Ski Tests Carve/groomer skis
Group verdict
In a first for our tests, we have a three-way tie for top spot: the Dynastar Contact Cross 4x4, Head Supershape Titan and K2 AMP Rictor all took gold. Coming in behind them with silver were the Kastle SL, the Nordica Fire Arrow 80 and the Rossignol Zenith Z76 Titanium Basalt.
Target skier
Advanced to expert, possibly instructor or masters racer type. The skier prefers going fast with exact carve turns on the piste but also wants some all-mountain versatility. They love getting technical and love that carving feeling.
Skier ability:
On the ski school rating scale, these are top end skiers; classes 3 to 1.
| Armada Triumph Ti |
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| Fun, quick and lively but not beefy enough for high speed on the piste, Peter. Good fun around the mountain but a little on the light side; Neil. Well-priced; could suit lighter skiers. |
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| Blizzard G Power FS |
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| Very nippy like a slalom ski - tail flex can really power you (or throw you if you aren't on it); Chris. Full on ski - a fast, accurate piste performer but lacks all-mountain versatility; Shane.
Verdict: Terrific short turner; keep it on the piste. |
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| Dynafit Guide |
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| Exceptionally light package, tracks well on-piste, silky performance off it and a cunning binding once you work it out; Jim. This is a very useful tourer and nice weight for a traveller. |
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| Dynastar Contact Cross 4X4 |
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| Fantastic all-mountain ski that is still a solid piste beast; Rod. Rock solid, holds a rail beautifully, can't fault it; Chris. Verdict: In the tie for top of the class. |
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| Elan Amphibio 12 |
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| A stable, cruisy all rounder; Kent. Solid edgehold for the piste, but the narrow waist narrows its versatility; Shane. Solid choice but certainly leans towards the piste. |
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| Fischer Progressor 800 |
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| Predictable, stable but still lively in variable snow and medium turns; Kent. Responsive, lively and a great all round package; Macca. A good choice, unlucky to miss the medals. |
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| Head Supershape Titan |
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| Perfect for the category; Rod. This is the ski for me - full of life and power whatever the conditions; Shane. It's a gun; Macca. In the tie for top of the class. |
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| K2 AMP Rictor |
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| Could have stayed on this all day, great fun and suits the profile; Rod. Super versatile, really liked the rocker; Shane. Inh the tie for top of the class. |
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| Kastle SL |
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| Very responsive, very aggressive - a precision ski with super edge hold; Kent. Loves the corduroy, can take whatever you want to give it; Sam. A demanding performer with a carve profile. |
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| Nordica Fire Arrow |
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| Great combination of response at speed across all terrain - fun on and off the piste; Chris. Love it, sensational in all snow and terrain (and looks great); Peter. Top choice. |
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| Rossignol Z76 Titanium Basalt |
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| Great fun and very stable with a solid edge hold; Kent. Like driving Miss Daisy - solid, relaxed but still nimble; Macca. Excellent all-mountain performer that still rips on the piste; Neil. |
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