Taming the whole mountain isn’t for everyone, but it is clearly for you. These sticks are built to charge, to power through crud and show no mercy. They’ll dance in low tide in the deeper end when the snow stacks up. Built to roam on- and off-piste, the 100-105mm underfoot skis listed below don’t quit. Even on your solo ski days, you can rely on them for good company.
1. Blizzard Rustler 10
Lengths 162, 168, 174, 180, 186, 192 cm
DIM 134-102-123 mm
Radius 17.5 m @ 180 cm
To completely redesign the Rustler and Sheeva models, introduce a new shape, construction, and profile, and usher in a new freeride collection, Blizzard turned to its athletes. Even if they charge harder than the rest of us, Caite Zeliff, Marcus Caston and Connery Lundin know the difference between a good ski and a great ski. “The Blizzard Rustler 10,” says Lundin, “is a great one. “
The original Rustler 10 launched in 2016 and quickly gained a following as one of the best all-mountain skis on the market.
“The Rustler 10 is a different ski, but the favorable traits of the old ski have carried forward and improved in a few departments, like predictability and consistent flex,” says Lundin. “It feels more balanced and hasn’t lost that chargey, all-mountain feeling. It’s even more chargey now.”
Lundin says the redesigned ski required some fine-tuning—some three to four rounds of prototypes over a year and a half, one of the company’s longest testing processes in a decade.
READ THE FULL DEEP DIVE REVIEW — [ CLICK HERE ]
2. Völkl Revolt 104
Lengths 172, 180, 188 cm
DIM 132-104-122 mm
Radius 17 m @ 172 cm
Völkl’s Revolt 104 lands near the top of this category for its hard-charging and versatile capabilities. A true twin tip design with full wood core throughout, the Revolt 104 feels just as home popping off in the park as it does ripping through bumps and crud all over the mountain. A triple radius sidecut allows this ski to lay out long arcs where there’s room but effortlessly pivots when needed. A 104-mm waist width provides enough float when there’s fresh snow to leave your mark, but a touch of camber underfoot allows for the ski to really grip it and rip it on groomers. “The most fun you can possibly have on a ski,” tester Kaz Sosnowski professes. “Super playful, and you can lay it down when you want to. I’d bring this ski back to my mom’s for dinner.”
3. Salomon Stance 102
Lengths 176, 183, 190 cm
DIM 132-102-120 mm
Radius 23 m @ 183 cm
The new Salomon Stance 102 not only looks like a good time with hot pink bases, but it also slices through groomers like a freshly sharpened knife through room-temperature, pasture-raised butter. A directional shape paired with a new poplar and karuba wood core and two Titanal plates running the length of the plank account for its vice-like grip on groomers but can also be credited for its minimized torsional rigidity, which means the new Stance 102 is more poppy and playful than its predecessor. Tester Cole Timm agrees, stating, “It is a bit more approachable and makes skiing bumps and crud just a bit more fun. The flex pattern is very consistent, and the shovel is there to support you on groomers, hardback and bumps.” Devan O’Connor backs up that sentiment, expressing that the Stance 102 is “super fast, playful and King of the variable conditions.”
4. Peak Skis 104 by Dav
Lengths 160, 168, 178, 184 cm
DIM 134-104-122 mm
Radius 23.5 m @ 178 cm
When a brand is led by legendary Olympic alpine ski racer Bode Miller, you best believe that its skis are going to absolutely demolish every standard you have ever had about directional, carving-oriented skis. When it comes to the brand’s 104 by Dav, formerly the 104 SC —which stood for side country—the attention to turning detail is not lost with the few hundred grams that are shaved off from the standard Peak Skis 104. “For those who prefer a lighter ski, this is a great choice,” says tester Leslie Resnick. “This is a great ski for Jackson Hole,” tester Phil Maslow adds. “Light but strong, holds its own in all conditions and you wouldn’t believe it’s their side country option.” An everyday driver for adventure skier Chris Davenport and professional skier Michelle Parker, the 104 by Dav from Peak Skis knows no limits on the mountain, whether you’re loading up on the tram or earning those turns on the skintrack.
5. HEAD Oblivion 102
Lengths 173, 181, 189 cm
DIM 135-102-125 mm
Radius 22.8 m @ 181 cm
If you’re a fan of Cole Richardson’s effortlessly graceful, artistic and progressive ski style, you’ll want to set yourself up on the Canadian pro skier’s signature line from Head, the Oblivion series—specifically, the Oblivion 102. With a carbon sandwich twin tip construction and perfectly centered mount, the Oblivion 102 is designed to put you in the director’s chair of your ski day. A 102-mm waist width and a PET-wood core provide a steady platform should you set out for fresh tracks in the morning, chewed-up leftovers in the afternoon and every side hit in between. “Certified fun AF all-mountain ripper,” says tester Gunter Jones. “Playful, poppy, sturdy, stable—you won’t have a bad time.” For those who are constantly pursuing ‘better,’ the chase is finally over.
6. Fischer Ranger 102
Lengths 155, 162, 169, 176, 183, 190 cm
DIM 137-102-127 mm
Radius 18 m @ 176 cm
Fischer knew exactly what it was doing when the brand completely overhauled its Ranger line for 2023, utilizing the expertise of its athletes to hone in on every crucial detail. For 2024, the Ranger line, including the Ranger 102, remains unchanged. Available in two topsheet colors instead of a men’s and women’s model, the Ranger 102 transcends ski and gender categories, along with ski area boundaries. Stable enough to rip up the resort, no matter the day’s conditions, the Ranger 102 isn’t afraid of a ridgeline bootpack or steep skintrack thanks to its versatile design features like a sandwich sidewall construction and poplar/beech wood core. Tester Shane Dowaliby went as far as to say the Ranger 102 was one of his favorite skis of the test. “It handled everything I threw at it off the tram—soft bowl shredding, blasting through the crud, poppin’ between moguls and carving groomers.”
7. Atomic Maverick 100 Ti
Lengths 172, 180, 188 cm
DIM 129.5-100-120 mm
Radius 19.2 m @ 180 cm
“The Maverick 100 Ti is a Swiss Army knife when conditions can be unpredictable,” says tester Andrew Plourde. “The tip and tail are stiff enough to provide proper stability when you initiate a turn on harder snow, and the stiffness underfoot provides enough power and stability to encourage confidence when tackling more advanced terrain.” What more could a front-side slayer ask for? Atomic’s OMatic construction utilizes a layer of Titanal to create a balanced blend of stiffness, flex and stability all the way from the tip of the ski to the tail. A Flow Profile allows the ski to carve through chop and chunder as smoothly as it skims through fresh powder by tapering the HRZN Tech tip. Tester Zach Berman couldn’t help but compare this ski to driving a sports car.
8. Atomic Bent 100
Lengths 164, 172, 180, 188 cm
DIM 129.5-100-120 mm
Radius 19.5 m @ 180 cm
If you’ve never heard of Atomic’s Bent Chetler family, designed by legendary freeride athlete and insanely talented creative Chris Benchetler, it’s safe to say you’ve been living under a rock. One of the most celebrated families of skis from any brand, the Bent 100 is the middle child that offers the fun and floaty capabilities of its wider siblings while still maintaining the ability to slash and carve on a dime like its smaller sibs. Tester Eric Gerrmann is willing to go as far as to say, “The Bent 100 is one of the most versatile skis out on the market today. For a skier seeking one super fun, playful ski to bring anywhere, this is it—especially for an East Coaster.” HRZN Tech in the tip accounts for the Bent 100’s generous float, while a light wood core and Powder Rocker provide slash- and slarve-ability and Dura Cap Sidewalls offer total control on edge.
9. Völkl Mantra 102
Lengths 170, 177, 184, 191 cm
DIM 142-102-124 mm
Radius 18 m @ 177 cm
If you’re someone who enjoys laying out every turn, dropping hip and ignoring speed limits, Völkl’s Mantra 102 might be the right tool for you. Designed with skiers like Jim Ryan in mind, the Mantra 102 redefines the strength-to-weight ratio we’re used to by tailoring the metal to the length of the ski—making the longer lengths beefier for taller and heavier skiers and the shorter lengths more manageable for smaller snow sliders. The brand’s proprietary 3D radius sidecut gives the Mantra 102 a level of versatility not often achieved in a more aggressive, directional shape ski, and a 102-mm waist width provides a wide enough platform for deeper days. “It turns, floats and carves well in all conditions and blasts through crud,” tester Dan Grund notes. Like Christina Aguilera, this ski’s got range.
10. Line Blade Optic 104
Lengths 171, 178, 185, 190 cm
DIM 132-104-123 mm
Radius 19 m @ 185 cm
When FREESKIER founder Brad Fayfield deems a ski “super fun and very playful,” you best believe the man, the myth, the legend. The most versatile width in the Blade Optic family, the 104 serves up speed and agility on the daily thanks to the brand’s Gas Pedal Metal Overdive technology. Allowing the skier to harness the power of an innovative layup of Titanal to feel enhanced edge grip, stability and control underfoot, it’s hard to say anything negative about this all-mountain slayer—so we won’t. The 104-mm waist combined with a generous tip and tail rocker keeps you floating on top of a fresh layer, while the directional flex provides a stiffer tail for power, stability and control at high speeds. “Gas pedal to the MF metal,” raves tester Jenna Mahaffie. Press play on that Metallica playlist and have a screamin’ good time on the Line Blade Optic 104.
11. Elan Playmaker 101
Lengths 164, 172, 180, 188 cm
DIM 132–101–122 mm
Radius 18 m @ 180 cm
About three years ago, when executives at Elan were trying to decide which type of new ski should be added to the Slovenian company’s lineup, they leaned on the advice of people who mattered most: the retailers who were going to be tasked with having to sell them. “We asked them directly what ski they thought was missing from our line,” says Ben Fresco, the US Marketing and Product Director for Elan. “They came back and said, ‘You guys are ready to make a twin tip ski that reaches a little younger audience.’”
Almost immediately after that, Elan’s athlete team became involved in the development, giving engineers notes on the types of characteristics they’d like to see in what would become the Playmaker 101: it needed to be playful but powerful, damp but responsive. In early 2021, prototypes were being tested throughout Europe, and by December of that year, prototypes made their way to the US. “We were first able to test the skis at our Ski Week in Vail, Colorado,” says Fresco. “Retailers, sales reps and Glen Plake got a chance to try them there.”
But it wasn’t until that spring at Mount Bachelor, Oregon, that the team made real progress on the ski’s twin tip design. Playing on the mountain’s wind lips, side hits, open slopes and in the trees, the team of athletes, including Josh Bibby, Riley Revallier and Bode Barrett, were able to expose the prototypes’ strengths and weaknesses fully.
READ THE FULL DEEP DIVE REVIEW — [ CLICK HERE ]
12. Kästle ZX100
Lengths 168, 175, 181, 189 cm
DIM 134-100-121 mm
Radius 18 m @ 181 cm
The ZX collection from Kästle was ushered into the brand’s lineup to provide freeriders of any age a do-it-all ski that can stand up to whatever the day and rider throw at them. A softer flex and more rockered profile give the ZX100 a more playful look and feel compared to Kästle’s other offerings, making it incredibly versatile for variable conditions and terrain. A 100-mm waist is wide enough to float on top of a fresh inch or two, while a sturdy semi-cap sandwich construction, Hollowtech 2.0 and hard-wearing topsheet can stand up to chunder, crud, bumps and wind buff without missing a beat. For tester Michelle Cox, an ex-ski racer, the ZX100 was “the fastest ski I’ve been on all day.” “This ski is a bullet train with no speed limit,” adds Mike Fildander.
13. Faction Mana 2
Lengths 166, 173, 178, 183, 188 cm
DIM 131-102-127 mm
Radius 20 m @ 183 cm
Dubbed an all-mountain twin tip by the brand, Faction’s Mana 2 is designed to take you all over the mountain—from the back side to the park—sans compromise. An ultra-lightweight poplar wood core keeps the ski light and playful, ready to pop off any booter or side hit, while a carbon and rubber stomp pad underfoot absorbs vibration, keeping the ride smooth and confident, no matter the speed or conditions. “This ski felt right at home in pockets of soft snow up high and performed really well in mixed mid-mountain conditions,” writes tester Eric Gerrmann. “The stiffer tip and tail and softer mid-section allowed for maximum versatility and fun.” If you tend to ski the same setup no matter the day, terrain or snowpack, Faction’s Mana 2 will get the job done and have a damn good time doing it.
14. Zag Slap 104
Lengths 176, 182, 188 cm
DIM 136-104-125.2 mm
Radius 19 m @ 182 cm
Dare we say this ski slaps? An acronym for the French ski brand, “Style libre en arrière-pays,” the Slap 104 from Zag features a lightweight-yet-durable design that can take a beating but won’t weigh you down. Legendary professional skier Shannon Schad described the Slap 104 as a “very fun, playful ski in the tracked powder,” but that’s not the only place this ski shines. From buttery soft snow to steep, icy couloirs, the Slap 104 proves its worth by never skipping a beat, and the 104-mm waist puts you in the perfect position to plunder whatever is out there. Whether you’re someone who frequents Jackson Hole’s tram line, the trailhead parking lot or the expertly crafted terrain park, the Slap 104 will feel right at home wherever you take it. For intermediate skiers looking to progress on a plank that won’t overpower you, this ski may be just what your legs are looking for.
15. Line Chronic 101
Lengths 165, 172, 179, 186 cm
DIM 130-101-124 mm
Radius 16.6 m @ 178 cm
It’s all about the Chronic, maaan. Line expanded their trademark Chronic Collection with the addition of the all-new Chronic 101. For those wanting to take advantage of all the mountain has to offer in the morning, followed by afternoon hot laps in the park, the Chronic 101 is here for all-mountain freestyle enjoyment. Tester Jeffrey Davis adds that this ski is “very stable and great for charging hard. They’re light and playful in the park but can cut through soft bumps and rip in shallower pow.” Line incorporated some new tech in its construction, including Thick Cut Sidewalls for improved impact protection and Fatty Base and Edge to dramatically increase the durability and tuning life of the ski. Thin tip technology is also featured in the all-new Chronic 101, extending the ski core through the tips and tails while creating a fiberglass bonding area to limit edge chipping and keep delaminations from propagating to the core. Step onto the Chronic 101 for a more funner all-mountain freestyle experience.
Steady, sturdy and sometimes a little dirty, this category’s skis will get you where you want to go. Whether you’re chomping through yesterday’s leftovers or floating through today’s fresh fluff, you say jump and they ask ‘how high?’
1. Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition
Lengths 164, 172, 180, 188 cm
DIM 143-106-120 mm
Radius 17 m @ 172 cm
Time and time again, the Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition finds itself near the top of the list in our coveted Buyer’s Guide because, well, it’s just that damn good. Utilizing the brand’s proprietary amphibio technology, the Ripstick rocks a designated left and right ski to help initiate the turn as well as hold the edge once it’s laid over, making it a dream carving ski. At the same time, the 106-mm waist gives this Ripstick a powder-centric personality. The addition of four carbon rods embedded in the wood core—dubbed QuadRod—accounts for the ski’s ripping chargeability and the added ‘Black Edition’ to the name. Just take it from industry vet Shannon Schad, “This is a one-quiver ski for Jackson.” “[Elan] nailed it on how fun it is all over the mountain,” adds tester Owen Shin. Whether the day calls for a foot of fresh or it hasn’t stormed in a week, the Ripstick 106 Black Edition guarantees a good day every day.
2. Salomon QST 106
Lengths 157, 165, 173, 181, 189 cm
DIM 139-106-126 mm
Radius 19 m @ 181 cm
Another Buyer’s Guide mainstay, the QST 106 from Salomon, rolls into 2024 unchanged, except for its bangin’ new topsheet and base design. Although a 106-mm waist is generally wide for Ice Coasters and somewhat narrow for Best Coasters, the playful profile and full poplar wood core paired with double sidewall technology underfoot make this ski a coast-to-coast people pleaser. Cork damplifier in the tip and tail keeps chatter to a minimum, and C/FX reinforcement throughout the ski boosts confidence in all conditions. FREESKIER founder Brad Fayfield describes the QST 106 as a “crazy fun ski with big open groomers at high speed.” Tester Caroline Daley shared similar praise, saying it “carves great, is super responsive and ultra-snappy. It’s grounded enough to handle chunder but light enough to bounce around in light snow and navigate tight spots. Salomon does it again.”
3. 4FRNT Devastator
Lengths 172, 179, 186 cm
DIM 137-108-131 mm
Radius 19 m @ 179 cm
Annihilate everything you thought you knew about a powder ski because 4FRNT’s Devastator redefines the category. A 108-mm waist gives this ski an incredibly versatile platform to plunder a fresh storm, to days-old chop and everything in between. The brand’s signature multi-radius rocker profile provides the solid edgehold you expect from a cambered ski while maintaining the agility of a rockered ski. An aspen wood core keeps the Devastator stable and ultra poppy and maintains a comfortable swing weight no matter what you throw in the air. Truly the best of all worlds. Don’t believe us? Just take it from tester John Weir who says, “It’s arguably the best reverse camber ski on the market. Slashy, quick, fun and stable. It tracks amazingly well in a wide variety of snow and provides more float than a 108-mm ski has a right to. Stiffness underfoot provides plenty of power to carve up the hard pack, but this thing excels in chop and playful snow.”
4. Fischer Ranger 108
Lengths 171, 178, 185, 192 cm
DIM 143-109-134 mm
Radius 18 m @ 185 cm
Fischer completely overhauled its Ranger line last year with the help of its robust team of freeride athletes, including the late and incredibly great Kyle Smaine. For 23/24 the Ranger line remains unchanged from its improvements, and our testers couldn’t be more smitten. “The Rangers ski skinnier than they are and felt super easy to get on edge,” says tester Jenna Mahaffie. “Really stable at speed, solid transition to hardpack, these skis made me feel fast, confident and extraordinarily good-looking.” The 109-mm waist is plenty wide for most days out west, and the strategically placed Titanal covers the binding area and extends just slightly toward the tip and tail for stability at speed while maintaining a more playful feel than its skinnier siblings. For the adventurous freeriders looking for a ski that never compromises, you may have found your soul ski in the Ranger 108.
5. K2 Mindbender 106C
Lengths 169, 176, 183, 189 cm
DIM 138-106-127 mm
Radius 18.9 m @ 183 cm
We’ve come to know and love the Mindbender series from K2 for its mind-altering design features. For 2024, K2 introduces the Mindbender C to the collection with a few key refinements from its Ti iterations. Lighter and more playful than the 108Ti, the Mindbender 106C redefines all-mountain performance and inspires riders to push their skiing to a whole new level. Featuring the brand’s proprietary Spectral Braid technology for a lively and responsive feel underfoot without losing any stability at speed, the 106C feels at home in just about any condition. Looking for one ski that can do it all? The search may just be over. “Playful all-mountain fun machine. The subtle rocker lines give you plenty of float without giving up precision on harder snow, and a round even flex provides plenty of suspension and gives you a big sweet spot,” raves tester John Weir. “A fun daily driver,” adds Owen Shin.
6. Rossignol Sender 106Ti
Lengths 180, 187, 194 cm
DIM 138-106-128 mm
Radius 21 m @ 187 cm
For the ex-ski racers who still love living out their glory days on frontside groomers, Rossignol’s Sender 106Ti might be the ski for you. A directional tail and a full sheet of Titanal give the Sender 106Ti the torsional stability and beefy personality to charge full-steam ahead, no matter what’s underneath you, while a versatile 106-mm waist keeps you on top of a new inch or two. “If you like big terrain, going fast and don’t mind hard work, this could be a great option,” says tester Pat Crawford. While we wouldn’t recommend skiing switch on these bad boys, the Sender 106Ti is a guaranteed good time if you’ve got the leg strength to throw ’em and hold ’em on just about any terrain you can encounter at the resort.
7. Dynastar M-Free 108
Lengths 172, 182, 192 cm
DIM 138-108-128 mm
Radius 16 m @ 172 cm
A returning veteran to our coveted Buyer’s Guide, Dynastar’s M-Free 108 remains unchanged for another year, to no one’s complaint. Labeled a ‘progressive freeride ski’ by the brand, the M-Free 108 is designed to put the user back in the driver’s seat with the freedom to frolic, flip and fly all over the mountain, in bounds or out in the backcountry. Dynastar’s Hybrid Core technology combines poplar wood with polyurethane for a supple feel and incomparable dampening. There’s a reason this ski is becoming a common contender on the Freeride World Qualifying circuit—it can charge as easily as it can play. “There’s a reason half the kids at Alta are on this ski, and I’m pretty sure it’s not because they’re all flow athletes,” tester Dan Grund writes. “It’s perfect for a lot of varied conditions.”
8. Faction Dancer 3
Lengths 172, 178, 183, 188 cm
DIM 134-106-124 mm
Radius 21 m @ 183 cm
If there’s one thing for certain about Faction’s Dancer 3, it’s that it was made to shimmy and sashay all over the mountain. A lightweight poplar wood core gives the ski a penchant to want to pop and play off every jump, cliff and side hit while two layers of Titanal beef this baby up to stomp and charge through all conditions at mach speed. The secret sauce? An elliptical sidecut that allows for both long laid out arcs as well as short and fast pivoting. Add those details to a 106-mm waist, and you’ve got one of the most versatile sticks in the game. “Fun, versatile and stable ski,” raves tester Pat Crawford. “It rails on firmer snow but was able to pivot in tight trees. It’s on the stiffer side, with two sheets of metal, but very skiable in various terrain.” The Dancer 3 is for freeriders who know how to funk.
9. Scott Pure Pro 109
Lengths 172, 182, 190 cm
DIM 142-109-128 mm
Radius 19 m @ 172 cm
“This ski is definitely for the aggressive and confident skier who loves to go fast and ski steep and deep,” tester Christian Johansen nails the Scott Pure Pro 109 on the head. Made by and for Jérémie Heitz, the Scott Pure Pro 109 is designed to withstand all the conditions you can run into on a big freeride mission—from steep and deep to spicy and firm and everything in between. While the new construction lightens the ski up, a progressive Titanal layer encourages a consistent and responsive performance, and a wood core guarantees a smooth and easy ride. Just take it from the king of chaos, tester Ian Doherty, who says “great ski, plenty of float and playfulness in the Jackson side country and held up very well at high speeds on variable traverses.”
10. Kastle ZX108
Lengths 169, 179, 184, 191 cm
DIM 141-108-130 mm
Radius 19.2 m @ 184 cm
The young folks are changing the game. The next generation of rippers inspired Kästle to build the freeride-oriented ZX line—a universal pow-slayer for freeriders of all ages. The ZX108 leaves nothing on the table in terms of soft snow performance and floatation but will conquer any terrain thrown its way. This ski will make playful moves in any terrain, allowing you to get creative with your turn shapes and smear it out when the duty calls. ZX’s poplar-beech wood core is wrapped with multi-axial fiberglass in a semi-cap construction to provide a smooth and predictable flex—no metal or carbon necessary. ZX108 also includes Kästle’s signature Hollowtech 2.0, a clear cutout tip that shaves weight for better mobility. As tester Drew Ingardia noted, the Kästle ZX108 is “stable at high speeds but can smear a turn like a soft ski.”
