{"title":"Top Tested Skis","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe test over 200 pairs of skis each season — these are our favorites. Every ski on this list earned its spot after long days on snow, back-to-back comparisons, and plenty of honest feedback. Whether you’re carving groomers or chasing powder, these are the top skis worth your attention.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"black-crows-serpo","title":"Black Crows Serpo Skis 2027","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Black Crows Serpo comes back this season unchanged but still at the top of our lists. Why haven't they overhauled this ski yet? Because you don't need to mess with near perfection. The Serpo is still a top dog and a benchmark in the all-mountain category and a Ski Monster ski tester favorite. At 93mm underfoot the Serpo has a \"wider\" platform but the Serpo loves to carve turns on the frontside. For a ski that carves this well, it is not demanding and feels light and nimble underfoot. Leaned into a turn the Serpo feels limitless and confident no matter the speed or edge angle. In tight terrain, the light feel underfoot will allow you to easily pick your way through. In softer or heavier snow you'll appreciate the 93mm waist width and wider shovel the Serpo offers to help keep you on top of the snow and the Serpo is strong enough to blast through crud with confidence. Expert skiers will love this ski but it's also a ski that intermediates will appreciate. It initiates turns smoothly and with confidence and it's forgiving enough to allow skiers with less than perfect form to access the power and precision the Serpo has without feeling like the Serpo is too much ski, or difficult to control. The Serpo is accessible and predictable which are traits that skiers of all abilities generally look for and appreciate in good skis. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Black Crows","offers":[{"title":"152.3","offer_id":43085078134863,"sku":"73170041934863","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"160.2","offer_id":43085078167631,"sku":"73170042067631","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168.2","offer_id":43085078200399,"sku":"73170042100399","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"174.1","offer_id":43085078233167,"sku":"73170042233167","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"180.1","offer_id":43085078265935,"sku":"73170042365935","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"186.3","offer_id":43085078298703,"sku":"73170042498703","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/7046\/0495\/files\/Black-Crows-Serpo_2.jpg?v=1748890131"},{"product_id":"armada-antimatter-92","title":"Armada Antimatter 92 Skis 2027","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"35\" data-end=\"292\"\u003eThe AntiMatter 92 replaces the Declivity 92, but don't let the new name fool you. This is the same shape, same core, and same mold that made the Declivity 92 one of our favorite hard-charging all-mountain skis. The biggest change is what's happening inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"294\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eGone is the full-width Articulated Titanal Banding construction. In its place is Armada's new Speed Metal laminate, a central strip of titanal that runs tip to tail. The result is a ski that still grips incredibly well on firm snow and remains impressively damp for its width, but feels noticeably easier to pivot, smear, and release when you leave the groomers. It's lighter, more playful, and more forgiving at turn initiation without giving up the confidence that made the Declivity so popular in the first place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"1196\"\u003eIn many ways, the AntiMatter 92 feels more like what a modern 92 mm all-mountain ski should be. It still loves to carve and absolutely rips on hardpack, but it no longer feels quite as locked into one style of skiing. The tips engage a little more smoothly, the tails release a little more willingly, and the overall personality leans further toward freeride than directional charger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1198\" data-end=\"1479\"\u003eIf you're a Declivity 92 owner wondering if you should be worried, don't be. Armada didn't reinvent the ski—they refined it. The AntiMatter 92 keeps everything people loved about the Declivity while making it more versatile and approachable for a wider range of skiers and terrain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Armada","offers":[{"title":"164","offer_id":45407948963919,"sku":"45612916963919","price":799.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"172","offer_id":45407948996687,"sku":"45612917096687","price":799.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"180","offer_id":45407949029455,"sku":"45612917129455","price":799.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"188","offer_id":45407949062223,"sku":"45612917262223","price":799.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/7046\/0495\/files\/armada-antimatter-92-skis-2027-the-ski-monster.png?v=1781024645"},{"product_id":"elan-ripstick-96-black","title":"Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis 2027","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ripstick 96 Black Edition has been sitting on top of the all-mountain category for a few seasons now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat's impressive isn't that it got there. What's impressive is that despite manufacturers throwing everything they've got at this category, it still hasn't been knocked off the throne.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat's saying something.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 90-100 mm all-mountain category is arguably the most competitive segment in skiing. There are dozens of great options. It's genuinely hard to find a bad ski these days. Yet every year when our staff finishes testing, the Ripstick 96 Black somehow finds its way back onto almost everyone's favorites list.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou'd think we'd get bored of it by now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe don't.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reason is simple: it does almost everything exceptionally well and rarely feels out of place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current generation Ripstick 96 Black received one of the most significant updates in the ski's history. A revised rocker profile improved turn initiation and maneuverability. A stronger core added stability and support. New tip and tail shaping improved grip and composure. And Elan's updated carbon construction elevated the ski's performance without sacrificing any of the accessibility that made the Ripstick famous in the first place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe magic of the Ripstick 96 Black has always been its ability to punch well above its weight class.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMost skis that grip this well on hard snow are heavier, more demanding, and require more effort to ski. The Ripstick 96 Black manages to deliver outstanding edge hold, excellent stability, and tremendous energy while still feeling remarkably light on your feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA lot of that comes from Elan's Carbon Deck Technology and Quad Rod construction. Compared to the standard Ripstick 96, the Black Edition doubles the number of carbon rods from two to four. Those additional rods add torsional strength, improve edge hold, increase stability, and create a ski that feels significantly more composed when speeds increase.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is a ski that loves to carve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn fact, one of the things we've always loved about the Ripstick 96 Black is how absurdly well it carves for a 96 mm ski. Most skis this wide can carve. The Ripstick 96 Black genuinely encourages it. Roll it on edge and it feels locked in, energetic, and eager to finish turns.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the same time, it never forgets it's a Ripstick.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTight trees remain easy. Bumps are approachable. Variable snow doesn't knock it around. Powder days are fun. The ski pivots quickly, feels balanced underfoot, and never demands race-level precision from the skier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompared to the standard Ripstick 96, the Black Edition is aimed squarely at stronger, more aggressive skiers. The Green version remains one of the best confidence-building skis on the market. It's lighter on its feet, easier to balance, and slightly more forgiving. The Black Edition takes the same shape and personality but adds more grip, more energy, more stability, and a higher performance ceiling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe arrival of the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theskimonster.com\/collections\/skis\/products\/elan-ripstick-88-black\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eRipstick 88 Black Edition\u003c\/a\u003e also helps define where the 96 Black sits in the lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eIf the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theskimonster.com\/collections\/skis\/products\/elan-ripstick-88-black\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eRipstick 88 Black Edition\u003c\/a\u003e is the choice for skiers who spend most of their time on groomers and firm snow, the Ripstick 96 Black Edition is the more versatile sibling. You still get the outstanding carving performance, stability, and dampness that define the Black Edition family, but with a wider platform that's more comfortable in soft snow, chopped-up conditions, and off-trail terrain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor many skiers, the 88 Black is the better hard snow tool.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor many skiers, the 96 Black is the better one-ski quiver.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat's what makes it so impressive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's powerful without being punishing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStable without being heavy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecise without being demanding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlayful without feeling loose.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMost skis excel in one or two areas. The Ripstick 96 Black excels almost everywhere.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat's why it continues to land on our Top Tested lists year after year. That's why it continues to be one of the easiest skis for our staff to recommend.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd that's why, despite all the competition, it's still the benchmark.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elan","offers":[{"title":"161","offer_id":45451254595663,"sku":"11675323895663","price":949.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168","offer_id":45451254628431,"sku":"11675323928431","price":949.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"175","offer_id":45451254661199,"sku":"11675324061199","price":949.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"182","offer_id":45451254693967,"sku":"11675324193967","price":949.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"189","offer_id":45451254726735,"sku":"11675324226735","price":949.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/7046\/0495\/files\/elan-ripstick-96-black-edition-skis-2027-the-ski-monster.png?v=1780755861"},{"product_id":"elan-ripstick-88-black","title":"Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis 2027","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"78\" data-start=\"35\"\u003eIt's crazy this ski didn't exist until now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"314\" data-start=\"80\"\u003eFor years, we've loved the Ripstick 88. Customers have loved the Ripstick 88. Yet every season we'd have the same conversation: \u003cem data-end=\"255\" data-start=\"208\"\u003e\"What if Elan built a Black Edition version?\"\u003c\/em\u003e The people wanted it. We wanted it. Now it's finally here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"763\" data-start=\"316\"\u003eThe Ripstick 88 has earned its reputation as one of the best-selling skis in its category because it blends approachability, versatility, and performance better than just about anything else. It's light on your feet, easy to ski, and confidence-inspiring in a huge range of conditions. The challenge was that stronger, faster, and heavier skiers could occasionally find its ceiling. The Ripstick 88 Black Edition raises that ceiling substantially.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1155\" data-start=\"765\"\u003eThe construction follows the same formula as the wider Black Edition skis, but the results are arguably even more impressive in the narrower platform. It starts with Elan's Tubelite wood core, a blend of poplar and paulownia that keeps weight low while maintaining a lively feel. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1954\" data-start=\"1157\"\u003eThe first two are the carbon rods that run along the sidewalls, delivering the energetic rebound Ripsticks are known for. Two additional rods, part of Elan's Quad Rod Technology, run through the center of the ski—one in front of the binding and one behind. These rods are a huge reason the Black Editions have been so successful. They add stability and increase pop.  Like every Ripstick, the 88 Black Edition utilizes asymmetry in both shape and build, creating a smoother, more cohesive, and easier skiing experience. You have reinforcement where you need it, not where you don't. Which is why their strength to weight ratio is so insane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2031\" data-start=\"1956\"\u003eApplying this construction to a narrower chassis creates something special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2579\" data-start=\"2033\"\u003eIf you've spent time on the Ripstick 96 Black Edition, you already know how impressive its carving performance is. Frankly, we've always been blown away by how well that ski can bend a turn for something with a 96 mm waist. The Ripstick 88 Black Edition takes that feeling and turns it up another notch. It's quicker edge-to-edge, more precise on firm snow, and more locked-in when conditions favor carving. This is one of the most enjoyable frontside-oriented skis we've been on in years that still maintains legitimate all-mountain versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2929\" data-start=\"2581\"\u003eCompared to the Ripstick 96 Black Edition, the 88 Black Edition is the better choice for skiers who spend the majority of their time on groomers and hardpack. It still has enough width, rocker, and versatility to handle soft snow, mixed conditions, and the occasional powder day, but its sweet spot is clear. Give it a clean groomer and let it run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3049\" data-start=\"2931\"\u003eThe comparison most skiers will care about, however, is the standard Ripstick 88 versus the Ripstick 88 Black Edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3306\" data-start=\"3051\"\u003eThe standard Ripstick 88 remains the right choice for the majority of skiers. It's the top seller for a reason. The blend of accessibility, versatility, and performance is outstanding, making it appropriate for a huge range of abilities and skiing styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3747\" data-start=\"3368\"\u003eBigger skiers, stronger skiers, and those who like to ski faster will immediately appreciate the added stability and composure. The ski feels quieter. Smoother. More planted when conditions get firm or speeds increase. While the standard Ripstick 88 excels because it makes skiing easy, the Ripstick 88 Black Edition rewards skiers who consistently ask more from their equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3921\" data-start=\"3749\"\u003eThe end result is exactly what we hoped it would be: everything we love about the Ripstick 88, with a noticeable increase in stability, dampness, and high-speed confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elan","offers":[{"title":"154","offer_id":45451275665487,"sku":"11675324365487","price":899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"161","offer_id":45451275698255,"sku":"11675324498255","price":899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168","offer_id":45451275731023,"sku":"11675324531023","price":899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"175","offer_id":45451275763791,"sku":"11675324663791","price":899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"182","offer_id":45451275796559,"sku":"11675324796559","price":899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/7046\/0495\/files\/elan-ripstick-88-black-edition-skis-2027-the-ski-monster.png?v=1780755291"},{"product_id":"k2-mindbender-101","title":"K2 Mindbender 101 Skis 2027","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first time we skied the Mindbender 101 was at Stowe in April of 2025. K2 had been talking this ski up for months, and frankly, I was skeptical. The outgoing Mindbender 99 Ti had built a loyal following, and replacing a ski that successful isn't easy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen we skied them back-to-back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe difference was eye-opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's fair to say the Mindbender 101 replaces the 99 Ti, but it doesn't feel like a simple update. The 99 Ti was a confident, directional all-mountain charger that carved exceptionally well regardless of terrain or conditions. It could handle softer snow when needed, but it always felt like a ski that wanted to be on edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new Mindbender 101 takes a different approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first thing you notice is how much lighter it feels on your feet. Not necessarily lighter on a scale, but lighter when you're skiing it. It pivots easier, slashes easier, releases from turns easier, and feels far more willing to smear, surf, and play with terrain. Whether you're navigating tight trees, popping off side hits, or throwing the skis sideways in chopped-up snow, the 101 feels noticeably more maneuverable than the ski it replaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's remarkable is that K2 accomplished all of this while simultaneously making the ski more stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually there's a tradeoff. A ski gets easier to pivot and more playful, but loses composure when speeds increase. The Mindbender 101 somehow moves in the opposite direction. It feels more nimble at slow speeds and in technical terrain, yet calmer and more planted when you're absolutely hauling ass through chop, crud, and variable snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that's where Dark Matter Damping enters the conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'll be honest, ski companies introduce damping technologies every few years, and most of them range from mildly noticeable to complete marketing fluff. Dark Matter is not one of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eK2's engineers spent years studying how vibrations move through a ski. Instead of simply adding more metal, they developed a weighted polymer material infused with stainless steel particles and strategically placed it in the areas of the ski that experience the most chatter. Traditional damping systems move surprisingly little mass. Shaped Titanal constructions often redistribute around 10 grams. K2's previous MOD technology moved roughly 15 grams. Even systems like Volkl's UVO are working with around 50 grams. Dark Matter allows K2 to redistribute nearly 90 grams exactly where it's needed most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is immediately noticeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ski feels incredibly quiet and composed when conditions get rough, allowing K2 to use a more energetic construction without sacrificing stability. The aspen and paulownia core delivers more pop and responsiveness than the old ski, while the damping system keeps everything calm and predictable when speeds climb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA full sheet of Titanal underneath the core provides the backbone, while K2's redesigned Titanal I-Beam runs down the center spine of the ski. We've seen I-Beam technology before in the Disruption series, but here it's shaped specifically for freeride skiing, maintaining power and edge hold while allowing the ski to remain lively and accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn softer snow, the Mindbender 101 punches well above its waist width. It has the float, looseness, and ease of use you'd typically associate with something closer to a 106 mm ski. The rocker profile and shape allow it to plane easily, release turns effortlessly, and stay loose when conditions get deep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's also impressive is how distinct the entire Mindbender collection feels. Too often ski lines are simply the same ski stretched across different waist widths. That's not the case here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 88 is a narrow all-mountain ski that doesn't lock you into one turn shape like so many skis in that category. The 96 is one of the best coast-to-coast daily drivers we've tested and a true hero ski for a massive range of ability levels. The 101 is the freeride daily driver of the lineup, encouraging every style of skiing from carving and charging to slashing, smearing, and playing with terrain. The 111 becomes the big-mountain weapon, offering serious stability without feeling punishing or difficult to pivot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, the Mindbender 101 is the standout of the collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the old 99 Ti was about confidence and precision, the new 101 adds freedom, creativity, and playfulness without giving up stability. In fact, it's actually more stable than the ski it replaces while feeling easier to ski and more maneuverable at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's not something we say very often, and it's why this ski impressed us so much.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hype was real. I don't miss the old 99 Ti at all.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"K2","offers":[{"title":"171","offer_id":45641476800591,"sku":"73216551000591","price":899.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"178","offer_id":45641476833359,"sku":"43216561133359","price":899.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"185","offer_id":45641476866127,"sku":"73216561266127","price":899.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/7046\/0495\/files\/K2-MINDBENDER-101-SKIS-2027-THE-SKI-MONSTER.png?v=1781023610"}],"url":"https:\/\/theskimonster.com\/collections\/top-tested-skis.oembed","provider":"THE SKI MONSTER","version":"1.0","type":"link"}