Most models in this category weigh in at around 1,300–1,500 grams and are very similar in their handling, focusing on ease of use and long tours.
Lightweight and intuitive, they’re perfect for taking on lots of vertical without getting the average skier into difficulty, even if they only get out on the mountain a few times over the course of a year. On the downside, these skis are out of their depth in challenging conditions or on compact terrain, or even when it comes to laying over a few turns on groomers. They’re less torsionally rigid, a little too floaty and don’t instill a lot of confidence. That said, there are a few models that are blazing a new trail. Like the Salomon MTN 96 Carbon or the Faction Agent 2, which set themselves apart with a more solid construction and greater versatility.
And then there’s the Black Diamond Impulse TI 98, which carries an extra couple of hundred grams (weighing 1,790 g) but handles well on piste, making it a great candidate for a one-ski quiver. Could this be a sign of a possible new direction? Many brands are working on more versatile skis able to take on plenty of elevation gain as well as more technical descents, or even a few days of on-piste skiing. The trade off is the extra weight, but the gains in stability and reliability are impressive.
It feels like in the next few years we’ll see the emergence of an Allround Tour micro-category, designed for riders looking for a more solid ski that can cope with all kinds of terrain without requiring pro-level strength and technique.
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Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
