Ski Reviews and How to Use Them
Ski reviews can be useful in finding the right ski, but we urge they not be the only consideration before buying . . . more
The "30-Second Ski Reviews" presented here are distillations of our respected 12-Point Ski Reviews from the subscription site, which has expanded ski reviews of hundreds of new and continued skis and more than 1200 past models.
Ski Reviews: 2007/08 models from 16 brands
08/09 reviews comig in September
- Armada ski reviews
- Atomic ski reviews
- Blizzard ski reviews
- Dynastar ski reviews
- Elan ski reviews
- Fischer ski reviews
- Goode ski reviews
- Head ski reviews
- K2 ski reviews
- Nordica ski reviews
- Palmer ski reviews
- Rossignol ski reviews
- Roxy ski reviews
- Salomon ski reviews
- Stöckli ski reviews
- Völkl ski review
- Accessories we recommend
How we test and review skis
First, we accept no ski company advertising; realskiers is supported entirely by subscription, much like Consumer Reports®.
Test skiers include a large number of shop employees—we don't rely exclusively on ex-racers, elite instructors and the like (most of whom endorse some brand).
Because we use skiers who ski an average number of days (20+/-), our crew provides a "snap shot" of the universe of recreational skiers and the reports are, in effect, peer reviews. We ask these skiers what they like.
We do use elite skiers to study performance characteristics, but pro level skiers use technique honed to a level of precision difficult to maintain by anyone who doesn't professionally 100+ days per season. We don't ask these skiers what they like; we ask how the ski performs in a number of key performance criteria.
Results are collected from across the entire country between January and April. Our tests reflect varied terrain and snow conditions. Still—we emphasize—while we attempt to test each ski in every condition, it's impossible to replicate hundreds of combinations of tune, surface condition, available lengths and so on.
In the end, the test that really counts is your own.
Ability levels
Determine your skiing ability level on a 10-point scale.
Length suggestions
Shaped skis are meant to be skied in shorter lengths than were "straight" skis. This is as true. . . more
Do better at early sales
You can find great deals at sales but it's also easy to go awry. Here are thoughts on how . . . more
What about bindings?
Stuck
Too many skiers find themselves permanently stuck in the "back seat," with little idea why. Of course boots, technique . . . more
