Editors’ Choice Men’s Freeride Skis for Winter 22/23. Here’s a look at what’s in our mega Gear Guide (click here to order), which features the full, in-depth reviews of our Freeride ski of the year and these top picks, tried and tested by us, as well as Piste, All-Mountain and Freetouring setups, boots, poles, bindings, packs, airbags, goggles. It’s big…
SCOTT PURE MISSION 98 Ti
£580
Lengths 170, 177, 184
Radius 19m @ 177
Dimensions 133-98-119 @ 177
Weight per ski 1,670g @ 177
scott-sports.com
THEY SAY
Inspired by Jérémie Heitz freeride skis, the all-new Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti is a freeride/all-mountain weapon. Whatever the snow and the conditions, the new Pure Mission 98 Ti will allow you to enjoy the mountain every day of the season. For those who enjoy as much resort skiing as backcountry, the Scott mission is BACK.
WE SAY
The Pure Mission is a proper freeride ski. Ski it fast and hard and over any terrain and it explodes into life.
BEST FOR
You need to be confident and prepared to drive this ski to enjoy it. Because of the potent piste performance it’s a viable one-ski option to take on a trip, which is a useful skill for any ski. If you are a strong all-mountain skier with the hope or expectation of fresh snow, go up a gear and get yourself on a Mission.
ATOMIC BENT 110
£550
Lengths 172, 180, 188
Radius 18m @ 180
Dimensions 133-110-124 @ 180
Weight per ski 1,750g @ 180
atomic.com
THEY SAY
The Atomic Bent 110 takes a similar approach to the mountain as the Bent Chetler 120, with slightly less width. It’s Jossi Wells’s go-to ski for backcountry freestyle, charging lift-served pow laps and days where it’s deep, but not 120-deep. With topsheet and base art by Chris Benchetler, the 110 is wholly reflective of his approach to the mountains: creative and unique.
WE SAY
SMOOTH! And a lot of fun. Fundamentally a powder ski, but it does everything. Long turns and shorts, it’s instinctive in the bumps, copes with cruddy snow and eats powder for breakfast.
BEST FOR
We all agree with Lee on this: “Looking for your first foray in to the world of twin tip playful powder skis but something easy to get the best out of? Still want to ski the whole mountain? Then the Bent is a tough act to follow. Or if you’re going to do a season on a budget then this is just the ticket.”
ROSSIGNOL SENDER 94 Ti
£495
Lengths 164, 172, 178, 186
Radius 19m @ 178
Dimensions 129-94-118 @ 178
Weight per ski 2,100g
rossignol.com
THEY SAY
The true all-mountain freeride ski. When fresh tracks beckon, the new Sender 94 Ti delivers a blend of lightweight agility and damp downhill performance to set you free to explore and ride inbounds and out.
WE SAY
A fast and playful all-mountain ski with added float, it’s more forgiving than many in the hard-charging freeride fraternity. Grippy and forgiving, it’s built to empower and send.
BEST FOR
The price of skis has shot up over the past two seasons but Rossignol remain very good value. The Sender is a quality ski so there’s no compromise to make; if you’re an intermediate to advanced skier looking for an all-mountain/freeride ski with plenty of life it’s a very appealing package.
VOLKL M6 MANTRA
£660
Lengths 163, 170, 177, 184, 191
Radius 18m @ 177
Dimensions 135-96-119
Weight per ski 2,070g @ 177
voelkl.com
THEY SAY
How do you improve a legend? You retain the features that made the ski famous and add the latest innovations, which allow progress where a year ago you couldn’t see any room for improvement. The new Mantra M6 is even more versatile than its predecessor and continues to offer maximum fun!
WE SAY
Stiff, powerful skis tend to be chargers rather than poppers, so skiing off-piste is more about picking a line than dancing and smearing your way down. That said, the control and consistent power delivery means you can push and drift skis like this. You just need to line up your legs, technique and commitment.
BEST FOR
We’d say it depends on weight and where you want to spend most of your time. Rich again: “Just superb in and on everything! It will suit a strong piste skier who enjoys skiing off-piste when snow allows. If you’re not quite as strong or aggressive maybe look at the Kendo – it’s a fine line with these skis as to whether they are all-mountain or freeride as they are so versatile.” Andy sums it up neatly: “This is an all-day ski, for the skier who wants to ski everywhere all-day long. From first to last lift.”
