Ski Tests First Big Buy
Group verdict
Clear winner in the value stakes at $899 was the Elan Mag 74 and with its performance rating, it also took gold. Also voted into gold was the Nordica Hot Ignitor CA Xbi and at $949, it rates well in the value stakes. The silver medal went to Dynastar for its D-Stinct Carbon.
Target skier
Our brief to ski manufacturers was for a ski which, when packaged up with a binding, would sell for $1200 or less. The ski would have to suit upper intermediate to advanced skiers, help them hit expert level or get close to it and still perform well up there. The ideal ski here will behave well as an all-rounder but will realistically spend most of its life on the piste. Value for money plays a part in the score. Not all manufacturers made the price cut, that was their choice, but they were warned and marked down in the medal count if their prices missed our mark.
Skier ability:
On the ski school rating scale, these skis will suit classes 4 to 2.
| Dynastar D-Stinct Carbon |
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| Great first buy – stable and confident in all terrain; Pete. Easy to initiate and stays stable when you push it; Sue. |
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| Elan Mag 74 |
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| Loves a short turn but solid enough to handle speed and crud; Kent. Easy turning – a real confidence builder; Jo. |
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| Head Xenon 10.0 |
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| Light and forgiving, easy to operate – won’t rock improving skiers; Billy. |
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| Rossignol Zenith Z6 |
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| Big fun and not too hard to navigate on the piste; Buff. Even flex, relaxed and forgiving; Fabian. |
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| Volkl SOL |
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| Easy to ski, easy to initiate; Sue. |
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