Testers awarded The Friend with its highest marks in the versatility category and that’s music to the ears of J Skis founder, Jason Levinthal, who designed this 114-mm underfoot ski to straddle the line between deep powder performance and frontside groomer destruction. “A great multitasking ski,” said one tester. “This is my favorite fat ski on hardpack, ever,” said another. To achieve that balance, Levinthal utilizes rigid maple wood for torsional stability and power; carbon fiber for added strength without sacrificing weight; and a smooth, multi-radius sidecut. “Really playful ski that loves to bounce all over the mountain and flex like crazy… and still arcs like a race ski.” Hurry, only 120 pairs of this specific graphic will be produced in 2017-18.