As the changiest of the Stormriders for 2024, the 95 takes on more of a freeride personality while keeping many of the same on-trail characteristics firmly intact. This is a rare ability to be able to drop weight, lose some turn radius, and yet still somehow come out with a better turning ski. More specifically, the new 95 operates better in softer snow for sure. Whether it’s a significant upgrade for on-trail and firm snow is debatable still, but there’s a lot to be said for a mid-90's ski changing its spots and becoming one of the most versatile and well-rounded skis on the planet. There’s more agility, more skier input, more flotation, and a broader range of skier type for this new 95, and we’re all about it. To top it off, the topsheet graphic is stunning. 

By switching up the wood in the core, the new 95 gains agility and pop. When we get to shape, it becomes a bit clearer that we lost some rebound, but for the most part, the loss fits in better with what the ski was designed to do. The blend of poplar, paulownia, and beech lightens the load a bit, dropping about 100 grams per ski per length, even though those lengths get a bit of a shakeup for this year. We still get two sheets of metal, with the upper laminate consisting of the Titec Pro topsheet. By having the metal as the upper laminate, the transfer of energy is more direct, and the damping properties are enhanced. This is a smart way to build a ski, and the elimination of a cosmetic and plastic topsheet is also a weight saving hack. The other somewhat small change to the build is the elimination of the metal tail, substituting more ABS material like we see in the Stormrider 102. This gives the tail a bit more suppleness to it, allowing for more freedom and creativity in the back end of the turn.

The tail shape changes slightly as well. Most of the shovel and waist stay the same, but the tail drops 3 mm of width from the very widest point. They bring the wider point forward in the ski, though, so even though the sidecut is less dramatic, the new 2024 ski has a slightly shorter turn radius. This is due to the taper shape that not only tightens the arc, but also makes for smoother and more freeride personality in the ski. It’s less hooky in softer snow, and while the Stormrider 95 purists may scoff at this notion, it seems like a better fit overall for a ski in this category—especially one that’s as light and maneuverable as this one is. In the 182, we’re getting an 18.5-meter turn radius, and at 95 mm underfoot, this is about as versatile and well-rounded as it gets. For trees, bumps, and other technical and soft-snow zones, this new shape offers more paths to success and happiness.

Skiers who have loved the 95 in the past will continue to do so moving forward. This is not a completely new ski by any stretch—the quality, precision, smoothness, and versatility are all still right there. It’s just a bit less grabby in the tail, and with new lengths, the Stormrider 95 will be more approachable for more skiers. The new mount point is 1cm forward of where it was in the past, putting you more in the driver's seat, aligning better with the new tail shape and style.