Ski Tests Value Buy
Group verdict
Value for money is crucial here and we really found it - the Blizzard Magnum 7.4 will suit a huge range of skiers and, at $849, its combination of versatility and performance easily makes it the best value ski on the tests and it also takes the gold in this category, by a mile. Coming in with silver are the Elan Waveflex 78, the Head Peak 78 LT and the Scott Punisher.
Target skier
Our brief to ski manufacturers was for a ski/binding package that would sell for $1200 or less. The skier is a solid, confident or athletic intermediate to advanced skier looking for an all-mountain ski that will take them up through the ability level and still perform.
Skier ability
On the ski school rating scale, these skis will suit classes 4 to 2.
| Armada El Ray |
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| Comments: Versatile for a park ski and likes the longer turns; Kent. They don't mind a bit of pace, work best in the soft; Chris. Light and negotiable but too soft for heavier skiers; Macca.
Verdict: One for lighter and maybe younger skiers - good value. |
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| Blizzard Magnum 7.4 |
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| Comments: Perfect edgehold and sidecut for high-end intermediates to cruisy experts; Kent. Lively, solid, responsive and lots of fun; Chris.
Verdict: Best value buy on the tests; suit a broad range of skiers. |
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| Elan Waveflex 78 |
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| Comments: Give it heaps and it just hangs on; Rod. Very solid, top ski for the category; Sam.
Verdict: Solid ski, best suited to skiers who want to drive it, rather than hang on for the ride. |
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| Fischer Motive 76 |
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| Comments: Fun, light, responsive and in no way demanding; Rod. Good first buy, especially for cruisy intermediates; Shane. Super forgiving but still lively; Macca.
Verdict: Lighter build pitches it towards less aggressive skiers (the 2011 ski has some design differences to our test model). |
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| Head Peak 78 LT |
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| Comments: It'll grow on you and you can grow with it - advanced or intermediate, this is a great ski for Oz; Macca. Great ski for the category, performs well and easy to initiate; Rod.
Verdict: Another medallist, top choice. |
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| K2 Impact |
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| Comments: A forgiving all-mountain cruiser; Rod. Reliable, stable performer - set the edge and enjoy the ride; Pete.
Verdict: For less aggressive and maybe lighter intermediates. |
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| Kastle LX72 |
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| Comments: Very precise from edge to edge and keeps giving when pushed; Kent. Very precise - would best suit skiers in the upper end of the ability range; Peter.
Verdict: See above - Kastle performance, but more demanding than some. |
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| Nordica Hot Ignitor CA Xbi |
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| Comments: Good fun - very responsive and easy to mix up the turns; Kent. Nice ski - builds confidence and would go anywhere; Peter.
Verdict: Easy turner with a solid feel; rates well, great price. |
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| Rossignol Z76 Aramid Basalt |
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| Comments: Very solid carve-oriented ski for the groomed; Rod. Nice piste performer for the carvers; Shane.
Verdict: Tracks true on the groomed, not so great off it. |
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| Scott Punisher |
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| Comments: At last! A twinny that performs on the piste and loves getting off it. Could be scary at super speed, but a really good all-mountain choice; Rod. Very impressive edge to edge; Shane.
Verdict: Fun ski all over the mountain. |
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