2024 Men's Narrow Frontside Ski Comparison

Ranging in width from 65 to 75 mm underfoot, this grouping of skis is the speed demon and high precision class. We see strong builds—many with two sheets of metal, but also some interesting technologies here, so these aren’t all real-deal FIS race constructions (although some are). Instead, this grouping of skis can still be confidently used both in the resort and in any type of beer league or citizens racecourses. The fun part about this comparison, other than build variations, is the differences in turn shape. We go all the way from 12-meter slalom cuts all the way to 22+ meter high-speed carves. While versatility isn’t really on the table with most of these skis, there are some accessible skis in this bunch that do have some hidden talents. Other than those select few, this range of ski is best served in an on-trail and carving format. Former racers and front side enthusiasts rejoice!

At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Redster X9s Skis

Overview:

Narrow, stiff, and extraordinarily crisp, the Atomic Redster X9s might just be the most rugged ski on this wall. By utilizing their ultra-power wood core, titanal laminates, and steel Revoshock damping layers, the X9s mixes a full-on race build with a mid-radius arc. This thing turns on a dime—making some of the cleanest and roundest turns out there. There’s definitely race potential here, as the shape and construction align well with local race circuits and their mixing of slalom and GS-style gates. There aren’t many skis out there that turn like this that are this narrow—mainly we’re seeing these types of turn shapes in wider skis, so the Redster X9s does stick out as being an anomaly here in the front side world. For many skiers of the expert and race realm, this is a very good thing. Keep it on edge and you’ll be rewarded with some of the cleanest carves imaginable.

Who it's For:

Pretty darn strong and skilled skiers. This is not a gentle carving machine for those looking to progress.

Price: $1,099.95 w/ Bindings

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At a Glance:

2024 Stockli Laser WRT ST Skis

Overview:

There’s nothing wrong with this ski. The Laser WRT ST is one of the smoothest and quietest performers out there, and it is just so incredibly rewarding to ski. By using two different applications of carbon in this 66mm waist ripper, Stockli is able to generate a ton of power and energy out of the ski. Carbon Steering Control, found in front of the binding, adjusts the flex and provides feedback through the use of a carbon layer. Underfoot, the Carbon Power Turn makes the whole zone a lot stiffer and more responsive, especially when on firmer snow and ice. The 180 generates a 16.3-meter turn radius, which is in the mid-range for this length, but since the ski has some decent flex to it, you can deviate from that arc at your whim. Capable of both top-end and more accessible performance, the WRT ST is a wide-ranging ski that has a ton to offer a huge variety of skiers.

Who it's For:

You have a racing background and are looking for something to fade into the sunset with. Conversely, you are also a precision-oriented skier who wants to access the entirety of the performance spectrum.

Price: $1,749.00 w/ Bindings

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At a Glance:

2024 Head Supershape E-Original Skis

Overview:

These Supershape skis from Head are incredibly smooth, powerful, and fun on the feet of the right skiers. They have it set up nicely, with the Original being the most slalom-oriented of the group from both a shape and turn radius standpoint. While they all share the same build when it comes to blending a dense wood core, two sheets of metal, and graphene to stiffen the ski. The end result with the Original is a 66 mm underfoot width that produces a 12.1-meter turn radius in the longest 170 cm length. Compare that to the 13.5-meter arc of the Thunderbird R13, and the difference is more than noticeable—these things want to turn on a dime. The flare of the tail speaks volumes as to how the Original will finish a turn, so if you’re interested in this type of ski, be prepared for incredibly strong kick and rebound from one carve to the next.

Who it's For:

Slalom skiers, maybe not slalom racers, but you certainly prefer the art of the short and carved turn.

Price: $1,219.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Redster G9 Revoshock S Skis

Overview:

Unflinchingly fast and incredibly smooth, this GS-oriented beast is about as powerful and race-like as it gets in the recreational ski world. By using a lot of Atomic’s race heritage in the ski’s construction and shape, the G9 is very appealing to current and former racers alike. While there is some beer-league application here, it’s actually got a longer arc than most of the citizen’s courses adhere to, so there’s not a ton of demand here—it's happier when opened up on smooth and firm trails at higher speeds and in longer radius carves. At 68 mm underfoot, we’re not at full-on race width here, but we’re getting there, and when you add in the 18.2-meter shape at the 177 cm length, you’re looking at a top-speed performer. Steel Revoshock, titanal laminates, and a power wood core are the culprits behind this burly build, making the G9 a formidable opponent even to the most rugged and fearless of skiers.

Who it's For:

Fans of the longer carved turn. You’re here for the speed and G-forces.

Price: $1,099.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Dobermann Multigara Skis

Overview:

This new ski snuck right up on us. The Multigara is Nordica’s top shelf carving machine that has an equally slick look as it does a top end of performance. Built with Nordica’s new Double Core technology, the Multigara uses dual horizontal wood laminates sandwiched with two sheets of metal and a middle pulse core laminate. In the 175, we’re getting a 70 mm waist width and a 16-meter turn radius, making this ski a wonderful mid-range carver with torsional stiffness and edge grip for days. With Nordica’s new plate system, they’re using a Zinc bridge to attach the front and back of the binding, increasing the stiffness and silence in the underfoot zone. The Double Core is all about vibration damping, and it seems to work great—we've loved it in Steadfast 85, Spitfires 74 and 80, and now in Multigara.

Who it's For:

Quality and precision-oriented skiers who are looking for the best of the best. You want the latest and greatest in front side ski technology and quality.

Price: $1,499.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Blizzard Firebird HRC Skis

Overview:

Thanks to a fairly complete overhaul for 2023, the Firebird HRC takes its frontside performance and blasts into a new realm. We now get Blizzard’s True Blend Race wood core to the mix, adding ash and poplar to create a strong and stable central portion with ash and more flexible tips and tails with poplar. This increases the longitudinal flex of the ski while keeping it at least somewhat accessible. The middle of the ski is super burly while the tips and tails get just a bit more pleasant. That said, this ski now gets Blizzard’s 3Ti construction which boasts three titanal layers. Whereas the previous model had a different build with the C-Spine and C-Armor, this new ski is decidedly woodier and more metallic, putting it more in line with a true race ski. The shape moves that way, too, with a narrower 69 mm waist as opposed to 76 like we saw in 2022.

Who it's For:

Strong and capable skiers who like the feel of a traditional race ski. You are not scared of metal in your skis.

Price: $1,199.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Blizzard Firebird WRC Skis

Overview:

The new Blizzard Firebird WRC is a longer turning version of both the SRC and HRC within the Firebird line. It benefits from the new TrueBlend Race wood core and the 3Ti Duramax construction. By placing ash wood underfoot and extending through the middle of the ski with poplar on the outsides of the tips and tails, Blizzard nails the flex and accessibility while keeping the longitudinal stiffness firmly in place. With three sheets of titanal as opposed to multiple different carbon applications last year, the ski takes on more of a race like feel in the traditional sense. While the waist width of 68 mm is similar to the new HRC, the radius is longer, with a 17.5-meter arc in the 175 as opposed to the HRC’s 15.8m in the same length. As such, WRC still adheres to more of a GS race style of character, and fans of speed and Giant Slalom racing will be more than happy with this new blend of shape and build.

Who it's For:

GS style racers looking for one of the best beer league carvers out there.

Price: $1,199.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Blizzard Thunderbird R13 Skis

Overview:

It’s great to have three Blizzard skis up here on the wall, with the new Thunderbird R13 offering that shorter arc and narrower waist to front side carving enthusiasts. While the R15 operates at a longer turn radius and contains longer lengths, the R13 is a narrower version with a slightly more dramatic sidecut for shorter arcs and greater edge grip and control. Built with their TrueBlend Piste wood core and 2Ti Duramax Sandwich sidewall construction, these skis are identical to the R15 when it comes to nuts and bolts. In the 170, the longest length, the ski generates a pretty darn short 13.5-meter turn radius, aligning it with more of the slalom race-style skis that we see out there. At 70 mm underfoot, the versatility is curbed, but the on-trail performance and torsional stiffness is boosted in a very satisfying manner. Active Carbon Armor keeps the ski glued to the snow, especially in the underfoot zone where it’s needed the most.

Who it's For:

Short-turning enthusiasts who are looking to make some of the cleanest and roundest arcs possible. You want a slalom ski but not a race ski.

Price: $1,199.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Hero Elite LT Ti Skis

Overview:

At 71 mm underfoot and boasting an 18-meter turn radius in the 177 cm length, the Rossignol Hero Elite LT is built and shaped for high speed carves and deep, thorough arcs. While some other skis in the Elite lineup feature poplar wood cores, the LT is built with Beech, so you’re getting the added stability of the denser wood. We’re also getting a full titanal layer on the bottom and an additional one on top with their V-Shape incorporated into it. By bending the metal, they’re making it stiffer as it creates more of a three-dimensional format. Rossignol also uses their LCT vertical struts to prevent counterflexing and keep the ski on its intended line. There’s really not a whole lot of taper to this ski as it is very sharp from tip to tail. That’s part of the charm, and one of the big reasons why this ski is so successful and popular when it comes to longer and faster turns.

Who it's For:

GS enthusiasts who like to push the limits of G-Forces and the Sound Barrier. You want to feel planted at speed with minimal vibrations.

Price: $1,199.95

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At a Glance:

2024 K2 Disruption Ti2 Skis

Overview:

Whereas the MTi is more of a gentle carver, the Ti2 is nowhere near that mentality. This is a straight shooter with high-speed performance written all over it. For not being a race ski, or based off of one, it sure feels like it wants to go fast. Here at Stowe, we have excellent long and winding groomers. This type of terrain is ideal for the Ti2 as it allows the skier to simply follow the contours of the trails to dictate the turn shape and duration. In the 182, the ski’s 71 mm waist combines with a 111 mm tip and 96 mm tail to produce a 22.3-meter turn radius. This is on the long side for this grouping of skis and certainly puts a GS or Super G character into the mix. With two layers of metal in the ski, we’re dealing with some weight for sure, but you literally don’t feel anything underfoot or in the tips and tails—they're that smooth and powerful. Added bonus: these skis come with a Marker Piston plate and a Marker X-Comp binding to accentuate the true speed generated by these amazing skis.

Who it's For:

Speed demons and straight-liners who are looking to max out the speedometer and lay down some crazy arcs on the snow. You don’t mind a bit of extra weight if it equates to amazing performance.

Price: $1,249.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Stockli Laser SC Skis

Overview:

With a new build for the 2023 season, the already-smooth Stockli Laser SC gets a bit more beef added to the mix. They didn’t do a whole lot—keeping the lighter and more flexible wood core and two sheets of metal but adding Phenol sidewalls to the mix. We don’t talk a whole lot about sidewalls, but the move from ABS material to the stiffer and harder Phenol does make a difference. If you think about the sidewall as a vertical laminate (or two per ski, as the case may be), it starts to make more sense. By placing this stiffer material along the edges in a vertical manner, the Laser SC gains grip and responsiveness. These sidewalls are generally found on more race-specific skis, so it’s a welcome addition to the Laser line just to give it the extra boost. The SC also uses Flex Torsion Control to increase the ease of steering and control, mainly at lower speeds.

Who it's For:

Smooth and stable skiers who want something quiet and totally usable. You value quality and precision over pretty much anything else.

Price: $1,699.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Deacon 72 Master Skis

Overview:

Built with a full ash core and ready to rip, the Volkl Deacon 72 Master has a lot to offer accomplished skiers and former racers who are looking to lay down some of the cleanest and deepest arcs on the mountain. Volkl also uses their tailored carbon tips in order to generate energy out of the initiation phase of the turn and with two full sheets of metal throughout, we’re seeing a full-on race build in this 72 Master but in a friendlier shape and profile. By using slight tip and tail rocker, Volkl helps with both the start and finish of the turn, making it feel smoother and slightly less demanding while keeping the full-on burliness of the ski fully intact. In the 173, we’re getting a 15.4-meter turn radius, so while it’s shorter than the 76 Master, it’s still a bit further out from true slalom. Either way, if it’s a race build you’re looking for, look no further.

Who it's For:

Former Noram racers and gate smashers who are looking for that pure FIS build but in a friendlier shape and profile.

Price: $999.99

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At a Glance:

2024 K2 Disruption MTi Skis

Overview:

When we first got on the Disruption MTi, we noticed that the ski’s carving ability was more fun and energetic than we may have anticipated. Since this ski is not based out of any race room, K2 is able to take more liberties when it comes to building a ski from the ground up. By utilizing a blend of maple and aspen in the core, K2 also uses their titanal I-Beam to strengthen and dampen the performance. Since the metal is full width underfoot, it makes for a strong grip and a vibration-free feel throughout. This is bolstered by K2’s Dark Matter Damping elastomer material in the tips and tails that also serves to reduce and mitigate vibrations and chatter in the forebody and through the rear of the ski. In the 170, we’re getting a 74 mm waist and a 17-meter turn radius, making this ski fall more to the mid to long turn shape and style.

Who it's For:

Carving enthusiasts looking for something quick and energetic. You don’t need a race ski, but still want high-performance.

Price: $949.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Spitfire DC 74 Skis

Overview:

By hooking into the Double Core phenomenon, the Nordica Spitfire 74 takes its race-like heritage and shoves it into the forefront of the front side discussion. These skis are all new for 2024, using a new width (blending the 72 and 76 from last year) and a new build with the DC construction. By placing two horizontal laminates of wood on opposing sides of a titanal laminate and a pulse core, the end result is a vibration-free feel that supplies endless confidence to the skier and an insane amount of edge grip when it comes to firm snow performance. The 175 produces a mid-range 16.5-meter turn radius, so these skis are game for anything, from fast and drawn-out carves on the groomers to full-on racecourse performance. The Spitfire 74 is one of the coolest new skis we’ve seen in a while, creating instant energy and long-lasting memories when it comes to laying down deep arcs in the snow.

Who it's For:

Smooth skiers who are looking for pure tip to tail edge contact and a friction-free ride. You value precision and edge grip with silence to boot.

Price: $999.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Hero Elite MT Skis

Overview:

With a slightly different build and shape than the Hero Elite LT, the MT uses less metal, a lighter wood, and a V-shaped carbon alloy matrix laminate to stiffen the mix. We get a poplar wood core in this ski and a Titanal Beam underfoot for stability and power. The big story here is the use of the V-CAM, taking their Carbon Alloy Matrix and putting the V-Shape into it in order to stiffen the ski from a longitudinal and torsional standpoint. In addition, Rossignol’s Line Control Technology filters in here with another vertically-placed layer that prevents counterflexing and keeps the ski on its intended course with minimal vibrations or chatter. A bit wider at 74 mm underfoot, this ski does get a boost in versatility and all-mountain prowess, making it a great choice for non-racers looking to carve some clean turns while keeping softer and more cut up snow firmly in the mix.

Who it's For:

This one has a bit more applications than just racing, so if you’re looking for an approachable carver, this one is a great place to start.

Price: $949.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Forza 60 Skis

Overview:

The shape is one of the main differences between the Forza 60 and the Hero Elite MT, but other than that they’re actually pretty similar skis. The new Forza uses a 75 mm waist in the 171 to generate a 13-meter turn radius, so this one falls to the shorter side of the spectrum and with more of a dramatic sidecut for increased leverage over the carve. Build-wise, we’re looking at fairly similar skis that use poplar wood cores and Carbon Alloy Matrix as a stiffening laminate. The Forza’s does not have the V-shape to it so it’s safe to assume it’s not quite as stiff. We also get a V-shaped Titanal beam in the Forza, reducing chatter and increasing edge grip in the underfoot zone. This ski loves to make clean and round carves, and while it may adhere to more of a slalom style of turn, it’s actually capable of a lot more.

Who it's For:

Intermediate and advanced skiers who are looking to progress and perfect the art of the carved turn. You want something automatic and simple, but still with a high-performance ceiling.

Price: $899.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Kastle MX 75 Skis

Overview:

As one of the only legit flat skis on this wall, (Stockli can claim it, too) the Kastle MX 75 could easily be considered the most versatile ski to be had in this group. As the narrowest of the MX line, the 75 is clearly the most front-side oriented, but it still has the general shaping and construction principles of the wider skis in the MX line. This 75, though, is insanely quick and agile while adhering to the strictest of carving rules and potential. We still get the Hollowtech in the tips, which both lightens the swingweight and dampens vibrations. Throughout the rest of the ski, the stringers of poplar and beech keep the density and the energy fully intact and ready for pure action. With a straight and strong tail, the MX 75 finishes turns crisply and with precision, especially for a ski that’s not designed to be in a racecourse.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a very narrow all-mountain ski. You want quality and precision but not necessarily a race-like feel.

Price: $1,199.00

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