2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis—Skis with bindings	2027 Stockli Nela 86	—

Megan submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Megan Papineau

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 122
Days / Year: 30
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 36

Former racer trying to hang responsibly with Jeff

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

169 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Groomers at Pico, VT.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Great groomer ski for the ex racer!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomers, steeps. Hard to say about flotation without the opportunity here today but I don’t imagine that’s what the ski is for, not super playful as it loves to be up on edge for a long carved turn.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate expert.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Great groomer ski!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Holly Mayer

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

169 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico: hard pack, groomed, sugary, and icy patches.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right as a strong skier. I would ski this shorter if I wasn’t as strong a skier.

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:3/10

Forgiveness:3/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:4/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski wants to go fast, it wants to drive through every icy and chunky type of snow you find on the east coast. I was impressed with this ski, it just cruises and plows down the mountain with no problems. It is quite stiff but very easy to trust in those bigger carving turns when it’s icy.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Steep and icy groomers is what this ski loved today. Rolling it over and putting in the fall line this ski held amazingly and just felt like driving a Beemer(BMW)! Quick edge to edge transition with shorter turns but goes fast. Not super playful but is perfect for those icy hard pack days on the east coast.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to advanced skiers should enjoy this ski. This is a very sturdy ski so for anyone looking to rip up ice and crud! Will plow through most anything making it a good ski for people who can ski everything on the mountain.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

At first I felt a little wonky on this ski, I had a hard time controlling it the first run. Then I skied forty niner and the ski got away from me on the head wall. After that though I was able to figure out how the ski wanted to be skied and once I started really stepping on that outside ski it ripped around and made beautiful turns!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Lauren Morton

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 30
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 30+

Happy to ski any terrain and like to make turns

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

169 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Packed powder.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Nela 86 rips! So fun, stable and quick!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomers and firm snow. These also want to be taken to Europe.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Strong, advanced, skiers and above will love this ski! I could see it really helping somebody level up their carved turns.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

These make me want to have an Aperol Spritz. Also I see no reason to ski the Nela 94.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Shelly Carbonneau

Ability: Advanced Intermediate
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 154
Days / Year: 23
Age: 56
Years Skiing: ~30

Having fun!

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

162 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Perry Merrill, variable conditions.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Likes speed!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Great for groomers and packed snow.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced skier will love this ski. Performs well at high speeds.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

A need for speed? These are the skis for you. They perform well at high speeds and grip with each carve.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Kerrie Lohr

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 130
Days / Year: In the 70s
Age: 38
Years Skiing: A few

Fluid, energetic, chargy, fun.

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

162 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondolier.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right, would ski this length.

Scores

Floatation:1/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

These skis were fast and fun carvers.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomers. I had to negotiate a couple small bumps and the skis navigated those super easily and without any feedback.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced intermediate to advanced.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

These skis felt like Goldilocks groomer skis: juuuust right. I went into these expecting them to be very stiff and unforgiving but they managed to be super stable at both at high speed, charging turns and navigated some unexpected terrain features without becoming unwieldy and pissed off that they weren’t railing corduroy anymore.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Fiona Reed

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 140
Days / Year: 35-40
Age: 26
Years Skiing: 20+

Moderately aggressive female skier from an on-again-off-again racing background, enjoys trying to make pretty turns no matter what conditions or terrain the ice coast throws at her, isn't always successful.

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

169 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Gondolier, hardpack.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This by no means skied short but I might size down just because it seems to prefer a short turn and the length didn’t help me much there.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I was hoping that these would ski like the Kastle Sublime and be a bit of a weapon, but they were definitely more of a specialized carving ski than all around heavy charger. My first lap I tried to rip big GS turns but they definitely were happier on little slalom turns, which they did well on, but still required a lot of driving without a lot of energy back in return for you effort.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Frontside ski all day, super stiff and shaped well for it.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced-expert, a demanding ski for sure.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

They’re like a good ski and all but I wouldn’t pick this over a dedicated slalom ski.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Carly Monahan

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 135
Days / Year: 50
Age: 41
Years Skiing: 12 (tho I've been xc-skiing recreationally for 40 years)

Engaged and active, but not particularly aggressive. I like to find the flow of terrain+ski and let that lead me; I rarely find the need to go faster than my skis want to go - nor do I typically find the need for my skis to leave the ground.

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

169 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Frozen granular groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This was maybe a ridge long for me, I’d prob size down if I were gonna ski this all day. But it felt very true to size.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Nice, solid ski. A bit beefier than other 80-waisted piste skis; not as quick to fling side to side for swishy short turns. It felt like it would hold an edge really well on carved turns, but I didn’t quite find the right conditions to fully trust leaning hard.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I imagine this being an absolute blast on wide groomers with packed powder.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Seems ideal for advanced intermediate skiers who are looking to progress, all the way up to experts looking for a somewhat forgiving carver.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

A solid carver that is offended if you skid your turns too.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Kristin Connors

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 125
Days / Year: 75
Age: 43
Years Skiing: 37 years

I like carving groomers, ducking into trees, ski touring in the woods. Spring skiing aficionado. Believer of friends on a powder day.

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

169 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe groomers with firm, frozen granular snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

These skied like a longer more traditional carver and skis true to size. The 169 was right for me.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Stöckli Nela 88 is a confident, grounded ski that delivers a smooth and stable ride. It has a strong connection to the snow, giving it a planted, secure feel. It's a damp ski which can make it feel less playful and forgiving. It performs best when driven from a forward stance. Skiers who stay centered and active over the front of the ski will get the most out of it.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Frontside all mountain ski that can cut through crud and variable conditions. It's stable with minimal rocker so you can use the entire length of the edge on groomers and hardpack snow.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced intermediate to advanced skiers. It's best skied forward and with intent.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

This ski rewards strong technique and a carving-focused style. Its strength is on fresh corduroy, variable conditions, firm snow and chopped up snow. It's not as strong in moguls or trees.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Colleen FitzGerald

Ability: Advanced Intermediate
Height: 5’5
Weight: 135
Days / Year: 25
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 15

Fun, like short and long turns, some bumps, glades, sometimes like to push speed otherwise chill

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

162 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondola groomers hard pack and ice.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The length felt true to size, it was comfortable so ski the 164 as someone who skis between 160 and 167. Great control and maneuverability.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This was a super fun ski, playful but also stable and liked a variety of speeds. It had an ease to it when carving and also liked to cruise.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It did well on hardpack and ice, holding an edge and easy to carve to the whole run. The run was later in the day in skied off conditions and it was still fun and confident.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

It’s a great ski for an intermediate skier, but also felt approachable for someone starting to get more into carving. An aggressive skier might get more from it as well. A great ski to grow into!

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

This ski was like going on a run with your fun friend, just playful and lots of character! Also stable and reliable, an all around great time! You can tell it’s really well contested and feels like a solid ride.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Rebecca Price

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5’5”
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 70
Age: 46
Years Skiing: 41

Always up for an adventure!

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

163 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe - Gondola groomers, machine groomed surface.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This was the right length for me.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:5/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:5/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This felt like a great all-around ski. It was fun and versatile, though I noticed a slight bit of chatter on hardpack.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I’d recommend it as an all-mountain ski. At 86 mm underfoot, it has the versatility to handle a range of conditions, and while it may not be perfect on very firm snow, it still feels well rounded and enjoyable across the mountain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski is a good fit for intermediate to advanced skiers. It suits someone who wants versatility and fun rather than a highly specialized carving or powder ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It reminded me a bit of the Santa Ana 92.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Emily Tiche

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5’2
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 15
Age: 30
Years Skiing: 22

Semi aggressive

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

162 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

After testing these on an icy day at Stowe, I see why Stöcklis are referred to as the Cadillac of skis. They're a wonderful ski that leads you into the carve and handles ice with ease. I took them down Perry Merrill then a run on Nosedive. While Nosedive was pretty icy, these skis cut into the ice with no problem. My top speed with these was 48 mph and I definitely wasn’t pushing as hard as I could. These felt powerful and stable and I would absolutely put these skis on my wishlist.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I would say this ski is true to size.

Scores

Floatation:2/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:2/10

Forgiveness:3/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I really enjoyed these skis as soon as I put them on. They are seriously stable at high speeds - no chatter whatsoever.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I would stick to the groomers with these due to their width and stiffness. They are designed to go fast and carve.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

These skis are best suited to advanced to expert skiers. Beginner/intermediate skiers would probably find these to be a bit too stiff and difficult to maneuver.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I had a blast demoing these skis. I tested these on an icy day at Stowe where Nosedive was pretty rough on my old Völkl park skis, the feel could not have been more different when I took the Nelas out. I felt like I could conquer any groomer in any condition on these.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Allison Ruschp

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 150
Days / Year: 40
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 38

x-racer who has toned it back

Ski:

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

Size Tested:

162 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Soft and beautiful groomers at Stowe.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Love this length, I also skied the 168 and enjoyed it but the shorter length was a better fit for me.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Smooth beauty! The Nela 86 is a precision ski, it's smooth and stable at speeds, easy to start the turn and holds a edge like no other. I skied this on a soft groomer day which was a just amazing but I also tried it on an icier day and that is where is outshines other skis, its strong and again, SMOOTH, on the ice conditions. I felt confident skiing the Nela 86 in a mix of conditions and it has so much energy that its pops and turns when you want it.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Its geared toward resort skiing and groomers but still shines in the bumps, trees and crud.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Strong confident skiers will love this ski but its not limited to advanced skiers, a high intermediate or even athletic intermediate would shine on these skis. Its easy to turn and holds an edge like no other ski on the market. Again, I use the word, SMOOTH!

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Gold and blue top sheet is the icing on the cake of this ski.

Read the Full Ski Test →

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

2027 Stockli Nela 86 Skis

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