Ski Equipment Reviews and Recommendations
Ski, boot and other ski equipment reviews help you get the right gear while cutting risks of costly mistakes. Our reviews provide you with accurate pictures of how a given ski performs and how that will relate to you, pictures drawn from the experiences of dozens of skiers of varying abilities and technical styles – recreational and pro alike – who test skis and other ski equipment from VT to California between January and May.
Ski Reviews in this public section are distilled from more comprehensive reviews in our Member Section, which has, say members, "the best ski reviews available anywhere, in print or on the 'Net."
After reading our Member reviews, you’ll be able to select ski models to try or perhaps we’ll give you that extra bit of information that makes you realize you want this or that ski right now. If you're considering skis from a past season, chances are we have those reviews as well in our 3000+ review archives (1999-present).
What does a member review look like?
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Why Haven't Better Skis Produced Better Skiers?
This skier would probably self-classify as an expert. We detect a few indications that this assessment might not be entirely accurate.
When I orchestrated equipment reviews for Snow Country Magazine 25 years ago, all skis looked similar but the quality of the on-snow experience was all over the map. Today skis come in a wild array of widths, sidecuts and baselines that impart all sorts of sensations, the better to serve an ever-expanding menu of skier desires.
What’s missing from the 2017 ski market are the truly bad models that formerly populated the bottom third of any genre under review. A continuous cycle of product upgrades at roughly three to four year intervals, coupled with a pair of paradigm shifts spanning two decades of ski design, has winnowed out the weak reeds. It’s become all but impossible to find a bad ski from a reputable manufacturer.
. . . full article
More than merely ski reviews . . .
Beyond reviews, we have articles on custom boot fitting, boot design, ski sizing, binding placement, ski tuning, equipment maintenance, outstanding accessories, high performance ski technique (featuring Harald Harb and John Clendenin) and more. We offer unique 1-on-1 consulting. Got a skiing question? Top pros answer you directly.
We'll help you get the most fun per ski dollar. Whether you are just starting, a sometimes leisure skier, venerable veteran or working pro, we can help you find the best skis and other equipment and help take your skiing to a higher level, often saving money in the process.
Realskiers is independent; we accept no advertising from equipment manufacturers or distribution companies. Our reviews aren't subject to advertising pressure and embody no corporate compromises.
About Boots
We know from experience the folly of trying to fit boots long distance – say, via the internet – and can tell you all you need to know about boots, including their role in how well you’re able to ski on any ski, but because we want you well served, we urge you to visit a specialty ski shop with veteran personnel who know their craft.
Top Shops
For models reviewed this year, including more than 200 skis from the most popular brands, our find feature directs you to authorized dealers who not only carry recommended skis and top boots, but who also provide the expert services and additional equipment skiers need.
Our recommended partner shops are among the best in the land.
About our partners & mission
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