ski reviews

I'd be interested in people's reactions to the new Blister Gear Guide, mailed out a few weeks ago, both pros and cons. A few of the things I've noticed - that are new, and an improvement: 1. Heritage Lab skis increase their presence from two to four models, and have had a strong impact...

All of these seem to hover around my emerging sweet spot. I thought playful, yet “railable” was what I was after, but now I think I want a playful carver that can push some snow when needed (read: east coast). I might go a bit shorter to slow things down. Right now, my favorite in my quiver...

Just saw a video on Facebook about the 2021 Nordica Enforcer line. I searched on Youtube to post here, but no dice. It's just a short teaser video, but if you want to know more, check Nordica's Facebook.

Here is a good old-vs-new-guard Cage Match, the Blizzard Bonafide and the K2 Mindbender 99Ti. In about 2010, the Bonafide tore the torch away from the Völkl Mantra to become the reference ski in the 98mm category; it carried that torch until the golden child, Nordica Enforcer, started shining...

This Cage Match is more like a sibling throwdown. With the introduction of the Santa Ana 88, Nordica has forced the question, "Which is better for me, the 88 or 93?" At first glance, the differences in waist width and turning radius seem negligible, which may leave you scratching your head...

Yes, Liberty is the overnight success that started well over a decade ago but really caught our attention last season with the oh-sooo-good V-Series collection, with its Vertical Metal Technology construction and unique low-rise tip with a good amount of flare (… and more than just 15 pieces of...

This Cage Match is one of the most requested this season; apparently everyone wants to see a long-time fan favorite spar with the new member in the clubhouse. If you have read my reviews for any amount of time, you know that I have long loved the Blizzard Black Pearl 98 (originally the Samba)...

Here is the Cage Match I have had more than a few requests for, the Fischer RC One GT Multiflex and the Salomon S/Force Bold, two new skis that have been the topics of many preseason discussions. Honestly, I think it is a Cage Match that is going to disappoint many here in that these skis are...

It's time for our 2020 Comparison articles and videos! First up is the men's ~90 mm all-mountain category. Bob and Jeff put 17 different skis up on the wall of our studio and go through their strengths, what sets them apart from each other, and more.

I noticed some threads from a few years back thanking Ski Essentials for the Pugski discount. Over the last few years I have bought a fair amount of gear from them. There service is amazing and they carry some great gear. Would love to take advantage of a Pugski discount if they still offer one...

This week on Chairlift Chat Alli and Bob chat about the 2020 Rossignol Experience 88 Ti W and how it's an exceptionally versatile all-mountain ski that can satisfy a big range of ability levels.

This week on Chairlift Chat we talk about Stockli being a new brand for SkiEssentials.com and chat in depth about the Stormrider 88 and how it stacks up against a crowded field of competitors.

Two well-established names in Völkl and Nordica are attacking the upper 80-90mm segment in two different ways, but with model names that have been around for a while. The Kendo 88 has an all-new shape, and the Enforcer 88 is steamrolling into a whole new segment for itself. It is no secret that...

There is no question that K2 has shifted gears over the past few years with new designers, new skis, and a new attitude. We have also seen a shift at Liberty with brand new collections, including the Evolv 100 featured here. Why did I choose these two to go against each other? First, they are...

This week we chat about the new 2020 Volkl Deacon 84 Lowride! Big shoes to fill replacing the RTM collection, but we're very impressed by these new skis.

This week on Chairlift Chat we review the redesigned Salomon QST 99! We're big fans of the changes to this ski. Who has skied it?