2024 Men's Mid-90mm All Mountain Ski Comparison

Comparison Season is back! For us, this normally marks the completion of the Ski Test and the entry into the fall. With winter fast approaching, it’s time to fire up one of our most popular categories—Men's Mid-90's All-Mountain skis. We’ve taken a slightly different approach this year and are filtering out twin tips (with some exceptions) in order to create narrow and wide twin tip categories. This makes the Mid-90's category more directional overall, so if you are wondering why a certain ski may not be on this list, it’ll likely be covered in future reviews. This grouping spans from 93 to 97 mm underfoot, providing a nice range of waist widths with a variety of construction styles and techniques. The argument could certainly be made that this is one of the most versatile groupings of skis, capable of being pure one-ski quivers for any mountain at any time.

At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Skis

Overview:

Light, energetic, and considerably grippy, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti is a fantastic ski for advanced and expert skiers who are looking for something that’ll hold up to the rigors of aggressive all-mountain skiing. This is about as pure as it gets when we think about blending a lightweight construction with a smooth and powerful feel. Somehow, they’re able to smash two layers of metal into this ski, all while keeping the ski agile and maneuverable. By thinning the ski’s profile as it gets to the tips and tails, Atomic opens up a light swing weight that can make lightning-quick turns. At the same time, the mid-section of the ski is all business—capable and willing to hold tight to the firmest of snows. HRZN tech in the tips keeps it floaty, but that’s about it when it comes to actual powder performance—the Maverick 95 Ti is happier on groomers.

Who it's For:

Advanced and expert skiers who are looking for top-level performance in a lighter weight format. You want stability and power, but you don’t want your legs ripped off in the process.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Black Crows Camox Skis

Overview:

This one sneaks into the all-mountain category rather than twin tip, although it could easily pull double-duty in these realms. The main components keeping it here are versatility and turning ability. There’s not a whole lot going on in terms of technology, but what Black Crows puts into this ski, they do it quite well. It’s incredible what they can get out of poplar and fiberglass, by varying the thickness of the profile, the underfoot camber, and the fun-loving footprint that is capable and willing to handle true all-mountain versatility. It’s as much fun in the trees and bumps as it is on the groomers, and that’s a rare combination to have these days. In a world of specialists, the Camox stands out as a multi-talented performer.

Who it's For:

An amazing range of skiers, starting out at progressive intermediates and running right through aggressive experts who are looking to max out their day without thinking about their skis. You want to transition between on and off-piste terrain and variable conditions in a natural and seamless format.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Black Crows Serpo Skis

Overview:

More of a carving specialist than a narrow freeride option, the Serpo has an uncommon amount of snap and pop to it for the width. Sure, it still has enough rocker and taper to make off-trail adventures a ton of fun, it’s hard to deny the ski’s ability to handle groomers and its front side performance. While there are more stable skis out there in this width range, we don’t think there are many that are snappier from a rebound perspective. It’s incredibly quick and agile, leaning on the metal plate’s power underfoot to complement the more energetic tips and tails. The square tails hold on tight to the end of the turn, providing uncanny pop, launching skiers from one turn to the next without even thinking about it. At 93 mm underfoot, it’s one of the more front-side focused skis on this list, and while it doesn’t have the pure horsepower of a Bonafide or Mantra, it’s quite a bit more accessible and friendly for a wider range of skiers.

Who it's For:

Mainly advanced and expert skiers who value excellent rebound out of the turn. Versatility is a plus for you, but you want something that falls more on the front side and carvy side of the spectrum.

Price: $899.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis

Overview:

The strength of this ski is right up there with the most rugged of them. The Bonafide has been a benchmark ski in this category for a while now and has always been a fan-favorite of expert skiers and former racers who are looking for an all-mountain ski that neither quivers nor quakes when in the face of adverse conditions or terrain. This is about as sturdy and stable as it gets for the mid-90's. It joins this group this year in the mid-90's, as it once was a 98 that fit better in with the 100’s, but it certainly has more of an on-trail personality rather than an adventurous or free spirit. The Bonafide is decidedly more strait-laced and business-oriented, mainly thanks to a traditional shape with lots of camber, metal, and dense wood. The end result is one that contains power, stability, security, and smoothness. On the other hand, to get the Bonafide to perform with these traits, it is very demanding and requires some skill on the behalf of the skier.

Who it's For:

Expert skiers and racers who want race-like performance, high speed GS turning capabilities, and unwavering stability in the face of adversity. If you’re on the unsure side of the spectrum, we’d recommend sizing down to better access the greater range of performance.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis

Overview:

It’s been a long time since we’ve switched up our verbiage when it comes to the Rustler 9, but in 2024, we’re getting a totally new feel with this ski, requiring different words, terms, and emotions. With a smoother tip to tail flex, a wider waist, new lengths, and a more dramatic rocker profile, the Rustler 9 moves a bit more into the mid-90's freeride division. Now that all the lengths are 96 mm wide, the ski is now firmly in the mid-90's category, whereas in the past, the 92/94 split based on length either made it one of the narrowest skis in this group or the widest in the 90’s. With longer metal strips along the edges of the ski this year and a full width layer underfoot, the new Rustler 9 blends solid edge grip with playful versatility. With the incorporation of True Blend wood core into the mix, this new ski now gets all of the bells and whistles involved with Blizzard’s other skis.

Who it's For:

Almost any advanced skier looking for ease, compliance, versatility, and energy. You want your skis to do a little bit of everything, and that’s where Rustler 9 is a top contender.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Ripstick 96 Skis

Overview:

It’s difficult to make a ski as light as this perform as well. Elan has it dialed, though, and the Ripstick 96 has both performance and quickness in spades. By using the tried-and-true carbon tube method of construction, Elan is able to take this material and put it in multiple dimensions. The tubes are placed in the ski under pressure, so there’s latent energy built in already. When you factor in the right/left specific skis that are built asymmetrically, the Elan Ripstick 96 occupies rare air when it comes to creative engineering. There’s more of everything along the inside edges, putting more emphasis on the downhill ski in a carved turn while keeping them feeling like a more cohesive unit when it comes to softer snow and powder. The extended rocker on the uphill ski allows for a drifty and smooth feeling to go along with the power of the downhill ski. It’s a great feeling, and not only does it work well in softer snow, but it’s also surprisingly grippy when it comes to the hardpack—something that not a lot of light weight 96’s can claim.

Who it's For:

A huge range of skiers. Intermediates looking for a slightly wider all-mountain ski will love the ease of turning and maneuverable nature while expert skiers will have a difficult time finding the performance ceiling. You value directional versatility and maneuverability above all else.

Price: $749.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis

Overview:

Take everything that was said about the Ripstick 96 Green, and then add about 20% of power, stability, and dampness to the mix. You get the same energy and versatility, just with more horsepower. It does end up being a bit more demanding, so the Black Edition does filter in to the advanced and expert realm more than the intermediate range, and that’s fine—it's great to have multiple skis in Elan’s arsenal that can handle a bigger zone of skiers. The Black Edition does a fantastic job of mimicking the feel of metal through the use of carbon tubes. This ski uses two additional tubes in the central spine of the ski in the forebody and through the tail. These take up a lot of the vibrations, keeping the ski firmly planted on the snow. The damp feel is very reminiscent of a ski with two sheets of metal, but the Black Edition does it at a lighter weight and with more pop and energy.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who are looking for a ski with a bit of a different feel. You value strength, stability, and power, but you don’t want a ski that weighs a ton to get you there.

Price: $899.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Faction Dancer 2 Skis

Overview:

This one snuck up on us over the past two seasons. The name, while it seems a bit strange at first, definitely fits in with the ski’s character better than a lot of other skis out there. This ski has so much juice to it that it’s impossible to not have a good time. The blend of build and shape makes a lot of sense for the effect that they’re trying to create, and it all starts with the construction. With a poplar wood core and two thin sheets of titanal, they have all the ingredients necessary for a high-performance ski. While at 96 mm underfoot, it could be used more in an off-trail and soft snow format, they decided that it’d be better used with a bunch of camber built in and a long effective edge. As a result, the Dancer 2 is pre-loaded with energy. By bending the metal in a cambered shape, the ski snaps back into place with ease and purpose, delivering top-end performance to a wide range of skiers.

Who it's For:

Energy junkies looking for fantastic rebound with each and every turn. You want a mid-width all-mountain ski but you also want it to be a ton of fun in frontside conditions and terrain.

Price: $799.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Fischer Ranger 96 Skis

Overview:

Spoony and with a strong underfoot zone, the Fischer Ranger 96 is a well-rounded ski with versatility at the forefront. While it’s neither the best carver nor the best floater in this group, the Ranger 96 checks a lot of boxes right in the middle. The ends of the ski are on the flexible side, while the metal in the center adds to the grip and dampness. It’s one of the better skis in the trees out there, and we’ve found that creative skiers have even tapped the ski when it comes to freeride mentality and skills. The tapered zone in the front of the ski makes it bite into the snow easily, and the soft stuff is a breeze when it comes to maneuvering and dancing through tighter spots. The technical capacity of this ski is on the high side, as it effectively blends metal and camber to deliver a good mix of underfoot grip and fore/aft flotation.

Who it's For:

Fans of floaty skis that still can carve. You value a good amount of taper to keep the tips up while the rest of the ski remains engaged.

Price: $799.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Head Kore 93 Skis

Overview:

As far as carbon-powered skis go, this is one of the true innovators over the past five years. By curving the top layer of carbon, Head makes the ski incredibly stiff and responsive. While this isn’t everyone’s favorite aspect of a ski, it certainly fits in with what a lot of skiers want. I personally picked up a pair of these last year because I wanted something that I could ski both with my kids and by myself. This turned out to be an excellent choice, as it’s light enough to be maneuverable in the super-tight woods that the kids drag me through as well as having plenty of power when I’m on my own and making faster carved turns. The range is impressive, as the width is plenty for softer snow and the carbon is rigid for ice and hard pack. It’s a bit tough in the bumps if you’re driving tips into the troughs, but if you are happy with more of a windshield-wiper style of mogul skiing, the Kore 93 is very effective and efficient.

Who it's For:

We’ve found that there are two main sweet spots: larger and more powerful skiers who can actually bend this ski to create a higher edge angle, and lighter and less aggressive skiers who want to use the ski at shallower angles and in a more skidded format, relying on the ski’s agility and responsiveness to get from one turn to the next.

Price: $749.00

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At a Glance:

2024 K2 Mindbender 96 C Skis

Overview:

As a new ski for 2024, the Mindbender 96 C bridges the gap between the 89Ti and the 99Ti in terms of width and brings a friendlier and more flexible character into the Mindbender lineup. The 96 C uses the carbon spectral braiding that we see in other Mindbender C lines, putting more emphasis on torsional stiffness in the forebody with a looser lateral flex in the tail. At the same time, the longitudinal flex is stiffer in the tail than in the shovel, making it more of a directional ski that also has the smeary and slashy feel of a more playful freeride stick. It seemed like every day we got on this ski this past year was a good one—soft groomers, deep powder, and wind-blown woods—the new K2 handled it all easily. We’re excited to see this ski fit well with a lot of skiers thanks to its ease of use, intuitive nature, and fun-loving personality.

Who it's For:

There’s a big range here, but mainly skiers that find the 99 Ti to be on the demanding side will fit right in with the new 96 C.

Price: $649.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Kastle FX 96 Ti Skis

Overview:

The move back to a Ti powered version of this ski last year was a good one. They’ve kept it going into 2024 with a slight graphic change, but the precision and power carry right through. This ski is about as solid as it gets, especially underfoot and in a carved turn while remaining compliant in the shovels for handling softer snow and versatile conditions. It’s equally at home on the trail as it is off, allowing for a true all-mountain experience. By utilizing a raised portion in the center of the ski featuring denser wood, more emphasis is placed on dampness and stability in the middle, while the edges and sides use lighter wood for increased maneuverability and agility. We still get two sheets of metal that take the ski to the next level when it comes to high-performance carving, leaving this ski with very few weaknesses. As with other Kastle models, the precision, quality, and power comes with a corresponding price tag, but there’s no denying the top-shelf snow feel and activity of the FX 96 Ti.

Who it's For:

High-end skiers looking for a high-end product. You value good engineering and well thought-out design when it comes to your skis.

Price: $1,099.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Liberty Origin 96 Skis

Overview:

Freeride skiing has never been so fun! The Liberty Origin 96 is one of those skis with a relatively different character than a lot of the competition, and that’s kind of hard to do with a mid-90's twin tip, but Liberty seems to handle it easily. They use their VMT 1.0 core in order to harness some power while keeping the agility at a maximum. We found these skis to excel in the bumps and trees, especially in softer snow. They’re quick and maneuverable with flexible tips and tails. Underfoot, the core is pretty thick, so that gives more insulation between boot and snow—this creates a silent and smooth nature to the ski, especially in the mid-zone where the core profile has more material. The bamboo helps in this regard, as it’s light, so Liberty can lay it on thickly. As a result, the Origin 96, featuring a vertical strut of metal through the central spine of the ski, has a lot more power and stability than many other fun-loving freeride skis out there.

Who it's For:

Tree and mogul enthusiasts who do not want to neglect the park or groomers. You prioritize off-piste skiing, but that doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate a cleanly carved turn.

Price: $699.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Line Blade Optic 96 Skis

Overview:

As a new entry last year, the Line Blade Optic 96 represented itself quite well in a very stout grouping of skis. By taking existing elements from the Sick Day 94 and merging them with metallic philosophies from the Line Blade, the Blade Optic 96 blends and blurs the line between all-mountain and freeride very effectively. The tips and tails are quite a bit thinner and more flexible than the rest of the ski, which is pretty thick, especially underfoot. When combined with the Gas Pedal Metal Overdrive laminate, this ski can hold a strong edge on the groomers while keeping playful skiing squarely within reach. The rocker and taper line up perfectly with the move from sidewall to cap in the tips and tails, making this ski about as well-rounded as it gets. While it’s not consistently flexible from tip to tail, the blend of business and pleasure is effectively achieved.

Who it's For:

Creative skiers who do not want to sacrifice strong carving and on-piste performance. You want a twin tip that rips, and a playful all-mountain ski all at the same time.

Price: $699.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis

Overview:

Structurally unchanged for 2024, the Nordica Enforcer 94 remains one of the sturdiest skis on this list by a good margin. This, the Mantra, and the Bonafide are often lumped together, and it makes a lot of sense why. With two full sheets of metal and a dense wood core, the Enforcer 94 is a strong and stable ski to the nth degree. That said, since it filters in the shaping and profiling principles of the wider 100, the 94 still has a significant amount of versatility. I had a breakthrough moment on these skis this year, as I dipped down to the 179. While normally a 186 skier in these skis, it was an eye-opening experience as the shorter length did not disappoint in any application, from bumps and trees to high-speed groomer turns. Since the ski is strong, there’s no real need to upsize. Even at 6’2 225lbs, I felt very connected to the 179. Mentally, that’s a tough move, but if you can get past the ego, erring to the shorter side in these skis makes good sense. This ski still fits the bill as capable of making any turn, any time, in any conditions or terrain.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who value stability and power. You don’t value playfulness and creativity quite as much as business-like performance.

Price: $799.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Skis

Overview:

After an initial year last year, we have high hopes for this ski moving forward. The Sender 94 Ti is one of the most underrated and under appreciated skis out there. It’s more directional than a lot of skis on this list, but it’s not quite as demanding as some of the heavier hitters, making it very much a middle of the road candidate. As such, it has a ton of versatility when it comes to blending on and off-trail performance. It turns surprisingly well, and the flatter tail keeps it locked in with a predictable finish. The shovel is on the lighter side, thanks to the Air Tip technology, so that aids in flotation and maneuverability. It’s basically a high-performance ski with a lighter weight. The metal underfoot contributes to strong edge grip and torsional stiffness, playing well against the more flexible and agile tip.

Who it's For:

A whole bunch of skiers. This ski is one of those models that, if you can’t figure out what to buy, get this one.

Price: $699.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Salomon Stance 96 Skis

Overview:

With a new build for 2024, the Stance 96 gets livelier and more energetic, delivering precision to the edges with a lot of pop and rebound. While the pure power took a little hit with the move to a poplar/karuba blend, it’s still very strong and capable. Basically, they’ve opened up the accessibility of the ski in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. It’s successful in that endeavor, dropping some grams from the weight, but keeping the relative stiffness pretty firmly in place. We found the new build to improve the off-piste performance, so that’s a nice benefit of the lighter core. They’ve also integrated a vertical slit into the forebody of the ski alongside the window, offering a bit more articulation into the turns. This adds more of a freeride element to the mix, opening up the versatility to accommodate softer snow and easier turns.

Who it's For:

Advanced and expert skiers who are looking for a solid ski that can vacillate between on and off-piste skiing with ease. The edge grip and precision are off the charts for a ski this weight.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Stockli Stormrider 95 Skis

Overview:

With a new build, shape, and sizing options for 2024, the Stockli Stormrider 95 takes a leap forward when it comes to versatility and compliance. We get a bit poppier of a wood core for this year, still with the same two sheets of metal, including the Titec topsheet. While the lengths have changed, the ski drops about 100 grams of weight, making it more agile and floaty. While the previous model had a full metal end in the tail, the new ski takes more tail notes from the Stormrider 102, moving to more ABS and a less tapered shape. They drop 2 mm from the tail width, straightening the cut and making it more at home in an off-piste scenario. Any potential drop in on-trail performance is negligible—just a bit less of that final snap. In terms of lengths, the new 170, 176, 182, 188 split makes more sense, as those 176 and 182’s will hit more skiers. Additionally, the 188 is going to be more useful than the outgoing 193, which was a very specific length.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value quality and precision. You like the dampness of metal, but you don’t want to sacrifice liveliness.

Price: $1,249

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Blaze 94 Skis

Overview:

One of the most exciting skis on the list, the Blaze 94 has a lot to offer a lot of skiers. Built with a surprising amount of energy and pop, the Blaze 94 is an amazing carver, not only for its light weight, but also for any weight. Skiers that like to be in control of their skis will certainly gravitate to the Blaze 94. The versatility is off the charts, not only from an on/off-piste standpoint, but also from an application one. It’s definitely light enough to be considered in the hybrid touring spectrum, so you can use it both in the resort and in the backcountry depending on binding choice. This opens the ski up to a lot of different variations of the sport, and when combined with the width and profile, the Blaze 94 is one of the most useful skis on the planet. Great in bumps, trees, groomers, and powder, there’s not a whole lot this ski can’t do.

Who it's For:

Intermediate through expert skiers who are looking for agility, maneuverability, and versatility. You want to spend most of your time in an off-trail setting, looking for adventurous lines and zones, whether in the resort or deep in the backcountry.

Price: $649.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Mantra M6 Skis

Overview:

The 2024 Volkl Mantra M6 is still the same burly and smooth ski that we’ve seen for a few years now, just with an updated graphic. This ski is very businesslike and sturdy in nature, appealing to the expert crowd looking for a wider-bodied all-mountain ski. While at 96 mm underfoot, the ski is considerably happier on groomed trails and operates well in firmer snow and hardpack. Built with Volkl’s Tailored Titanal Frame, Tailored Carbon Tips, Multilayer wood core, and their 3D Radius sidecut, the Mantra M6 has all of Volkl’s technology built in. As a very direct competitor to the Bonafide 97 and Enforcer 94 on this list, the Mantra still has the edge when it comes to precision and edge grip. It’s not quite as versatile as the Enforcer, nor as solid as the Bonafide, but it definitely has an advantage in the race-like feel. On the feet of skilled skiers, this is a true all-mountain weapon that loves to carve clean and round turns.

Who it's For:

Expert skiers and former racers who want to take their skills into the all-mountain realm. You value grip and precision and prefer a wider-bodied ski that can still stand up to the rigors of high-performance carving.

Price: $749.99

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