EDITOR'S PICKS
#1 Armada- JJ
Editor's Pick “A blend between moderately life- changing and genuinely flawless,” elated one tester about the JJ. Year after year the JJ outperforms the rest of the class with its impressive collection of technical features that allow you to conquer pow, crud, groomers and everything in-between. More info
Carving: 4.3 Playfulness: 4.6 Stability: 4.6 Float: 4.9 OVERALL: 18.4
#2 K2- ObSETHed
Editor's Pick Seth Morrison knows a thing or two about making skis. He’s had a number of pro models over the years and this year’s ObSETHed hits all the marks. Despite the rockered shape, the ObSETHed “feels very solid underfoot — stiff through the mid-ski,” according to one tester. The “rocker makes it super easy to throw around,” added another. More info
Carving: 4.2 Playfulness: 4.5 Stability: 4.3 Float: 4.9 OVERALL: 17.9
#3 Rossignol- S6
“The S6 will put you on the podium at Red Bull Linecatcher. So Sick!” exclaimed one tester. While the endorsement may be auspicious, yet far fetched, the fact remains that the S6 is a ski to be reckoned with. Rossignol’s patented WRS system gives the S6 ninja-like quickness in the trees and steeps, while the wood core locks down any sort of high-speed chatter. More info
Carving: 4.5 Playfulness: 4 Stability: 4.5 Float: 4.5 OVERALL: 17.5
#4 Volkl- Katana
Volkl has hit a chord with testers with the Katana. Want to go fast? Check. Float in powder? Check. Rip through crud? Check. Volkl’s celebrated Sensorwood core gives this stick equal amounts of snap and stability, while two titanium sheets add greater rigidity to hold you steady while you fly down the mountain. More info
Carving: 4.3 Playfulness: 3.5 Stability: 4.8 Float: 4.5 OVERALL: 17.1
#5 Nordica- Girish
Editor's Pick Nordica’s new Girish is a some- what directional, early-rise ski meant for the big boys. Its early rise in the tip and generous 110 mm underfoot will get you floating in the pow in no time. Being directional might hinder your switch tricks in the backcountry, but who are we kidding? We’re not Rory Bushfield. More info
Carving: 4.6 Playfulness: 3 Stability: 4.5 Float: 4.2 OVERALL: 16.3
Also see top 10: All Mountain Skis Powder Skis
