge, create high edge angles, low hips, and create deep, deep trenches. With two full sheets of metal, a friendly shape for carving, and a wonderfully smooth snow feel from tip to tail, there’s nothing wrong with these skis when they’re on the feet of experienced skiers. If you like everything above but are looking for something lighter, that’s where the Unlimited comes in handy—great proven shape but with the agility and pop of carbon rather than the density of metal.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for unwavering performance in all conditions and terrain. There aren’t many out there that do it better, overall, than the Enforcer 104 Free.

Price: $849.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Sender 106 Ti Plus Skis

Overview:

Take everything about the 104 Ti, add more metal, a denser wood core, and a longer turn radius, and you’ve got the rugged Sender 106 Ti Plus. The Plus is all-encompassing. More metal, more LCT, more damp tech, more everything! This ski is a beast. It’s insanely fun in the fall line, and when you get it in variable snow conditions and technical terrain, it just wants to move. We’ve had it in some tough conditions here in Vermont, and it simply plows right through. It feels almost like a more directional version of the Line Blade Optic 104 in that it just goes. Since it starts at 180, and goes to 187 and an ungodly 194, the big mountain influence is firmly intact. While versatility is not its strong suit, high speed nuking through junk snow is right there. It’s on the heavy side, so don’t expect feather-like floatation despite the width.

Who it's For:

Aggressive skiers who have a fall-line mentality. You like to let your skis run and love standing on them in order to get the maximum of high-speed stability and performance.

Price: $899.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Blizzard Cochise 106 Skis

Overview:

A holdout from the Double-Ti Carbon Flip Core days of old, the Cochise has more of a cult following than a mainstream one. This ski has a pretty specific recipe and application, incorporating a beech and poplar wood core, two sheets of metal, and carbon stringers to boost power and performance. From a shaping perspective, the 24-meter turn radius fits in nicely with those that like more of a point-and-shoot technique on the mountain, keeping those that prefer a nimble dancer style ski at arm’s length for sure. There’s not a ton of rocker here, either, especially in the tail. The shovel has similar shaping principles as the Rustler and Bonafide, but with a lot more heft. That equates to a ski that stays on top of crud and chop in the front, and simply blasts through without thinking about it in the back 4/5ths of the ski. Cochise is a missile out there when it gets chopped up.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers and former racers who are looking for a strong and sturdy ski for high speeds and top-end stability. You have big leg muscles and a strong core.

Price: $849.95

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