2023 Stockli Laser SX

The 2023 Stockli Laser SX is a well-rounded cruiser that loves to be on edge. The range of the ski is quite impressive in that it’s capable of carving clean and round turns at any speed, while having a slightly wider platform underfoot for more versatile skiing. While a 70 mm waist width plants this ski squarely in the front side category, it’s pretty clear that it has the capability to do a lot more—certainly depending on the whim of the skier. As a result, skiers from the intermediate all the way through the expert levels can operate this highly precise ski in a variety of conditions and terrain. Built with a wood core and two sheets of metal, the SX also has Stockli’s solid metal edge, turtle grip, and turtle shell technology built in. In terms of shaping, the SX gets slight tip and tail rocker which allows for more comfortable cruising and a bit less demanding of a character when it comes to softer snow and easier releases in the turns.

Michael Rooney skied the 173 and noted that it skis true to size. He was all 5’s across the board on his card, so it’s safe to say that it’s one of his favorites of the test for sure. “Turn or go straight and through anything with the Laser SX and you will love it. It stays with you and helps you when you slip up a little too.” This is one of those skis that most people can likely purchase sight unseen and totally love it. Also on the 173, Jeff Neagle had a bit more selective of a scorecard. He had 5’s, like Michael, for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge grip, but then dropped down to 2’s for flotation, playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility. “Every time I ski the Laser SX, I imagine myself being in a skier cross course. That's what it was originally designed for, and I like to try to channel that energy when I ski it. It's a fun ski for making high speed, dynamic carves of varying radii. Jump off some stuff, land in a carve, and rip away, like a skier cross racer would. Now, if you remove my skier cross racing fantasies, it's just a great carving ski. Feels a lot like the Laser GS, just a little quicker and a touch more playful. Would make a great choice for someone looking for a dedicated carving ski that wants to think outside the box a little and choose a ski that you don't see as regularly as some other models.”

Greg Petrics notes on the 173 that “These Stockli piste skis are all unbelievable. This ski seems to be a bit longer radius than the SC, and lets you have stability at GS and even SG speeds, but I was amazed how quickly it could still get around at high edge angles. And speaking of high edge angles: don't worry about putting these on edge at speed. They have your back with all the damp smoothness you'd expect from a Stockli. The skis' strengths are on-piste carving. I don't expect you can get much out of it on a powder day, so that would be a weakness. Recommended terrain is the groomers. The ski is best for folks looking to carve, and this ski felt a lot more forgiving to me than the SC, and was willing to let go of the turn a bit quicker than the SC, and because of that I can see more people enjoying this ski than the SC which is more specific. That said, all these Stockli skis are pure joy on-piste. You can't really go wrong with any of them if you want to have a great time on your local groomed runs all day long.”

There’s just a whole lot of fun to be had on the Stockli Laser skis, and specifically the SX, according to these testers. Thanks to the construction, shaping, and a bit friendlier profile, the SX stands out as a race ski that likes to have fun, and that’s what it’s really all about.