Here at SkiEssentials.com, we spend a lot of time reviewing the newest, freshest skis and gear. That’s typically what you’ll see in our Chairlift Chat articles and videos on YouTube. Another big part of what we do, which falls much more into the behind-the-scenes category, is seek out good deals on skis we personally trust and pass along those deals to you, our customers. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 6 different men’s all-mountain skis from the 2020 season which all earned high praise not only from us, but from just about everyone in the ski world. The added bonus here: you’ll save hundreds on these skis compared to their 2021 brothers and you’re going to get darn good performance.

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Current Price: $429.95

Why We Like It:

The Enforcer 100 from Nordica has become one of the most popular, most sought-after skis on the market. It’s exceptionally versatile, as we’ve talked about over and over again in our reviews, Ski Test, and comparison videos. It lays down impressive turns on hardpack and holds an edge really well, feels stable and powerful, but it’s also not tremendously demanding. Off trail, it’s fun and maneuverable. The shape allows you to release the tail edge quite easily, especially among skis in this width range with this much power. While Nordica has made some subtle changes to the Enforcer 100 for the 2021 season, the 2020 version is still darn good.

Like the Enforcer 100, but think a narrower width would work better for you? Check out the 2020 Nordica Enforcer 93, which we currently have priced at $419.95.

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Current Price: $559.99

Why We Like It:

We’ve sung the praise of Elan’s Ripstick collection pretty consistently over the past few seasons, and that’s not about to change. For 2021, Elan has tweaked their Ripstick line and brought over some of the technology used in these Black Edition skis. We don’t get a Black Edition line for 2021, so in a lot of ways, this is still a “current” ski. Similarly versatile to the Enforcer 100, but it’s lighter on your feet, quicker, and a little more playful because of that. It’s not the stiffest, most powerful ski on this list, but the Black Edition skis always impressed with their solid edge grip and strong performance on firm snow given how light and maneuverable they feel. They’re also really, really, ridiculously good-looking.

We also have the 2020 Ripstick 106 Black Edition for a similarly low price. These skis fetched a premium price over the past two seasons and the Black Editions earned somewhat of a cult following.

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Current Price: $379.95

Why We Like It:

The Experience 94 Ti from Rossignol might be the sleeper ski in this list, and at $379,95, it’s one of the best deals too. For some reason, the 94 never seemed to earn the popularity of the Experience 88, and for 2021 it’s been replaced by an ever-so-similar Experience 92. The 94 uses a thicker core profile than the 88, with the same Line Control Technology. Its shape is highly versatile with enough tip rocker to handle softer snow conditions, and a flatter tail to give it power and stability when completing a carving turn. Some might find it too stiff, but advanced and expert level skiers who approach the mountain with an aggressive, down-the-fall line mentality will love it.

We are sold out of the narrower Experience 88 Ti for men, but we do have a nice price on the women’s version, at just $349.95. Could be a nice couples setup!

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Current Price: $789.00

Why We Like It:

I know, I know. You’re thinking to yourself, “how does a $789 ski fit into a bargain basement list?” Well, because it’s a Kastle. Kastle skis fetch a premium price due to their high quality materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. We’ve talked about it before. It seems like a lot on paper, but you can actually feel a difference. The MX89 is unique among this list because it uses 100% camber. Combine that with two sheets of metal and you’ve got a ski that’s incredibly powerful, precise, and with endless edge grip. Like the Experience 94 Ti, it might be a little bit much if you’re not in the advanced/expert range, but high level skiers tend to love the MX feel. The new version is similar, but now has tip rocker, so camber-enthusiasts may prefer the 2020 ski.

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Current Price: $454.97

Why We Like It:

These last three skis, starting with the MX89, are all fairly similar in the sense that they’re all very close in waist width and all use lots of metal in their construction. The Brahma 88 a little bit more versatile than the MX89 for off-piste terrain thanks to some subtle tip and tail rise and a more rounded off shape in the tail, but it’s still extremely powerful. Two sheets of metal, an Austrian feel, and it’s certainly proven itself over its almost decade-long existence as a high-end all-mountain ski. Blizzard made some tweaks to the Brahma for 2021, including their new True Blend core technology, but that doesn’t change the fact the 2020 ski is still really, really good.

Need a little more width? We have a similar discount on the 2020 Blizzard Bonafide.

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Current Price: $459.95

Why We Like It:

The Kendo 88 is unique among this list of skis in the sense that the 2021 version is identical. No changes for 2021 other than a new graphic, so if you pick up a 2020 ski, you’re still getting a current model in Volkl’s collection. The Kendo 88 has similar properties to the MX89 and Brahma, but its 3D radius allows for a longer turn shape for those that like to let it run. The Titanal Frame design has worked its way into the bulk of Volkl’s all-mountain and freeride skis and does a great job providing a powerful, precise feel, while also being a touch more forgiving than if it used a full sheet of metal under the topsheet. It’s not a tremendously forgiving ski, but arguably a touch more than the MX89 and potentially the Brahma too, somewhat dependent on skiing style.

You'll also find a great deal on the 2020 Volkl M5 Mantra, although we don't expect those to last long as we have a limited supply.

Written by Jeff Neagle on 09/10/20