Ski Tests Chix All Mountain
Group verdict
Top picks: As in the men's all mountain category, you could take any ski in the group and have a good time with it. Having said that, gold and Chix Ski of the Year title went to the Nordica Infinite, which shared gold status with the Head Mya No. 8 and Volkl Kenja. The silver skis were the Armada ARVw, Blizzard Viva Magnum 8.1, Elan Pure Fusion and Line Celebrity 90. The Liberty Envy, tested in the Chix Twin Tips segment, would also be worth its weight in gold in this one..
Target skier
Advanced to expert woman looking for the ultimate all-rounder; a ski that will look good on the lift, will make a solid carve on the groomed and be comfortable in powder, crud and spring snow.
Skier ability:
On the ski school rating scale, these skis will suit classes 4 to 1.
| Armada ARVw |
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| Comments: Stable underfoot and moves through heavier snow like a dream; Sue. A strong ski, ploughs through anything but still likes to bounce; Lucinda.
Verdict: Good value, versatile and a top choice for travellers. |
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| Atomic Storm |
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| NB, This wasn't relesed here until June, so we took it for a spin at our early-August demo. Here's what Emma had to say: A really versatile, take-it-anywhere, all-mountain ski. |
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| Blizzard Viva Magnum 8.1 |
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| Comments: Nice and stiff; a strong carver but you need to really give it to the turns; Lucinda. Really lively - stay centred or the ski will take over; Jo.
Verdict: An outstanding piste performer, not so great outside that arena. |
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| Dynastar Legend Eden |
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| Comments: Softer ski for gentler skiing; Lucinda. Soft, forgiving and easy to ski; perfect for aspiring intermediates; Sue.
Verdict: Cruisy or developing skiers should take it for a spin.
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| Elan Insomnia |
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| Like the Atomic Storm above and the Salomon Bamboo below, this was a 2012 release here for this winter, so we gave it a spin at our August demo and here's what tester Emma had to say: This ski is super-easy to turn, it just about turns for you; great fun on the piste. |
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| Elan Pure Fusion |
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| Fantastic all-mountain ski; Jo. Powers through the soft and handles the groomed – great ski for Oz; Lou. |
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| Fischer Koa 84 |
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| Comments: Nice for soft bumps and groomed, a cruiser; Georgie. A forgiving all rounder; Lucinda.
Verdict: Another option for cruisy skiers. Updated since tested, now comes with freeride rocker. |
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| Head Mya No. 8 |
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| Comments: A true all-mountain ski, excels in crud and powers through anything; Sue. Sensational all-rounder, very responsive and lively; Georgie.
Verdict: Ticks all the boxes in this category (although we tested its previous incarnation - the Wild One). |
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| K2 Super Burnin |
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| Comments: A great all rounder, very responsive and awesome in all snow types; Susie. Forgiving but still has some life when you push it; Joanna.
Verdict: Another good choice, although waist width restricts off-piste performance. Comes with all terrain rocker. |
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| Kastle MX 78 |
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| Comments: Simple, reliable, versatile and capable in all conditions; Sue. Holds well on the groomed and tracks nicely in the soft; Joanna.
Verdict: Won't let you down but will work better for you on-piste than off it. |
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| Line Celebrity 90 |
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| Comments: Loves the softer snow but won't disappoint anywhere; Sue. Great ski - solid and stable yet easy-turning and easy-going; Joanna.
Verdict: Top choice for versatility at home, or away. |
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| Nordica Infinite |
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| Comments: Goes anywhere, does anything you want and does it with life, response and fun (I am in love with this ski); Sue. Super playful, very responsive while still holding strong lines; Lucinda.
Verdict: Sue said it, but they're all in love with it - top choice; Chix Ski of the Year. |
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| Rossignol Temptation 82 |
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| Comments: Soft, cruisy and forgiving a very easy-to-ride ski; Sue. Handles well on the groomed and in soft bumps; Georgie.
Verdict: Better suited to less aggressive or improving women. |
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| Salomon Bamboo |
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| This was another a late release that we skied in August 2011: Solid all-mountain ski, no rude surprises on this one.
Verdict: Hard to fault; works well for the category. |
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| Scott Rosa |
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| Comments: Fun, fun, fun - no negatives; Sue. Forgiving but lively on piste or off - a rare combination of qualities; Jo.
Verdict: Another top choice for the category, good-looker too. |
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| Volkl Kenja |
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| Comments: Not only will you look awesome wearing these, you'll also be an awesome skier, they're just perfect; Sue. Best on test for me, these skis just rock; Joanna.
Verdict: Get a pair, especially if you're a more aggressive skier. |
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