2027 Stockli Stormrider 108

tester:

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195
Days / Year: 140
Age: 27
Years Skiing: 26

Would describe myself as a freecarver (Freeride skier at heart with a love for carving). Any excuse to go drops, cliffs, jumps, spins, etc., I will take. But also very much enjoy pure carving on skis that many would consider far too wide to carve on.

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico, VT - Firm granular with some ice cube type stuff but it was more consistent than it sounds.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Short, would want upper 180 cm to lower 190 cm's.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

It's a DPS shape with a Stockli build. The result? Magic. Thing thing rules! Surfy and playful with that Stockli smoothness. It's an absolute weapon. The taper and rocker profile allow it to be shifty and maneuverable, but still has that Stockli bite when you put it on edge. It's crazy to see a Stockli with actual tail rocker. If you are intrigued by DPS style early taper but like a smoother, denser feel, this is what you want.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Freeride technical terrain, open powder fields, and trees.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced to Expert.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

They are going to sell a million of these.

tester:

Sam Reed

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200
Days / Year: 30-40
Age: 30
Years Skiing: 25

Chargey while still playful; exploratory

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

186 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe Gondola - Perry Merrill, Gondolier, frozen granular and ice.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Skis true to size - I would have been game for something even longer, but these were plenty.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

An unbelievably confidence-inspiring ski. Fast, reasonably quick edge-to-edge for how wide it is, very easy to dump speed. Insanely stable, especially on landings. I didn't get the chance to take it off-piste, but I'm confident it would do very well considering how it did in bumps or short turns on the trail edges.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Anywhere on the mountain - you won't get the edge hold on-piste that a narrower ski provides, but I could see myself skiing this anywhere.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

While I think the skill ceiling for this ski is high, I also think it would potentially be a fairly good choice for an advanced or even intermediate rider. It felt quite approachable.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

My favorite ski of the test so far - I am super impressed. A great pairing for how I like to ski.

tester:

Christian Strong

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 75
Age: 50
Years Skiing: 45 years

Smooth and fast on the groomers, total snow ninja in the woods

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondola groomers, harpack mid morning snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski was perfectly to size.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski was extremely stable carving every kind of turn, but definitely excelled at higher speed, large radius turns. Great carving given the width.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I feel that this is very much an all terrain ski, wide enough to float on powder, heavy enough to bust through crud. Great carves for such a wide ski.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced and expert skiers would truly love this ski. It does require a stronger skier to bend the ski and command the carving, but it's ability to rip powder and still crush it on hardpack blew me away.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

This ski was a ton of fun and would be a great all mountain ski, with proper width to float on any possible powder.

tester:

Jameson Halnon

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205
Days / Year: 50+
Age: 38
Years Skiing: 20

Fast and fun with no big airs

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

186 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe sunrise groomers of skied off sunny day.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect length.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The skis felt really solid and locked in, even just waiting in the lift line, turns felt effortless.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski would be amazing in powder and simultaneously locked in on deep turns.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced. Not a ski for beginners.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

This ski was fun to ski and would be wicked fun to use for a full day.

tester:

Jose Darias

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175
Days / Year: 100+
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 30

Fluid, powerful and charging; looking for natural takeoffs on freeride features

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe Forerunner, Nose Dive top to bottom with some woods exploring and adventure skiing hunting for soft snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The ski feels true to length. There’s a 188 as well but I think that ski would be too long for me given the heavy weight and damp materials.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This new Stormrider 108 is a very unique ski that left a really strong impression. It’s a great ski that is being under served by the poor conditions during this year’s test. It’s very heavy and very damp but offers a remarkable amount of energy as the ski returns from a carved shape. It’s heavy platform feels really incredible when pushing the ski to make big fast turns but feels a little less responsive when skiing slower or when you ask the ski to make smaller, pivoty turns in tighter terrain. I would love to have some deeper and softer snow to allow this ski to really shine but it’s clear that it has an incredibly high potential. I will say that it carves better than any other ski in this waist category that I’ve had the chance to try. Incredibly confident and super intuitive to make a perfect and rounded turn on even super hard snow.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It’s a Freeride ski with a stiff and very damp profile. You’ll want to be on the steepest terrain you can manage that can allow you to open up the ski and tap into that super high performance ceiling.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This is undoubtedly a ski for advanced skiers. It’s too heavy for beginners to even attempt to ski on. Intermediate skiers might be able to ski the Stormrider 108 but the more advanced skiers are the right user base for this ski

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

One of the heaviest skis I’ve ever been on but still remarkably energetic. Really cool and unique ski.

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, mostly packed powder groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This length is great. I would often go longer in a ski like this, but no need. This thing is solid.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Well goodness gracious. This has to be my new favorite Stockli. So fun. Absolutely rips turns, but can ski switch, do slashy playful things, and I know will be amazing in soft snow. As a former Stormrider 110 TT skier, it’s really exciting to see some of this direction from Stockli.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It’s so good on groomers for its width, I can confidently say you could ski it anywhere. Maybe a bit clunky in bumps, but even that wouldn’t be bad.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

It’s definitely an advanced or expert skill just given the size and flex.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It’s amazing.

tester:

Collin Wiedersheim

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 185
Days / Year: 40 days
Age: 31
Years Skiing: 8 Years

Calculated, Flowy, Smooth, Fast, & Fun.

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola groomers, bumps, side hits.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Length felt true to size, I would grab this length for myself.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Luxury freeride skiing personified. Crisp, short turns while also being supple and quiet.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Powder, freeride terrain, soft snow of all kinds.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced and up for this Stormrider 108, it’s a centered ski that requires some balance and crisp turns to get the most out of it.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Stockli has deviated a bit from its very traditional design ethos to come up with a truly unique skiing experience. Soft and supple in the tip, but burly and strong underfoot with a bunch of rocker in the tail. Centered(ish) mount point and a 16.4 meter radius makes for an incredibly fun, luxurious, and unique skiing experience. An incredible entry into wider skis from Stockli, well done.

tester:

Ben Grunow

Ability: Expert
Height: 511'0"
Weight: 200
Days / Year: 30-50
Age: 42
Years Skiing: 40

Fun

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

186 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola - granular.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Sizing felt perfect.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

My first impression was that the ski felt noticeably heavier and more planted compared to others in this category. Right away, it had a damp, stable feel that inspired confidence, especially on firmer snow. It did not feel particularly quick or lively at first, but it gave the sense that it would be reliable and composed, especially in rougher or variable conditions.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I would recommend this ski primarily for groomed runs and mixed in-bounds terrain, with the ability to handle some variable conditions like light powder or chopped snow. It performs well in these areas because its heavier, more damp construction helps absorb vibrations and smooth out rougher snow, giving it a stable and planted feel. While it can handle a variety of conditions, it feels most comfortable staying on piste rather than venturing too far into more technical or deep off-piste terrain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who prefer a more controlled, laid-back style. It is ideal for skiers who value stability and predictability over quick, playful movements. The added weight and dampness make it forgiving in choppy conditions and at moderate speeds, but it is not as quick edge-to-edge, which makes it better for skiers who are not looking to ski as aggressively or dynamically.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

These skis felt solid and dependable, especially when conditions were less than perfect. They do a great job of smoothing things out and keeping the ride comfortable, even when the snow gets a little rough. While they are not the most lively or energetic, they offer a relaxed and confidence-inspiring experience for someone who just wants to cruise and stay in control without working too hard.

tester:

Jamie Morris

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175
Days / Year: 60
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 43

Fast and smooth

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondola, firm, but still carvable.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski exudes confidence! The center mount had them looking short, but patience is a virtue with Stockli.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski right away made me feel like a hero!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Expert, open minded skier.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

An expert skier would give about anything to have this ski in their quiver! Including myself.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

The only ski in the test that had me full on laughing at how it skied on the "variable" terrain we all described. At 108, it skied better than most 98s in the test. Spend the money, forget about the center mount and progress the sport. Bravo Stockli. Bravo.

tester:

Kevin Ross

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 60-70
Age: 36
Years Skiing: 26

Versatile, sometimes fast and loose, other times precise and calculated

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

180 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico packed powder.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt good. I wouldn't size up or down.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is a stiff big mountain charger. I like the new stormrider shape.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Big heckin' mountains cause this thing needs SPEED and a strong skier with a stiff boot.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Experts only. It was a big handful but if you ski hard its a WEAPON.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It was so torsionally stiff that it felt kind of punishing. It really requires a powerful skier to ski this thing.

tester:

Marcus Shakun

Ability: Expert
Height: 6’ 5”
Weight: 225
Days / Year: Atleast 50+
Age: 46
Years Skiing: 28 years…learned as a kid, but it was when I went to college in VT at 18 skiing Smugglers Notch

Powerful but playful

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

186 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Groomers, firm snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Feel true to size, but would prefer the 192.

Scores

Floatation:10/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I couldn’t stop smiling and raving about how sweet this ski is. It definitely has the feeling of a 108 waisted ski as it just motors and plows through anything in its way, but the quickness and livelyness of this ski is what stunned me. It has that damp smooth feel in the tip of the ski but it has a very energetic feel from mid body to the tail. My overall Stormrider feel is that its usually damp and stays glued to the snow with a smooth feel. They made this so much better by adding some snap and playfulness to it with some of that damp smoothness ointment the front of the ski. I did like that feel as it pulled you into the turn and rode over everything smoothly, but you could then load it up and rip so effortlessly into the next turn. So stable even on hard snow and at any speed. It lets you smear turns when you don’t want to be locked in and be a bit more playful.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Definelty an off piste powder seeker, but it really was amazing and ripped on the groomers. It was just a very versatile ski that can do almost anything. The quick edge to edge feel and damp shovel it can maneuver through anything in front of it. Obviously you feel the width on the firmer snow, but for those use to skiing wider skis no problem.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I would say advanced to expert all mountain/freeride skiers. It has the stability to take on anything in its path. You can push it and be playful with it but not overly demanding so a lesser aggressive expert or stronger advanced skiers will appreciate the level of performance.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

This ski is amazing, but I am curious of the tail design, but I am not a Swiss ski engineer they definitely know how to build a ski that rips with this new Stormrider 108. Surely a conversation piece in lifeline.

tester:

Bob St.Pierre

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 110ish
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 38

A bit more rigid than I used to be but still trying to be dynamic, smooth, and fluid with varying degrees of success. Skis on the snow, these days.

Ski:

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108 Skis

Size Tested:

186 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied at Stowe on a pretty firm day but there were soft piles of snow to play around with.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This is the proper length for me. It skis a bit short due to the longer rocker profile and more central and balanced mount point.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Like other Stockli skis, the Stormrider 108 is smooth and silky. It's got the same silent and quiet behavior of the other Stormriders, but it just looks so different on your feet. With a lot of taper and tail splay, this is a pure freeride ski through and through. At the same time, it absolutely rails carved turns and holds on ice better than a lot of other skis in this width range. I can't wait to get it out in some deeper snow.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This 108 is best when used in more open terrain and in deeper snow, but it does work well on our narrower trails here in Vermont due to the ski's balanced nature.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

The Stormrider 108 is more of an advanced and expert level ski due to having two sheets of metal and a stronger feel. I don't think an intermediate will be too stoked here.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

We've joked for years about Stockli's use of the term "freeride" as their widest ski has typically been a 102-105 mm ski with a directional nature. Now we need to be quiet about that stuff as the 108 is pure freeride.

2027 Stockli Stormrider 108

2027 SkiEssentials Ski TestStockli's widest freeride ski, a rockered powder-day specialist developed with a Freeride World Tour pro.

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