Ski Tests All Mountain
- 80-86mm Waist
Group verdict
There's a broad spread in the medals here, with three skis taking even points for the gold - the Blizzard Magnum 8.1 CA, the K2 AMP Rictor and the Kastle MX78. In the same way, three skis gained silver status - the Armada Pipe Cleaner, the Elan Waveflex 82 XTi Amphibio and the Nordica Hot Rod Jet Fuel.
Target skier
Advanced to expert skier looking for an even split between on and off piste performance. They want this ski to give them an exact carve on the groomed but at the same time show some capability and help build confidence exploring the powder, the crud and the spring snow.
Skier ability:
On the ski school rating scale, these skis will suit strong class 4 skiers but mostly classes 3 to 1.
| Armada Pipe Cleaner |
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| Comments: Stable as you like and great for high speed crud; Kent. Nice to find a twinny that loves the corduroy; Steve. What a great slush-buster, very positive response; Macca.
Verdict: All round performance with twin tip looks. |
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| Atomic Black Eye Ti |
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| Comments: Predictable, versatile all-mountain machine; Kent. A go-everywhere cruiser; Jim.
Verdict: Well-priced, handsome pedigree. |
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| Blizzard Magnum 8.1 CA |
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| Comments: Very exact and great fun off piste, perfect for a one-quiver ski; Kent. Racer boy performance on the groomed; Jim. Top notch ski, you can rip the turns anywhere; Macca.
Verdict: Perfect for the category if you're willing to push the ski. |
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| Dynastar Legend Sultan 85 Fluid |
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| Comments: Very stable, loves the deep and motors once it's in motion; Kent. Not as nimble as some but silky on the medium-plus turns; Jim.
Verdict: Handy option for Australian resorts and some travel. |
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| Elan Waveflex 82 Amphibio Xti |
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| Comments: A go-anywhere beast, the Australian mountain machine; Jim. Plenty of ballast and likes to blast; Kent.
Verdict: An update of last year's ski of the year, still shines. |
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| Fischer Watea 84 |
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| Comments: Loves the softer snow but still travels very nicely in a carve turn; Tom. Versatile, nimble ski that will work for you anywhere; Jim.
Verdict: Good choice, but note that this has been updated since tested and now comes with freeride rocker. |
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| Head Peak 84 |
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| Comments: Smooth ride, nice edgehold; Steve. Great all-mountain cruiser with a plush ride in any snow type; Macca.
Verdict: Capable performer within this category. |
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| K2 AMP Rictor |
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| Comments: This is a Thredbo skier's best friend - predictable, reliable, stable, versatile; Jim. Rates highly, I like the all-terrain rocker. It's what we're all looking for in a ski; Steve.
Verdict: Perfect fit for this category. |
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| Kastle MX 78 |
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| Comments: Yeeha! Tip it, then rip it, a great ski for Australia; Macca. Solid enough to race, nimble enough to explore; Kent. Quick, responsive and plenty of energy; Tom.
Verdict: Sensational ski, although narrower waist limits deep snow capability. |
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| Nordica Hot Rod Jet Fuel |
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| Comments: Brilliant carve-oriented powder ski; Kent. Easy turning, quick underfoot, performs everywhere; Steve. Ticks the boxes for skiers light on their feet; Macca.
Verdict: Great choice; fits the category nicely. |
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| Rossignol Experience 83 |
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| Comments: Silky ride, very easy to ski, friendly as a teddy bear; Macca. Softer flex is a win in the soft but a loss in the harder snow; Jim.
Verdict: Best for softer snow, we tested this as the old S80, and given the slight changes, our recommendation is try before you buy. |
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| Salomon Enduro XT850 |
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| Comments: More demanding flex give good edge hold but asks more of the skier; Kent. Does the job nicely for heavier skiers; Macca.
Verdict: Option for heavier, aggressive skiers. |
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| Scott Mission |
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| Comments: This is a super versatile ski; Kent. Nice ski, performs everywhere; Steve. One of the most versatile skis on the test; Macca.
Verdict: Ticks all the boxes here. |
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