Armada TST
Featuring early rise and a tapered profile in the tip, camber underfoot, and a traditional tail, the TST might be the most versatile ski Armada has created to date. It turns easily in any snow type, doesn't wash out while exiting turns, and thanks to a lightweight cap and traditional sidewall construction, the TST carries as easily as it carves. It's at home seeking out stashes, charging backcountry steeps, railing frontside cruisers, and anything in between. Swami gripe: If all you do is charge at full speed, look elsewhere. The TST has a playful attitude and it's not the best for really hard snow. Swami like: "It's great in all conditions, but never excelled in one," says one tester. $650; 119/132/102/123; armadaskis.com
Atomic Coax
First track seekers will love the Atomic Coax's lightweight step down sidewall construction on ascents. When you turn around, the ski's 105 mm girth underfoot is enough for soft-snow fun. This is no pure pow ski: The Coax's adaptive camber profile maintains positive edge hold when things get firm, but keeps the ski feeling loose enough to dance down tighter descents. Testers loved the Coax's ability to break out of a carved turn and pivot on command, inspiring some to ski more aggressively than usual. Swami gripe: It takes speed to keep the tips up on deep days. Swami like: It's lightweight and nimble, but it offers hardpack chops. $750; 137/105/128; atomicsnow.com
Salomon Shogun
Thanks to a lightweight bamboo layer combined with a wood core, the Salomon Shogun packs a little more punch than other skis in its weight class. But it's not too snappy: A built-in basalt layer reduces vibration and quiets the ride. The Shogun also eases turn initiation and adds softpack versatility thanks to an early rise tip profile. Twin tip tails keep them maneuverable in tight spaces and permit the occasional switch turn. Side note: Because the Shoguns are so easy to ski, some of our bigger testers reached for the 191 cm version to feel confident at higher speeds. But go small if you ski more trees than bowls. Swami gripe: More playful than powerful. Swami like: Smooth riding in any conditions. $810; 130/101/120; salomon.com
Gotama
The Gotama is a beloved jack-of-all-trades among Western skiers. It's at home on buttery groomers and can handle a cat-skiing trip or three-day storm cycle, too. The newest incarnation features a refined rocker shape that pivots in soft snow, but manages hard snow with very little effort—you don't have to drive it into a turn. Testers touted it as agile, stable, and consistent in all conditions. We skied it after more than two feet of snow had fallen, and though it only has a 106 mm waist (slim by today's gluttonous standards) testers loved its float. Swami gripe: One tester pointed out that the Gotama "is not for straightlining." Swami like: It's the perfect ski to step up your game. $825; 137/106/122; volkl.com
Folsom Giver
The Giver, with a 114 mm waist, is designed to be a big mountain ski: comfortable at speed, but capable of changing directions quickly and shutting down easily. The bamboo/poplar core makes them a light load for hiking, perfect for sidecountry skis. Sandwich construction, carbon fiber inlays, and powerful sidewalls translate to solid edging on hard snow. While the custom design meant the ski was soft for some and a workout for others, all agreed it performed in deep snow. Swami gripe: A high price tag makes the Giver a serious investment. Swami like: Thicker base material and edges means longer ski life. $1,200; 142/114/128; folsomskis.com
Nordica Hell & Back
One of the top performers in our All Mountain category, the Hell & Back was designed for the type of skier who hikes for the occasional stash, and is willing to take the high traverse to that last chute, but doesn't want to sacrifice performance for weight savings. In fact, even though this high-end Nordica ski is built with a lightweight wood "i-Core" channel inside the ski that cuts weight by 20 percent, it's one of the dampest and most powerful skis we tested. It's also loose and floaty thanks to just the right amount of rocker. Swami gripe: They're made for better skiers—which isn't a gripe. Swami like: A one ski quiver. $899; 135/98/125; nordica.com
From the Winter 2012 issue
