CHAIRLIFT CHAT

It’s been just about two months exactly since our Winter Bargain Basement article and video. Since then, we’ve had further discounts on the skis we featured, as well as new discounts on different brands. With that in mind, it’s time for our annual Spring Bargain Basement! We tried to think a little outside the box on this one. The method was similar, as we narrowed options down to about 25-30 products, then held our typical draft selection between Jeff and Bob. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about any of these skis or anything else on our site!

Jeff's Round 1 Pick:

2024 Volkl Revolt 86 Crown Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
148, 156, 164, 172, 180 cm	21.2 m @ 172 cm	120 / 86 / 110 mm	1.860 g @ 181 cm

Overview:

I was pretty stoked to get first pick this time around, and the Revolt 86 from Volkl was an easy choice for me. We don’t talk about it much, certainly far less than the more-popular Revolt 96, but it’s a great ski, and at $239.99, a tremendous value. It’s designed predominantly as a park ski, and it’s relatively simple. There’s nothing crazy about its shape, although it does have some nice tip and tail rocker. A lot of the kids I coach love the Revolt 86. Their parents seem to love it too as it’s affordable and proven to be impressively durable. Aside from the park application, I picked it because at this price, it’s worth considering as an early season rock ski, spring ski, random mogul ski in your quiver that doesn’t get used much, something to use when skiing with your kids, and so much more.

Price: $239.99

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Bob's Round 1 Pick:

2024 Volkl M6 Mantra Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm	30 / 18 / 24 m @ 177 cm	136 / 96 / 119 mm	2,070 g @ 177 cm

Overview:

Pretty obvious first pick for me here—hard to pass up a Mantra at under $450. This ski is one of the most precise and powerful skis on the market today. It’s true that the M7 will replace the M6 with a new tip shape and style, but overall, the performance is still right there with the best mid-90's skis in the world. This is still a highly technologically sound ski that can link carved turns with the best of them. I’ve found that skiing them a bit shorter is a lot of fun, but would still opt for the 184 in this ski. While it’s a handful in tighter spots and not the best floater in the mid-90's, there’s no clearer winner when it comes to precision and carving power.

Price: $449.99

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Jeff's Round 2 Pick:

2020 Fischer RC4 World Cup GS S15 Curv Booster Women’s Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	WIDTH	BINDINGS
183, 188 cm	30 m @ 183 cm	68 mm	Fischer RC4 Z16 Freeflex

Overview:

Bob was pretty disappointed I picked these Fischer RC4 race skis as my second pick. That’s how I know it was a good one. I’ll be the first to acknowledge these skis are certainly not for everyone. It is, after all, a 30 m ski that’s very narrow, so the applications are limited significantly compared to a lot of skis on this list. That said, you’re buying a World Cup level ski with a 16 DIN race binding for under $450 total. That’s absolutely ridiculous if you ask me. I personally think this Women’s ski is a better choice for most skiers looking to dabble in the race ski world, simply because it’s available in shorter lengths. The 183 cm option would certainly be my pick for myself, but if you want longer, there’s a 188 too. Grab a pair, add it to your quiver, and take it out on days with firm groomers and not many people.

Ski Price: $286.64

Binding Price: $157.21

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Bob's Round 2 Pick:

2023 Rossignol Evo XT 55 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	SIDECUT	WEIGHT	BINDINGS
165, 175 cm	55 / 48 / 52 mm	720 g @ 175 cm	Tour Step In Bindings

Overview:

My big selling point here is that each ski and binding in this set costs less than $70. I’m not sure you can do better than that. Cross-country skiing is so incredibly fun and rewarding. There’s just something satisfying and special about getting out there and shuffling through the trails at the Nordic center. This ski certainly doesn’t fit in with our regularly scheduled programming, but it’s still a pair of skis with bindings that you can have a ton of fun on, so why leave it out? One of my favorite things about cross-country skiing is that you’re always skiing. You’re never on the lift, and that puts a premium on the on-snow experience. Pair this setup with some decent boots and poles and you’re good to go. Just add snow.

Price: $135.96

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Jeff's Round 3 Pick:

2024 Volkl Deacon 80 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
162, 167, 172, 177, 182 cm	24 / 15 / 21 m @ 177 cm	128 / 80 / 111 mm	2,920g w/ Bindings

Overview:

The Deacon 80 is often overlooked due to the success of the Deacon 84, and with the new Peregrine series grabbing the attention of many skiers, the value of this Deacon 80 feels like it could be easily lost on some people. I’m here to not let that happen! It’s a fantastic ski that could function as a daily driver all-mountain ski for some, a dedicated frontside ski for others, and I’ve often seen it used as a teaching tool for ski instructors. There’s a ton of technology in this ski, including a steel laminate. Titanal might provide a little more precision in a ski like this, but the steel gives it an exceptionally smooth ride with fantastic vibration damping. Volkl has one of the best binding integrations on system skis, and it comes with a great binding too. For $539.99, that’s pretty awesome.

Price: $539.99

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Bob's Round 3 Pick:

2024 Liberty Origin 96 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
171, 176, 182, 187 cm	19 m @ 182 cm	130 / 96 / 118 mm	1,875 g @ 182 cm

Overview:

I’m basing this pick on a few different reasons. For one, getting a ski like this at close to $400 is a sweet deal. Second, this is one of the best mogul and tree skis I’ve been on. Mixing on and off-trail performance is an absolute highlight for the Origin 96. While the Mantra is certainly the stronger carver of this mid-90's group, the Origin is considerably easier to manage in variable conditions and terrain. We deal with a lot of tighter trees here in Vermont, and this ski excels in this realm. Carving is actually pretty surprising—the core thickness and vertical metal strut combine to make the ski fairly sturdy, especially underfoot. As an added bonus, this is one of the sharpest-looking skis out there today—fantastic graphics.

Price: $419.40

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Jeff's Round 4 Pick:

2024 Volkl Blaze 82 Women’s Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
146, 152, 159, 166 cm	25 / 13 / 21 m @ 166 cm	125 / 82 / 107 mm	1,378 g @ 166 cm

Overview:

I picked the Blaze 82 for similar reasons to the Deacon 80. You get skis and bindings for the price listed here, which at $359.99, is basically a steal. Of course, the Blaze 82 might not be for everyone. If you’re a ripping expert skier, it might not be stable enough for how you like to ski. On the other hand, realistically, there is a massive population of skiers who would love the Blaze 82. Beginners, intermediates, recreational skiers, anyone who’s been renting in the past and would like to own their own gear, aging skiers who find themselves less aggressive and skiing slower... I could go on and on and on. Skis like this don’t often grace the cover of magazines or get much attention or excitement, but they’re extremely valuable for the skiing population in general. If you’re reading this article, it might not be for you, but I can almost guarantee you know someone who would love it.

Price: $359.99

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Bob's Round 4 Pick:

2019 Nordica Dobermann GS WC Race Department Skis

2019 Nordica Dobermann WC GS Skis - 2024 Nordica Dobermann WC GS Ski Graphics

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
188, 193 cm	30 m @ 193 cm	N/A	2,170 g @ 193 cm

Overview:

If you’re looking for the best dollar to speed ratio, I challenge you to do better than this. The real-deal race skis are something special. While I don’t think there are many skiers out there who will fully actuate this Dobermann, it’s going to be a lot of fun to try. If you can get a full-on race ski for under $260 then I think that’s worth the gamble. Adding in a race binding for $160 is icing on the cake. Our Killer Deal price for this setup is currently $365.46. The only hope now is that if you have a boot stiff and powerful enough to move these 188’s or 193’s to the best of their ability. With a longer turn radius, an incredibly stiff flex, and a rock-solid heavyweight feel, the Dobermann race skis are a rare find, and totally worth the money. See you at the bottom!

Ski Price: $254.97

Binding Price: $161.99

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Jeff's Round 5 Pick:

2024 Atomic Bent 100 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
164, 172, 180, 188 cm	19.5 m @ 180	129.5 / 100 / 120 mm	1,700 g @ 180 cm

Overview:

For the last Bargain Basement, I picked the Bent 90. I was hesitant to pick the Bent 100 this time around, but it was too good to pass up. Also, prices have dropped a little more on Atomic skis since our last selections, and at just over $450, there’s a lot to like about this Bent 100. Now, let’s state the truth. There’s a new version of the Bent 100 for 2025. Do I think it’s better? Yes. Does that mean I don’t think this version of the Bent 100 is a worthwhile purchase? Absolutely not. There’s more tail rocker in the new ski for 2025, which many will love, but you could make an argument a more directional skier would prefer the version we’re talking about here. Trees, moguls, some touring, the range of applications for the Bent 100 is practically endless.

Price: $454.97

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Bob's Round 5 Pick:

2024 Salomon Stance 80 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
141, 151, 161, 169, 177, 185 cm	15 @ 177 cm	125 / 80 / 107 mm	2,870 g w/ Binding @ 177 cm

Overview:

While my previous pick of the race skis centered around speed to value, the Stance 80 focuses on accessibility to value. This ski and binding combination offers an amazing blend of performance and price. At just over $375 for skis and bindings, skiers who are looking to get their first setup will find a whole lot to like here. The Stance 80 features the same construction as the 84, just in a narrower footprint. This means you get a titanal sheet underfoot, and carbon stringers in the forebody and through the aft portions. That’s a lot of technology for such a good price. The Stance 80 ski and binding setup is a click and go system, offering total confidence and an easy feel with fantastic energy. It’s very hard to beat this ski for value and performance.

Price: $384.97

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Jeff's Round 6 Pick:

2024 Elan Ripstick Tour 104 Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
166, 173, 180, 187 cm	23 m @ 180 cm	129 / 104 / 122 mm	1540 g +/- 50 g @ 180 cm

Overview:

The Ripstick Tour 104 was a fun pick for me for a few reasons. One, I own a pair. Two, it only gets cosmetic changes for 2025. Three, it’s packed full of technology. Four, it’s Glen Plake’s signature ski. Five, it’s super fun to ski. I could keep going. As basically a direct result of COVID, the ski industry became inundated with new touring skis. Let’s be honest... some were misses. I don’t think anyone would argue with me that there were frankly just too many. That said, some emerged as true winners, and in my opinion, the Ripstick Tour 104 is at the top of that list. Probably not surprising after I said I own a pair. It’s a fantastic touring ski for a wide range of terrain and conditions. Supportive enough for big mountains, yet agile enough for here in Vermont. If you like going uphill and exploring, this is a great buy at $552.49.

Price: $552.49

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Ski Review

Bob's Round 6 Pick:

2024 K2 Mindbender 96 C Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
166, 172, 178, 184 cm	17.8 m @ 184.3 cm	131 / 96 / 119 mm	1,930 g @ 184.3 cm

Overview:

Slightly more expensive, but the K2 Mindbender 96 C has a lot to offer. Even within the mid-90's, of which I have three skis on my list here, the K2 sets itself apart as a directional option in the accessible and fun freeride realm. While it’s not the carver that the Mantra is, nor is it the freeride and playful twin that the Origin is, the K2 forges its own path. The shovel is light and floaty, the underfoot zone holds a pretty good edge, and the flatter and straighter tail allows for directional performance at the end of the turn. I love this ski in the bumps and trees, and it’s also an amazingly fun on-trail option. Skiers don’t have to push it hard all the time like the Mantra, so it offers that blend of mobility, agility, and performance that the mid-range of advanced and expert skiers will truly enjoy.

Price: $454.97

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Ski Review

Jeff's Round 7 Pick:

2024 Dynastar M-Free 90 Open Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
137, 147, 157, 167, 177 cm	16 m @ 167 cm	122 / 90 / 112 mm	1,400 g @ 167 cm

Overview:

Similar to my first pick, I’ve had a lot of success recommending the Dynastar M-Free 90 to young athletes I coach, except this time those athletes are more focused on freeride terrain and style, rather than slopestyle and park. It’s a fantastic stepping-stone ski for young skiers coming off actual junior skis. The 90 mm waist width combined with a nice rocker profile gives it excellent performance in off-piste terrain and softer snow conditions, especially for a lighter-weight skier. It does, however, come in sizes all the way up to 177 cm, so it’s perfectly appropriate for some adult skiers too. While it might not be as inexpensive as the Revolt 86, it’s still an excellent choice for a rock ski, spring mogul ski, etc etc.

Price: $344.47

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Bob's Round 7 Pick:

2024 Scott Pure Free 90Ti Skis

AVAILABLE SIZES	TURN RADIUS	SIDECUT	WEIGHT
170, 177, 184 cm	19 m @ 177 cm	126 / 90 / 111 mm	1,860 g @ 177 cm

Overview:

I’ve seen these skis sitting in our warehouse for too darn long! Time to see them go on the feet of happy skiers! Between this Pure Free 90 and the wider Mission 98, Scott has some awesome all-mountain options. The 90 is the more traditional of the group, offering a thick poplar wood core with metal underfoot to go along with a more traditional shape and style. This ski is a skier’s ski for sure—lots of camber, a longer turn radius, and a mid-weight feel make it incredibly rewarding in a carved turn and in light off-piste scenarios. Thicker cores lead to better insulation between the snow and your feet, reducing vibrations and providing smooth and powerful feedback to the skier. This is a rock-solid everyday resort ski for $420 and it’s one of those skis that I’d gladly use all the time.

Price: $420.00

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