Best Freeride Skis in 2026
You’ve made your decision: off-piste is your priority. Here are some of the best ski models of the winter in the freeride category.
You are not a hesitant and wishy-washy all-mountain skier. You love off-piste, and that’s where you’ll spend most of your time. That said, you will still occasionally ski on groomed runs. Sometimes the avalanche risk is too high outside the slopes, sometimes visibility is minimal, and sometimes the snow is simply terrible. Your ultimate ski is a freeride ski.
You also see spring slush and tracked-out slopes more as an asset rather than something negative, and the slightly wider freeride skis will help you. You are aware that those ridiculously deep days with powder that tickles your nostrils are just a handful per season, and for those days, it’s not worth having a mega-wide, slightly softer dedicated off-piste ski.
In this test we focus on skis that have a waist width of 100 millimeters and above. If you are more of a groomed skier who might ski a little off-piste, stop reading this article and check out this year’s best all-mountain skis.
During the test, we included a buying guide where we explain more about what a freeride ski is.
- Best Freeride Skis
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Buying Guide for Freeride Skis
- What is a freeride ski?
- What are the benefits of a freeride ski?
- What are the downsides of a freeride ski?
- How wide is a freeride ski?
- Why shouldn't I just focus on the freeride segment?
- Why shouldn't I just focus on skis at all?
- What bindings should I have on a pair of freeride skis?
- Do I have to buy new freeride skis?
- How is a freeride ski constructed and what materials are used?
- What is the difference between women's and men's skis?
- How long should my freeride skis be?
- What turning radius should I have?
- Rocker and camber, what difference does it make?
- What is flex and what difference does it really make?
Skis that we have tested previously and that remain unchanged for 2026 except for the graphics are also included in this test as we believe they are still relevant. So, without further ado – here are 10 freeride skis to check out! The skis are sorted by ratings from our testers, best first.
Best Freeride Skis
1. Line Bacon 108
Lengths: 166, 172, 178, 184, and 190 cm
Dimensions: 142-108-137 mm
Radius: 17.4 m (@184 cm)
Weight: 2180 g (@184 cm)
See current prices at: Evo and Backcountry
About the ski: The Line Sir Francis Bacon is nearly a modern classic when it comes to playful freeride skis, and its history dates back to 2006 when the ski was launched on the market. For the 23/24 season, Sir Francis took a step aside to make way for the more (impactful?!) name – Bacon. Line’s rhymed side bacon comes in three different variants: Bacon 108, Bacon 115, and Bacon Shorty, which is a shorter version with 145 centimeters as the minimum length.
Line Bacon 108 has a maple wood core and is equipped with equal parts rocker at both the tip and tail of the ski, along with traditional camber underfoot. The ski has also been updated with a more durable (read: impact-resistant) construction, symmetrical flex, and lower swing weight.
Review:
– Line Bacon 108 is a lively and playful ski with a more centered mount and a strong rocker profile. Combined with a relatively tight turning radius, this becomes an incredibly fun ski that surprises with its agility despite its generous width. Perfect in powder and surprisingly fun on groomed runs. This is a ski that completely suits my taste, and in my opinion, I have nothing more to wish for in a freeride ski. Full marks! says Petter Elfsberg.
Rating: 5
2. Atomic Maverick 105 CTI
Lengths: 170, 178, 185, and 191 cm
Dimensions: 134.5-104.5-123.5 mm (@185 cm)
Radius: 19 m (@185 cm)
Weight: 2050 g (@185 cm)
About the ski: The Maverick & Maven ski series has previously been entirely focused on all-mountain with a maximum waist width of 100 mm. The old Maverick 95 TI was deemed more suitable by Atomic for “regular” consumers rather than the athletes themselves. Now, Atomic is shifting its focus regarding both skis to fully concentrate on skis that scream Freeride World Tour, meaning high speed, steep descents, and a more full-throttle type of skiing. Whether you are on the mountain or the local hill, you should have the best “tool” to get the job done. Wood core made of ash and poplar reinforced with titanal and carbon fiber.
Review:
– The Maverick 105, which is supposed to be a real “charging ski,” feels light and easy to turn in powder with really good floatation despite the relatively narrow waist. The ski is stable, especially compared to other skis in the same segment. I find the ski stiffer in the front and a bit softer in the tail, which makes it feel a bit easier to ski for that reason when skiing in deep snow. Out in the powder, I find that the ski has incredible floatation despite only being 105 mm underfoot, along with a balanced rocker that facilitates skiing in terrain with more snow. A 19-meter radius makes the ski feel like a giant slalom ski, so it is cumbersome to maneuver in steeper groomed runs, but gliding through flatter slopes with long arcs feels more natural, explains Jesper Hayland.
Rating: 4.5
3. Extrem Factory 112
Lengths: 186 and 194 cm
Dimensions: 143-112-132 mm (@194 cm)
Radius: 22 m (@194 cm)
Weight per ski: 2325 g (@194 cm)
About the ski: The ski consists of a poplar wood core combined with a 0.4 mm Titanal strip underfoot that effectively transfers the force from you as a skier and provides edge feel and stable pressure down into the ski. Furthermore, Extrem has chosen a race rubber damping in the tip and tail against vibrations on hard surfaces, along with a 0.2 mm rubber foil in the ski to further strengthen the construction and increase durability between different materials. Austrian race base (Isospeed 7515) from Isosport. Extra thick steel edges and extra wide ABS sidewalls for maximum durability and topsheet from Isosport for the best wear resistance.
In addition, the ski has a refined rocker profile that makes it easy to turn on groomed runs and gives it a floating feel in powder. This combination is pressed together into a ski that is easy to maneuver, has a poppy flex, and is powerful.
Review:
– In my assessment, this is a really good all-round ski that works every day and on the entire mountain. I find it playful yet reliable. You can glide around and enjoy the tranquility on groomed runs with an easy-turning ski while also taking it to the most chaotic conditions and the deepest of fresh snow. A perfect choice for anyone planning a season in the Alps and wanting a ski they can use every day without having to compromise. I am satisfied with the ski’s performance and delivery. For me, this is as close to a perfect score as it gets. With everything the ski performs and the versatility that makes it usable and reliable every day on the mountain. What prevents it from reaching the top is when I find it a bit restless at high speeds. A minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but that said, my rating lands at 4.5 out of 5, says Olle Stenbäck.
Rating: 4.5
4. Extrem Final Opinion 118
Lengths: 187 and 194 cm
Dimensions: 142-118-132 mm (@187 cm)
Radius: 23 meters (@187 cm)
Weight: 2000 grams (@187 cm)
Mounting point: True center -60 mm
About the ski: This ski is built for the big mountains and the skier intending to ski hard and fast. The Extrem Final Opinion 118 consists of a mixed wood core of poplar and paulownia. This provides, according to the manufacturer, a combination of light weight and playfulness. In the ski’s tip, we find the material Tubercomb (which Extrem calls koroyd). Surrounding this koroyd is a “horseshoe” of race rubber damping. This is to give the ski a combination of low swing weight and rubber damping. In addition, the ski consists of Extrem’s usual choice of materials, namely: Prepreg fiberglass, Isosport race base with graphite, extra thick steel edges (2.2×2.3 mm), and extra wide ABS sidewalls (8.5 mm).
Review:
– I really like the ski regardless of conditions. From powder and enjoyable big turns to steep and icy chutes. I feel good no matter what, and I can see that this ski would work almost every day on the mountain. A great ski to use for a season if you are keen on big skiing, says Olle Stenbäck.
– The Extrem Final Opinion provides quick response in both carving turns and in technically demanding off-piste, despite its weight. The ski is also extremely stable at high speeds, despite a soft tip and tail, and it floats well in powder. I would say it is playful if you dare to challenge it, but the ski demands its skier.
Rating: 4.5
5. Icelantic Nomad 106
Lengths: 171, 176, 182, and 188 cm
Dimensions: 141-106-133 (182 cm)
Radius: 19 m (182 cm)
Weight: 1925 g (182 cm)
Construction: Poplar wood core reinforced with fiberglass and carbon fiber. Traditional camber with tip and tail rocker.
About the ski: The Icelantic Nomad consists of a series of skis in widths of 94, 100, 106, and 112. Inside these skis, we find a poplar wood core reinforced with fiberglass and carbon fiber. The Icelantic Nomad 106 replaces Icelantic’s best-seller Nomad 105. The big difference is that this model is actually 106 millimeters underfoot, unlike the Nomad 105, which was significantly wider. That said, the new 106 is narrower than its predecessor 105. Confusing, but that’s how it is. Otherwise, the ski has been updated with a larger camber that according to Icelantic should provide more pop and a new shape.
Review: – The Icelantic Nomad 106 is a reliable all-mountain ski of the wider kind. Light and playful and really easy to maneuver in tracked-out terrain with a solid tip and tail rocker. The ski is stable enough for most, and the edge grip is good for being such a wide ski. The Nomad 106 might be a bit narrow for a really deep powder day, but during the majority of winter’s ski days, this ski will not disappoint you no matter where you ski, says Petter Elfsberg.
Rating: 4.5
6. Salomon QST Blank
Lengths: 178, 186, and 194 centimeters
Dimensions: 138-112-127 (@186 cm)
Radius: 15, 17, and 18 meters
Weight: 2100, 2250, and 2450 g
See current prices at: Evo
About the ski: The Salomon QST Blank was launched for the 2021/2022 season, and for the 2024/2025 season, the ski’s construction remains unchanged. Inside this ski, we find a poplar wood core reinforced with carbon fiber in the tip and tail, as well as metal where the binding is attached.
The QST Blank has traditional camber underfoot and is equipped with a generous rocker in both the tip and tail. The ski’s widest points are located far into the ski, which means that the QST Blank is not particularly wide in its shovel despite the relatively tight radius of 17 meters in the test length of 186 centimeters.
Review:
– The Salomon QST Blank is a fantastically playful, quick, and easy-to-ski ski. It is made for you who want to slide around in rough terrain such as powder-covered pillow formations or slushy spring bumps. The QST Blank is nimble despite its generous dimensions, which indicates that Salomon has done their job in the pursuit of the perfect ski, says Petter Elfsberg.
– If you are looking for a hard and stable charging ski that goes like a train, you should probably look for something else, and the relatively short radius of 17 meters is a matter of taste? The Salomon QST Blank is really fast sideways – if you like that, it is wonderful.
Rating: 4.5
7. Atomic Maverick 115 CTI
Lengths: 177, 185, and 193 cm
Dimensions: 140.5-115-129.5 mm (@185 cm)
Radius: 18 m (@185 cm)
Weight: 2150 g (@193 cm)
About the ski: The Maverick & Maven ski series has previously been entirely focused on all-mountain with a maximum waist width of 100 mm. The old Maverick 95 TI was deemed more suitable by Atomic for “regular” consumers rather than the athletes themselves. Now, Atomic is shifting its focus regarding both skis to fully concentrate on skis that scream Freeride World Tour, meaning high speed, steep descents, and a more full-throttle type of skiing. Whether you are on the mountain or the local hill, you should have the best “tool” to get the job done. Tip and tail rocker with a wood core made of ash and poplar that is metal-reinforced.
Review:
– The Maverick 115 actually surprised me by feeling shorter than the length (185 cm) I was on. It feels easy to turn in “tight” environments but requires a lot of snow to deliver what it is built for. Moving to a narrower model of Atomic’s Maverick really changes the character; for example, the 105 immediately feels much more like an all-mountain ski and perhaps suits Swedish conditions a bit better. But if you plan to perform in deeper snow and tricky terrain, the Maverick 115 feels like a ski that delivers what is required, explains Christian Jansson.
Rating: 4
8. Atomic Bent 110
Lengths: 172, 180, and 188 cm
Dimensions: 133-110-124 mm (@180 cm)
Radius: 18 m (@180 cm)
Weight: 1750 g (@180 cm)
See current prices at: Evo and Backcountry
About the ski: The Atomic Bent 110 is built with a lightweight poplar wood core. According to Atomic, poplar was chosen to optimize the ski’s weight without sacrificing anything in terms of damping and stability.
The ski features a so-called “Dura Cap Sidewall” from the base to the top of the ski. The idea behind this construction is to optimize controlled power transfer and achieve good edge grip. Furthermore, the rounded shape of the “Dura cap” is durable and holds up better against impacts and marks.
For several years now, Atomic has designed its freeride skis with a so-called “HRZN Tech” for the tip and tail. This construction features a beveled tip and tail that provides 10% more surface area without adding any additional width or weight to the ski. Atomic claims this gives the ski fantastic float in deep snow and a more “relaxed” tip and tail that does not catch as easily in tricky situations. Atomic also states that this creates a more playful ski with progressive performance that constitutes the ultimate design for freeride and freestyle skiers.
Review:
– The bottom line. I have tried the Bent 110 under very slick spring conditions. In my opinion, this is a playful ski that I personally have a lot of fun on. Everything from park, to groomed runs, to slushy off-piste. A ski that performs very well at the time I try it. As mentioned earlier, it turns well on groomed runs, but it becomes a bit restless at higher speeds. If you want a stable plank that you can really push hard with, I would choose another freeride ski. If you instead want a new playmate, you can laugh your way down to après-ski on a pair of Bent 110s, says Olle Stenbäck.
Rating: 4
9. Salomon QST 106
Lengths: 157 (Qst Stella), 165, 173, 181, and 189 cm
Dimensions: 139-106-126 mm
Radius: 19 m (181 cm)
Weight: 1980g (181 cm)
See current prices at: Evo
About the ski: The Salomon QST 106 is (as the name suggests) 106 millimeters underfoot and has a turning radius of 19 meters. The cut is drawn back from the tip and tail, which gives a slightly snappier ski according to the marketers. However, the effective edge down the slope becomes shorter, which inevitably results in a bit less stability. The rocker profile is also the contemporary standard for freeride: rocker in the tip and tail, along with some camber underfoot.
The ski is a sandwich construction, and in Salomon’s recipe for the QST One O Six, there is a poplar wood core and cork placed in the tip and tail, all of which is then reinforced with carbon fiber and fiberglass. Underfoot at the binding, there is a reinforcement with titanal. They also have something that Salomon calls “double sidewall,” which is a reinforcement of the sidewall underfoot that, together with the titanal layer, is supposed to make the ski more stable and provide better edge grip.
And what is the concrete difference between the new QST One O Six compared to the previous version? The difference from last year’s model is that the widest points (front and back) have been moved closer to the center, meaning a bit more taper. There is no basalt in the skis anymore, and they are 100 grams lighter than their predecessor.
Review:
– The Salomon QST 106 carves quite well. The grip on ice works as it should on a freeride ski. It is possible to make fairly tight turns and also get some return between turns when the skis are pressed. Of the freeride skis I have skied on in recent years, the QST 106 does not stand out as the best in class for carving. I hold the Völkl Blaze 106 higher there; it is livelier and more responsive with a tighter radius and less tail rocker, which gives more edge on the snow. If the Blaze gets a solid pass, the QST gets a decent pass on hard surfaces in the groomed runs, says Anders Wingqvist.
– When the snow starts to soften, things happen under my feet. The Salomon QST One O Six gives me a free ticket into the world’s most fun amusement ride. The grip in the slightly softening groomed runs makes me a world champion at carving, and it is possible to go full throttle.
Rating: 4
10. Faction Prodigy 3
Lengths: 172, 178, 184, and 190 cm
Dimensions: 133-106-125 mm
Radius: 20 meters (@184 cm)
Weight: 2100 grams (@184 cm)
See current prices at: Evo and Backcountry
About the ski: The ski is built in Austria and has a poplar wood core and metal reinforcement underfoot, which gives a ski that is stiff in the middle and soft in the tip and tail. The Prodigy 3 has rocker at both ends and a modest traditional camber of 2 millimeters underfoot. The ski is also constructed with elliptical cutting, meaning the radius is not entirely uniform like a circle across the ski but becomes shorter towards the tip and tail, which is intended to make it easier for the skier to choose the size of the turn.
Review:
– Compared to the CT 3.0, the Prodigy 3 is simply softer and easier to ski. In big turns with soft snow and speed, the skis are secure and float well, and when it gets a bit steeper, they respond naturally without becoming nervous. However, the Prodigy 3 feels a bit sluggish to maneuver in terrain where shorter turns are required, such as a tight chute. In short, this is a calm, relatively soft but still stable ski for the whole mountain that is best suited under the feet of a skier with a park background, explains Anders Wingqvist.
Rating: 3.5
Comparison of Freeride Skis
| Brand & Model | Dimensions (tip-waist-tail) | Radius | Weight per ski | Rating |
| Line Bacon 108 | 142-108-137 mm | 17.4 m (@184 cm) | 2180 g (@184 cm) | 5 |
| Atomic Maverick 105 CTI | 134.5-104.5-123.5 | 19 m (@185 cm) | 2050 g (@185 cm) | 4.5 |
| Extrem Factory 112 | 143-112-132 mm | 22 m (@194 cm) | 2325 g (@194 cm) | 4.5 |
| Extrem Final Opinion 118 | 142-118-132 mm | 23.00 m (@187 cm) | 2000 g (@187 cm) | 4.5 |
| Icelantic Nomad 106 | 141-106-133 mm | 19 m (@182 cm) | 1925 g (182 cm) | 4.5 |
| Salomon Qst Blank | 138-112-127 mm | 17.00 m (@186 cm) | 2250 g (@186 cm) | 4.5 |
| Atomic Maverick 115 CTI | 140.5-115-129.5 mm | 18 m (@185 cm) | 2150 g (@193 cm) | 4 |
| Atomic Bent 110 | 133-110-124 mm | 18.00 m (@180 cm) | 1750 g (@180 cm) | 4 |
| Salomon Qst 106 | 139-106-126 mm | 19.00 m (@184 cm) | 1980 g (@181 cm) | 4 |
| Faction Prodigy 3 | 133-106-125 mm | 20 m (@184 cm) | 2100 g (@184 cm) | 3.5 |
Test Skiers
Below we briefly present the test skiers who provide reviews in the test.
Jesper Hayland
Jesper is a trained ski instructor with several seasons under his belt. Recently, Jesper has shifted more towards alpine skiing and now also holds a Swedish alpine coaching certification. Jesper is Freeride’s most experienced test skier.
Olle Stenbäck
Olle is one of Freeride’s most seasoned test skiers and is an incredibly versatile skier. He has an alpine background and enjoys skiing just as much off the groomed runs. Regardless of the conditions, Olle tackles the slopes with style.
Petter Elfsberg
Petter is the editor at Freeride.se and has previously worked as a coach at a freeski and mogul high school and also has several seasons as a ski instructor. He is both a trained ski instructor and mogul coach and is a versatile skier who thrives on any surface.
Anders Wingqvist
Anders previously worked as an editor at Freeride.se and is also a trained ski instructor. Anders masters all types of skiing excellently but prefers deep powder.
Christian Jansson
Christian started his career as an alpine competitive skier and has also competed in speed skiing with a world record under his belt. Christian is an extremely versatile skier and someone who can handle skis of all kinds at high speeds on virtually any terrain.
About the Ski Test
Freeride.se has sent out a group of experienced skiers to test several exciting skis with a somewhat wider waist width. Please note that these skis have been skied by the same tester. Keep this in mind when reading the test. Before you buy skis, we always recommend that you try them yourself and/or read more ski tests.
Buying Guide for Freeride Skis
What is a freeride ski?
A ski designed for freeriding balances properties like an all-mountain ski between groomed and off-piste but has tipped over towards the latter. This is the ski for you who prioritizes skiing in powder, slush, and tracked-out slopes. A freeride ski works reasonably well on most surfaces except for hard-packed snow where it becomes a bit sluggish, but it thrives best in the trees and outside the groomed runs.
What are the benefits of a freeride ski?
A freeride ski is more versatile than many think. When the slopes become tracked out, a freeride ski performs almost as well as an all-mountain ski, if not better. And as many know, it doesn’t take long after the lifts start spinning before it gets rough and bumpy on the slopes, especially during peak season. And as the name of this category suggests, a freeride ski works excellently on most surfaces when it comes to unprepared terrain.
What are the downsides of a freeride ski?
Freeride skis perform well in tracked-out terrain, but when it comes to the point where it starts to become icy on the slopes, this type of ski has to throw in the towel. These skis are relatively wide combined with a lot of rocker, which means that the grip on ice is not the best. When it comes to the more desirable powder, a freeride ski performs better, although an even fatter off-piste ski is preferred to keep you afloat on the deepest days.
How wide is a freeride ski?
This is of course relative but we have chosen to draw the line just above the 100 mm mark, meaning all skis within the freeride segment are from 104 millimeters and a little over. The widest ski we have tested is 118 millimeters, which also gives a hint about how wide a dedicated off-piste ski should be.
Why shouldn’t I just focus on the freeride segment?
If you prefer to ski mostly on groomed runs and think that a smooth surface is the best, you don’t need a freeride ski for a few turns in the powder right next to the slope; rather, an all-mountain ski or even a piste ski would be preferable. But if you enjoy bumps and mounds and like skiing in the woods and powdery fields, then you should definitely consider buying a ski with a waist width over 100 millimeters. Also, think about where you will be skiing. If you mostly ski in Sweden, it is often not entirely necessary to have such a wide ski; if you plan to ski in the Alps, a freeride ski is more necessary.
Why shouldn’t I just focus on skis at all?
Also consider that there are a few other things in both your ski equipment and your skills that have a greater impact on your skiing than which skis you have. We are primarily thinking about 1) having a good pair of boots that fit well without causing pain, 2) your skiing technique.
Maybe you should spend your money on new boots with custom-molded soles that fit really well and comfortably? Read up on how to best go about buying boots.
Or why not spend the money on a guide who can take you on fantastic freeriding in a safe and conscious way? Skiing with a guide is often much more educational and provides significantly more skiing joy than a new pair of skis. A regular ski lesson on groomed runs is also something that helps you progress in your development as a skier.
What bindings should I have on a pair of freeride skis?
When you buy freeride skis, it can be good to think twice before mounting a binding. The first thing you need to consider is whether you plan to go uphill sometimes? If so, a modern hybrid binding is the way to go. Two good options are Salomon Shift or Marker Duke PT. If you are a skier who prioritizes the ascent over the descent, it might be a good idea to invest in a lighter binding than the ones mentioned above, such as the ATK EVO.
If you like to jump off cliffs or have an aggressive skiing style combined with high weight, it may also be worth considering whether it’s time to acquire a binding with a higher DIN scale than standard bindings, which often range from 10 to 12 on the scale.
Do I have to buy new freeride skis?
No, you don’t have to buy brand new skis. A pair of used skis can provide your skiing experience with the same thrill and excitement. It is also an option that is good for the environment and your wallet; here are 7 tips that will save you when buying used skis. Ski manufacturers do not create entirely new models of all freeride skis every year; often, there are so-called “carry over” models where the graphics only change from one winter to the next, so just because you don’t have this year’s model doesn’t mean you should feel outdated.
How is a freeride ski constructed and what materials are used?
The materials vary depending on the manufacturer and the properties sought. But generally, freeride skis use less metal compared to all-mountain and piste skis to create a more playful ski that is not too heavy, as many also want to be able to ski tour with this type of ski. To reinforce the ski, materials such as carbon fiber are sometimes used to create a powerful ski with low weight.
What is the difference between women’s and men’s skis?
Women are generally shorter than men and therefore usually weigh less. Women’s skis are generally a bit softer compared to men’s skis and come in shorter lengths.
On women’s skis, the recommended mounting point, the place where the binding should be mounted, is often moved forward, making it easier to get into the turn without using the same force. The skier ends up a bit further forward on the ski.
Some brands choose not to differentiate between men’s and women’s skis, while others have only different graphic designs on otherwise identical skis; these skis are often referred to as unisex.
How long should my freeride skis be?
Choosing the length of skis is difficult, and many factors come into play, such as weight, experience, and the type of skiing you prefer. When it comes to freeride skis, a rule of thumb might be to start from your own height and add another 5 to 15 centimeters. This is because the effective ski surface on most skis within this segment is often shorter than on other types of skis since almost all freeride skis have a significant rocker both front and back. Therefore, the skis are likely not to feel as cumbersome as many think. Another advantage of longer skis is that they become more stable in tracked-out terrain and do not sink in powder. Also, consider whether you mostly ski in wooded areas in Sweden or large open fields in the Alps? If you regularly hit the latter, a pair of longer skis is definitely preferable.
If you want to dive a little deeper into the length of your skis, we at Freeride have made a guide that helps you find the right length for your alpine skis. This gives you a rough idea of what length might suit you, and of course, there is some room for personal preference! Check here for help in choosing the right length of skis.
What turning radius should I have?
The turning radius is a favorite topic among many ski buyers. It is a clear number that is easy to compare between models. Simply put, the radius is measured in meters, where a higher radius means a longer turn and a lower radius gives a shorter turn. For example, a 12-meter radius provides a really tight turn that suits you if you want to turn very quickly, while a radius of, say, 27 meters means the ski turns slowly in large arcs, which suits you if you want to ski fast.
When it comes to freeriding, most freeride skis have a longer turning radius compared to all-mountain and piste skis. This is because a ski with too tight a radius tends to become restless when the conditions are rough and the terrain unpredictable, which it often is when you ski off-piste. Most freeride skis have a turning radius around 20 meters, which is a good compromise where the ski feels calm and secure without being boring. Of course, there are exceptions, such as the Line Sakana (as mentioned above), where the radius is as short as 15 meters, which is unusual for a freeride ski. And when it is really deep powder, some prefer no turning radius at all; there are even skis that have reverse camber, meaning the ski is widest underfoot.
However, there is so much more than just the theoretical number that plays a role when it comes to turning radius. The complexity of the radius is that the ski’s other properties, such as flex, binding mounting, etc., play a significant role in how much you perceive the ski turning. A ski that has a theoretical radius of 20 meters can therefore, in practice, “turn more” than a ski with a radius of 18 meters. In other words, it is always best to test the ski before buying, but if you do not have the opportunity, the number is certainly a factor to consider, but at the same time, do not get too fixated on it.
Rocker and camber, what difference does it make?
Camber means that the ski is bent downwards (like a pair of cross-country skis), and full rocker/reverse camber means that the ski is bent upwards (like a pair of water skis).
Rocker broke through a number of years ago; before that, almost all skis had traditional camber. A ski with traditional camber is often more stable and performs better when going fast and on hard surfaces, while a ski with rocker is often perceived as easy to turn and playful without the ski catching and snagging in the snow. Therefore, it works well to have a ski with some form of rocker in tracked-out groomed runs, in the woods, and in similar terrain.
Freeride skis usually have a mix of traditional camber underfoot and reverse camber/rocker in the tip and tail, which gives a versatile ski. We can call this mustache rocker, as it resembles a fine, well-groomed hair growth on an upper lip. Typically, there is more rocker and less camber on freeride skis compared to all-mountain skis, which are often constructed according to the same principle, meaning the rocker starts further in on the skis, making them more playful and easy to turn in unprepared and tracked-out terrain.
What is flex and what difference does it really make?
Flex simply means how stiff the ski is, especially in length. But of course, there are many variations and aspects that come into play within this flexible property. The simple description is that a stiff flex provides a stable ski that allows for high speeds without becoming fluttery. A soft ski becomes playful and easy to turn but can become unstable at higher speeds.
There are also variations where the ski is stiffer in the middle and softer at the front and back, which can provide a more versatile ski. A ski’s rocker profile also plays a role in how hard or soft it feels. For example, traditional camber often feels stiffer than reverse camber, meaning rocker.
Stiffness can also be discussed in terms of lateral stiffness, which is the torsional stiffness we are talking about. A torsionally stiff ski (meaning the stiffness when you twist/rotate the ski) is generally always preferred regardless of the type of skiing you enjoy.
