And the winner is:
Armada VJJ
Snicker all you want, but the moniker has meaning: Named after the unisex ski (the much loved JJ), Armada just had to go there. In powder, the lightweight wood core gives the VJJ energetic bounce, while carbon in the tail offers leverage if you wheely out. On harder snow, the camber underfoot lets you pivot quickly, but once up on its edges the VJJ carves with an even flex. At 115mm underfoot, this soft snow tool is a go-to ski for heli and cat operations or Western resorts with endless access to fresh lines. Swami gripe: The VJJ might be able to ski groomers all day, but you wouldn't want to. Swami like: This versatile powder ski can be used as a daily driver for Western rippers. Overall: 4.7; $899; 126/136/115/133/123; armadaskis.com
Big Mountain
Line Celebrity 100
The 100mm width underfoot combined with "early rise" (subtle tip rocker added this year), makes the Celebrity 100 quick to float over turbulent chop at moderate speeds or pivot-turn through a maze of trees. Metal reinforcements wrapping the wood core let you set up high-angle turns on buffed-out corduroy while a traditional-feeling stiff tail lets you drive through arcs. The early rise tip dives predictably into turns, but you don't have to muscle it. Stay more upright, taking some pressure off the quads. Swami gripe: The only ice this Celebrity likes should be worn by the skier. Swami like: Rail any line. Overall: 4.5; $675; 134/100/125; lineskis.com
All Mountain
Nordica Nemesis
More friend than foe in the crud, the Nemesis busts through chop and performs better the harder you push it. Credit the unwavering edge hold to Nordica's "i-Core" technology-a lightweight wood core that gives the Nemesis agility in bumps and chutes. Get a feel for this ski's power and you'll leave trenches deeper than snowboards on the immaculately groomed. Swami gripe: Reserved skiers may feel overpowered by its rigidity. Swami like: This Nemesis might be your best friend in variable snow. Overall: 4.3; $900; 135/98/125; nordica.com
Völkl Kenja
Looking for one ski that can handle bumps, resort powder days, and groomer carving? The poppy Kenja gives you quick feet, and, unlike its rockered peers, the long running surface from tip to tail is sure to please those with strong carving skills. The supple tip makes for easy initiations, but the ski releases nicely thanks to a narrow "BioLogic" tail. The edge hold is magnetic. They're a veritable one-ski quiver for Easterners, or a Western carver's dream ski. Swami gripe: Its traditional shape and stout construction might give beginners too much of a workout. Swami like: Like Völkl's men's skis, the Kenja offers unwavering edge hold and stability. Overall: 4.5; $775; 129/86/105; volkl.com
From the Early Winter 2011 issue
