Best Men's Skis 2025
- Posted on
- By Ski Shack
- Posted in Skiing
Every year, we look forward to reading the gear guides and reviews in outdoor magazines. They’re scientific and thorough, but the tests take place out west, and as an east coast outfitter, we want to know more about how the gear will perform in our gnarly, ever-changing conditions.
The Best Men's Skis of the 2025 Season
One of our favorite experiences in the ski community is the chance to gather a group of passionate skiers and head to Vermont every February to put next season's gear to the test on the icy hard-pack that defines East Coast skiing.
During our time on the slopes, we keep our customers and their needs first and foremost in our minds, by asking ourselves important questions like: How will this gear enhance the skiing experience? What will make a day on the mountain more enjoyable? Which type of skier will get the most out of this ski?
With those questions in mind, we’re excited to share our top picks for men’s skis for the 2024-25 season.
Best Overall Men's Ski: 2025 K2 Reckoner 102
MSRP: $599.95
When it comes to versatility and playfulness, the 2025 K2 Reckoner 102 truly stands out as the best overall ski. It’s designed for skiers who want to explore every facet of the mountain, blending creativity and control. Whether you’re launching off features, cruising the slopes, or hunting for side hits, this ski excels in every scenario.
K2 has elevated the Reckoner 102 with cutting-edge technology for the new season. The patented Spectral Braid construction enhances torsional stiffness, delivering an ideal balance of stability and agility. Coupled with a full sidewall and a lightweight Aspen Micro Block core, it provides a smooth and responsive ride across various terrains.
What sets the Reckoner 102 apart is its ability to perform in both the park and on groomed runs, making it an incredibly versatile choice for any skier. Our tester praised it as “a smooth Cadillac” that remains fun and engaging, whether you’re carving down steep lines or playing around in the park. Read our full review of the 2025 K2 Reckoner 102 here.
Best Men's Carving Ski: 2025 Stockli Laser WRT Skis
MSRP: $1,799.00
If you’re all about carving up the groomers, the Stockli Laser WRT is the ski for you. This ski is engineered for those who love precision and speed, allowing you to tackle the slopes with complete confidence.
The Laser WRT features a unique sidecut design that lets you execute sharp turns and smooth transitions effortlessly. It’s lightweight yet robust, providing stability even at high speeds—perfect for those who like to push their limits on the mountain.
What really stands out is how it performs in various conditions; whether on perfectly groomed runs or variable snow, this ski excels. Often remarked as feeling “glued to the snow,” allowing for seamless, precise turns that make every descent a thrill.
Best Men's All-Mountain Ski: 2025 Volkl Mantra 88
MSRP: $749.99
The 2025 Volkl Mantra 88 is a highly versatile, all-mountain ski tailored for intermediate to advanced skiers who demand precision and stability. With an 88mm waist, it’s the most agile in the Mantra series, offering quick edge transitions and strong carving ability on groomers. Built with a multilayer woodcore and Titanal Frame construction, it delivers exceptional stability and power, even at high speeds.
A standout feature is its 3D Radius sidecut, which allows the ski to seamlessly adapt to different turn shapes. Whether making tight, quick turns or long, sweeping arcs, the Mantra 88 handles both with ease. Its performance on icy or hard-packed conditions is excellent, with impressive edge hold and control, thanks to the added stiffness from the Titanal layer.
While not designed for deep powder, the Mantra 88 shines in mixed conditions and variable terrain, making it a great option for skiers who prioritize precision and versatility across the mountain.
Best Men's Freeride Ski: 2025 Blizzard Rustler 9
MSRP: $749.95
The 2025 Blizzard Rustler 9 is a playful freeride ski designed for adventurous skiers who love to explore the whole mountain. With a 94mm waist, it's versatile enough for mixed conditions, from soft snow to hardpack, but really shines when venturing off groomed trails.
At the heart of the redesigned 2025 Blizzard Rustler 9 is an energetic Freeride Trueblend woodcore paired with the all-new FluxForm technology. These innovations work together to provide excellent stability and strength underfoot, ensuring solid performance in challenging conditions, while retaining playfulness in the tip and tail for freeride fun. This design lets the ski float through soft snow and maneuver effortlessly in variable terrain, all while keeping enough edge control for reliable handling on groomers or icy patches. The Rustler 9 is ideal for skiers who want a freeride ski that can handle everything the mountain throws at them with a lively, responsive feel.
While the Rustler 9 performs well on groomers, its freeride focus means it's happiest in softer snow, bumps, and chopped-up terrain. Its lightweight build makes it easy to control in tight spots like trees or variable off-piste conditions, yet stable enough to handle high speeds.
Best Park + Pipe: 2025 Lib Tech Backwards Men's Skis
MSRP: $599.95
New to our shop this year, the Lib Tech Backwards is a standout choice for park and pipe enthusiasts. This ski features patented Magnatraction edge technology, designed specifically for icy East Coast conditions, making it perfect for those who love to hit the terrain park or tackle the halfpipe.
The Backwards is built to offer stability and precision, allowing skiers to execute tricks and jumps with confidence. Its playful flex and unique twin-tip design make it easy to navigate through park features, while the Magnatraction edges ensure reliable grip on hardpack and icy surfaces. This ski really shines when it comes to take-offs and landings, providing the support you need to stick your tricks.
Best for Beginners: 2025 Nordica Men's Steadfast 75 CA
MSRP: $499.95
For new skiers looking to build their confidence on the slopes, the Nordica Men's Steadfast 75 CA Ski with TP2 Compact 10 FDT Bindings is the ideal choice. This ski is designed specifically for beginners, providing a forgiving and easy-to-manage experience that helps you progress smoothly.
The Steadfast 75 CA features a lightweight construction that makes it easy to maneuver, while its 75 mm waist width offers the stability needed for early turns and carving. The ski’s friendly flex allows for gradual turn initiation, giving you the confidence to explore various terrains without feeling overwhelmed.
Users have praised the Steadfast for its comfortable ride and ease of use. One beginner mentioned how it felt “reliable and approachable,” making it a great partner for those just starting out.
Best Value: 2025 Atomic Maverick 84 R Men's Skis with M10 GW Bindings
MSRP: $499.95
For those seeking exceptional performance without breaking the bank, the Atomic Maverick 84 R Men’s Skis with M10 GW Bindings is one of our best sellers and a fantastic value for 2025. Ideal for Mid-Atlantic skiing, this ski offers the perfect balance of versatility and user-friendly features, making it great for skiers of all levels.
The Maverick 84 R is designed to handle a variety of conditions, from groomed runs to variable terrain. Its 84 mm waist width strikes a perfect balance, providing stability and easy turn initiation. The lightweight construction and flexible design make it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their skills while enjoying a smooth ride.
Skiers have consistently praised the Maverick for its approachable performance. One user mentioned that it feels “fun and forgiving,” making it easy to navigate through different types of snow.
Read More:
How to Choose the Right Size Skis
Ski & Snowboard Tune-ups: What, Why, When?
Looking for something else? Based in northeast PA, Ski Shack carries a full line of outdoor gear, clothing and accessories to help everyone in your family stay cozy, dry and safe in the great outdoors this season — no matter your experience or ability level.