2024 Men's Mid 80mm All Mountain Ski Comparison

In our third 2024 Ski Comparison, we explore the many facets and benefits of skis in the mid-80's underfoot range. While some other comparison series, namely the wider ones, are more of the dream skis, these ones are more firmly based in reality. Most skiers, most of the time, ski mainly on groomers with some off-trail adventures built in. As a result, having a ski in the mid-80's just makes a lot of sense. Even within this grouping, there are some skis that have more front side and race-like characters while others are still descendants of wider brethren within their brands. Organized by price this time, the mid-80's all-mountain ski range can contain value and performance at the same time. In addition, there’s a big range of power, quickness, agility, and style within these skis, so if you’re like most of us, and are big fans of general lift-served resort skiing, something on this list will certainly speak to you.

At a Glance:

2024 Salomon Stance 84 Skis

Overview:

If we looked past value for a split second, the Stance 84 would still be right up there with some of the friendliest and most fun skis on this list. For years, the Stance 84 has been a go-to model for us when it comes to recommending a great mid-80's all-mountain ski. While some of the models on this list lean to the front side, this one is decidedly more versatile. Built with a poplar wood core, a metal plate underfoot, and carbon stringers in the tips and tails, the Stance 85 has a pretty sophisticated and high-end build, putting it right up there with some of the heavy hitters in this category. But with a fun-loving shape and flex, it fits really well with the all-mountain crowd for sure. This is one of those skis that, each and every time we get on it, puts a smile on our face and hope in our hearts.

Who it's For:

Tons of skiers. You are anywhere from a beginner looking to buy a first set to grow into all the way to an accomplished expert in search of versatility and energy.

Price: $499.95 / $699.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis

Overview:

We get a lot of questions and comments about this ski, mainly in relation to its beefier brother, the Maverick 88 Ti. Since these skis share the same footprint and general technology, it just shows how advanced of a product the 86 C actually is. We drop about 100 grams and lose the metal, making the 86 C more approachable for more skiers, offering quick turns and agile maneuverability in a variety of conditions and terrain. When compared to other skis on this wall in this realm, the Kanjo and the M-Pro 85 often come up as suitable alternatives, with the Atomic being slightly wider and floatier, especially since it brings the HRZN tech in the tips to the mix. Equally at home in the bumps, trees, and steeps, the Maverick 86 C is an extremely capable and shifty ski with excellent energy and grip.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a blend of light weight and high energy. You don’t mind a bit of stiffness, as long as you get the appropriate response at the end of the turn.

Price: $549.95 / $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Blaze 86 Skis

Overview:

Another sneaky-awesome ski, the Blaze 86 is a great mid-range product that has both value and performance. Since it’s on the narrow side of the Blaze spectrum that now goes all the way up to 114, the 86 is one of the quicker and shiftier skis both in the line and on the market. It also carries with it a lot of the shaping and profile attributes of the wider skis, making it one of the better soft-snow performers on this list. Even without the metal underfoot of the 94 or the 106, the 86 still is very stable and sturdy on the groomers. It’s easy to turn, has decent rocker to it, and a light weight that can be utilized in both resort and backcountry applications. This latest turn puts it on the more versatile side of the spectrum, as it opens a lot of doors for many skiers.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for something that can handle everything from backwoods freshies to front side zoomies. You like light, but also want some substance.

Price: $549.00 / $749.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Dynastar M-Pro 85 Open Skis

Overview:

This ski has been on our lists since the current iteration was offered two years ago. By blending a fiberglass frame with a hybrid wood core, Dynastar has an energetic and smooth formula that a lot of skiers really enjoy. While some skis in the mid-80's fall more to the front side portion of the category, these contain more of a freeride flair, mostly due to the straighter and more rockered shovel shape. This allows the M-Pro 85 to cut cleanly through soft snow, crud, and chop to create a fun and playful turn in variable snow conditions and terrain. For an 85, this ski floats very well in the front while retaining strong edge grip underfoot and a very snappy finish point to the turn. While there’s a lot of crossover with other skis like Volkl Kanjo and Black Crows Vertis, the M-Pro 85 still stays true to the wider skis in its line when it comes to true all-mountain versatility.

Who it's For:

Energetic skiers looking for a versatile ski that blends pop and pow. You want a good bump ski that carves well to boot.

Price: $599.95 / $774.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Wingman 86 Ti Skis

Overview:

The Wingman 86 Ti is an ideal ski for intermediate through advanced skiers who are looking for a wider bodied ski that’ll handle a lot of different aspects of the mountain while still placing a large emphasis on the front side and carving acumen. The main difference with this ski in relation to the CTi version is that the Ti does not have the carbon tubes. We get the slightly heavier laminated wood core, a titanal laminate underfoot, and amphibio truline technology to add grip and stability to the inside edges. The asymmetry of the ski stands out in both the build and the shape, making this ski uniquely constructed with a high degree of creativity and engineering involved. Since it’s a bit more approachable than the CTi, while sharing the same footprint, this opens up the versatility, giving the Ti version more of a fun-loving demeanor in softer snow and variable terrain.

Who it's For:

Intermediate and advanced skiers looking for a wider ski in this category without straying from the front side shape.

Price: $599.99 / $799.99

Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Steadfast 85 DC Skis

Overview:

It’s not like this one caught us off guard, it’s more like we gained an extreme appreciation for this ski very quickly. Steadfast 85 DC uses Nordica’s Dual Core technology, placing two horizontal sheets of wood with a metal and pulse core sheet in between. As a result, the ski is very predictable, totally smooth, and extremely rewarding. It’s an 85, so there’s some all-mountain versatility based on width, but the shape and the fact that it has a system binding puts it more into the front side realm. We’d put it right there with other carving enthusiasts like the Wingman and the Deacon, but with a bit more emphasis on round turns and easy/early initiation. The ski has pretty much full camber and zero taper, adding to the on-trail chops, but since it’s not terribly demanding, it’s able to be maneuvered easily in more technical areas. At under $800, we also think this is one heck of a deal.

Who it's For:

An intermediate who’s looking to progress will find success here, and an accomplished expert can also find a lot to like about the smoothness and carving properties of the ski.

Price: $799.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Fischer Ranger 84 Skis

Overview:

This new Ranger offers a narrow and pared-down version of the wider Rangers, with the 84 being free from metal. Other than that, the ski is eerily similar to the wider 90, just easier to turn, quicker underfoot, and more amenable to less aggressive skiing. This is one of those skis that strikes a nice balance of many different attributes, hosting a relatively long turn radius to go along with a moderately shaped profile. There’s some decent tip and tail rocker to go along with nice positive camber underfoot. This gives the ski a nice blend of traditional shaping and modern construction. The fiberglass laminates provide snap to the poplar wood core, so feel free to load up the ski and get some nice rebound at the tail end of the turn. This is one of the most unremarkable skis on this list from an accolade perspective, putting it squarely in the zone of being one of the most versatile and useful skis on the planet. Funny how that works.

Who it's For:

Any skier who simply does not know what to get. This is a no-brainer, automatic choice.

Price: $649.99 / $849.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Kanjo 84 Skis

Overview:

There’s not much the Kanjo can’t do. This ski has wonderful grip, awesome energy, flexible versatility, and both high and low ends for a variety of skiers. Regardless of terrain, speed, or conditions, the Kanjo is a happy ski that puts a lot of emphasis on true well-roundedness. By using a metal plate underfoot to go along with a fiberglass frame, the Kanjo benefits from a lot of Volkl’s technology that’s used in their higher-end products. Kanjo has that top-end feel and finish to it while remaining accessible to intermediate and progressing skiers. Just because you’re not an expert doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a well-built and highly engineered ski. We say this about Head’s Shape E-V10 as well—lots of thought in an intermediate range. At the same time, we’ve seen some very high-level skiing done on this ski, so if you’re wavering between Kanjo and Kendo within Volkl’s line, it’s okay to take a longer look at Kanjo.

Who it's For:

Truly an everyperson’s ski, the Kanjo has limitless range. You want to mix it up between groomers, bumps, and trees on a daily basis and you do not want to sacrifice anything in the process.

Price: $649.99 / $849.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis

Overview:

While it shares the same footprint with its titanal-powered brother, the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt takes the performance to the friendlier side of the spectrum. Better for skiers who spend most of their time in search of a nicely carved turn, the 86 Basalt is predictable, approachable, and a ton of fun. It’s super easy to turn, as the basalt fibers pair well with the light paulownia wood core to access the energy and pop of the ski. With a shorter turn radius of 16 meters in the 176, this is an all-mountain ski at heart, but it also likes to come across the fall line quite nicely. By mixing on and off-trail performance easily, skiers who are looking to dabble in the off-piste will find a whole lot to like here. In reality, most of the time, this audience will be in a groomer format, though, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a high-quality ski.

Who it's For:

Intermediate and advanced skiers who don’t want to commit fully to a heavier ski. You value agility and ease of use but don’t want an entry level product.

Price: $899.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Liberty Evolv 84 Skis

Overview:

It’s always fun when a Liberty shows up on a mid-80's list, as that brand is much better known for its freeride chops. Evolv, though, turns that theory on its head, as Liberty actually makes an amazing front side option. Their V-Series from a few years back was their first foray into the carving realm, and we thought those skis were great, especially with their use of vertical metal strips in the build. Those gave way to Evolv, and they got a bit wider, but kept a lot of the attributes that made V-Series incredibly smooth and powerful. Evolv 84 is one of the quietest and most silent skis on this list, putting a solid barrier of wood and metal between your feet and the snow. The result is a strong feel with true tip to tail edge contact. While the ski isn’t as energetic or poppy as some others on this list (Kanjo, Vertis), it’s certainly smoother.

Who it's For:

Skiers in the intermediate through expert range who are looking for a narrower all-mountain ski. This ski is great for those that value smoothness and silence over everything else.

Price: $729.00 / $929.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Black Crows Vertis Skis

Overview:

A perennial crowd pleaser, the Black Crows Vertis is an easy ski to love with tons of energy and a classic feel. We think a lot of the popularity is based on the fact that this is kind of a throwback with a traditional camber and deep sidecut. As a result, it’s a fantastic carver with a wonderful character. It’s got a pretty simple build with a poplar wood core and fiberglass, but the 15-meter radius really makes this ski come to life. It’s not like their Mirus Cor with a 15-meter arc in that you ski this more from the tip to the tail rather than mid-foot and central in the more playful Mirus. Vertis has long camber and a long effective edge, which makes the dramatic sidecut stand out even more. This is a lot more like Dynastar’s new M-Cross series of skis that are more traditionally shaped and styled for pure on-trail enjoyment.

Who it's For:

Old-school skiers, but in the best way possible. You miss your straight skis and are looking for the modern-day replacement without getting something that’s too race-like.

Price: $749.95 / $949.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Wingman 86 CTi Skis

Overview:

This is one of the slickest and slipperiest skis out there—it wants to go. We’ve had a lot of good days on the Wingman 86 CTi, and it all started atop Nosedive at our ski test a few years back. This ski, when pointed down the fall line, is about as crisp, precise, and sharp as you can imagine. It blends the dampness of metal underfoot with the stiffness and responsiveness of carbon throughout the rest of the ski. The tubes as well as the horizontal laminate put carbon at the forefront of the ski’s ability to snap into and out of turns while the metal keeps it planted underfoot. Since Elan uses a right and left ski, they’re able to rocker the outsides of the ski more than the insides to boost the smoothness of the ski and keep a lot of pressure on the downhill edge. These engineering aspects keep this ski consistently at the top of most people’s list.

Who it's For:

Skiers who don’t mind stiffness and energy in their skis. You really must want your skis to be reactive and precise—these are those.

Price: $999.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Deacon 84 Skis

Overview:

The Deacon 84 has stayed pretty true to itself for a few years now, and that continues into 2024. This ski has a lot to offer the everyday advanced and expert skier who is looking for strong on-trail performance but doesn’t want to limit themselves to just groomers. As a system ski, it’s one of the most versatile options out there with the low ride platform that’s integrated into the ski. This gives better cohesion for those that are looking to feel connected to the ski and therefore the snow. The Deacon 84 uses a poplar and beech wood core, a titanal frame, 3D Ridge and 3D Glass to power the ski down the fall line. By incorporating all of these materials, Volkl creates a harmonious blend of stability, energy, and power. We’ve found that due to the long and low rocker, this ski is a great option for those that want to dabble in adventure, but in reality, are more planted on hard pack.

Who it's For:

Skiers who have an affinity for technology, engineering, and power. You value a strong carved turn like a race ski, but you don’t want it to end there.

Price: $999.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Fischer RC One GT 86 Skis

Overview:

Topping the list of planted skis on this list is the Fischer RC One 86 GT. We’ve been saying this for years, and those feelings continue into 2024 as the ski hasn’t changed other than graphically. We still get the thick metal in this ski, taking a lot of the technology from the race room and putting it right into this ski. The sturdy wood core stands up to strong skiing, and the metal does most of the heavy lifting, but it’s not all rugged hard-core performance—the turn zone in the tips and tails keeps things relatively user friendly, just keeping the full-blown metal out of the very ends. While this helps in keeping the ski accessible for non-racers, it’s still on the top end of the spectrum when it comes to burliness and strength. The fact that it’s 86 mm underfoot and has a lot of mass makes it all the more impressive when it comes to how hefty this feels on your feet.

Who it's For:

Former racers who enjoy the ultimate in edge grip and stability. You are looking for a wider platform to stand on for balance and power.

Price: $1,049.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Head Shape E-V10 Skis

Overview:

One of the best ways to view the Head Shape E-V10 is that it’s a high-end intermediate ski. It’s accessible for advanced skiers for sure, but since it’s got a shorter turn radius, it seems like more skiers in the moderate range will find more to like. With a 13.6-meter turn radius in the 170, it’s pretty sharp and crisp, but it doesn’t love to run much faster than that. Now we’re seeing a light wood core, two sheets of carbon, and a graphene strip for stiffness. This build is very sophisticated for this range of ski, and then they go ahead and add their Energy Management Circuit to the mix. On top of that, they are now offering the ski with a Protector PR 11 binding, taking the quality and high-end properties to the max. While it does creep up in terms of pricing, there’s no reason a ski of this level shouldn’t have the bells and whistles of a top-flight ski but in a more approachable and accessible format.

Who it's For:

Progressing skiers with an eye on quality. You want a solid and capable ski with the tech built in, but you don’t need something overly demanding.

Price: $1,069.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Redster Q9.8 Skis

Overview:

Built like a race ski with a wider bodied format and a shorter turn radius, the Atomic Redster Q9.8 has endless stability and technology, but you have to be willing to use it in a short turn format in order to access the full performance of the ski. This ski loves to turn, and it does take a bit of work to get it up on higher edge angles, but you’ll certainly be rewarded with the full-camber, long effective edge, and smooth dampness of this on-trail performer. Revoshock helps out here as well, in addition to the dual-metal laminate of the build, in that these floating metal plates absorb and filter out unwanted vibrations and chatter. If you can wrangle the wide proportions of the ski, you’ll love the plaform and strong balance point. There’s not a lot of versatility here, though, as the ski is a lot more comfortable when it comes to on-trail and groomer performance. For soft groomers, and cut up piste, though, this ski motors right through.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who are looking for a wide front side specific ski. While some of the other skis on this list are lighter and more agile, this one fits in better with the Fischer RC One 86 GT in that it’s more at home on groomers and feels quite planted.

Price: $1,099.95

Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Experience 86 Ti Skis

Overview:

The performance of the Experience 86 Ti is simply off the charts. This is a top tier ski these days that delivers amazing performance in a variety of conditions and terrain. That’s really all you need to say about that, but since we have the space, we’ll go on for a bit. We get a full poplar wood core, two sheets of metal, carbon alloy matrix, and a tip vibration absorption system that filters out unwanted vibes, making this one of the smoother performers at this, or any level. While it’s more of an all-mountain ski from a width standpoint, the profile keeps it in check. There’s a good amount of camber underfoot, so in softer snow, it does like to find the bottom. That’s fine if you’re prepared for it, but up against something like a Kanjo or even a Deacon in this range, the Experience is decidedly more carvy.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers and experts who know how to turn a ski. You love a premium product and the expected results.

Price: $899.95 / $1,099.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Wingman 86 CTi Black Edition Skis

Overview:

A new ski for 2024, the Elan Wingman 86 CTi Black Edition follows in the neophytic, yet already legendary Black Edition series of skis from Elan. They take the base build of the CTi, so metal underfoot and carbon tubes, and they add a longer and wider Carbon Line laminate to the mix. In addition, this ski is only offered as a system, so you’re getting the PRD12/Fusion X system whether you like it or not. To us, this just means an extra layer of stability to the mix versus the regular CTi, and that’s not only just fine, but also a nice delineation point between the skis. Overall, it is more crisp, which is almost impossible, given that the CTi is already like slightly overdone bacon. Versatility is accessible to the strong skier, but if you’re in a progression phase, they’re likely on the stiff side for an all-mountain application, even given the width. It’s there, you just have to work harder to get it. On-trail, these things absolutely cook—so much fun and so incredibly precise.

Who it's For:

Advanced and expert skiers who are looking for a carbon-powered front side experience. If this ski was slightly more rockered, it’d be right there with the Deacon V.Werks when it comes to that agile and responsive character.

Price: $1,099.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Kastle FX 86 Ti Skis

Overview:

While the past few skis have fallen more to the front side of the spectrum, the Kastle FX 86 Ti is firmly in the all-mountain realm. This ski, even with its strong grip underfoot and precise build, has a lighter weight and a more flexible shovel that make it amazingly versatile in trees, bumps, soft snow, and groomers. This is one of the most well-rounded skis on this list, and the fact that it does it by using Kastle’s top-tier engineering makes it all the more attractive. While it’s not a whole lot like the Head V10 in terms of application, it does fit into the same zone of being a premium intermediate ski. Just because you’re not a hard-charging and aggressive expert doesn’t mean you can’t have a top-shelf ski. The FX 86 is an awesome choice for skiers who are progressing and advancing—this ski is not too demanding, but it does have a high ceiling.

Who it's For:

Successful skiers who are looking for versatility. You value quality and precision, and also a friendly nature.

Price: $999.00 / $1,199.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Kastle MX 83 Skis

Overview:

Whereas the FX 86 skews more towards the all-mountain realm, the MX 83 falls to the other side of the spectrum. This ski is all gas. It makes some of the cleanest and roundest turns out there, and it does so with a very high rate of quality and snow feel. There’s a lot of direct contact and it feels like you are connected to the trail below you in the best way possible. This ski does have a grounded feel to it, and while there is some good energy to harness on to, it’s still got the necessary rebound to make the process exciting and inviting. With a strong wood core, two sheets of metal, and two layers of pre-preg fiberglass, we’re getting a top-tier build with engineering and quality to spare. Sure, the price tag is there as well, but you are getting a premium product that will satisfy the needs and wants of the world’s most demanding skiers.

Who it's For:

Carving enthusiasts. You are an advanced and expert skier looking for a strong mix of race and on-piste properties.

Price: $1,199.00 / $1,399.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Deacon V.Werks Skis

Overview:

By taking the existing footprint of the Deacon 84 and carbonizing the construction, Volkl takes the precision and responsiveness to the next level. While some skiers may think that the V.Werks is more stable and solid than the 84, that’s not quite the case. The V.Werks uses a hybrid wood core with stringers milled out along the base, much like what we see in the Blaze series of skis. In addition to that weight reduction, they also use carbon fiber where the 84 uses metal in the mid-body. This stiffens the ski, but it doesn’t necessarily make it more rugged. Overall, you’re getting a lighter, poppier, and more precise version of the Deacon 84, so that’s what you’re paying for. If two skis can deliver the same performance and versatility with one weighing less than the other, chances are it’s going to be more expensive.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a more versatile and more energetic Deacon 84. You love the feel and performance of carbon and don’t mind paying a bit extra for it.

Price: $1,349.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Stockli Montero AR Skis

Overview:

On the high end of quality and stability, the Stockli Montero AR reigns supreme. At 84 mm underfoot, this ski is a top-shelf carver with a surprisingly versatile nature. It’s more like the Experience 86 Ti in that it contains a decent amount of camber and is on the hefty side, so it’s not like it’s a great floater, but a skilled skier can power and push it through crud, chop, soft snow, bumps, or trees. If you’re more on the progressing side, it’s pretty stiff. On-trail, the ski lights it up. It’s incredibly smooth, stable, and strong, doing all of the necessary things for carving round turns at a very quiet din. The two sheets of metal and rubber dust between laminates makes this ski one of the dampest skis on the market today, and that makes it even more impressive that it also has energy and pop to the mix.

Who it's For:

Athletic and agile skiers who have an eye for quality and a good skill set on skis. You want a good mix of power and stability without really sacrificing much else.

Price: $1,349.00 / $1,549.00

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