2026 Men's Mid 100 mm Freeride Ski Comparison

The 2026 Ski Comparison Season has begun! With a fantastic list of freeride skis in the mid-100's up first, we’re taking a look at a pile of skis that excel in softer snow, trees, and variable terrain. Most of these come complete with ample rocker in both tips and tails to go along with variations of taper. We also see a fairly interesting blend of directional skis to go along with those with more symmetry. It seems trendy these days to use wider, and slightly more directional skis in the park, so it makes sense that a lot of these skis have freestyle capacity as well. In this comparison, we’re moving from carvy to slarvy, with skis featuring more metal and carving performance on one side to those with more of a flexible and creative nature on the other. Enjoy!

At a Glance:

2026 Nordica Enforcer 104 Skis

Overview:

Power, edge grip, and a solid overall feel are the hallmarks of a Nordica Enforcer 104. These skis just rip. It seems unearthly that they’re able to carve as well as they do given the width and shape, but Nordica has certainly done it. Not only do they feel eerily nimble on groomers, but they also deliver a ton of stability, damping, and power. This is a heavy-hitting ski, built for aggressive and strong skiing. It delivers on its end, though, so the skier needs to be ready to keep up. In this range, the Enforcer 104 stands out as being a wonderful carver, but we’ve also found that it’s very composed in trees and off-piste settings, just so long as you’re willing to put in the effort. While it’s more directional and hard charging, it’s tough to ignore just how confident it is in shorter and mid-range carved turns.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers. You have a good skillset underfoot and strong legs to back them up. You want an aggressive ski for big mountain lines and hard charging carves.

Price: $899.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Faction Dancer 3 Skis

Overview:

These skis are an interesting blend of energy, power, and stability. With great energy, these wide-bodied carvers are directional skis that can hammer down technical terrain and bust through crud and chop like there’s nothing there. At 106 mm underfoot, and build with two sheets of metal, there’s a lot of ski here. It’s a build that’s more reminiscent of an Enforcer 104, and it belongs in that level of conversation. There’s enough taper and rocker to make it fun and mobile in variable conditions and terrain, but largely, this ski is a very good carver on groomers. Certainly, softer groomers are better, but it holds quite well on ice. It’s on the cumbersome side for quick and smeary turns, and it isn’t as playful as many other skis on this list, but for aggressive skiing and hard charging, the Dancer 3 is all there.

Who it's For:

Strong and competent skiers who view the Dancer 3 as a directional charger will get the best results. You like smooth power and vast edge grip even in wider-bodied skis.

Price: $849.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Kastle Paragon 107 Skis

Overview:

We’ve found this to be one of the fastest and most capable skis on this wall. You can certainly make the argument that the Enforcer 104 is the burliest and strongest, but this Paragon absolutely motors. It crushes crud, chop, and groomers with no issues whatsoever, and floats quite well through fresh snow. It’s relatively nimble in the trees, especially for having two sheets of metal, mainly due to the approachable tip flex. We love the ski’s carving capabilities, as it completes long and round turns with ease. It also has a relatively flat profile which makes it smeary and slashy enough to be used creatively in more of a freeride capacity, even though it does technically fall into more of a wide all-mountain ski realm.

Who it's For:

Hard chargers and speed demons will love the smoothness and predictability of the Paragon 107. You are a fall-line oriented skier who does not shy away from variable conditions and technical terrain.

Price: $849.00

Ski Test Results | On Snow Review | 2025 Paragon Collection Overview

At a Glance:

2026 Head Kore 106 Ti Skis

Overview:

By moving to a more traditional dual-metal construction, the Head Kore 106 Ti aims at a larger audience than the outgoing Kore 105 with a carbon-powered build. This new ski is a massive change from the 105, with a new shape, profile, and construction—these skis could be called something totally different, it’s that big of an alteration. These new skis end up being more predictable, reliable, and steady through powder, crud, and chop. While many skiers will miss the energy and pop of the carbon laminates, there are likely many, many more who will appreciate the damp and stable build of the new ski. It’s got a decent amount of camber and rocker that allow it to be floaty and fun, but the metal comes to life on groomers, delivering more than respectable performance on a smooth trail.

Who it's For:

A big audience. This ski has a predictable and manageable character for the amount of performance you get. If you prefer more of a traditional construction with modern tweaks, then this ski is a great choice.

Price: $849.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 DPS Kaizen 105 Skis

Overview:

Crisp, exacting, and a whole lot of fun, the DPS Kaizen 105 uses a full carbon construction and a dense wood core to achieve a unique blend of ski performance traits. The key here is in the thinness of the materials, so while they use ash in the core, they use it thinly. The same is true for the carbon. We get two full sheets of carbon, but they don’t take up a whole lot of room. As a result, this Kaizen 105 hooks into the snow with vigor—taking its pilot for an exciting and thrilling ride. This ski acts like a rollercoaster on the trails, carving clean and round turns while adhering to the terrain with energy and power. The 105 features the straighter cut, with a lower profile, than the other skis in DPS’s lineup, making this a swift ski for groomers, crud, and chop.

Who it's For:

Accomplished skiers will get the most out of Kaizen 105. You have to be willing to be a driver in this situation, not a passenger.

Price: $1,549.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2024 Kaizen 105 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2026 Armada ARV 106 Ti Skis

Overview:

The new Armada ARV 106 Ti brings a new level of power and stability to the ARV 106 line, adding metal to the mix and bringing grip and sturdiness for more aggressive skiers. We still get a full poplar core in this ski but add two layers of ATBX metal. These run 2/3 the length of the ski and the milled out zones are found in front of the binding zone. By replacing these slits with elastomer material, it makes for a smooth and composed ride. Basically, this is a Declivity X build in an ARV 106 shape. With appropriate rocker and taper for flotation and creativity, we’re seeing a lot of potential here when it comes to mixing on and off-trail performance. This is a more aggressive ski than the non-Ti version of the ARV 106.

Who it's For:

We’re thinking that skiers who are looking for a powerful twin tip without de-valuing freestyle creativity will really get along with this ski well. You want something that’ll hold up to strong and sturdy skiing but not lose freestyle potential.

Price: $799.95

Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Liberty Radian 106 Skis

Overview:

The Liberty Radian is a new width for this year, and we’re pretty stoked it exists. The Radian 92 and 100 were pretty sweet and engaging skis last year, and this new 106 takes the soft snow performance to the next level. We get a wood core with carbon and metal in this ski, as well as an interesting tip shape and directional design. It’s very floaty and easy to turn in softer snow, but it also delivers nice energy in medium radius carves on groomers. There’s a lot of pep and energy in this ski, so it’s not all about soft snow—there's an all-mountain application here as well, as this ski is based off the narrower skis in the range. The shovel flexes nicely and provides a mix of flotation and carving intuition.

Who it's For:

You can be a skilled skier and really get a lot out of this ski. You can also view it as an approachable ski if you’re just getting into more adventurous skiing and deeper snow.

Price: $849.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Atomic Maverick 105 CTi Skis

Overview:

The light yet sturdy Maverick 105 CTi returns for 2026 with a new graphic, but is still built and shaped to charge through crud and chop while floating through fresh and laying down arcs on groomers. This is a very well-rounded skis with a lot of different capabilities. It’s very versatile for a directional 105 and it makes quick work of variable snow conditions and technical terrain. With a sturdy underfoot zone and energetic carbon leading the way through the tips and tails, these skis deliver the right amount of energy and edge grip to the feet of advanced and expert skiers who know how to rip.

Who it's For:

Strong, directional skiers will get the most out of the Maverick 105 CTi. You like mixing terrain and want something that delivers good feedback and rebound with an unflinching attitude.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Salomon QST 106 Skis

Overview:

The Salomon QST 106 gets a re-design for 2026 but retains a lot of the structure and character of what has made it incredibly popular and fun over the years. Of all the QST changes, it’s safe to say that the shape of the 106 stayed the same the most. The construction offers a thicker wood core, longer basalt stringers from tip to tail and an extended cork damplifier for silence. These skis continue to be on the heftier side, even though the have such a fun and interesting shape—that's what makes them hard to identify and where to place them on this wall. The range of performance is quite impressive, with a high end feel and finish to go along with a quiet and playful character. It’s a great floater and it’s also sturdy enough to have a lot of fun in carved turns. In general, this ski is a wonderful representative of the entirety of this category.

Who it's For:

Modern freeride skiers who are looking for a mix of versatility and strong performance. You want playfulness, but you don’t want it to sap from the overall performance ceiling.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | Ski Review | Collection Introduction

At a Glance:

2026 DPS Wailer 107 Skis

Overview:

Now in year two of Carbon Wailer construction, the DPS Wailer 107 is a fun, responsive floater that can actually carve a nice short turn. The big deal with the DPS skis is that the shaping allows them to adhere to a 15-meter turn radius, making easy work of turning in powder. As a result, these skis end up having a whole lot of rocker and taper with a ton of splay. DPS uses a poplar wood core with carbon strips on top and on the bottom, so while the ski doesn’t get the full carbon makeup, it’s still very smooth and responsive. This is a directional ski with ease of use as a reigning strength, offering easy access to powder skiing for a large audience. Cost notwithstanding.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for an easy powder ski with some good kick at the end. You want a lot of fun flotation and you don’t mind paying a bit more money for it.

Price: $1,299.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 K2 Mindbender 106 C Skis

Overview:

We’ve talked a lot about this ski over the years, and most/all of those thoughts and theories carry forward into the 2026 ski which returns unchanged. This remains one of the best tree skis on this list, with excellent steering capabilities while also being able to lay down some smooth carves on groomers. The carbon spectral braiding is the real deal here, adjusting the torsional and longitudinal stiffness in order to deliver directional soft snow performance. This is also a great ski for introductory powder skiing as it’s fun, surfy, and easy to steer also at a lighter weight.

Who it's For:

This would make a great first powder ski for a lot of skiers. If you are looking to progress and find more adventure out there, the Mindbender 106 C is a fantastic ski.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2024 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2026 Black Crows Atris Skis

Overview:

This ski is all about fun and surfy flotation. When you get this ski in its proper locale, it really jumps off the page. As one of the more soft-snow oriented skis on this list, the Atris works exceptionally well in deeper snow, especially on the feet of more creative and playful skiers. The Atris gets a graphics refresh for 2026 but otherwise returns structurally unchanged. Built with a poplar wood core and fiberglass, this half-cap ski has a lot of taper and rocker to it that creates that modern freeride shape and profile. Whether you’re deep in spring slush or in wide-open powder bowls, the Atris suits the needs of adventurous skiers who like to play with the fall line.

Who it's For:

Surfers, smearers, and creative skiers will love the overall feel and character of the Atris. If you are in search of deep and soft snow but don’t want a super-wide ski, this is a great place to be.

Price: $899.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2024 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2026 Elan Ripstick 108 Skis

Overview:

This is year two of this current build and look from Elan, and it remains the sturdiest and most powerful of the Ripstick line, thanks to a stiffer flex and a thicker core. Elan has more freedom and creativity than most other companies out there as they are able to build skis in an asymmetric fashion with a left and right-specific ski. As such, they can vary the length of the carbon strips and shape the skis to maximize downhill ski performance. The 108 is super fun in softer snow, and is a wonderful and easy floater. If you’re not looking for too hard of a time out there in the deep stuff, this ski is a very helpful tool. While the shovel is on the softer side, the underfoot zone and the tail are more responsive, mainly due to the use of Elan’s carbon rods.

Who it's For:

You don’t have to be an aggressive or hard-charging skier to fully enjoy the Ripstick 108. You want flotation, and you don’t want to work too hard to get it.

Price: $899.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Volkl Blaze 104 Skis

Overview:

Crisp, fun, and more powerful than you may think, the Volkl Blaze 104 is a capable and lively ski that can actually carve a turn. These skis make all sorts of turn shapes and styles, mainly due to the multi-turn radius, but also the flex and flatter profile make them amenable to so many different applications. Volkl goes flatter than most, especially in this Blaze series, with very long and low rocker to go along with almost no camber underfoot. This allows skiers to easily access different turn shapes and styles regardless of conditions or terrain. It’s a very natural feeling ski, and while it’s on the wide side for tighter bumps, it works great in trees, fresh snow, and softer groomers. There’s a surprising amount of rebound here as the ski walks a line between predictability and excitement.

Who it's For:

A whole lot of skiers, especially those looking for a relatively light and capable ski in this range. You are more of a directional skier and want the possibility of putting a hybrid or touring setup together.

Price: $849.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 DPS Koala 103 Skis

Overview:

The 2026 Koala 103 gets some performance updates, bringing it a bit more reactivity and precision. It now basically follows the Carbon Wailer construction, complete with a poplar core and carbon strips on top and bottom of the wood. Paired with this fun and somewhat symmetrical shape and profile, this is a playful ski with a lot of pep in its step. The taper is also somewhat symmetrical, and somewhat dramatic, making the ski feel more centered than the more directional Wailer. As a result, you can be more creative on these skis and make them go in any direction you choose. They also lay down a pretty crisp carve. If you stay in the middle and let the ski do the work, it’s a very satisfying and rewarding turner. While it’s on the stiffer side for pure freestyle, those with aspirations of big landings and more aggressive tricks will do just fine.

Who it's For:

Assertive freeride skiers looking for a supportive and balanced ski for off-piste freestyle.

Price: $1,195.00

Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Line Pandora 106 Skis

Overview:

This was one of the skis that jumped off the snow for us this past year. While it has existed in the past, it came to prominence more this year, now in year 2 of Pandora being a more cohesive unisex line of skis. Sometimes, a ski doesn’t really register at a certain width given the build. For us, the Pandora really comes to life at the 106 mm width. The mass and profile align with the width, making the Pandora 106 feel like a sturdy and smooth performer with excellent mobility and a drifty character. With plenty of rocker in the tips and tails, this 106 also has a longer taper in the shovel to accommodate for deeper snow and increased flotation over the narrower models. At the same time, this ski is really quite engaging in a carved turn, delivering smooth arcs and easy access to a variety of edge angles.

Who it's For:

Smooth and proficient skiers will love the ease of use and quiet overall stylings of the Pandora 106.

Price: $699.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Armada ARV 106 Skis

Overview:

Back again for surfy freeride fun, the 2026 Armada ARV 106 returns structurally unchanged but delivers two new graphics options and a unisex build as there’s no longer an ARW 106. For skiers like us here in New England, this is a bit wide to considered a daily ski by most metrics and standards, but for skiers who find themselves in deeper snow or more adventurous and creative terrain, this ARV 106 will suit the needs of most days. Featuring a poplar wood core with an ash binding insert and plenty of rocker and roundness, these skis are built and shaped for playful skiing and freestyle moves in softer snow. Now with a full black graphic or one designed by “Mad5steez,” you’re sure to find the ARV 106 that matches your unique style.

Who it's For:

Fun, creative, and smeary skiers will love the playfulness and flotation of the ARV 106. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice smoothness and silence as these skis are on the quiet side of the spectrum.

Price: $749.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Fischer Nightstick 104 Skis

Overview:

The Nightstick 104 is a very fun and engaging ski with a lot of flex in the tips and tails to go along with a sturdy underfoot zone. It’s built with a full poplar core and one sheet of metal underfoot. The metal is on the bottom of the core, adding more grip and durability for rails. We get a lot of rocker and taper in this ski, as it adds a spoony shape to the ends while keeping the ski off the snow and floating through every turn—this ski will not dive. It’s interesting putting a twin tip shape based off a park ski into something this wide, but that does seem to be trendy these days. At any rate, it’s a fun carver, but will not hold up to firmer snow like some of the other skis on this list, but it will stay afloat for backcountry booters, pillow lines, and the like.

Who it's For:

Freestyle-oriented skiers looking for a wider-bodied twin. You want a lot of flex and creativity without losing a solid feel.

Price: $674.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Volkl Revolt 104 Skis

Overview:

The Revolt 104 returns as a super fun and surfy ski that can handle freestyle performance, but is better suited to adventurous and wooded terrain. These skis have an interesting overall taper shape, with the widest part of the shovel being quite a bit more robust than the tail. The increase in tail taper provides easy steering in the back, and that delivers very slarvy and smeary characteristics. It can still provide directional fun and performance as it is a sturdy-feeling ski, but overall, it’s more meant for deeper snow and creative skiing. With a wider shovel, flotation comes easy, adding to the drifty and surfy aura that this ski provides.

Who it's For:

Freestyle-oriented skiers looking for wider-bodied fun and floaty performance. You want to ski powder, but you don’t want to give up trick time in the process.

Price: $749.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2026 Liberty Scope 104 Skis

Overview:

Now in year 2 of the new Liberty, the Scope 104 gets a bit of an update already. We see the use of poplar wood in the core and a phenolic binding plate underfoot. These skis also get a poured ABS sidewall that delivers smoothness and silence to the edges of the skis. Overall, these remain some of the most flexible skis out there, especially in the tips and tails. This makes them incredibly playful and freestyle-oriented—capable of leaning into park and slopestyle applications while also being fun and useful in softer snow and off-piste applications. They are simple to ski with an easy access point. With a twin tip shape and enough rocker for deeper snow, the Scope 104 is a fun freeride option for skiers who aren’t looking for something too hard to ski.

Who it's For:

You can be a strong freestyle skier and still enjoy this ski’s versatility. You can also be an emerging skier looking for an easy going twin tip for modern freeride skiing. It has a big range for a lot of intermediate and advanced skiers.

Price: $749.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2026 Liberty Scope 94 & Scope 104 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2026 Salomon Depart 1.0 Skis

Overview:

The Salomon Depart 1.0 is a very interesting ski, and sits in a strange space within the freeride and freestyle world. For the most part, this is a QST 106, but with more creative applications. With a pointed shovel, it doesn’t seem like it’d fit in the twin tip world, especially since the tail does not match, but the reality of the ski is that it’s flexible and light enough to be used in more slopestyle creative environments. Interestingly, the Depart is billed as more of an athlete-inspired urban park ski. Beyond the marketing though, this 106 works amazingly well in a resort application as well. It floats great, is easy to use, and delivers a versatile and smooth set of performance values. Whether it’s simply trendy or if it actually makes sense, we’re seeing a lot of high end park skiers on wider and heavier directional skis these days, and this Depart is definitely moving the needle in that direction.

Who it's For:

We’re not entirely sure yet. It’s one of those skis where marketing points one way but reality skews towards another path. Usually when that happens, literally anyone can ski on the thing.

Price: $729.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results