The advice from professional ski shops, who can test ride numerous new models on the snow and integrate their extensive knowledge with user feedback to compare and evaluate products, is highly persuasive. Let's find out which fat skis from the 26-27 new models professional shops would recommend most to recreational skiers
ANTIMATTER100｜ARMADA
With its metal construction, it offers a sense of security.
The Armada "ANTIMATTER" series, newly introduced in 26-27 inch skis, adds a playful touch. Positioned as the successor to the DECLIVITY series, the metal construction allows even basic skiers to confidently entrust their bodies to the skis.
However, it's not as stiff as a demo ski, so it has a playful feel and is a fun ski to ski. The waist width is set to a wide range from 92mm to 114mm, but among them, I think the "ANTIMATTER100" is the best match for on-piste skiers who want to try a slightly wider shape. If you are worried about the fine control due to the width, you might also find it interesting to choose the "ANTIMATTER92", which is one size narrower
BLADE｜LINE
BLADE│D=154-95-124mm(176cm)｜R=13.5m(avg@176cm)｜L=160,169,176,181cm｜￥147,400
an ultra-short radius, comparable to slalom skis, making it ideal for powder and sharp turns,
reminiscent of skis designed for short turns in recreational skiing or slalom racing. However, its tip width exceeds 150mm and its waist is 95mm, giving it a slightly wider profile.
While those switching from more technical skis might initially struggle with edge control, once you get the hang of it, I believe even recreational skiers will enjoy this ski. Once powder falls, you can ski on this ski, and on groomed slopes, you can carve sharp turns with a strong edge.
Dancer106 Ti｜FACTION
Featuring two ultra-thin titanium layers,
this model boasts the widest waist in the increasingly popular Dancer series, offering high-speed, breakthrough carving performance. The two ultra-thin titanium layers, sandwiching the core from above and below, ensure stability at high speeds and excellent rebound after quick turns. Unlike competition-spec recreational skis, it doesn't have excessive rebound, allowing for smooth and enjoyable carving turns.
Even in humid powder, the titanium-reinforced construction provides high rigidity, resulting in excellent breakthrough power and the ability to make high-speed turns while floating. If you're a technical skier considering purchasing wider skis, you might want to consider the Dancer
ELIXER/E | BLASTRACK
The grip is incredibly strong, especially considering it's non-metal.
Among the many Japanese-made freeride models that offer a feel close to basic skiing, this ski's greatest strength is that it offers the closest feel to skis designed for basic skiing and alpine racing.
What's amazing is that despite not using metal, the ski's stability and edge grip at high speeds are excellent. You'll be able to switch to this ski smoothly and without any discomfort from your usual technical skis.
Junichi Sato, Staff member at outdoor shop Permark
MINDBENDER88｜K2
With the maneuverability of a basic ski,
the 26-27 MINDBENDER has been completely redesigned, seamlessly transitioning between on-piste and off-piste. It features "Dark Matter" technology, which suppresses unpleasant vibrations transmitted to the skis and maintains high controllability even at high speeds. A stable ski that excels at both long and short runs. Depending on the length choice, it offers the precise maneuverability of a demo ski, allowing you to enjoy the entire ski resort, whether on-piste or off-piste.
RE:PRIM｜BLUEMORIS
The sizing is similar to a short-turn demo board. While we also recommended the 25-26 size for days with heavy snowfall
, the 26-27 size is so well-made that we'll continue offering it next season, making it a recommended choice as well. In fact, test ride reviews from users who regularly ride recreational skis have indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed both powder and groomed slopes. The width provides ample buoyancy in deep snow, while the 12.9m radius allows for nimble turns. Furthermore, the 162cm size is similar to that of recreational short-turn models, so you should be able to ride it with little discomfort.
Rather than being a choice between different skis, they have a certain compatibility, and I recommend them because they seem like they would be fun to have on a day with heavy snowfall. Those who seek a more aggressive style of skiing with wide turns and speed might find them a little lacking, but the ease of handling, a characteristic of short-sized skis, is a key point
STORMRIDER 102｜STÖCKLI
provides the top-end reliability that recreational skiers desire
. Advanced skiers who have been skiing with badge tests and technical lines in mind naturally feel more secure with skis that offer good performance on groomed slopes, carving capabilities, and a reliable grip at the tip. Generally, when skis become wider, the torsion is usually set looser in order to prioritize maneuverability. As a result, the grip at the tip can be vague, which can be a source of anxiety for recreational skiers.
In this respect, the STORMRIDER employs a unique top metal sheet, using metal throughout the entire length and width of the ski to achieve firm torsion that closely rivals that of a demo ski. However, it's not so much metal that it spoils the flex or handling; it's a well-considered construction
STUDIO Series | FACTION
for carving performance that will tear through the slopes
. Its performance will impress even the most skilled carving skiers. Tired of the competitive graphics typical of demo skis? For demo skiers and ski racers who already have a solid foundation, let these stylish skis tear down the slopes!
