2027 Men's ~90 mm All Mountain Ski Comparison

The ~90 mm All-Mountain category is a powerhouse of all sorts of useful skis. There’s a big directional influence here with a great mix of carving power and resort versatility. You can keep things light and mobile with skis like the Elan Ripstick Black Edition or go full diesel and rip high-speed unflappable arcs on the Nordica Enforcer 89. There are some great new options here as well, like the Mindbender 88 from K2 or the Dancer 89 Ti from Faction. While most of these skis feature some sort of dual-metal laminate, there are quite a few that use carbon or a mix of partial metal to achieve a more approachable feel. This makes for great variances in ski style and demand, and as usual, it makes for great conversation. Mainly, does everyone need the most powerful ski on this list to ensure the best possible ski experience? We don’t think so—there's a middle ground here for all skiers, aligning proper construction and shape with what you do most as a skier. Don’t let the order of this grouping mislead you—the skis at the top of this list are still very high-functioning, and high-performance skis—no slouches here!

At a Glance:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Overview:

Elan’s new Ripstick 88 Black Edition is a wonderful new addition to this lineup. With more carbon and more horsepower than the non-Black Edition, this ski works best for skiers who are looking for a mix of lightweight and deft performance to go along with amazing energy and rebound. Elan does a nice job of making carbon-powered skis like this to feel like they have some metal in them from a damping perspective, but it totally keeps it aligned with the light and accessible performance of the normal one. Built with four carbon rods, a unidirectional strip of carbon under the core and another carbon layer on top, these skis have a ton of energy. The shovels are still pretty flexible, and while they’re easy to engage in a carved turn, they’re not the most supportive when busting through crud, chop, or more rugged conditions. They like to carve and provide zip.

Who it’s For:

Capable and technical skiers will love the ease of access in terms of performance and electricity.

Price: $899.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition First Impressions

At a Glance:

2027 Atomic Maverick 88 CTi Skis

Overview:

The Maverick 88 CTi uses a light poplar wood core infused with ash to go along with carbon stringers and a titanal laminate to ensure proper energy and stability in all sorts of conditions and terrain. We also get a more playful and soft-snow focused shovel. Not only does it use their HRZN Tech 3D, but it also has a good deal of taper and rocker. This leads to easy swing weight and hyper mobility in tighter and more technical spots. This makes it fun in trees and bumps. On groomers, the more directional tail and high energy of the ski delivers amazing short turns and medium radius arcs. Longer turns and higher speeds require a bit more work and balance on the part of the skier but overall, the ski holds up quite nicely here. We find that this ski works great in slightly softer snow as it’s really easy to turn and steer and get nice energy out of the tail.

Who it’s For:

Quick and agile skiers who love bumps and trees and short turns on the sides of the trail.

Price: $749.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2026 Atomic Maverick 88 CTi Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Black Crows Sato Skis

Overview:

Give a skier a Sato and chances are they’ll have a great time. These easygoing carvers have a solid and stable feel to them that goes along with great energy. With a directional shape and thick wood core, the Sato is brimming with confidence and smoothness. We have loved them in softer groomers and packed powder, but they also work great in bumps and in choppy situations due to the overall core thickness. Black Crows doesn’t need to add a lot of sophistication to the build—they're pretty squarely set on a poplar wood core and fiberglass. By running the sidewalls full length, they add grip and poise in the very tips and tails, giving skiers a sense of completeness in a carved turn. There’s enough rocker in the tail to make it fun and interesting while keeping it squared and blocky enough to give a good sense of confidence.

Who it’s For:

Sato is a great option for skiers who are looking for high-quality feel and smooth on-snow performance. You’re not looking for the strongest ski out there, but you do want a good sense of composure.

Price: $739.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2026 Black Crows Sato Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Liberty Super Radian 88 Skis

Overview:

The newest ski in the Radian line, the Super Radian 88, brings more metal and a turnier shape to the lineup. Built with a blend of poplar, ash, and bamboo, the skis use carbon stringers and a longer metal laminate than the other Radian lines. In addition to the construction differences, the main change here from the rest of the Radians is the shorter arc. These skis use sidecut measurements of 130/88/116 to generate a 15.5-meter turn radius, so there’s a lot of playfulness here when it comes to loading the ski with energy and feeling it come around with vigor. If you think of other skis like this with shorter radius carves, this one is a bit more accessible and amenable to those shorter turns whereas you have to work harder in a ski like the Arcade 88 which has more stiffness. Super Radian 88 still uses a more tapered shovel shape, and this allows for easier access to that arc.

Who it’s For:

Carving enthusiasts who want to maximize their time on the mountain. You basically enjoy carving back up the hill each turn.

Price: $749.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2027 DPS Pisteworks 89 Skis

Overview:

Whatever you may think you know about the Pisteworks 89, it’s probably all true. But we’re willing to bet that it’s also so much more. With a construction that uses two horizontal layers of wood—the bottom is red oak, and the top is poplar—the skis also feature two full laminates of carbon and a carbon power plate in the underfoot zone. This makes for a lot of carbon, but while the Ripstick’s carbon gives the ski energy and zip, the DPS use of carbon is a lot smoother and more composed. The shape of the ski is not what you’d expect, with a lot of tail rocker and taper. As a Pisteworks, you may expect a pure on-piste shape and style, but these 89’s are just so much more. You get tons of confidence, grip, and power in a carving setup while the off-trail versatility of this ski is highly underrated.

Who it’s For:

Capable and confident skiers will love the high-end capacity of the ski. You do need a bit more money to make it happen.

Price: $2,095.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2027 DPS Pisteworks 89 - Behind the Scenes at the 2027 Ski Test

At a Glance:

2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti Skis

Overview:

The new Faction Dancer 89 Ti picks up where the Dancer 79 left off last year. With a wider shape but a similar construction, the Dancer 89 Ti is a solid feeling yet lighter weight ski with a poplar core and two thin sheets of metal. We found that the balance of power, edge grip, and versatility was very interesting. It worked in the 79, so it stands to reason that the 89 will tip the scale towards versatility without totally removing on-trail composure. We found that by adding some taper and rocker to a more front-side width, Faction has made a really fun and engaging carving ski that can also happen to do other things as well. It certainly relies on blending an innovative shape with a lighter yet sturdy build for a lot of variety in turn shape, style, and overall composure. This is an intuitive ski that can make all sorts of different skiers happy.

Who it’s For:

There’s a big range of skier type here, as it’s a relatively accessible ski with two sheets of metal but also has a very high-performance ceiling.

Price: $829.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2027 Faction Dancer 89 Ti, 99, & 99 Ti First Impressions

At a Glance:

2027 Fischer Ranger 90 Skis

Overview:

The Fischer Ranger 90 carries over for 2027 and continues to provide a great mix of on-trail performance with off-trail versatility. With a partial metal laminate, the poplar-powered ski relies on a longer layer of titanal to add damping and grip. The tips and tails are metal-free, but still have a thicker core profile, so there’s not a huge loss of stiffness in these areas. They do use an average amount of rocker and taper in the profile of the ski, in the hopes of being all-encompassing when it comes to terrain choice and snow conditions. These skis strive for versatility, and they sincerely wish to be used all over the resort. With nice energy in the tails and good quickness in more technical zones, the Ranger 90 certainly fits the dictionary definition of an all-mountain ski. We’ve had testers over the years absolutely love this ski in the bumps and trees, as that average radius of 17-meters in the 177 again hits right in the middle.

Who it’s For:

Skiers who want some metal for damping but not for demand. You want a well-rounded ski with all sorts of benefits.

Price: $724.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2027 Armada AntiMatter 92 Skis

Overview:

The new Armada AntiMatter 92 has a whole lot going for it and will make a lot of skiers very happy this upcoming year. The ski uses the same mold as the outgoing Declivity 92 Ti but we get an updated construction that makes the ski a bit smoother and more approachable than before. This will help skiers improve their off-trail enjoyment without losing much when it comes to carving performance. With a bit more flex and an overall silent feel, the AntiMatter 92 uses Speed Metal to dampen and power the ski. This is a move away from two sheets and an intro to a partial laminate that occupies more of the central chord of the ski for a strong spine and playful sides. The wider shovel allows for easy engagement of the carve, and the width keeps the ski up on a high edge angle throughout the turn.

Who it’s For:

Sturdy all-mountain skiers who want a good carver that works great in crud, chop, and alternative terrain.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2027 Armada AntiMatter 92 On Snow Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 K2 Mindbender 88 Skis

Overview:

The K2 Mindbender 88 is an all-new ski for 2027. It’s fair to say it picks up where the Mindbender 89 Ti left off, but with a different character and overall vibe. It’s built with an aspen and paulownia wood core, and we get two sheets of titanal I-Beam in the ski, so it’s more of a spine feel than it was with the Y-shaped metal in the 89. We also get Dark Matter Technology that keeps the ski damper and more connected to the snow by adding elastomer to the sides in front of and behind the binding. Even though this ski has a shorter turn radius, it feels more like a narrow freeride ski than a short-carving master, despite the 17-meter arc in the 182. With long rocker and smooth early taper, these skis feel like a more swervy and smeary ski than the width indicates.

Who it’s For:

Quick-turning skiers will love the ease of release combined with the strength and power of a metal-clad ski.

Price: $799.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2027 K2 Mindbender 88 - Behind the Scenes at the 2027 Ski Test

At a Glance:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 88 Skis

Overview:

It sure doesn’t get smoother, quieter, or more composed than a Stockli Stormrider 88 in this group. At the same time, it’s not overly demanding, so it doesn’t require a full-on commitment all of the time. Built with a blend of poplar, beech, and paulownia, the Stormrider 88 also uses two sheets of metal to dampen and power the ski. It’s easy to see and feel the quality that goes into these skis as they create a unique on-snow performance that no other company can really match. With rubber dust infused in the adhesive, the volume just goes way down on these skis and vibrations are cut to an absolute minimum. In terms of performance, it’s more that the ski feels so good rather than outperforming other skis on this list. It can be approachable and easy while having that higher ceiling. The range of the Stormrider makes it unique and special—just like how the construction sets it apart.

Who it’s For:

Skiers with a keen eye for quality and composure will absolutely adore this ski. You value versatility and precision at the highest levels of production and satisfaction.

Price: $1,439.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2027 Stockli Stormrider 88 On Snow Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Dynastar M-Cross 88 Skis

Overview:

While mostly billed as a wider front side carver, and it does excel there, the M-Cross 88 is also a smooth and capable performer in softer and more broken snow, mainly due to the wider tip shape with ample taper and rocker. Underfoot and extending into the forebody and aft sections, the H-Shaped metal laminates allow for increased edge grip and solid overall power. It’s the tail of the ski that’s on the demanding side, as the more rearward mount point invigorates the stiffness and responsiveness of the finish phase of the turn. The Hybrid 2.0 core is all about blending smoothness with energy, and it works quite well in this regard. It’s really all about the mix of polyurethane and multiple layers of wood in the construction, and that makes all the difference in the stiffness and responsiveness of the ski. With a strong tail and a groomer lean, the M-Cross 88 is a powerful ski that loves to carve.

Who it’s For:

This ski works great for skiers with a carving priority and focus. They like the idea of softer snow compliance, but off-piste skiing isn’t really part of the process.

Price: $699.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2024 Dynastar M-Cross 88 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Head Kore 88 Ti Skis

Overview:

With a new graphic (slightly), the Head Kore 88 Ti returns as a very quick and agile option for skiers looking for dual-metal construction and damping. The camber sticks out here as the height of camber provides an energetic and dynamic feel while the metal does its job at keeping the ski composed and predictable through all sorts of conditions and terrain. We’ve found them to work great in bumps and in shorter carves on groomers, but off-trail versatility and high-speed stability are harder to come by. That’s what makes this ski a bit more demanding and a bit more appropriate for skiers who spend most of their time on smoother and firmer snow. The Kore 88 Ti uses other damping layers, including a hybrid flax topsheet to keep the noise down, and it definitely feels like you’re on a very high-quality ski as a result. While not quite at Stockli level of silence, it’s pretty close on this list.

Who it’s For:

Strong skiers who value smoothness, silence, and composure at each and every turn.

Price: $749.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2027 Salomon Stance Pro 90 Skis

Overview:

Unchanged for 2027, the Salomon Stance Pro 90 uses a mix of light karuba to go along with smoother poplar in the core. They add two layers of metal to the mix to ensure high level performance and then pack it into a more traditional shape and profile. This is what we like to refer to as a “skier’s ski,” in that you do need to pay attention. You are in control of the ski more than others, and that allows you the benefit of accessing a high level of performance, but there’s also a relatively high floor. It’s not that the ski is overly demanding, rather it takes a bit of getting used to when alternating between on and off-trail conditions and terrain. With a slightly longer turn radius this ski does prefer speed, and it works well there. Shorter turns are a bit more work, especially carved ones, but in the bumps or other zones where you have to skid to change directions, they’re actually quite fun.

Who it’s For:

Directional and traditional all-mountain skiers with a thirst for speed and energy will get along great with the Stance Pro 90.

Price: $749.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2027 Kastle Sublime 88 Skis

Overview:

Kastle’s new Sublime series is pretty sweet and the middle ski in that zone is this new 88. Built with a blend of poplar and beech in their twin core construction, the Sublime also gets two sheets of metal in what we’d call a fairly traditional sandwich sidewall build. It absolutely rips turns as a result, and with a slightly more gratuitous shape than the MX, it makes versatility and off-piste skiing a bit easier. Not much in this 88, but a bit. Instead of having a blocky and square aluminum tail like we see in the MX, the Sublime has a rounder shape and no metal insert. This allows for easier release, and the additional rocker allows you to relax slightly and just enjoy the ride. With an 18.4-meter turn radius in the 180, these skis have a more traditional shape and style than many others here, and that’s all on Kastle for making a sweet all-mountain carver.

Who it’s For:

Skiers looking for Kastle power and precision without going full MX. You want a solid and stable feel with amazing quality.

Price: $899.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2027 Kastle Sublime 88 - Behind the Scenes at the 2027 Ski Test

At a Glance:

2027 Blizzard Anomaly 88 Skis

Overview:

The Anomaly 88 can make a strong case for being the highest performing AND the most versatile ski on this wall. It would definitely make a good argument at being well-rounded enough for true Stowe all-mountain skiing while holding an incredible edge on hard pack snow and ice. The Blizzard construction is very sophisticated and rugged, but the shape of the ski allows for a bit more playfulness and access. These solid-feeling skis are about as sturdy as they come, allowing seasoned skiers to push it to 110% while being able to dial it in and reel it back when needed. It’s got a huge range and holds up to very aggressive skiing. With a bit more tip splay than anything else here, the skis stay up and out of fresh snow while the tail rocker complements the ski’s intuitive ability to make all sorts of turn shapes and styles. While certainly not as easy to use as the Ripstick or anything on the other end of the wall, given the strength and power, it’s got a really good mix of applications and attributes for expert skiers.

Who it’s For:

Accomplished and confident skiers who are looking to mix on and off-trail skiing at the highest possible level.

Price: $749.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Volkl Mantra 88 Skis

Overview:

With precision and power to spare, the Mantra 88 keeps its spot in the final 5 with relative ease. These skis have a ton of sophistication and engineering built in, and it makes total sense when you get them on snow. Amazingly, Volkl’s build is able to provide a ton of energy with basically zero camber—these skis are flat—and that adds to their ability to be a bit swervy in softer snow and more adventurous terrain. Still, though, these skis want to be used on groomers first and foremost, and they do quite well in those realms. The edge grip is insane, and it actually works very well considering they’re just a bit lighter than the other skis at this end. In that softer snow, they work okay on the feet of a skilled skier, but they just want to carve so much that it makes it somewhat difficult to wrangle if you are not properly unweighting your skis.

Who it’s For:

Technical skiers will love the precision and edge grip of the Mantra 88. This is certainly more of an expert level ski for high-end skiers.

Price: $849.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2026 Volkl Mantra 88 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Nordica Enforcer 89 Skis

Overview:

The Enforcer 89 continues to find its way to the south side of our wall, bringing with it a strong blend of weight, stiffness, and power. At the same time, this ski also has the most freeride heritage to it, based on the wider skis within the line. With a slightly rounder shape and slightly smoother rocker profile, the Enforcer 89 can be a bit more useful in an off-trail setting but is just so darn rock-solid on groomers it’s almost impossible to imagine it anywhere else. The thickness of the core, the amount of metal, and the pulse core laminate all combine to make a hefty ski that does not flinch regardless of what’s underneath it. This is something to love about the ski for sure, but also something to fear. It makes every turn with intent and vigor, allowing skiers to really stand on the ski and get fully into each carve.

Who it’s For:

Strong and steady skiers who like a bit of a challenge. You don’t want to fully give up on adventure skiing, but you’re getting kinda close.

Price: $749.99

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2025 Nordica Enforcer 89 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Kastle MX88 Skis

Overview:

The Kastle MX88 has such a strong and race-oriented tail. That’s why this ski is here. Underfoot and in the shovel, it’s not a whole lot different than other skis in this final 5, and we’d even say that the tip is easier to engage than Mantra, Enforcer, or Anomaly. But that tail does not let go of its grip. When you set the edge on this ski, you need to be prepared for it to be engaged the whole way through. Kastle also goes a long way in creating a stiff and solid core, with a tight blend of poplar and beech to go along with two full sheets of metal. Since they don’t extend all the way through the tip, with that Hollow Tech in the way, there’s at least a bit of flex in the shovel. This makes it slightly less demanding than the upcoming Arcade in that realm, but also more demanding than nearly everything else on this list.

Who it’s For:

This ski works great for former racers and current experts who love the sense of a strong finish in the turn. With a slightly longer radius, it works amazingly well for skiers who love speed.

Price: $1,149.00

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2025 Kastle MX88 Ski Review

At a Glance:

2027 Rossignol Arcade 88 Skis

Overview:

With a stiff flex and a short arc, the Rossignol Arcade 88 is the most demanding ski on this list for the third-year running. It makes sense, too, as this ski absolutely rips carved turns. It’s hard to do it, though, as you will need a certain level of skill and fitness in order to fully appreciate what this ski has to offer. Built with a poplar core, two sheets of metal, ABS line control, and an air tip, the Arcade 88 mainly focuses on core thickness to gain the most power here. It’s a very stiff and strong ski, and getting the thing to actually link 15-meter arcs can be a challenge. In any type of crud or chop, the Arcade simply motors right through it but keeps turning the whole way. You can even throw the Kastle sideways a bit easier than this ski. With a long and uninterrupted effective edge, the Arcade is a smooth and incredibly dynamic ski that will satisfy the needs of the most accomplished carvers.

Who it’s For:

Strong skiers who don’t mind putting in the legwork when it comes to linking carved turns.

Price: $749.95

Buy Now | Ski Test Results | 2025 Rossignol Arcade 88 Ski Review