Ski Tests Freeriders
- 80mm+ Waist
Group verdict
Our Ski of the Year, the K2 Explorer, stood out in this category and among the fat boys. The team’s of the view that it has the width to shine in powder but retains the versatility to be a strong all-mountain ski. Voted into silver were the Elan 82XTI, the Head iM82 Monster and the Nordica Hot Rod Jetfuel CA Xbi CT.
Target skier
An advanced/expert skier who likes to ski the whole mountain, wants a ski that can still perform on the groomed but will shine off-piste in Australia and in the northern hemisphere powder.
Skier ability:
On the ski school rating scale, these skis will suit classes 3 to 1.
| Elan 82XTI |
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| Genuinely does it all – perfect OZ resort ski, would also suit travelers; Jim. Very accurate on the carve but stable in the deep; Doug. |
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| Fischer Watea 84 |
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| Beautiful powder performer and can handle the groomed; Pete. Versatile, nice edgehold, but I prefer the Watea 78; Patrick. |
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| Goode Carbon 82 |
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| Nice flex – torsionally strong but still forgiving; Kent. Light, snappy and cruisy; Pete. |
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| Head iM82 Monster |
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| Great off-piste and super stable on-piste; Kent. Goes anywhere and does it all well; Pete. Super fun; Jo. |
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| K2 Apache Xplorer |
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| Very precise despite the wide body; Kent. Sidecut gives it all mountain performance, width makes it float in the deep; Buff. |
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| Kastle MX 88 |
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| Great crud-buster, wind her up and enjoy the ride; Bill. Solid and lively whatever the snow or terrain; Fabian. |
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| Nordica Hot Rod Jetfuel CA Xbi CT |
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| Performance to match the Nitrous but extra width gives extra versatility; Jim. Exceptional stability; Doug. Great performer at home or away; Billy. |
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