2024 Women's Mid 80mm All Mountain Ski Comparison

We have another great comparison guide for you, and this time we look at skis in the mid 80 mm range. As we go down in width from the previous category featuring skis in the mid 90 mm waist width scope, we focus more on frontside options, from wider carving skis to narrower all mountain skis. Exuding strong on-piste finesse and powerful carving capabilities, this collection of skis offers a range of ability levels excellent groomer performance, as well as all-mountain versatility. A truly impressive list, with options ranging between 82-86 mm underfoot, we get an array of options for skiers who want to add a dedicated carving ski or narrower daily driver to their quiver. Whether you’re a frontside connoisseur or aspiring carver, there is a ski on this list for you.

At a Glance:

2024 Armada Reliance 82 Ti Skis

Overview:

Starting off with a strong contender from Armada, this Reliance 82 Ti has proven its success time and time again, showing the highly versatile nature of a narrower all mountain ski. While it isn’t necessarily a popular recipe, this particular ski makes a strong argument for why more brands should be focusing on powerful frontside skis with all mountain capabilities. Straying from Armada’s reputation of twin tip, freestyle focused skis, this Reliance 82 Ti puts the emphasis on strong edge hold, smooth turn initiation and energetic responsiveness in a narrower, directional shape. For construction, we’re getting a lightweight caruba wood core plus the addition of metal, which is applied in a longitudinal fashion, with full-width underfoot and through the tail. What is unique about the forebody in this ski is Armada removed slits from the metal laminate, allowing the tip to twist and articulate more freely. Versatile for its width, with moderate camber and smooth rocker in the tip, skiers have the option of ripping fast turns down the fall line or making short turns on the side of the trail.

Who it's For:

Skiers who prioritize strong edge hold and high-speed stability in a more versatile, all-mountain shape.

Price: $699.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Cloud Q12 Skis

Overview:

For finesse and precision on groomers and frontside terrain, the Atomic Cloud Q12 is a fantastic option for skiers who like making clean, round turns. With Atomic’s proven technology utilized in a wider-bodied format, we get powerful carving capabilities and all-mountain versatility all in one. Quick and eager to turn, the long effective edge and fully cambered profile provides smooth and easy performance for those who spend the majority of their time on groomers. Built with a Flite wood core to enhance maneuverability and Dura Cap sidewall construction for maximum grip and control, the construction is rounded out with Revoshock C technology which delivers incredible vibration dampening qualities. Highly useful and versatile enough to enjoy soft snow on occasion, this ski offers a high-performance ceiling but in an approachable and friendly body.

Who it's For:

Skiers who spend their time making short, clean turns on groomers but don’t want to commit to a full frontside ski.

Price: $649.95 w/ Bindings

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Maven 86 C Skis

Overview:

One of the widest skis on this list, the Maven 86 C by Atomic invites more of an all-mountain, freeride feel while prioritizing strong frontside performance. With a blend of lightweight construction and a well-rounded shape, this carbon-powered option is great for skiers who want a stiff flexing ski that is agile and playful. Standing out for its high level of versatility, the 86 mm waist width invites impressive soft snow performance, especially when combined with the HRZN tech tips and rocker profile. Boosting on-trail precision and stiffening the flex, Atomic’s use of Omatic wood core and carbon backbone provides an agile, yet stable feel with high performance capabilities. A highly approachable ski for progressing intermediates who want reliable edge grip and energetic responsiveness, the Maven 86 C is light underfoot but stable as ever.

Who it's For:

A range of skiers who value versatility over all else. Those who want a cohesive blend of agility and stability for frontside performance.

Price: $549.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Atomic Maven 86 Skis

Overview:

A gentler, more forgiving version of the Maven 86 C, this Maven 86 features a simpler construction but tried and true design. A great choice for casual skiers who don’t want to push the limits, the Maven 86 is easy-going and well-rounded. The main difference we see between the two Maven 86s is the use of carbon, which ramps up not only the stiffness but the amount of feedback as well. In the non-carbon Maven, though we do get a more approachable flex and feel, we certainly don’t miss out on performance here. Sitting in the sweet spot for versatility, the lightweight build features a simple wood core with Dura Cap sidewalls and HRZN tech tip, providing both ample edge grip underfoot and playful flotation in the shovels. Energetic with a consistent flex pattern, intermediates who want easy access to on-trail performance and off-piste confidence will gravitate to the Maven 86.

Who it's For:

Easy-going skiers who want a friendly, versatile all-mountain ski.

Price: $449.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Black Crows Vertis Birdie Skis

Overview:

Another highly approachable ski on this list, the Black Crows Vertis Birdie is perfect for ladies looking for a go-to resort ski with a frontside focus. Smooth, precise and energetic in and out of turns; the Vertis Birdie is going to inspire confidence and finesse technique in an approachable fashion. We love Black Crows for their simple yet impressively high-performance construction, featuring poplar wood and fiberglass, which succeed in providing both agility and stability while keeping the weight down. The 85 mm waist width and traditional camber underfoot allow this ski to transition smoothly and energetically, making them ideal for technical, tight terrain. The edge grip and strength are surprising given the simplicity of the build, which is a result of the semi-cap construction and short turn radius allowing for less hooky turns and smoother performance all around.

Who it's For:

Skiers looking for a fun and energetic bump/tree ski or a confidence-inspiring frontside ski with all mountain capabilities.

Price: $749.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Blizzard Black Pearl 82 Skis

Overview:

Why change something that works? That’s the motto we have when it comes to this ski. A highly rewarding, predictable choice for a wide range of skiers, the Black Pearl 82 is a wider carving ski that features a lightweight but stable foundation and versatile shape. With on-piste prowess, this ski loves to carve dynamic turns and provides exceptional edge grip thanks to the titanal laminate positioned solely underfoot. Leaving the rest of the ski maneuverable and responsive, the Trueblend wood core and unidirectional carbon frame provides an even, progressive flex that inspires confidence and technique. The subtle rocker profile in the tip and tail enhances not only forgiveness but smooth turn initiation and energy out of the tail. Agile enough for bumps and trees but able to keep up with the demands of frontside performance, this ski is a fool-proof choice.

Who it's For:

A wide range of skiers who want an accessible all-mountain ski with energy and reliable stability.

Price: $649.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Dynastar E-Pro 85 Skis

Overview:

The narrowest option in the E-Pro line by Dynastar, this 85 is the most frontside focused, offering intermediate to advanced skiers a fun-loving but high-performance ski for ripping up groomers, bumps and everything in between. One of the more agile turners in this category, it certainly shines carving energetic, dynamic turns on groomers thanks to the poppy camber profile underfoot and directional tail. We say this with each model in the line because it just fits-reverse mullet. Looking at the shape and in the performance itself, we definitely get quite the party in the front and business in the back. The shape in the shovel is quite dramatic, with a generous amount of rocker and taper which gives it incredible flotation and effortless turn initiation. This unique shape greatly enhances versatility, making them strong and stable on groomers and nimble in the trees and bumps. Construction wise, we see a poplar/polyurethane wood core blend which encompasses lightweight attributes while the fiberglass reinforcement delivers a responsive flex. A truly well-rounded option, a lot of skiers will find that this ski checks a lot of boxes.

Who it's For:

Dynamic skiers who want frontside strengths with a versatile shape and off-piste capabilities.

Price: $579.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Dynastar E-Cross 82 Skis

Overview:

The clean, round carving machine, this Dynastar E-Cross 82 loves to show off on groomers. Advanced skiers who spend the majority of their time in a frontside format will love the grippy waist and short turn radius of this ski. Quick, agile and smooth, the hybrid wood core pairs ideally with Dynastar’s unique application of metal, which positions the laminate in an “H” shape. Forming arm-like strips extending from the midsection into the forebody and tail, which drastically enhances ski-to-snow contact and edge grip. The addition of polyurethane material evens out the construction by providing exceptional vibration dampening qualities without tipping the scale. A pretty wide shovel for a ski this narrow, skiers still get access to flotation and playful maneuverability for soft snow conditions. Balanced out by a long effective edge and long camber, the unique feel and high-performance nature of this ski attracts advanced frontside enthusiasts.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who want a powerful carving ski in a fun-loving shape.

Price: $649.95 w/ Poles

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Wildcat 86 CX Skis

Overview:

Setting the tone for this category, the Wildcat 86 CX is a sophisticated ski with an approachable nature and high-performance ceiling. With all the bells and whistles, this highly rewarding ski features Elan’s advanced technology and unique application of carbon rods that deliver a seriously energetic, intuitive feel. With a designated right and left ski featuring camber on the inside edge and rocker on the outside edge, edge grip and precision are drastically enhanced on the downhill ski while forgiveness and maneuverability are effortless on the uphill ski. The tubelite wood core combined with the benefits of carbon provide an impressively stiff flex and lively responsiveness. The versatile 86 mm waist width allows for all mountain versatility while keeping powerful performance on-piste at an all-time high. Accessible and friendly, it’s easy to be fooled by this ski’s friendly nature, only to learn that this ski rips on groomers and appeals to both intermediate and advanced skiers.

Who it's For:

Energetic skiers who want a stiff flex and powerful rebound with a friendly nature.

Price: $699.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Elan Wildcat 86 C Black Edition Skis

Overview:

Stepping it up a notch as far as performance goes, the Wildcat 86 C Black Edition is a slightly more aggressive version of the Wildcat, appealing to skiers who want to crank up the speed dial and access a slightly higher performance ceiling. With the same great shape and slightly more width underfoot, we get a wider version of the original but with enhanced construction characteristics that stiffen the flex and maximize power. Rather than Tubelite wood, we get a laminated wood core and carbon line technology, which incorporates additional carbon for more reactivity and energetic rebound. With greater stability at higher speeds and impeccable edge grip, the level of precision and power is truly off the charts. Blurring the lines between all-mountain and frontside performance, this smooth and strong operator will rip up groomers and invite intuitive, energetic maneuverability off-piste.

Who it's For:

Skilled skiers who are ready to receive powerful feedback and want to charge frontside terrain with precision.

Price: $999.99 w/ Bindings

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At a Glance:

2024 Faction Dancer 1X Skis

Overview:

Fun, light and versatile, Faction steers slightly away from their typical freestyle focused skis here and gifts us with this frontside, all-mountain ski. What we love about skis like the Dancer 1X is it reminds us that it's not always about top tier carving capabilities and high-speed domination in this category. Sometimes skiers want a frontside ski that takes things a little less seriously and with a little more personality and this is where this ski comes in. Incredibly quick and agile, the Dancer 1X loves to blend liveliness and dampness in a way that delivers playful versatility for on-piste control and off-piste fun. A light poplar wood core establishes the foundation here, with the addition of two sheets of metal that ramp up the performance in a strong yet approachable manner. Wider shovels with slight rocker balance out the almost fully cambered profile which invites powerful edge grip, as well as quick-footed performance in the bumps and trees. Whether this ski is a steppingstone or a final destination, it offers a range of options as for as use and is just impressively light and maneuverable given its build.

Who it's For:

You want a high-performance build that is easy to manipulate, playful and reliable.

Price: $749.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Fischer Ranger 84 W Skis

Overview:

This is one of those skis that is hard to compete with, as it is a top contender for strength and powerful feedback while also feeling snappy and energetic. While the wider versions of the Ranger tend to receive more attention, this 84 W has a lot to offer and should not be overlooked. Probably the most useful of the bunch, this ski offers playful versatility and all-mountain accessibility for a lot of skiers out there. With a sophisticated yet simple build, we’re getting a poplar wood core that is further enhanced by a Fiber Tech glass laminate and ABS sidewalls. While it’s easy to see there isn’t a ton going on as far as construction, we do reach a weight of 1750 grams per ski in the 167 cm length, which goes to show it doesn’t have to take a lot of materials to reach maximum stability and dampness. A nice camber profile underfoot, we also get tip and tail rocker which assist in smooth turn initiation and provide soft snow capabilities. One of the most dynamic skis in this category, the Ranger 84 W reaches a broad audience of skiers who want some pop underneath their feet without losing strong on-trail performance.

Who it's For:

Capable skiers who like a ski that has some weight to it but still offers playful performance.

Price: $649.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Head Total Joy Skis

Overview:

The whole Joy series is so aptly named as it offers pure all-mountain delight for so many skiers. Highly approachable and easy-going, the Total Joy may be competing for the most versatile of the series, offering a progressive flex, frontside shape and lightweight but high-performance build. What we love about this ski is it is accessible for intermediates who want to take the next step up in technique and performance on-piste, as well as advanced skiers who want a stiff flex in a lightweight foundation. Not exactly a simple approach to the construction, Head wanted to use the lightest weight materials in order to achieve the flex and level of performance of this ski. In doing so, they certainly achieved an impressively ideal strength to weight ratio, and we love when that’s the case. With a karuba and ash wood blend plus two layers of fiberglass and two layers of carbon, the accessible yet powerful feel is the direct result of using these specific materials. Add in the benefits of graphene and skiers get a super-smooth flex, dampness, and stablity without a lot of weight.

Who it's For:

Energetic skiers who like a reactive ski that is both stiff and light.

Price: $899.00 w/ Bindings

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At a Glance:

2024 Liberty Evolv 84 W Skis

Overview:

For those of us who like to spend their time ripping up groomers, the Liberty Evolv 84 W is a quiet, stable carver with a fun-loving demeanor. Taking their reputable technology and construction approaches that we see in their more freeride-oriented skis and incorporating it into a narrower, more frontside-focused iteration leads to even better results. What we’re mostly referring to here is the use of VMT technology, this time placing three vertical struts of metal down the central chord of the ski rather than one. What’s wild though is despite the amount of metal in this ski, we don’t weigh in very much, which is impressive for a strong frontside ski. Maximizing the sophistication here, Liberty goes on to add in two sheets of fiberglass and two strips of carbon to achieve an amazing level of stiffness and energy. A square, flat tail with minimum rocker or taper makes for a powerful finish and competitive frontside performance.

Who it's For:

Strong skiers who can benefit from a ski with the power and precision of metal. Those who like a quiet, stable feel in a carved turn.

Price: $669.00

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At a Glance:

2024 Line Pandora 84 Skis

Overview:

When it comes to the Pandora line, there’s just a whole lot to love about them. A truly fun-loving, versatile collection, the 84 focuses on quickness and agility in a narrow all-mountain shape. At 84 mm underfoot, they certainly gravitate to firmer snow and on-piste applications, though their construction keeps the door open to versatile use. What makes these skis so accessible is their lightweight construction and thin profile. An Aspenlite wood core combined with carbon magic fingers delivers a forgiving flex but ample stability which results in a wonderful combination of qualities. Great for groomers, bumps and trees, the 13-meter turn radius allows for quickness and energy underfoot while the rocker in the tips and tails invites effortless release from turns, as well as soft-snow capabilities. If you’re someone who simply doesn’t know what ski to go with in this category, the Line Pandora 84 is pretty fool proof.

Who it's For:

Just about anyone who enjoys a well-rounded ski with agility, playfulness and predictability.

Price: $449.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Santa Ana 84 Skis

Overview:

Oh, the Santa Ana line. Nordica really nailed it with this whole collection and lucky for us, we get a range of options to choose from. As the narrowest in the family, the Santa Ana 84 is our frontside boss and for advanced skiers who want power and precision, this ski is it. The sophisticated build featuring advanced technology takes the level of performance to the ceiling and delivers fantastic edge grip and carving capabilities while leaving plenty of room for approachable maneuverability. Nordica’s use of terrain specific metal here goes a long way in delivering not only powerful feedback but accessible nature as well. By fine-tuning the flex pattern and amount of stability through different amounts of metal in each width model, the designated application, with frontside performance being the name of the game with this one, is backed by the build. Add in the particularly versatile shape and all-mountain design and skiers get a top contending carving ski with off-piste capabilities.

Who it's For:

Advanced skiers who seek a balance between strong groomer performance and approachable off-piste technique.

Price: $599.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Nordica Wild Belle 84 Skis

Overview:

The Wild Belle 84 is another wider bodied frontside option but what stands out about this Nordica ski is its new and innovative technology that puts forth a high level of performance for advanced level skiers. What we’re referring to here is the double core technology, which applies laminates of wood in a horizontal fashion, giving the ski a unique and competitive feel and flex. Smooth and stable, the level of dampness allows various ability levels to access its performance. Whether you’re the type of skier that likes to make short, quick turns at slower speeds or longer, wider turns at higher speeds, the Wild Belle 84 provides stability and precision at any speed. The all-mountain shape in the shovel pairs nicely with the frontside focused midsection and tail, providing noticeably smooth turn initiation and consistency through the entirety of the ski. While it provides the high-performance ceiling that advanced and expert skiers are seeking, it's also approachable and confidence-inspiring for progressing intermediates.

Who it's For:

Frontside skiers who want unwavering precision in a fun-loving package.

Price: $699.99 w/ Bindings

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At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt W Skis

Overview:

A versatile but more frontside focused ski, the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt W provides impressive performance on firmer hardpack while leaving the door open for all-mountain capabilities. While there are certainly stronger carving skis out there, Rossignol achieved an impressive feat here by focusing on construction applications that provide a high level of performance without making the ski feel too demanding. While other skis in the Experience series utilize the addition of metal, this ski features basalt stringers in tandem with paulownia wood, providing a stiffer flex than the weight may let on. Add in the shape, which boasts a frontside character, the versatile mid-80s waist width and long effective edge keep grip and strength underfoot to a maximum. Lighter weight and with a mid-range turn radius, intermediate to advanced level skiers will love this ski for confidence-inspiring groomer performance.

Who it's For:

Progressing skiers who want comfort and confidence in a well-performing, versatile frontside ski.

Price: $849.95 w/ Bindings

Ski Test Results

At a Glance:

2024 Rossignol Experience 82 Ti Skis

Overview:

A true frontside powerhouse, the Rossignol Experience 82 Ti focuses primarily on carving performance, delivering a robust feel and ideal level of stiffness from the use of metal in the construction. Building off of the titanal, we also get carbon and basalt fibers applied in a cross-hatched manner, maximizing the stiffness and level of energy tenfold. Advanced to expert level skiers will really love the crisp, powerful edge grip and energetic feedback, not to mention the blend of versatility as well. A width waist of 82 mm underfoot might be too wide for those with a serious race background but for skiers who want powerful carving capabilities and high-speed stability while still being able to explore off-piste, it’s perfect. The generous amount of camber in the profile and full sidewall construction aids in the on-piste performance, while the progressive tip rocker encourages smooth turn initiation and soft snow capabilities. A particularly strong carver with ample stability, the mix of energy and dampness really round out this powerful ski.

Who it's For:

Ladies who prefer the responsive flex and power of metal for on-piste performance with the option of soft snow versatility.

Price: $799.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Salomon Stance 84 W Skis

Overview:

A somewhat overlooked ski in this width range, the Salomon Stance sure has a lot to offer, and we love shining a light on the underdog. For those of us who spend the majority of their time on groomers, which happens to be a lot of us, this ski delivers amazing edge grip, stability and dampness. Dedicated carvers may find this width to be too wide but for all mountain skiers with a frontside focus, 84 mm underfoot is the sweet spot. Inviting a little more versatility into the mix, the slight rocker in the tip and tail provide off-trail maneuverability while the moderate camber underfoot keeps a strong and energetic feel in a carved turn. For the construction, the poplar wood core combined with a single titanal sheet does the majority of the heavy lifting without feeling overbearing. With this year’s iteration featuring a more forgiving, energetic flex, the addition of carbon with the poplar makes for a very reactive and precise feel.

Who it's For:

Energetic skiers who value precision and stability for all mountain purposes.

Price: $449.95

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Blaze 86 W Skis

Overview:

Definitely the most versatile ski on this list, the Blaze 86 W is a total winner. One of the widest skis as well, we get more of an all-mountain shape and demeanor here, with fantastic groomer performance and off-piste capabilities. Offering an impressive balance of performance attributes, skiers will love its lightweight build and agile but stable nature. From bumps and trees to firmer hardpack, the multilayer wood core paired with full sidewalls is what makes this ski so well-rounded. Simple but delivering a high-performance ceiling, the construction plus the versatile all-mountain shape makes this ski forgiving and progressive. Not only are skiers able to benefit from the shape, but the 3D radius sidecut allows for a wide range of turn shapes and styles. Thanks to its impressively low ratio, it's also a fantastic option for a hybrid touring ski.

Who it's For:

Literally anyone who wants the highest level of versatility in this width category.

Price: $549.99

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At a Glance:

2024 Volkl Yumi 84 Skis

Overview:

A true top performer among the skis on this list, the Volkl Yumi 84 is ready to deliver and those who want to take their skiing up a notch will benefit from the high rewarding nature of this ski. High-end and affordable, a winning combination, the Yumi blends unparalleled stability and energetic maneuverability that is almost hard to make sense of. The driving force behind this level of performance is all thanks to the sophisticated build featuring a multi-layer wood core as the foundation with a titanal binding platform and glass frame to round it all out. With fiberglass instead of metal for the frame, we’re benefiting from the snappy, poppy properties, sacrificing a slight bit of edge grip in exchange for a more energetic feel. The more traditional footprint allows for quickness underfoot, capable of making various turn shapes and styles. One of those no-brainer skis, its high-performance nature leaves plenty of room for accessibility and versatility.

Who it's For:

Those who value a high-performance ski with strong frontside capabilities but enough versatility for off-piste maneuverability.

Price: $649.99

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