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Another season, and another chance to get the best ski deals out there. We contemplated what to do this year: should we continue our tried-and-true Steals & Deals, or mix it up? Well, we decided to do both. In fact, the industry kinda forced our hand with a whole new segment: skis that will be on your local wall for $399 MAP (minimum advertised price). We are seeing more and more brands enter this bargain (or should I say "entry") price class. Could this recent trend could start a mini-revolution and change how people buy skis?It isn't so much that we are seeing skis under four bills; it is that we are seeing really good skis at that price, skis from Armada, Atomic, K2, Line, and Nordica ... big players, not no-names from fourth-world countries. These skis are good enough to make the average 10-day-a-year skier wonder, "Why should I pay more?" and (the question manufacturers really want), "At these prices, why should I rent?" The second question is addressed by these price-war skis; we will soon focus on the first question in the upcoming 2017-18 Steals & Deals.
Besides being great values for adults, any of these skis will look great under the holiday tree for little Jimmy (who isn’t so little any more) or Suzy (who outgrew her kiddie skis, and Mom's hand-me-downs are just soooo ... fill in blank). But with all their other expenses, Mom and Dad aren't ready to plunk down the money for most adult skis. Parents, look to this segment for an inside lane to the coveted "Coolest Parent Everrrrr" award*.
*Immediately revoked as soon as you do something lame, but hey, enjoy it for the nanosecond you have it.
Armada
Invictus 85
Dimensions: scaled, 122-84-113@176
Sizes: 167, 176, 185
Invictus 85
Dimensions: scaled, 122-84-113@176
Sizes: 167, 176, 185
Victa 83
Dimensions: scaled, 123-84-113@167
Sizes: 151,159, 167
This brother-and-sister combo takes the Invictus/Victa shape down to an entry price point. As versatile as the 87Ti and 89Ti are, some kids and lighter skiers did get overpowered; now, here is their ski. The only downfall I see is that I think the Invictus 85 should have been offered in a 159 rather than the 185 length; that skier will probably be better served skiing the 87Ti.
Dimensions: scaled, 123-84-113@167
Sizes: 151,159, 167
This brother-and-sister combo takes the Invictus/Victa shape down to an entry price point. As versatile as the 87Ti and 89Ti are, some kids and lighter skiers did get overpowered; now, here is their ski. The only downfall I see is that I think the Invictus 85 should have been offered in a 159 rather than the 185 length; that skier will probably be better served skiing the 87Ti.
Vantage 85
Dimensions: scaled, 125-85-109@173
Sizes: 157, 165, 173, 181
Dimensions: scaled, 122-85-106@157
Sizes: 149, 157, 165, 173
The Vantage 85s are the most traditional of the offerings here. These have a nice shape and the most positive feel on the groomers, and will be a great choice for the skier who is coming back into the sport after taking a few decades off. The Vantages will hold their hands as they progress to a modern skiing style then still be their for them as the lightbulb goes off and remind themselves what a wonderful sport this skiing is.
Pinnacle 85
Dimensions: 128-85-112
Sizes: 156, 163, 170, 177
Dimensions:128-85-112
Sizes: 149, 156, 163, 170
It is interesting to see K2 bring the Pinnacle this far down market and give the very popular Pinnacle 88 a red-headed crazy-eyed 85mm-waisted little brother; the same goes for the AllLuvit's little sister. These twins will raise some hell and could be the most versatile of this bunch. It's tough being all things to all people, but while the 85 and Thrilluvit share their shape with the rest of the Pinnacles, the lighter weight and more flexible core make them an ideal entry ski for newer skiers or those coming back into the sport.
Sick Day 88
Dimensions: 127-88-113
Sizes: 165, 172, 179
The first major overhaul in the Sick Day lineup since it was introduced a few seasons back, this all-new collection is getting back to Line’s roots with fun, youth-oriented skis at a low price. Although it's the only one without a women's counterpart, the Sick Day 88 is a $399 model that stresses value. This is the one the kids will clamor for.
Dimensions: 127-88-113
Sizes: 165, 172, 179
The first major overhaul in the Sick Day lineup since it was introduced a few seasons back, this all-new collection is getting back to Line’s roots with fun, youth-oriented skis at a low price. Although it's the only one without a women's counterpart, the Sick Day 88 is a $399 model that stresses value. This is the one the kids will clamor for.
Nordica
Navigator 80
Dimensions: scaled, 119-80-104@180
Sizes: 158, 165, 172, 179
Navigator 80
Dimensions: scaled, 119-80-104@180
Sizes: 158, 165, 172, 179
Astral 78
Dimensions: scaled, 114-78-99@158
Sizes: 144,151,158,165
The Navigator and Astral are part of two all-new ski collections from Nordica. Nordica took the best of its NRGy/Belle, fixed what was wrong by giving it the tip from the Enforcer/Santa Ana, and created skis with tails that finish a turn beautifully. The entry-level models, the Navigator 80 and Astral 78, are worthy contenders in the $399 price point segment.
*Note: Some of these skis are also "Steals & Deals", showing exceptional value beyond the $399 price point!
Dimensions: scaled, 114-78-99@158
Sizes: 144,151,158,165
The Navigator and Astral are part of two all-new ski collections from Nordica. Nordica took the best of its NRGy/Belle, fixed what was wrong by giving it the tip from the Enforcer/Santa Ana, and created skis with tails that finish a turn beautifully. The entry-level models, the Navigator 80 and Astral 78, are worthy contenders in the $399 price point segment.
*Note: Some of these skis are also "Steals & Deals", showing exceptional value beyond the $399 price point!
