Short turns, strong carves, smooth control. All of these attributes are directly correlated to the 2023 Stockli Laser WRT ST. This ski is very much based upon the Laser SL FIS, but with more comfortable performance for most advanced and expert recreational skiers. Those who have a race background, or at least those who wish/pretend that they did, will fall right in line with the WRT ST. At 66 mm underfoot, these skis are lightning-quick from edge to edge, and they love to be utilized in the stated radius. In the 172 cm length, that equates to a 14.8-meter arc, and the WRT ST loves to use every mm of that number. As a result, skiers of the advanced and expert level get the best possible edge grip, torsional stiffness, and precise control from a ski company who has already built an unflappable reputation when it comes to build quality. Constructed with a wood core and two sheets of metal, the WRT ST also gets Carbon Steering Control and Carbon Power Turn. These carbon strips that are placed above and below the wood core act as energy rods for the ski, loading up power and rebound as you flex into the ski, and then releasing promptly and properly at the finish phase, launching you into the next turn. It’s a very confidence-inspiring turn method and technique, but you need to be ready for the pop you get at the end. When you master the turn style and shape of the Stockli WRT ST, you’ll be sad to get on anything else.
ROCKER PROFILE
Camber
CORE MATERIALS
Carbon Steering Control
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers
Brad Schauermann skied the 172 and noted it was just right. As a result of the more one-dimensional character of the ski, we see more of a spread/span of scores rather than any form of consistency. He had low scores of 1 out of 5 for flotation and versatility, and a 2 for forgiveness. On the other end of the spectrum, we see 5’s for torsional stiffness and edge grip to go along with 4’s for stability and overall impression. Brad notes that “This ski is made to go fast and carve big turns. It definitely excels at higher speeds and takes some real estate but it is a blast to ski when you can let them open up. It holds an edge very well and is super stable at high speeds. Not very versatile and really only wants to be laid on edge and carving hard.” The combination of metal, carbon, wood, and precision in the build certainly lends to that stability at speed, even for a shorter-turning ski.
Also on the 172, Jeff Neagle noted for the shape of the ski, it felt fine. Like Brad, Jeff has some high and low points on his scorecard. An unsurprising 1 out of 5 for flotation is backed by 2’s for playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility. 5’s bookend the other side, for overall impression, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. We also get a 4 for stability and 3’s for quickness and maneuverability. I can hear Jeff taking a collective breath when he writes his feedback: “Whew! Give it all you've got and the WRT ST can really sing. I think I actually prefer it over the new Pro. I'm not 100% certain why, but something about the ST feels snappier and more energetic without me feeling like I need to ski a million miles per hour. That said, it's a pretty tiring, fairly demanding ski. To be completely honest, this isn't something I'd want to ski all day. I know there are skiers out there that would, but to me this is the type of ski I'd take out on a firm morning before work, ski 3-4 runs as hard as I could, then call it a day. Those 3-4 runs making as many turns as the shorter radius suggests would be more than enough to both satisfy my desire for dynamic skiing and completely tire me out.” It is a lot of work to use a ski like this at a place like Stowe because we have really long runs here. Sure, you can head to Spruce and rip some shorter laps, but if you’re on the Mansfield side, you’re getting 2000 vertical feet and over a mile of skiing on each run. At 14.8 meters per turn, that’s a lot of turns.
It’s always great to see what a ski company can do with a shorter-turning, high-end ski that still falls just short of true race, and the Laser WRT ST is one of the best out there for sure. If you’re a high-end skier that wants the best possible control and precision, this is not one to miss. It’s narrow, loves to turn, and has a really fun personality, but you do have to have a certain skillset to get the most out of it.
