Stockli Skis, Are They WORTH IT?
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- Elliott Reacts To Ski Essentials Review and Gives his Insight and opinion on the 2024 Stockli Stormrider 88 and gives his thoughts on high end, luxury skis.
0:00 Elliott Owned These Skis
1:02 Worth the Price?
1:50 Ski Of the Year 2018
2:25 Downsides of The Ski
4:00 Ski Essentials React
14:55 Bob's Great Description
15:35 East Coast Vs West Coast For Stockli
17:00 Final Score
I own 4 pairs of Stocklis ranging from the 68 Laser WRT Pro to the SR 102. My favorite Stocklis are the ones on the racing/carving side of the spectrum i.e. the Montero Ax and the Laser WRT Pro. I agree with you that Stockli doesn't particularly stand out in the soft powder and that's partly due to their racing heritage! But I like the fact that no matter which stockli, and no matter what the conditions are, it's going to carve well! As for west vs east (I used to be a Vermont skier and now I live in Tahoe), I think the term west is too broad. Colorado/Utah/Wyoming/Montana for example are very different from Tahoe. In Tahoe, we have many days in which the 80 underfoot Montero AX (formerly Laser Ax) is just fine which is also why that is my daily driver in Tahoe. I agree with you on that Stockli is like a Mercedes. it's not worth it but it's nice to have it for that smoothness and quietness.
Agreed, and the Laser SX was the best carving ski I've used, but it was only marginally better than some of the other options at the time.
Great point about the west coast, even Idaho and Oregon, which border one another are VERY different
Please do a review on the Stockli Montero AS
From what I know, that is the Stockli ski that has changed the most times in the last 5-7 years. From lighter, to heavier, and back. As well as softer, stiffer, ect... They made a mid year change one year because they didn't like the new changes once it go into production. Hard to really know how the 2024 ski compares to your model without being a Stockli "insider".
Haha, I will have to keep trying to test out their skis, they can be hard to come by!
I have these skis and still ride them as my go to's. I currently live out in San Francisco and they have been to Taos, Deer Valley, Palisades, Aspen Snowmass, Whistler/Blackcomb and Telluride, etc... I find that they are still really good skis and they perform everywhere on the mountain. When you were explaining about the heavy feel about them in powder, I completely agree, however, then I get more face shots then those skiing on their stupidly wide 100mm underfoot skis. I have been in over knee deep powder in Deer Valley and Whistler and felt just great with them. I grew up skiing in western Quebec and Vermont, so I grew up carving and these things will still rip off turns and I can keep with almost anyone, anywhere with them.
I find it extremely hilarious that the ski industry wants everyone to buy wider skis, but yet whenever I ski with an instructor at Aspen, Telluride, or Whistler and we go hiking to find some hard to reach places, they still only bring their 70mm underfoot skis unless, it has snowed more than 12 inches. It probably helps that the instructors are all Level IV and are ex racers, but I digress. Simply to say, even out west one doesn't need a ski more than 88mm at max on a daily basis, probably more like mid 70's to low 80's on a day to day basis, just like @kiramuro said, their daily is a Montero AX. I am looking to go even narrower and probably get the Stockli Laser WRT PRO, Laser SC or the Laser SX for my daily ski and then bring out the 88's on a powder day with more than 8+inches. I remember skiing at Mont Tremblant in over 6 inches of snow on my old Stockli Laser Cross Pro and having no problem at all with them and they were 72mm underfoot. These wider underfoot skis are making skiers techniques to go in reverse, one might be able to ski easier than every before but the ability has gone downhill for sure.
I went to France this winter and saw the same thing, I love how passionate people are about carving over there. I even got to use my french that I learned from Montreal tourists visiting Vermont (they didn't like my accent though lol).
I agree about width, but I live in Idaho now, and I do understand with the softer snow, being able to comfortably fineness a 77-95mm width without much problem.
Great insight cheers from a fellow (former) VT skier!
No such thing do it all ski..I run a 3 ski quiver. But by buying off season i scored literally 2.5-3 skis for the price of one stockli. I have everything i need..67mm, 92mm & 107mm.
I believe they lightened the SR somewhat..though.
I'm getting back into skiing after being away for a very long time. I purchased some OLD stock Stocklis from powder7 and I have no idea if I'm going to like them. 2016 Stormrider Light 181cm 78mm. Couldn't really find much about that year/model in my research so I have no idea what to expect.
I liked mine alot! hope you enjoy them
This sounds like I should sell my enforcer 94 and get a stormrider 88 😂
They are very nice, and I got the pair I had for like under $400 at the ski swap.
Just did this exact thing…I’ll report back
@@OkAIok I would very much like that !
@@OkAIoklet me know. Im interested in picking up a pair and cant demo them anywhere
@@OkAIokjust demoed enforcers, currently in the market, let me know how it turns out.
I had a pair of Stormrider XXL Offroad in a 194cm back in 2005. It was like a fat GS ski.
Woah those sound epic
Have you ever skied the scott pure mission 98ti ? Found them on sale the other day for a like 60% off. Any thoughts?
Not yet, but I've been in talks with them, and I'm hoping to test some this winter. Scott skis are hard to come by to test.
I would like to test one of the narrower Monteros in January, but the Stormriders are not on my list to try
Yeah, it's gotten better, but Stocklis can be tricky to test!
@@RicketySkiReviews being in Switzerland and going Verbier in January, I hope they have plenty of the local brand. Unlike Faction, I believe Stöckli still manufacture here in Switzerland (a reason for why they are expensive).
Stockli makes skis similar to many other main manufacturers. Making any product in Switzerland is very expensive. Hence the reason Stockli is expensive. It’s a matter of consumer choice. Status ski.
sounds like they made the ski a bit stiffer with the new wood core construction and moved in the opposite direction from your chief complaint - and likely made it even worse out west than the ones you had 4 years ago...
oh dang.
How does this ski compare to the kendo 88 from Völkl?
Now that’s an interesting question.
I’m a life long skier and 56. I’m 6’1” and 200 pounds. I also ski 182-188 length skis. This is all. important IMO when talking about skis with two layers of metal (both the Kendo’s and the SR88’s).
I’ve skied probably 4 different generations of Kendo’s and own a pair of 2021’s and have skied them 2 seasons. Before I switch gears to Stockli I should say that I also own and have skied a pair of Blizzard Brahma 88-180’s (2018’s).
Stockli’s: I have skied SR95’s, Laser AX and Laser AR (both Lasers now replaced with the Montero line). I have yet to ski SR88’s but believe the 95’s are a very good proxy for them.
Lastly, I live in Montreal and my local hill (it’s not a mountain IMO) is Tremblant. I’ve skied it for 30+ years. I also lived and learned to ski in Italy and have lived and skied in the US - both New England and Oregon.
First comparing the Brahma’s and Kendo’s. Both are 88 width and 180 and 184 cm, respectively. In my view the Brahma is a detuned wider GS ski. Absolutely rock solid at 100 kph and gives you total confidence when ripping GS & SG turns. However, I have pushed beyond its 180 cm length and feel that a 185 cm versión would be ideal. Apparently so did Blizzard as they added a length and reduced the gap. But…, all Blizzard bulls are 1-dimensional (1D) skis. Under 40 kph they are somewhat useless. They also won’t turn unless you thoroughly commit to them with pressure and weight. And because of this, I purchased a pair of Kendo’s. These are somewhat similar in that the 184 rails 95-98% as well as the Brahma 180’s but are much more versatile. A 2D ski I’d describe it. The “horse shoe” changes to the top sheet have helped the ski be more “accessible” (whatever that means) and allow it to be dynamic and fun even sub 40 kph. But again, it really shines at speed. Both are terrible bump/tree skis but that’s not why you buy these.
In short, there are few days when I want to ski Brahma’s while many more that I want to ski Kendo’s.
SR88’s (and 95): How do they compare to the Austrian (Blizzard) and German (Völkl) rockets? Simply put, they are amazing. Are they worth two pairs of skis? Frankly, I think that’s a silly question. Why? You can’t ski on 4 skis at once (unless you’re a dog). Anyway, Stockli’s are more than a Mercedes IMO. They are a fine tuned machine. No detail has gone unchecked in its performance. Are they a West coast power ski? Hell no! Why would you even consider that. Even the SR102 is not a “powder” ski IMO.
But…, SR are the pinnacle of ski perfection. 100% balanced, tuned and with a progressive flex and rebound that is almost “customized” to the skier atop of them. They are a 2.5D ski in my view and they will turn at 10 kph if you only think about it. At 100+ kph they are like locomotives and Ferrari’s at the same time. The Brahma’s are more like Lamborghinis. Rough, noisy and I’ll tempered - metaphorically speaking. Storms are predictable and will keep on delivering until the skier has reached his/her limit. The skis don’t appear to have a speed or stability limit.
They basically are sheep when you need them to be and wolves when that’s required.
It’s not possible to ski 100+ kph in places like Tremblant. Why? Too small a mountain with too narrow a piste (run). You basically max out at about 90 before you’ve ran out of mountain and/or sufficiently safe conditions.
But, in places like the Dolomites (or of course also Zermatt), where I ski almost every year, you can maximize your inner throttle and bring skis like all these to your upper limit. I’ve pushed SR95’s (184’s) to just shy of 110 kph in places like the Saslong Val Gardena downhill. If you like skiing high speed dialed & locked sweeping turns on impeccable snow, few things in life come close to doing so on a pair of SR’s. Frankly, any Stockli ski.
Of course I’m talking about common men & women here… 😀
I've demoed both in the last two weeks at Killington. In the end, I went with Stockli Stormrider 88 at 175. I was pretty set on the Volki Kendo 88s after doing lots of research and demoing a handful of other candidates - fast edge to edge, great carver that really holds an edge, great on ice that day - I was totally sold. I still had more time to try more stuff on my demo day, so the shop guy recommended I close out the day with the Stormrider, which wasn't on my radar but he said I would love it. I took it out for the hell of it, not seriously thinking I was gonna change my mind, but I was immediately taken by them -- first thing I noticed was how insanely quiet and stable it was, even at high speeds and on high speed turns, on groomers and thru the chop. This thing loves to carve precise medium and wide turns, it's such a pleasure and are very easy to engage. I think the Kendo's were faster edge to edge on short turns, but the SRs were right up there and beat the Volkl's on every other metric. I also noticed that my legs weren't fatiguing on the SRs the way they do on other skis - I chalk that up to the insane stability. ..... I was so unexpectedly loving the SRs, but then came the sticker shock - However, I'm one that will pay for quality that lasts if it's really there, and I bought into the story that Stockli's are crafted differently and will last quite a bit longer than any other ski. After some hemming and hawing, I ponied up the dough for the Stocklis, and I'm a happy camper, no regrets. Both skis were wonderful, and I probably would have been happy with the Kendos and $500 richer, but the Stockli SR have been well worth the splurge, and I expect they will be a great long-term investment down the line. .. For reference, I'm 5'9, 210, aggressive 52 y.o. expert/advanced skier that loves to rip the fallline and hit occasional moguls and trees.
@@seanaudet8214 Spot on Sean!
SR88’s are surprisingly versatile given their predictable behaviour, nice flex and yet locked in feeling at high speed.
Are they expensive? Oh yea… It comes down to whether you would rather buy one pair of SR’s for 4-5 years or 2 pairs of other skis every 2-3 years. Not that either is necessary but that’s just the equation one faces.
Just a small comment. Stöckli makes a ski called the Laser SC (ideally suited to women apparently) so your post may be somewhat confusing as you make reference to the “SC” rather than the SR. FWIW, the Laser SC is also not an 88 mm underfoot ski. :)
Lastly, I’d say the choice between a Kendo and a SR 88 is not that hard as they do feel like two rather different skis. Budget may be more of a determining factor. Where the choice becomes harder in my view is if and when comparing the SR88 with the Montero AR. Again, different skis but both also amazing to ski on.
I’ve skied the Laser AR, the Montero predecessor, a fair bit. Such a smooth beautiful skis.
IF… you do get on a pair of Stöckli’s, expect to be corrupted. They will make you a better skier (at least in your head which matters) and it will be hard to “go back” so to speak. 😄
@@MrDox123 Thanks, I just relooked and realized I had a bunch of typos that I just fixed. I did mean SR, not SC. .... I ran out of time and didn't get a chance to try the Monteros - but from what I've since read about them, the SRs may have a tad less power but are much more versatile, so I think I'm still happy with my pick as this is my one-quiver ski. ... You aren't kidding about getting corrupted. I honestly didn't know much about the company before that demo guy suggested it, but after just a few runs, I pretty much decided I'm Stockli's for life.
@@MrDox123your comment is spot on i am between stockli montero AR and stormraider 88 and not sure which to go with
I appreciate the effort and time it takes to make the Stockli skis, but let's be honest, most people can't tell enough difference and the lower priced skis perform just as well imo. You'd be better off with an 88 and 106 than one Stockli. In fairness, I haven't skied on them before, but I've tried enough skis that I can't imagine it's worth the premium
I disagree. Someone that just got their drivers license could tell the difference in handling between a Honda civic and a Porsche. Just like a novice biker could tell the difference between generic suspension vs Fox. Stockli is a different feel and if you’re into skiing and you have the money you should get a pair!
Yeah, I think you're spot on, I think you would notice the most difference in their carving than anything else, and honestly it is a great carve. But it's like anything, the more premium the smaller the margins are for improvement.
I agree with Starving Pilot in that I think they're definitely worth at least trying if you like carving, but I wouldn't buy them sight unseen probably.
Before I even watch this I am going to comment.. I paid $135 for my 2016 Stockli Stormrider 88s with bindings and they are demo skis.. These are probably my favorite skis that I own.. Last season after the only time I used them I noticed a 12-18 inch gash next to my bindings.. I thought that was the end of them but the ski shop was able to revive them.. I haven't skied on them since and I can't wait to get back on them.. They love hard surfaces.. I think the rubber dust has something to do with that..
At the end of last season I paid $893 including taxes for a pair of 2019 Stockli Stormrider 105s that also include bindings that they mounted.. I love these skis too.. Still fairly smooth on rock hard groomers but better in the soft stuff than the 88s.. And yes they have rubber dust..
Before I bought those skis I demoed a pair of Stormrider 95s and one of the skis was blown out at the heal so I only did 6 runs and I took it easy.. When I returned those the shop there was another pair of 95s that were blown out at the heal.. They also had a pair of 88s that were blown out at the heal.. They didn't demo 102s.. I did talk to someone who had a pair of 102s that were blown out at the heal.. They said that dealing with Stockli was a pain in the @$$..
With that being said.. I still love Stockli Stormriders but I am going to wait until after this season to see if they still blow out at the heal.. I do know that they do have new construction for this season..
I would love to get on a pair of Lasers or Monteros..
I agree with you about them in the woods.. I would also add that they do get stuck in the crud..
I am afraid to ski the bumps with them... I would race on a pair of skis for 2 years and then bring them out west and destroy them in the bumps..
Last season and this season every Stormrider video from Ski Essentials I did mention how they blow out in the heal and I got no response..
Crud... The crud in Colorado gets wicked.. It can be rock hard crud or it can be thick mashed potatoes crud.. You can have piles of fluff on ice.. In all those conditions this ski does not do well.. The 105 does a better job.. I think that I am at the point to were I just don't like skiing crud.. The guys I skied with last season will find the stuff where it is not like that.. I had amazing skiing because the people knew where the best stuff or at least the skiing I love most.. My last run of the season was the only hiking that I have done in the past 2 seasons.. I have traversed but not hiked.. Just the top surface was softening up and it was smooth.. I am sure the 88s would have done fine in that situation.. Then we hit some moguls in the trees and I would have babied the skis down just like I babied my Enforcer 104 Free.. Then on the bottom of the hill it was a slushy mess.. 88s would have got stuck in that.. Not sure about my 105s but my Enforcer 104 Free was like taking a water ski through it.. They rocked.. My DPS would have got turny in the tip and catchy in the tail..
My 2016 Stormrider 88s have the demo binding with the demo plate and I imagine that I am losing some of the flex..
My 2019 Stormrider 105s have Marker Griffon bindings with no plate so I imagine that I am getting all of the flex and all of the weight transfer..
On a side not my 2023 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free do have demo bindings that are the Marker Griffon but the plate doesn't go all the way through.. I would imagine that I am getting the weight transfer and the flex.. That and I can really feel the chatter on the rock hard groomers.. So I would say no insulation as Bob says..
2 seasons ago I was on the top of a Bowl that was full of crud and there was a guy with some Stormriders.. They were either 95s or 102s.. I asked him how the skis did in crud.. Now this guy was at least in his 50s.. He said watch.. Then he jumped off of a 15 foot cliff and did Super G turns all the way down.. The skis cut up the crud.. He did not float..
It is a story about dust... rubber dust to be precise. I chose the Enforcer 94 over the 95 Stormrider. I thought the Enforcer was more stable at higher speeds (45-55 mph) over more variable terrain. On another note... Stockli are cheap compared to DPS skis. You should do a review of the some of the DPS skis. I am not a fan of DPS. I like some metal in my skis. My buddies and I call them "Damn pieces of Sh*t"
I saw them on sale at Sierra Trading Post of all places, my buddy sent them saying "aren't these normally expensive?"
I have Stormrider 88 but son has the enforcer 94 and loves those, the daughters boyfriend has enforcer 100 and he skis and carves just as good as we do and loves the instant speed he can pick up on those, the 88 have way more than enough gas for me
This what he says, Vermont deeper snow, mid boots, heavy snow, but mostly crud
As a general rule I find you only get marginal gains as prices increase on any goods, so you are unlikely to ever find anything costing 2x is actually 2x better
Great point! there's always diminishing return after you get to a certain point. Same for biking and other hobbies.
You can argue they're expensive (they're often a forced 1 quiver ski due to price 😂), but you can also say they pay their staff a living wage; so do you support mass produced race to the bottom consumer goods or quality products built carefully by reasonably paid humans? - it's your choice.
Really great point! I didn't realize their practices and respect it.
They're a conservative piste ski company. Nothing that exciting - for a western off-piste skier, that type of ski quiver arrow is best served by a cheapass old skinny carving ski (of which there are a million at your local ski swap) and you buy something more interesting as a fat off piste ski.
agreed, I did like the way they carved and went off trail in the east, but I think there touted as being head and shoulders above other brands and I just don't think that's true. They're good, but only marginally better than some of the other options, and out west I think there are better options via different ski combinations.
I don't think anyone cares about slarving and float in light pow of a 88 underfoot ski. Seems odd to critique a carving brand 88 ski for those metrics. I think anyone who buys a stockli knows what they are getting. You do clarify with east vs west style skiing but trust me, no one here out west is looking for an 88 daily driver. A way more interesting discussion would be about the stormrider 102. All of your criticism about it could be applied to any 88 underfoot.
I hate when they say: “this is as versatile as it gets”… WHAT?! Versatile yes… as it gets that’s up for debate 😊⛷️
Good point, it doesn't really tell you much.