Ski Reviews

2023-2024 Stockli Stormrider 102, 182 cm

Reviewer Username: Jonathan Ellsworth

Reviewer Height: 5’10”

Reviewer Weight: 175 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 3 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Crested Butte Mountain Resort

TEST CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 8/10

FORGIVENESS: 8/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 5/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 5/10

STABILITY: 7/10

SUSPENSION: 8/10

EDGE HOLD: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS: 4/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

This is a relatively traditional, very directional ski. It’s not trying to be “playful” – so my rating is not a criticism of the ski

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (182 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Firm moguls | Softer moguls

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Advanced and expert skiers who want an all-mountain, precise ski. It will be best enjoyed by those who have good technique, and don’t like a very ‘loose’ tail.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

The previous version of the Fischer Ranger 102 offers a lot of the same performance characteristics of the Stormrider 102, but its tails are easier to break free in deeper chop.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

I understand why this ski is so well liked. Strong ski with an easy-to-maneuver front half, but a powerful tail provides good edge grip when carving hard. It’s name is a bit ironic – this is certainly not the best ~102mm-wide ski out there for powder skiing (or “storm riding”), but it’s a very good all-mountain ski for firmer conditions and shallow, soft conditions.