Men's Versatile freeride ski reviews 2011

The Blackeye has been Atomic's choice for our "versatile freeride ski" (70% piste/30% off-piste) for a number of years. The titanium-reinforced 2010 version cut a fine figure and got a 'special mention' from our reviewers. They were impressed by its design, its versatility and the overall level of performance. The Blackeye Ti is great for athletic skiers looking for an all-round ski that performs... Read on

The Sultant 80 is well placed in the "Polyvalent Freeride" category, designed for 70% piste/30% off-piste use. Its facility/performance combination make it ideal for a range of skiers, from pre-intermediate to expert, who are looking for a ski that's agreeable and can perfom well on groomed slopes, while able to show off its talent off-piste. It should be noted that the size we tested (172cm) was considered... Read on

A good all-rounder, the Rossignol S80 is easy to handle, enjoyable and stable. It's a very good all-terrain ski, excellent for intermediary skiers and for vesatile on-piste skiing, yet equally at ease off the beaten tracks. This relatively flexible ski is better for lighter and average frames, and for skilled female skiers.

Despite Fischer's excellent reputation, and the fact that its products regularly get top marks in Winter-Sports.com ski tests, this year we noted a number of shortcomings in the Watea skis tested in the "Versatile Freeride" and "Midfat Freeride" categories, and the Progressor 9, tested in the "Advanced" category. We found it very difficult to get a handle on the skis delivered for the... Read on