Stöckli "30-Second" ski reviews

These reviews are of new and updated 08/09 models. More detailed reviews of many models, current and past, are now available on the subscription site.

Laser SCStöckli Laser models are superb, precise carvers and the SC, a somewhat tamed version of the World Cup SL, is definitely in the hyper-carving hunt. Good citizen and masters race ski, excels at short radius fall line turns, without being energy draining. Definitely limited to the groomed (and the harder the snow the better), the SC is a technical turn fan's delight. If you are at all tentative about carving skills, this may not be the best choice. If you plan intensive skill building, race training or technical camp, it could be perfect.

Cross ProMore versatile than the SC and still a world class carving ski. Front side carvers will probably find the CP a more useful everyday ski. Another efficacious tool for honing carving skills.

Spirit GlobeSimilar to the Cross skis. Like all Stöckli technical skis, the Globe is a beautifully built and precise carver. More like the Cross than the Cross Pro in its demeanor, the Spirit Globe is a well balanced 1-ski-quiver biased toward the groomed. It is more relaxing than the Cross skis, but capable of much of their performance—except at extreme speed. One of our younger test skiers dubbed it a "front side ski for the parents."

Stormrider VXLMellow, relatively soft and forgiving all mountain ski for non-aggressive and lighter skiers who spend 50% or more of the time on the groomed, yet still venture off piste, though not into extremely challenging steep and deep terrain.