2025 Men's Mid 80mm All Mountain Ski Comparison

It’s funny how when we move into the mid-80's for skis, we talk a lot more about camber and a lot less about rocker. The profile of these skis have a lot to do with how they perform, what type of character they have, and how much energy is built into the ski. With a wide variety of performance levels and applications, skis in the mid-80's are highly useful, wonderfully versatile, and have a huge range of pricing. Some skiers like a wider platform to stand on when they’re carving while others prefer a narrower freeride ski for off-piste adventures. Both skier types will find something to like in this set of skis. Some like a premium product that spares no expense when it comes to finish quality and engineering while others are budget-conscious skiers and are looking for the best performance to price ratio that they can find. Again, there’s something on this list for all. That’s what the mid-80's is all about.

At a Glance:

2025 Atomic Redster Q9.8 Skis

Overview:

The Redster Q9.8 gets a graphic update for 2025 but returns structurally unchanged. This ski leans on an ash and poplar wood core and a titanal layer for power and smoothness, bringing all of Atomic’s race heritage to the table when creating pure on-trail carving bliss. The big thing about this ski, though, is the short turn radius and the total lack of rocker or taper. This Q9.8 ends up being very glued to the snow and is happiest when used in its intended purpose. In the 173, we’re seeing a 14.4-meter turn radius which is pretty darn short for skis on this list. With the upgraded binding system and a full-on race-room feel, this Redster Q9.8 is a great place to start when it comes to high performance carving machines.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers with an aversion to longer arcs. You like precise edge grip and a smooth feel from tip to tail.

Price: $1,049.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Head Supershape e.Titan Skis

Overview:

Keeping with the race-like feel, the Head Supershape e.Titan is a hard-charger that likes to open it up. With an 84 mm waist, two sheets of metal, a sturdy wood core, carbon underfoot, and a vibration-damping energy management circuit, this is one of the most technologically sophisticated skis on this list. The performance matches as well, as the Titan is a very satisfying ski to rip fast carves upon. The main thing differentiating it from the Redster is the slight amount of tip rocker and the longer turn radius. With 10% tip rocker and a 17.2-meter arc in the 177, this ski is built for high-speed GS turns. The versatility is slightly boosted here but is still at its happiest when it comes to groomer performance and cleanly carved turns.

Who it's For:

Carving-oriented skiers who are looking to open it up a bit when it comes to all-mountain performance. You want a race-like feel in a wider bodied and more accessible format.

Price: $1,149.00

At a Glance:

2025 Fischer The Curv 85 Skis

Overview:

With a turnier character and a livelier feel than the outgoing RC One 86 GT, the new Curv GT 85 is a shorter turner with more crispness and zest. This will likely fit a lot of skiers who like to get the most out of their skis from a cleanliness standpoint. At 85 mm underfoot and with a shaped titanal laminate, the Curv GT 85 is a whole lot of fun with all the metal in all the right places. With a beech wood core and that sturdy metal, the new 85 has a burly build for sure. The shape is what brings it to the next level in terms of carving performance. The wider shovel and tail create a 15-meter turn radius so this thing turns on a dime. It also features Fischer’s E-Triple Radius which puts more emphasis on shorter turns in the mid section while allowing for longer turns in the tips and tails.

Who it's For:

Carving enthusiasts looking for a wider-bodied ski for deep arcs and smooth curves. You value precision and power in a short to mid-radius zone.

Price: $949.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Volkl Peregrine V.Werks Skis

Overview:

While the V.Werks name carries forward, the Peregrine label is now. That said, the ski is the same as the Deacon V.Werks from seasons past, featuring a lighter wood core, increased carbon, and an insane amount of precision and quality. The Peregrine V.Werks basically uses the same wood core as found in the Blaze, but with a titanal frame and tailored carbon tips. The carbon laminate on top of the wood core takes the reactivity to the next level while keeping the weight of the ski on the lower side. At 84 mm underfoot and with a long and low rocker profile, the skis are surprisingly agile and versatile given how well they track along the corduroy. We also see the 3D glass for stiffening the ski and bringing the rebound to the max—these skis are primed and ready to handle a variety of conditions and terrain while the carving prowess is top-shelf.

Who it's For:

Quality and precision-oriented skiers will love the Peregrine V.Werks and its ability to move seamlessly between solid carving performance and all-mountain use.

Price: $1,449.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Elan Wingman 86 Black Edition Skis

Overview:

As a carryover ski for 2025, the Wingman 86 Black Edition is a solid and fun-loving ski that has a very high-performance ceiling when it comes to mid-range carves and endless energy. We get the base build for the CTi, with a tubelite wood core and a sheet of metal underfoot. In the Black Edition, we add a carbon laminate to the top of the core that functions as additional stiffness and pep. It ends up being a bit stiffer than the CTi, and is offered with only the Fusion binding system—not flat. This emphasizes the on-trail capacity of the ski and makes it one of the more engaging carvers on this list. Its wider-bodied shape keeps versatility on the table, but the stiffness and energy make it a bit demanding for non-experts.

Who it's For:

Skiers who value precision, rebound, and zip will love the energy of the Black Edition. If you are a fan of carbon-powered carving skis, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Price: $1,099.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Ski Review

At a Glance:

2025 Elan Wingman 86 CTi Skis

Overview:

These skis have always struck us as some of the slickest and fastest carvers out there. They are stiff, responsive, powerful, and a total blast to ski. Since they’re up at 86 mm underfoot, there’s simply a lot of material here, and it translates to strong contact with the snow. The CTi doesn’t feel quite as loud as the Black Edition, rather it’s a bit smoother and more powerful feeling. There’s actually some decent tail rocker here to allow it to break free from the carve when asked, but skiers aren’t likely going to be looking for versatility here as they’re so darn good at carving clean and powerful turns. Bumps, trees, and other tight spots are a handful, as the skis are quite stiff and responsive. If you are willing to put in the work to get the performance in technical areas, you’ll be fine, but lazy skiers might feel the need to catch up with the skis.

Who it's For:

Technically proficient skiers who are looking for a dynamic wide carver. You prefer a lot of energy and pop without too much weight.

Price: $999.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Stockli Montero AR Skis

Overview:

It’s hard to look past a ski like the AR, and when you get a chance to ski on it, it all makes sense. With wonderful smoothness, endless stability, and a strong turning character, the Montero AR is one of the most rewarding and satisfying skis on the market today. We get a new tip and tail style with the 2025 AR, incorporating two curved slits cut into the top metal laminate. This Tip and Tail Flex tech delivers more torsional flex and greater compliance for broken snow and slower speeds while when you open it up and let it run, those metal pieces basically interlock, and the ski becomes smoother and more stable. With Stockli’s rubber dust and dual-metal laminate, the Montero AR is a classic ski with an incredibly high level of performance.

Who it's For:

Fast skiers who love the thrill and feel of a high-speed GS carve. You also want an all-conditions ski that excels in a variety of terrain.

Price: $1,399.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Ski Review

At a Glance:

2025 Blizzard Anomaly 84 Skis

Overview:

This was a pure treat to get to know this past winter. The new Blizzard Anomaly 84 picks up where the Brahma 82 left off, delivering smooth and predictable performance to the edges of the ski while bringing a new realm of versatility and all-mountain prowess to the mix. Featuring the new Anomaly build with a True Blend wood core, two sheets of metal, and increased rocker for well-roundedness, this ski blurs and blends sophistication and technology with proven sturdiness and strength. As a result, skiers will feel a direct connection to the snow as well as an energetic and peppy feeling that creates off-piste fun and excitement. There’s not much that this ski can’t do, from ripping bump lines to moving through trees and then popping out and laying down some very impressive carves. The stability and power are off the charts, and as a flat ski in this zone, it’s one of the most front-side oriented.

Who it's For:

Smooth and powerful skiers who like a dense feel with some zip. You want rock-solid performance while also keeping bumps, trees, and off-piste in the realm.

Price: $649.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Kastle MX84 Skis

Overview:

With a new build and nearly unsurpassable quality, the 2025 Kastle MX 84 remains of the cleanest carvers out there. For this year, we get an update to the core construction featuring their IniniCore build. With very narrower stringers of poplar and beech, the MX 84 brings more stability and power to the central spine of the ski with the beech while the poplar moves closer to the edges to boost the accessibility and smoothness of the ski. We still get two sheets of metal on top and underneath, and we also see Hollowtech Evo enter the chat. This new tip style is more flexible than before, with the metal ending before the very tip. As a result, turn initiation on an MX has never been better. Once you enter that carve, the ski absolutely lights it up, connecting impossibly clean curves from top to bottom. With a square tail and a stiff flex, the MX 84 is agile, energetic, and totally confident on any type of snowpack.

Who it's For:

Strong carves and enthusiasts of quality products will settle in quite nicely to the MX 84. You like precision and power but are not a full-on race head.

Price: $1,099.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Nordica Steadfast 85 Skis

Overview:

This ski returns as a carryover from 2024, when it was one of the most surprising, satisfying, and rewarding new skis from last year. We loved the clean, round arcs that this ski provided, and the smooth, silent, and stable nature that accompanied it. The most surprising thing, though, was the versatility that we found, as the ski generally looks like a wider front side ski. In fact, it’s fun and engaging in the bumps, easy enough to wrangle in the trees, and does just fine for an 85 in the powder. Certainly, there are better floaters in this category, but the ski just does what’s asked with no complaints, and that’s one of the best parts. There is no talking back from the Steadfast, it just performs as told, giving the skier ultimate and complete control over the performance and quality of the carves.

Who it's For:

There’s a big audience here, as the Steadfast 85 has a huge range of performance, style, and application. You may think you are looking for something else, but do not overlook the Steadfast 85.

Price: $799.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Atomic Redster Q7.8 Skis

Overview:

Featuring the same footprint as the Q9.8, the 7.8 features a lighter and more peppy build and a different binding. Other than that, these skis are cut in the same mold and will generally satisfy a similar sort of skier. The 7.8 features a power wood core consisting of poplar and ash, a titanal layer for smoothness and power, and instead of the steel Revoshock plates, the 7.8 features carbon ones that lighten the load and boost the energy. We also get the M12 binding vs. The X12 in the 9.8, making this one more all-mountain oriented and less race focused. The short radius is still right there, though, making a short carve with no rocker on groomed terrain with ease. Built with tip to tail edge contact, this ski is built and shaped to stay glued to the snow and ready for action.

Who it's For:

Carving enthusiasts who don’t need the dampest or most stable ski but still want a short radius and a wider footprint.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Faction Dancer 1 Skis

Overview:

We get a graphic update for this year, but the Dancer returns as a surprising 86 mm ski in this category. Built with a light poplar wood core and two very thin titanal laminates, the Dancer 1 has a lot of camber and a lot of energy to deliver to engaging and athletic skiers. Whenever someone gets on a Dancer, they remark at the peppy and poppy nature of the ski and how much they enjoy the active character. There’s a good amount of camber here, so it’s no surprise that we get these types of reactions. With some tip and tail rocker for off-trail skiing, the Dancer 1 can hold its own in this group when it comes to off-piste, but it’s still on the stiff and cambered side to be deemed playful or easygoing—this ski does like to get down to business.

Who it's For:

Traditional skiers who are looking for a modern twist on an all-mountain ski. You like the feel and style of camber but want to add some fun and adventure to the mix.

Price: $749.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Head Shape e-V10 Skis

Overview:

We see a lot of fun high-end intermediate setups in this wall, and the Head Shape V10 is one of the best. We get a very nice feel with a lot of sophistication with the V10 as it combines an upscale build with a shorter radius and an easy to turn footprint. At 85 mm underfoot and with a shorter arc, the skis feel fun to stand on and bring around the carve. You can access off-piste characteristics here as well, with the lighter weight feel and the fact that a lot of the sturdiness is focused in the central spine. With an Energy Management Circuit to reduce vibrations, carbon and graphene in the build, and a nearly full camber profile, these skis are crisp and precise on the groomers with an uncommon ability to carve a very clean turn. The 170 hits a slalom-esque 13.6-meters in the arc, providing endless fun in an across the fall line manner.

Who it's For:

Precision-oriented intermediate skiers who are looking to link clean and round turns on groomers. You don’t need speed to have a good time on the hill.

Price: $799.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Rossignol Arcade 84 Skis

Overview:

We’re pretty stoked on this new Arcade 84 from Rossignol due to its classic shape and style. Traditional carvers will be more than pleased with the Arcade’s long camber profile, general lack of taper, and strong flex and overall performance. At 84, it’s got a nice blend of on-trail carving performance to go along with off-piste adventure. While it’s more comfortable and at home in a carved turn on groomers, the ski does have some capacity when the snow gets cut up. The core thickness is all there, so the stiffness does stand out from tip to tail. We get a strong and sturdy tail with a lot of energy and pop so if you’re not ready for the ski to shoot you into the next turn, you better start getting ready. When you’re in bumps and trees, the stiffness is noteworty, as it keeps skiers from really driving and getting aggressive, but that same stiffness brings the heat when it comes to groomer skiing.

Who it's For:

Traditionalist carvers who like the feeling of a long effective edge and a shorter overall radius. You like the cleanliness of a carved turn and the resulting energetic rebound.

Price: $649.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Ski Review

At a Glance:

2025 Black Crows Octo Skis

Overview:

For a few years the Black Crows Vertis was a fan-favorite. It made very crisp, short carves with a ton of energy and satisfaction. The problem was that it just didn’t have curb appeal. Now with the re-branded Octo, we’re seeing some great movment from these awesome all-mountain skis. There’s a wild amount of camber in this ski, and now that they’ve made the tips and tails look more like the Mirus Cor or Justis, there’s a lot more zhuzh and chutzpah while the overall character of the ski remains the same. For some reason, skiers didn’t want to be seen on the Vertis, but now they’re stoked to be on an Octo—great marketing and branding from Black Crows here. We get a nice short radius, a simple wood core build, and a wild camber profile that keeps the ski fully engaged in the rebound and energy process. Off-trail, the camber is a bit of an impingement, but the ski is light and flexible enough to make it work.

Who it's For:

Skiers who want a traditional style of turning but a modern look. You like the concept of positive camber and enjoy the energy that comes along with it.

Price: $899.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Black Crows Mirus Cor Skis

Overview:

These skis have a lot going on when it comes to clean and round shorter turns and playful all-mountain versatility. At 87 mm underfoot, these skis and their 13-meter turn radius are basically slalom twin tips. While it’s a ton of fun for what it does, there are certainly specific things about these skis that will give some skiers pause. Specifically, higher speed carves—skis like the Mantra 88, MX 88, Anomaly 88, and Enforcer 89 feel a lot more composed in these situations. That said, the Mirus Cor can handle off-trail conditions, park, bumps, and trees with far greater consistency. Is this going to be a one and only ski for those looking for all-mountain versatility? Likely not. Is it going to be the best complementary ski in the existence of skiing? That’s a lot more probable.

Who it's For:

Everyone and no one at the same time. This is a totally unnecessary ski that also just makes 100% sense when it comes to daily potential and performance.

Price: $999.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Ski Review

At a Glance:

2025 Dynastar M-Pro 85 Skis

Overview:

This ski carries forward from last season in terms of construction, but we do get a slightly new graphic to match up with the new M-Pros of this year. Overall, this ski does a great job at combining a hybrid wood core with polyurethane to go along with a fiberglass rocket frame in the middle of the ski. It’s still quite stiff in the tails, but the more rockered shovel shape helps keep the tip out of softer and deeper snow as well as boosting the mobility and agility of the ski. This is a very well-rounded ski for a lot of skiers as it blurs the line between front side and all-mountain with ease and poise. We’ve loved this ski for years and have marveled at its versatility and ability to weave back and forth between on and off-trail situations.

Who it's For:

A whole lot of skiers who love to go back and forth seamlessly between groomers, bumps, trees, powder, and anything else you can find on the hill. You like strong tails and excellent rebound to complement an eager floater and fun-loving shovel.

Price: $599.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Salomon Stance 84 Skis

Overview:

This Salomon Stance 84 is one of the most well-rounded skis on the planet. It has a sophisticated build, a fun-loving shape and profile, and a nice price point to attract a horde of skiing enthusiasts. The Stance 84 benefits from a metal laminate, carbon stringers in the tips and tails, and a ¾ length sidewall for grip and precision. The rocker in the tips and tails is moderate, but aligns well with the cap construction in those zones. It’s comfortable in a variety of conditions and terrain as well as occupying a slot as one of the best mogul skis out there in the world at large. Whether you’re looking for a first pair of skis, or a mid-80's all-mountain ski for any and all aspects of the sport, the Stance 84 will answer most or all of those calls. This is a very well-built ski that can check a lot of boxes for a lot of skiers.

Who it's For:

Literally anyone can have a good time on the Stance 84. It has very broad appeal from an all-mountain standpoint.

Price: $549.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 K2 Mindbender 85 Skis

Overview:

The K2 Mindbender 85 is a phenomenal value and provides an adequate level of performance for progressing intermediates and early advanced skiers. While you won’t see this ski at the top of freeride podiums, it is an interesting ski in that it’s quite basic in construction but has some cool aspects to it from a shape and profile perspective that make it unique in this list. We start with a light aspen wood core, and that’s about it. The ski has some sidewall underfoot, but tapers to cap to increase quickness and durability. There’s a lot of camber and a short radius, so the ski likes to shoot in and out of turns with quickness and agility. These skis are awesome in the moguls and are great in the soft snow on the sides of the trails. You can make very good short-swing turns in a variety of conditions and terrain, and that’s one of the best parts of this well-rounded all-mountain ski.

Who it's For:

Progressing intermediates who are looking for a budget-friendly ski that makes crisp carves.

Price: $449.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Head Kore 87 Skis

Overview:

This ski stands out in this flat grouping as one of the highest performing and most sophisticated skis. It’s a pure all-mountain ski and a strong one at that. We often remark as to the blend of light weight and stiff flex in the Kore series, and the 87 is as crisp and tidy as it gets. You definitely feel the responsiveness and power of the carbon when you tip this ski on edge, and it holds true to the carve so long as the skier has the skills to push it through. It does take a stronger touch and a tougher mentality to fully control and appreciate the Kore 87, but those who do will love the pep and zip that you get out of these sports-car infused all-mountain skis.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who like an agile, precise, and confident ski in a carved turn. You don’t mind putting in a bit of effort to get the most out of a ski.

Price: $699.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis

Overview:

As the widest ski on this list, at 88 mm underfoot int he 175, the Maverick 86 C does follow the same footprint as the Maverick 88 Ti, just with a slightly different name. The main idea is that generally skiers who are on this ski will be in shorter lengths, so the waist width will fall to 87 or so. These are marginal differences at the end of the day, with the larger change being the move from dual metal laminate to carbon backbone construction. As such, the Maverick 86 C is lighter, quicker, snappier, and more agile than its metal-clad brother. This opens up the 86 C to a more intermediate or mellow audience, and one that is likely more appropriate for more skiers than the heftier ski with the higher ceiling. The 86 C still contains the same shape as the 88, with HRZN tech in the tips for float and an Omatic construction that saves weight and increases pep.

Who it's For:

Mobility-oriented skiers looking for lightning-fast turns and instant edge grip and release. you value agility and versatility over all else.

Price: $549.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Fischer Ranger 84 Skis

Overview:

Built with a full poplar core and all the shaping principles found in the wider Ranger series, the 84 deserves better billing than it gets. This is a real-deal ski with a relatively stiff flex and a very versatile shape. The wider and more robustly-built Ranger Ti skis get most of the attention while the Ranger 84 kind of falls by the wayside. This ski is very, very good in the bumps and trees and it holds its own on groomers in a carved turn. Since it borrows a lot from the more freeride-oriented skis, there’s great versatility here, but the stoutness of the ski cannot be overlooked. Because of the full sidewall and dense overall feel, the Ranger 84 punches above its level and provides excellent value for advanced skiers looking for mid-80's grip and versatility.

Who it's For:

Freeride and all-mountain minded skiers looking to spend more time off-trail but still want a relatively narrow ski.

Price: $599.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2025 Volkl Blaze 86 Skis

Overview:

As the narrowest of the Blaze series of skis, the 86 keeps a lot of the freeride mentality but brings it together in a narrower package. This is the floatiest ski on this list as it has a long and low camber profile to go along with a sophisticated 3D Radius Sidecut. This is one of those skis that skiers will like a lot more than they may think. With a light wood core and a progressive shape, the Blaze 86 can hold up well in powder, bumps, trees, and even in a touring capacity. If you’re looking for true all-mountain versatility in a mid-80's shape, I don’t think you can do much better than the Blaze 86. Sure, you’ll miss out on some of the raw carving power of the skis on the rugged side of the spectrum, but that’s most likely not on your priority list.

Who it's For:

Adventurous skiers looking for soft snow performance and light weight feel in a mid-80's shape.

Price: $599.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results