Atomic Beta Carv/X 9.18 (Editor's Choice Overall)

The Atomic 9.18 has a crud-busting 105-mm shovel mated to a skinny 62-mm waist--a sidecut made for effortless turning. For this year, the Beta construction has been beefed up with carbon-fibre power channels for even quicker response.
Men's comments: "Finally, a more forgiving flex. For advanced or light experts that want a fun, playful ski that still holds an edge. Would be fun in bumps, too." (Baycroft) "Carves well in short and long turns for the weekend warrior. Versatile." (G. Terwiel) "Floats in the soft stuff nicely, good stability. They'll dare you to take 'em for a ride." (Applegath)
Women's comments: "A tantalizing ski that says, 'Come on, go faster, I'll hold you up!' but very calm with slower, rounder turns. A great ski to grow with your ability." (A. Terwiel) "Met and exceeded my challenge. The perfect 10! The ski holds its arc and puts you into the next turn with ease. No fancy moves required, just stand centred and the ski does it all." (Roberts) "Very easy to ski. Reacts fast whenever you are ready to put on the power." (A. Michaud)
Consensus: This makes it three "Editors' Choice" awards in a row for the stalwart of the Atomic Beta recreational line-up. Women fairly swooned over this ski--"If you like it stiff, hop on for a great ride," one (anonymous) tester wrote. "Rang my bell, turned my crank, rocked my world," wrote another. Men tempered their enthusiasm somewhat, but few testers from either side had any negative things to say about this ski.
* Both meaning Power and Finesse
** All meaning Firm to Soft

Dynastar Autodrive Cross (Editor's Choice - Women)

This is a high-performance cruising ski that's also suitable for off-piste work. Indeed, Dynastar even touts it as a BoarderCross stick, (now there's a category that didn't exist three years ago). Dynastar's Autodrive Concept is indeed unique: combine the easy turnability of cap construction with the tenacious edge-hold of vertical sidewalls in one ski. Anchoring this dual construction is a mobile plate that optimizes ski flex. At 66 mm, the Cross has the widest waist of any ski in the Autodrive collection.
Men's comments: "Easily handles everything on the mountain with confidence." (Irwin) "Effortless initiation, makes you want to go faster, faster, faster!" (Sivers) "Lay it on its side and it holds up through the turn. Speed is its friend, you can 'bank' on it." (Weiss)
Women's comments: "Held well in medium- to long-radius turns. Best suited to an intermediate cruiser." (Bower) "Easy to initiate the turn and pressure throughout the arc. For a fit, athletic skier." (Roberts) "What's another word for yee-hah? Up the speed and up the edge angle and this ski flies. Really stable on hardpack, and predictable in soft snow--great all-round ski for an expert skier." (A. Terwiel)
Consensus: Men and women both felt the Autodrive does what it's supposed to, especially at higher speed and in bigger turns. It's a superb offering for the skier who wants to whip off big turns. For the women, this ski was almost all things to all skiers--some praised its light feel and quick initiation, while others loved its stability at speed.

Elan X-Carve 9.0 Ti

Just a notch down from their World Cup racing skis, Elan's flagship free carving ski has techno goodies galore--3D monoblock titanium construction, integrated vibrastop with an internal dampening element for a smooth ride, and a super-slick electra gallium base. A progressive flex pattern loaded pressure evenly onto the tail for excellent edge grip.
Men's comments: "Riding the rail was a joy but it was hard to unlock the edge. Initiated very well--the edges are under you right away." (G. Terwiel) "This ski was smooth over 60 kph, and a wee bit sluggish at slower speeds. Held very well, but tail hooked up." (Sivers) "There's only one seat in a Formula One car and it's in the middle. Fast and stable, but keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road." (Smart)
Women's comments: "A lower intermediate who sits back would love these skis. Hard to find the sweet spot, but definitely back of centre. Not much initiation and delayed acceleration." (Roberts) "Tail seemed stiff, could knock you around if you aren't on top of the ski. Good for both a slower finesse skier or quick, powerful skier." (A. Terwiel) "Lots of fun, skied all turn radiuses easily. You could tighten the turns up with pressure and the ski reacted well. A bit floppy in the tip if skidded." (Younker)
Consensus: Another ski that men liked and women didn't. Men appreciated the stiff tail and explosive energy release, while women remarked on the Elan's soft shovel and stiff tail for a "back-seat, Sunday-driver" kind of ride.

Fischer DRS 102 Ice Booster

Men's comments: "Ski had a great overall flex but maybe a little too much in the tail. Had stability, but only to a certain point. Felt great going slowly." (Michaud) "Fast, stable and carves well. A real treat for skiers who want to test their limits." (G. Terwiel) "Very stable. You'll be able to go cruisin' and not take a bruisin'!" (Applegath)
Women's comments: "Light as a feather, but stable as a table. Excellent light, easy-turning ski." (Coulter) "Better suited for a lighter skier. Easy to turn, but chattery at higher speeds. Should work beautifully on corduroy." (Bower) "Chattery and not great at speed, but I loved it in short carved turns at medium speed. Quick edge-to-edge, but lacked grip at the end of the turn." (A. Terwiel)
Consensus: The battle of the sexes rages on. Men felt this ski was better at high speeds and praised its stability, while most female testers pegged it as a light, easy-turning ski that should be kept under the speed limit.

Head Cyber X-60 (Editor's Choice - Overall)

Head's Cyber X-60 offers a wide range of usage across a broad ability of skier. This ski features many of the technological innovations that have kept Head near the top of the ratings pack, like the advanced X-Frame technology, TPS dampening system and ESF (Edge Super Finish) tuning process.
Men's comments: "Where are the gates because these guys want to go! Short turns in powder and crud a bit tricky because these skis were in charge." (Baycroft) "This ski inspires confidence. I scraped my knuckles good laying them over on the icy corduroy. A trifle short for off-piste." (Podborski) "Predictable, responsive and stable with solid carving capabilities." (G. Terwiel)
Women's comments: "Super smooth, stable and top marks for versatility. Favours a heavy, more powerful skier only because the harder you carve, the more fun it is." (K. Levine) "Fun for carving fast, long turns but a lot of work for short turns." (Coulter) "Nice, solid ski, good underfoot at medium speeds, but not too stable at mach speeds. Good, cruising ski. Versatile." (Bower)
Consensus: Super smooth, super stable and a versatile, go-anywhere ski that pretty much defines this category. The X-60 rewards the athletic skier who can take it to the max. Significantly better in long turns than shorter, several testers felt.

K2 Patriot GT6
Patriot G4 W (Editor's Choice - Men)

K2 entered two separate models for this category. The Patriot GT6 is almost a race carver with an aggressive 16-mm sidecut and K2's patented new MOD dual-core suspension system for vibration dampening. The G4 W is a detuned version of K2's Classic Four shaped ski with a soft, progressive flex pattern tailored for strong female skiers. Both skis have triaxial braided cores for maximum durability.
Men's comments: "Short, tall, big and small this ski does it all." (Smart) "Really versatile. All radius turns, all over the mountain. Quiet, smooth, fun and quick." (Sivers) "Easy to manipulate in both long and short turns. Very versatile! Would make a great teaching ski. Beefy enough at speed." (Baycroft)
Women's comments: "Easy for an intermediate skier, fun for an advanced skier who really likes to cook. Very stable at speed, more of a GS-carved-turn feeling. Not quick in the tip." (A. Terwiel) "Not a quick-turning ski. Needs a bit wider stance to perform well. Medium turns were touchy. Found this a harder ski to ski." (Younker) "Quick, easy-turning, edge-hold was superb. Could really lay them over and let them fly!" (Keith)
Consensus: The men absolutely loved this ski's versatility. While likely a notch below the ultra high performance that our testers demand personally, there was unanimity that this was a ski virtually all skiers could enjoy. It wasn't exactly a standout from the women's perspective. Several testers found it squirrelly and "shot out" from under them--which might mean a questionable tune. Though it scored highly in short-radius turns overall, some testers had trouble getting them to initiate.

Kneissl Ergo CGX

Though it keeps the venerable Ergo name, the CGX for Y2K is a brand-new ski featuring Kneissl's new Power-X-Wave construction for 20 per cent more torsional stiffness. It's one of the few skis in this test with a symmetrical (identical tip and tail profiles) shape.
Comments: "Loves soft snow and acts like an all-mountain freeride ski. Comfortable flex pattern and sidecut." (Weiss) "Tip 'em on edge quick, keep it slow and they come right across the fall line. Big turns and speed not recommended." (Stein) "A good, basic intermediate soft-snow ski. Edging skills not required." (Coutts)
Consensus: Some testers questioned the tune on these skis, but generally there was consensus that this was perhaps a better sport carve (intermediate) than expert ski.

Nordica N 9.1

Now here's a ski that almost didn't need to be masked. These all-white (men's) and black (women's) skis feature Nordica's trademark monochromatic topsheet made with scratch- and nick-resistant CushionTop surface. Only the tiny N logo at the tip identifies it as a Nordica ski. The N 9.1 features a three-dimensional profile that's higher on the sides for enhanced stability, improved torsional stiffness and precise edge grip. This ski came with Nordica's Exo Flex plate.
Men's comments: "Made for motoring, this ski defines the category--free to carve." (Podborski) "Short-radius-railing rockets! Very quick and nimble with the ability to do bigger turns with ease." (Stein) "Fall-line short radius and added speed make this ski a Free Carve breed." (Coutts)
Women's comments: "Nice in softer, deeper snow in short turns. Not confident at high speeds or in longer turns. Good for intermediate/advanced skiers on smaller hills." (A. Terwiel) "Better for lazy, non-adventurous skiers. Solid ski, but not at higher speeds." (Bower) "Tips were hard to get into the tune, but once there it was smooth, smooth, smooth. Didn't chatter under any conditions." (Levine)
Consensus: A majority disparity between men and women on the Nordicas. Men praised its ease of use and ability to crank out SR turns at will and at speed. Most male testers felt this ski could simply do no wrong. For the women, it was a bit of a love / hate affair and this one took a bit of figuring out. A few commented on the stiff tails.

Rossignol T-Power Viper (Editor's Choice - Overall)

This is Rossignol's flagship ski for 2001, a very short recreational carver that's built on the same chassis as last year's 9.9 New School slalom racer. Features include Dualtec 2000 construction (the sandwich/cap matrix that's been updated for this season), Dual VAS (Vibration Absorption System) inside the core and a Suspension Platform under the binding--all in a ski whose longest length is 174 cm.
Men's comments: "Keep these on the hard and fast and have a blast. So short to look at, yet so strong underfoot!" (Stein) "Life will be cool with this ski as your tool. Very lively in short turns. Easy to start the turn and stable all the way through. Should be longer." (Baycroft) "Sliced and diced the icy crud, then dazzled me on the groomed." (Irwin)
Women's comments: "Hang back for some action! Great sap out of the tail. Loved the ski in medium-radius turns--great spring at higher speeds." (Keith) "By the time you've thought about what you want to do, this ski's done it for you. A ski an intermediate can grow with, and an expert can rip on." (Bower) "A very stable, solid ski that doesn't kick you around. Firm in the tip and tail so it holds an arc beautifully. A good ski for advanced skiers who like a variety of terrain and snow conditions." (A. Terwiel)
Consensus: Rossignol's big gamble in taking short slalom-ski technology to the masses has clearly succeeded. The T-Power Viper is truly a broadband model that excels in a variety of turn shapes and sizes. The female testers marveled at its versatility, and for the most part even our beefy, macho male testers scored it high.

Salomon Superaxe 9 (Editor's Choice - Overall)

An updated version of last year's Superaxe, the new 9 features a pair of Prolink Twin V vibration absorber arms fore and aft of the binding. The time-tested titanium monocoque construction and wood core make this a lively, versatile ski made for any shape of turn.
Men's comments: "Light, quick and nimble. Felt that I could dance on a thimble. But ski slowly." (Smart) "Round turn and burn. Pleasant, versatile, friendly, manoeuvrable." (Sivers) "Tip and rip. Style and smile. This ski does it all, at moderate speed." (Coutts)
Women's comments: "This ski has a personality. Great carving ski for any serious skier. Light, lively, spunky ski with lots of zest." (Bowie) "Effortless to turn, very stable, good in all conditions and suitable from intermediate to expert." (Bower) "Very easy ski. Like the Holiday Inn, the best surprise is no surprise at all. A stable, comfortable ride all the way down." (Levine)
Consensus: A lot of companies talk about "improving your game" through technological advances, but Salomon always seems to deliver across a wide spectrum of categories. Though not a ski to be wound up to 70 kph (the average cruising speed of our male testers), the Superaxe gives an amazing carving feeling at moderate speeds. Women had no axe to grind with this Salomon either, praising its stability, versatility and quickness.

Scott Rage XC

This ski might almost be coming out of the hyper-carve category, with shapely sidecut numbers. Scott's Rage XC is perhaps targeted at a somewhat less aggressive and adventurous skier than some of the models in this test.
Men's comments: "Smooth and supple on soft snow. An excellent ski for the intermediate. Very nervous, though." (Smart) "A little too much sidecut to be a versatile all-mountain ski, but may be fun for intermediates or light skiers who just want to put it on cruise control." (Baycroft) "Fun, quick and agile at slower speeds. Great choice for first-time carvers." (Stein)
Women's comments: "Easy does it on these babies. Either do short-radius or big traverse-type turns--good ski for an instructor demonstrating slow, big turns." (Roberts) "Performs remarkably well for a little ski. Quick and fun, well-suited to an intermediate skier." (A. Terwiel) "A great ski for a lighter beginner-intermediate skier just starting to carve. Would be fun in the bumps." (Bowie)
Consensus: Both men and women felt this ski benefited the slower, less aggressive skier most. The light weight and honkin' sidecut made it less than perfect at high speeds. Most of the women commented on the Rage's short length (178) and felt it didn't have the energy and jam of some of the longer skis.

Stoeckli Raver Lance

This is the first year for Stoeckli skis in the Ski Canada Test. The handmade ski from Switzerland features incredibly strong torsion box construction with titanal galore. Look for Stoeckli skis at specialty shops.
Men's comments: "Good ski for a big skier who likes speed on groomed runs. Not a versatile, quick-turning ski." (G. Terwiel) "Traditional, old classic taste for those skiers who don't want to change. Glides and carves well." (Weiss) "Slow initiation, but stable. Needed speed to dial it in a little more." (Michaud)
Women's comments: "Versatility at its best. I felt comfy and would take this ski anywhere. The most stable ski I've tested so far. A go-anywhere athletic skier will definitely enjoy this." (Gamblin) "You could not rattle this ski. Stayed smooth even when the snow was a bit uneven and chunky. Excellent on hardpack; favours long-radius turns." (Levine) "A stable ski to trust your life with. Lots of fun and lively--but only in long-radius turns." (Coulter)
Consensus: Stability on the groomed, but maybe not the ski for somebody who likes to snap off quick turns. Women especially remarked upon its stability in long turns and smoothness therein. Didn't excite the passions of too many testers.

Volant T3 Epic (Editor's Choice - Women)

After successfully entering the SuperKarve in this category for the past few years, Volant gives us the T3 Epic, an all-new ski that's meant to fit between the PowerKarve Free Ride ski and the SuperKarve profiles. The 68-mm waist is definitely at the mid-fat end of the skis tested in this category. The Epic is designed with a flared tip and tapered tail for maximum versatility in turn shape.
Men's comments: "Awesome! Rolling thunder, freight-train damp and predictable. Faster = Better!" (Sivers) "A big-mountain free-carver. Not made for shorter turns, but when you go ripping off the corduroy you'll be smiling." (Podborski) "You don't need a nose ring to enjoy this heavy metal. Versatile and just right." (Coutts)
Women's comments: "These skis are like a machine. Turn 'em on and go for it. Solid and stable in any turn radius; maybe best in long radius." (Bowie) "Sweet spot on these skis is perfectly centred making turn initiation almost too easy. Highly recommended for the skier who loves fast carving turns." (Roberts) "Made me feel anchored in the best and worst sense of the word. At high speed on steeps, it was solid. At medium to slow speeds, it felt heavy and laborious. Good for aggressive skiers who enjoy longer turns." (A. Terwiel)
Consensus: There are always a few testers who hook up extremely well with the Volants, and the T3 Epic was no exception. Skiers who like stability in long turns and the ability to shred crud should seriously look these babies over.

Free Carve
The following chart shows the highest and lowest marks given to the ski by the testers, and the overall tester average. Men/Women each brand.