Best Freeride Skis in 2025
You’ve decided: it’s off-piste that’s your priority. Here are some of the winter’s best ski models in the freeride category.
You’re not a wobbly and dreary all-mountain skier. You like off-piste and that’s where you’ll be the most. That said, it is still the case that you will sometimes ski on groomed slopes. Sometimes the avalanche danger is too high off the slopes, sometimes visibility is minimal and sometimes the snow is simply crap.
You also see spring slush and groomed slopes more as an asset rather than something bad, and then the slightly wider freeride skis help you. You’re aware that those filthy deep days of powder snow that tickle you all the way up to your nostrils are only a handful per season, and for these days, it’s not worth having a mega-wide, slightly softer dedicated off-piste ski.
In this test, we focus on skis that have 100 millimeters and up in the waist. If you are more of a piste skier who might want to go a little off-piste, stop reading this article and read about this year’s best all mountain skis instead.
During the test, we have put a buyer’s guide where we explain more about what a freeride ski is.
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Best freeride skis
- 1. Line Bacon 108
- 2. Atomic Maverick 105 CTI
- 3. Extrem Factory 112
- 4. Extrem Final Opinion 118
- 5. Extrem Fusion 105 Carbon
- 6. Salomon QST Blank
- 7. Atomic Maverick 115 CTI
- 8. Atomic Bent 110
- 9. Salomon QST 106
- 10. Faction Prodigy 3
- 11. Rossignol Sender 106
- Comparison of freeride skis
- About the ski test
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Buying guide freeride skis
- What is a freeride ski?
- What's great about a freeride ski?
- What's bad about a freeride ski?
- How wide is a freeride ski?
- Why shouldn't I just focus on the freeride segment?
- Why shouldn't I stare blindly at skis at all?
- What bindings should I have on a pair of freeride lags?
- Do I have to buy new freeride skis?
- How is a freeride ski constructed and what materials are used?
- What is the difference between women and men?
- How long freeride skis should I have?
- What turning radius should I have?
- Rocker and span, what does it matter?
- What is flex and what difference does it really make?
Skis that we have test-ridden before and that are unchanged for 2025 apart from the graphics are also allowed to be included in this test as we believe that they are still relevant. So, without further ado, here are 11 freeride skis to check out! The skis are sorted according to ratings from our test skiers, best first.
Best freeride skis
1. Line Bacon 108
Lengths: 166, 172, 178, 184 and 190 cm
Dimensions: 142-108-137 mm
Radius: 17.4 m (@184 cm)
Weight: 2180 g (@184 cm)
About the ski: Line Sir Francis Bacon is close to a modern classic when it comes to playful freeride skis and its history stretches all the way back to 2006 when the ski was launched on the market. For the 23/24 season, Sir Francis had to take a step aside and make way for the more (impactful?!) name – Bacon. Line’s cured pork belly comes in three different varieties: Bacon 108, Bacon 115 and Bacon Shorty, which is a shorter variant with a minimum length of 145 centimetres.
Line Bacon 108 has a wooden core of maple and is equipped with equal parts rocker both at the front and back of the ski as well as traditional camber under the foot. The ski has also been updated with a more durable (read rugged) construction, symmetrical flex and lower swing weight.
Review:
– Line Bacon 108 is a lively and playful ski with a more centered mount and strong rocker profile. Combined with a relatively tight turning radius, this is an incredibly fun ski that surprises with its agility despite the generous width. Spotless in powder and surprisingly fun on the piste. This is a ski completely to my taste and in my opinion I have nothing more to wish for from a freeride ski. Full pot! Says Petter Elfsberg.
Rating: 5
2. Atomic Maverick 105 CTI
Lengths: 170, 178, 185 and 191 cm
Dimensions: 134.5-104.5-123.5 mm (@185 cm)
Radius: 19 m (@185 cm)
Weight: 2050 g (@185 cm)
About the ski: The Maverick & Maven ski series has previously been geared entirely towards all mountain with a maximum waist of 100 mm. The old Maverick 95 TI was then more suited according to Atomic itself to suit “regular” consumers rather than the athletes themselves. Now Atomic is changing its focus on the two skis with full focus on skis that scream Freeride World Tour, i.e. high speed, steep runs and a more full-on type of skiing. And whether you’re on the mountain or the local hill, you should have the best “tool” to get the job done. Wood core of ash and poplar reinforced with titanal and carbon fiber.
Review:
– The Maverick 105, which is supposed to be a real “charging ski”, feels light and easy to turn in the powder with a really good carrying capacity despite the relatively narrow waist. The ski is stable especially in comparison to other skis in the same segment. I feel that the ski is stiffer in the front part and a little softer in the rear ends, which means that it also feels a little easier to ride for that reason when skiing in deep snow. Out in the powder I feel that the ski has an incredible carrying capacity despite only 105 mm under the foot and a balanced rocker that makes it easier to ski in terrain with more snow. 19 meters radius makes the ski feel like a giant slalom ski so it is cumbersome to get around on steeper piste but gliding forward on flatter slopes with long cuts feels more natural, Jesper Hayland explains.
Rating: 4.5
3. Extrem Factory 112
Lengths: 186 and 194 cm
Dimensions: 143-112-132 mm (@194 cm)
Radius: 22 m (@ 194 cm)
Weight per ski: 2325 g (@ 194 cm)
About the ski: The ski consists of a wood core of poplar combined with a 0.4 mm Titanal strip under the foot that transfers the power from you as a skier in an efficient way and provides an edge feel and a stable pressure down into the ski. Furthermore, Extrem has chosen a race rubber cushioning in the tip and tail against vibrations on hard surfaces together with a 0.2 mm rubber foil in the ski to further strengthen the construction and increase the strength between different materials. Austrian race surface (Isospeed 7515) from Isosport. Extra thick steel edges and extra wide ABS edge for maximum durability and topsheet from Isosport for best durability.
In addition, the ski has a refined rocker profile that makes the ski easy to turn on piste and gives it a floating feel in powder. This combination is boiled (pressed) together into a ski that is easy to maneuver, poppy flex and powerful.
Opinion:
“In my opinion, this is a really good all-round ski that works every day and on the whole mountain. I find it playful but reliable. You can glide around and enjoy the tranquility of the piste with an easy-to-turn ski while taking it to the messiest of conditions and to the deepest of fresh snow. A perfect choice for those who are going to do a season in the Alps and want a ski that you can use every day without having to compromise. I am satisfied with the performance and delivery of the ski. For me, this is as close as it gets to a full score. With everything the ski performs and the versatility that makes it useful and reliable all days on the mountain. What makes it not reach all the way to the top is when I experience it as a little anxious at high speed. A small trifle on the whole, but with that said, my rating lands at 4.5 out of 5 possible, says Olle Stenbäck.
Rating: 4.5
4. Extrem Final Opinion 118
Lengths: 187 and 194 cm
Dimensions: 142-118-132 mm (@187 cm)
Radius: 23 meters (@187 cm)
Weight: 2000 grams (@187 cm)
Mounting point: True center -60 mm
About the ski: This ski is built for the big mountains and the skier with the intention of driving hard and fast. Extrem Final Opinion 118 consists of a mixed wood core of poplar and paulownia. This provides, according to the manufacturer, a combination of light weight and playfulness. In the tip of the ski we find the material Tubercomb (which Extrem calls koroyd). Around this koroyd lies like a “horseshoe” of race rubber cushioning. This is to give the ski a combination of low swing weight and rubber cushioning. In addition to this, the ski consists of Extrem’s usual choice of materials, i.e.: Prepreg fiberglass, Isosport race base with graphite, extra thick steel edges (2.2×2.3 mm) and extra wide ABS sidewalls (8.5 mm).
Review:– I really like the ski regardless of the conditions. From powder and enjoyable big runs to steep and icy chutes. I feel good either way and I can see that this ski would work almost every day on the mountain. A good ski to do season on if you are in the mood for big skiing, says Olle Stenbäck – Extreme Final Opinion gives a quick response in both cutting turns, but also in technically demanding off-piste, despite its weight. The ski is also extremely stable at high speeds, despite a soft tip and tail, and it floats well in powder. I would say that it is playful if you dare to challenge it, but the ski requires its skier.
Rating: 4.5
5. Extrem Fusion 105 Carbon
Lengths: 172, 179 and 186 cm
Dimensions: 136-105-124 mm (@186 cm)
Radius: 21 meters (@186 cm)
Weight: 1750 grams (@186 cm)
About the ski: The Fusion 105 Carbon is supposed to be the ultimate all-round ski and is constructed with two layers of pre-impregnated carbon and fiberglass as well as a wood core of poplar and paulownia. In addition, the Fusion 105 Carbon material has koroyd in the tip and tail. The rocker profile is progressive and the ski has a traditional span of 2-3 millimeters under the foot.
Opinion: Despite the fact that this is a light ski, it is really stable and can handle high speed without getting worried, probably thanks to the carbon fiber construction. At the same time, the Fusion 105 Carbon is perceived as easy to turn, which means that this ski is well suited to most things, just as the manufacturer also claims. The ski is relatively stiff which can be an advantage at high speed, but when it comes to playfulness, there is more to be desired, even if it can be a matter of taste.
Rating: 4.5
6. Salomon QST Blank
Lengths: 178, 186 and 194 centimetres
Dimensions: 138-112-127 (@186 cm)
Radius: 15, 17 and 18 metres
Weight: 2100, 2250 and 2450 gr
About the ski: The Salomon QST Blank was launched for the 2021/2022 season and for the 2024/2025 season, the ski’s construction is unchanged. Inside this ski we find a wood core of poplar that is reinforced with carbon fiber in the tip and tail as well as metal where the binding was attached.
The QST Blank has a traditional camber under the foot and has been equipped with a large rocker in both tip and tail. The widest points of the ski are located far into the ski, which means that the QST Blank is not particularly wide in its brim despite the tight radius of 17 meters in the test length of 186 centimeters.
Opinion:
“The Salomon QST Blank is a fantastically playful, nimble and easy-to-ride ski. It’s made for those who want to skid around in messy terrain such as powder-covered cushion formations or slushy spring humps. The QST Blank is agile despite its large dimensions, which indicates that Salomon has done its job in the search for the perfect ski, says Petter Elfsberg, “If you are looking for a hard and stable charger ski that runs like a train, you should probably look for something else and the relatively short radius of 17 meters is a matter of taste, right?” Salomon QST Blank is really fast laterally – if you like it, it’s wonderful.Rating: 4.5
7. Atomic Maverick 115 CTI
Lengths: 177, 185 and 193 cm
Dimensions: 140.5-115-129.5 mm (@185 cm)
Radius: 18 m (@185 cm)
Weight: 2150 g (@193 cm)
About the ski: The Maverick & Maven ski series has previously been geared entirely towards all mountain with a maximum waist of 100 mm. The old Maverick 95 TI was then more suited according to Atomic themselves to suit “ordinary” consumers rather than the athletes themselves. Now Atomic is changing its focus on the two skis with full focus on skis that scream Freeride World Tour, i.e. high speed, steep runs and a more full-on type of skiing. And whether you’re on the mountain or the local hill, you should have the best “tool” to get the job done. Tip and tail rocker with a wood core of ash and poplar that is metal-reinforced.
Opinion:
– The Maverick 115 actually surprised me in feeling shorter than the length (185 cm) I was running on. It feels easy to turn in “tight” environments but requires a lot of snow to deliver what it is built for. If you move to a narrower model of the Atomics Maverick, the character really changes, for example the 105 immediately feels much more like an all mountain ski and maybe suits Swedish conditions a little better. But if you intend to be able to perform in deeper snow and tricky environments, the Maverick 115 actually feels like a ski that delivers what is required, Christian Jansson explains.
Rating: 4
8. Atomic Bent 110
Lengths: 172, 180 and 188 cm
Dimensions: 133-110-124 mm (@180 cm)
Radius: 18 m (@180 cm)
Weight: 1750 g (@180 cm)
About the ski: The Atomic Bent 110 is built from a lightweight poplar wood core. According to Atomic, poplar has been chosen to optimize the weight of the ski without sacrificing anything when it comes to cushioning and stability.
The ski has a so-called “Dura Cap Sidewall” from the base to the top of the ski. The idea of this design is to optimize a controlled power transmission and get a good edge grip. Furthermore, the rounded shape of the “Dura cap” is durable and holds up better against knocks and marks.
For a number of years now, Atomic has designed their freeride skis with a so-called “HRZN Tech” for tip and tail. This construction has a beveled tip and tail that provides 10% more surface area without adding any additional width or weight to the ski. Atomic believes that this gives the ski fantastic float in deep snow and a more “relaxed” tip and tail that does not bite as easily in tricky situations. Atomic also says that this creates a more playful ski with progressive performance that makes up the ultimate design for freeride and freestyle skiers.
Opinion:
“The bottom line. I have tried Bent 110 in very glassy spring conditions. In my opinion, this is a playful ski that I personally have a lot of fun on. Everything from park, to piste, to slushy off-piste. A ski that does very well at the time I try it. As mentioned earlier, it turns well on the piste, but it gets a little uneasy at higher speeds. If you want a stable plank that you can really push on, I would have chosen another freeride ski. If you want a new playmate instead, you can laugh your way all the way down to the après-ski on a pair of Bent 110., says Olle Stenbäck.
Rating: 4
9. Salomon QST 106
Lengths: 157 (Qst Stella), 165, 173, 181 and 189 cm
Dimensions: 139-106-126 mm
Radius: 19 m (181 cm)
Weight: 1980g (181 cm)
About the ski: The Salomon QST 106 is (as the name suggests) 106 millimeters underfoot and has a turning radius of 19 meters. The cut is indented from the tip and tail, which gives a slightly snappier ski on cuts if you ask the marketers. However, the effective edge down the hill will be shorter, which inevitably gives a little less stability. The rocker profile is also today’s standard for freeriding: rocker in tip and tail, as well as some span under the foot.
The ski is a sandwich construction and Salomon’s recipe for the QST One O Six includes a wood core in poplar and cork that has been put in the tip and tail, and everything is then reinforced with carbon fiber and fiberglass. Under the foot at the binding is a reinforcement with titanal. Then you also have something that Salomon calls “double sidewall”, which is a reinforcement of the sidewall under the foot that, together with the titanal layer, will make the ski more stable and a better edge grip.
And what is the difference between the new QST One O Six compared to the previous version? The difference from last year’s model is that the widest points (front and back) have been moved closer to the center, i.e. a little more taper. There is no basalt in the skis anymore, and they are 100 grams lighter than their predecessor.
Opinion:
– Salomon QST 106 carves quite okay. The ice grip works as it should on a freeride ski. It is possible to get quite tight turns and also a little return between turns when the skis are pressed. Of the freeride skis that I have skied on in recent years, the QST 106 does not stand out as the best in class when it comes to carving. I hold the Völkl Blaze 106 higher there, it is livelier and more responsive with a slightly tighter radius and less tail rocker which gives more edge on the slopes. If Blaze gets a very good pass, QST gets a good pass on hard surfaces on piste,” says Anders Wingqvist.
“When the snow starts to soften, things happen under my feet. Salomon QST One O Six gives me a free ticket to the world’s most fun ride. The grip on the slightly softening slopes makes me a world champion at carving, and it is possible to blow on in full carriage.
Rating: 4
10. Faction Prodigy 3
Lengths: 172, 178, 184 and 190 cm
Dimensions: 133-106-125 mm
Radius: 20 meters (@184 cm)
Weight: 2100 grams (@184 cm)
About the ski: The ski is built in Austria and has a wood core of poplar and metal reinforcement under the foot, which gives a ski that is stiff in the middle and soft in the tip and tail. The Prodigy 3 has rockers front and rear as well as a modest traditional span of 2 millimeters underfoot. The ski is also constructed with an elliptical cut, so the radius is not completely even like a circle over the entire ski but becomes shorter towards the tip and tail, which should make it easier for the skier to choose the size of the turn.
Opinion:
“Compared to the CT 3.0, the Prodigy 3 is, simply put, softer and easier to ride. In big turns with soft ground and speed, the skis are safe and float well, and when it gets a little steeper, they respond in a natural way without getting nervous. However, the Prodigy 3 feels a little sluggish to get around in terrain where shorter turns are required, such as a tight chute. In short, this is a calm, relatively soft but at the same time stable ski for the entire mountain that fits best under the feet of a skier with a park background, explains Anders Wingqvist.
Rating: 3.5
11. Rossignol Sender 106
Dimensions:138-106-128 mm (@187 cm)
Lengths: 180, 187 and 194 cm
Radius: 21 m (@187 cm)
Weight: 2200 g (@187 cm)
About the ski:
Rossignol Sender 106 has a poplar wood core that is PEFC-labelled (which means, among other things, that the reuse of raw materials is maximized while the environmental impact of production is minimized). The wood core is reinforced with one and a half layers of titanal for added stability and performance. The ski is equipped with a traditional camber under the foot as well as rocker in the tip and tail and a progressive turning radius of 21 meters in the test length of 187 centimeters. In terms of design, the Sender 106 is very reminiscent of the above-mentioned skis with a stylish gray layout.
Verdict:
– The Rossignol Sender 106 is a ski for those who love speed and care less about the skis turning when you edge them. Although the waist circumference touches on the all-mountain category, this is definitely not a ski that does well on the whole mountain. On the piste, the ski is slow to turn and basically requires an empty slope to get to grips. Guessing that the Rossignol Sender 106 Ti Plus fits perfectly in big messy mountains together with a driver who likes full throttle. Anyone looking for a more playful ski with similar specifications should choose the Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, explains Petter Elfsberg.
Rating: 3
Comparison of freeride skis
| Brand & Model | Dimensions (tip-waist-tail) | Radius | Weight per ski | Rating |
| Line Bacon 108 | 142-108-137 mm | 17.4 m (@184 cm) | 2180 g (@184 cm) | 5 |
| Atomic Maverick 105 CTI | 134,5-104,5-123,5 | 19 m (@185 cm) | 2050 g (@185 cm) | 4,5 |
| Extrem Factory 112 | 143-112-132 mm | 22 m (@ 194 cm) | 2325 g (@ 194 cm) | 4,5 |
| Extrem Final Opinion 118 | 142-118-132 mm | 23.00 m (@187 cm) | 2000 g (@187 cm) | 4,5 |
| Extrem Fusion 105 Carbon | 136-105-124 mm | 21 m (@186 cm) | 1750 g (@186 cm) | 4,5 |
| Salomon QST Blank | 138-112-127 mm | 17.00 m (@186 cm) | 2250 g (@186 cm) | 4,5 |
| Atomic Maverick 115 CTI | 140.5-115-129.5 mm | 18 m (@185 cm) | 2150 g (@193 cm) | 4 |
| Atomic Bent 110 | 133-110-124 mm | 18.00 m (@180 cm) | 1750 g (@180 cm) | 4 |
| Salomon QST 106 | 139-106-126 mm | 19.00 m (@184 cm) | 1980 g (@181 cm) | 4 |
| Faction Prodigy 3 | 133-106-125 mm | 20 m (@184 cm) | 2100 g (@184 cm) | 3.5 |
| Rossignol Sender 106 | 138-106-128 | 21 m (@187 cm) | 2200 g (@187 cm) | 3 |
About the ski test
Freeride have sent out a bunch of experienced skiers to test ride several exciting skis with a slightly wider waist circumference. Please note that these skis have been skied by one and the same test person. Take it with you when you read the test. Before buying skis, we always recommend that you test yourself and/or read more ski tests.
Buying guide freeride skis
What is a freeride ski?
A ski adapted for freeskiing balances in terms of properties like an all mountain ski between piste and off-piste but has tipped over in the latter direction. This is the ski for those who prioritize skiing in loose snow, slush and groomed slopes. A freeride ski works reasonably well in the vast majority of bows except for hard piste where it gets a little sluggish, but it thrives best in the forest and off the groomed slopes.
What’s great about a freeride ski?
A freeride ski is more versatile than many people think. When the slopes are driven up, a freeride ski works basically as well as an all mountain ski, if not better. And as many people know, it doesn’t have to take many hours after the lifts start spinning before it starts to get messy and bumpy on the slopes, especially during high season. And as the name of this category suggests, a freeride ski works great on most surfaces when it comes to unprepared terrain.
What’s bad about a freeride ski?
Freeride skis work well in uphill terrain, but when it gets to the point where it starts to get icy on the slopes, this type of ski has to throw in the towel. These skis are relatively wide in combination with a lot of rocker, which means that the ice grip is not the best. When it comes to the slightly more desirable loose snow, a freeride ski works all the better, although an even fatter off-piste ski is preferable to keep you afloat on the deepest days.
How wide is a freeride ski?
This is of course relative , but we have chosen to draw the line just above the decimeter mark, so all skis in the freeride segment are from 104 millimeters and just over a centimeter upwards. The widest ski we have tested is 118 millimeters, which also gives an indication of the question of how wide a pure off-piste ski should be.
Why shouldn’t I just focus on the freeride segment?
If you prefer to ski mostly on the piste and think that a smooth surface is the best, you don’t need a freeride ski for a few turns in the powder snow right next to the slope, then an all mountain ski or even a piste ski is preferable. However, if you enjoy bumps and bumps and enjoy forest skiing and powdery fields, then you should definitely consider buying a ski with a waist circumference over 100 millimeters. Also think about where you will be skiing. If you ski mostly in Sweden, it is usually not entirely necessary to have such a wide ski, if you plan to ski in the Alps, it is more necessary to have a freeride ski.
Why shouldn’t I stare blindly at skis at all?
Also keep in mind that there are a couple of other things in both your ski equipment and your knowledge that have a greater impact on your skiing compared to which skis you have. Then we think above all about 1) you have a pair of good boots that fit properly without it hurting, 2) your skiing technique.
Maybe you should put the balls on new boots with molded soles that fit really well and comfortably? Read up on the best way to go about buying boots.
Or why not spend the money on a guide who will take you on fantastic freeriding in a safe and conscious way? Skiing with a guide is many times more educational and provides significantly more skiing pleasure than a pair of new skis. A completely ordinary ski lesson on the piste is also something that helps you progress in your development as a skier.
What bindings should I have on a pair of freeride lags?
When buying freeride skis , it can be good to think twice before mounting a binding. The first thing you need to consider is whether you plan to go uphill sometimes? If so, a modern hybrid binding is the way to go. Two good options are then Salomon Shift or Marker Duke PT. If you are a skier who prioritizes the way up over the way down, it may be a good idea to invest in a lighter binding than the above, such as the ATK EVO.
If you like to fly down cliffs or have an aggressive riding style combined with high weight, it may also be worth considering whether it is time to get a binding with a higher DIN scale than the standard bindings, which often go up between 10 to 12 on the scale.
Do I have to buy new freeride skis?
No, you do not have to buy brand new skis. A pair of used skis can give your skiing experience the same kick and revival. It is also an option that is good for the environment and your wallet, here are 7 tips that will save you when buying used skis. Ski manufacturers do not make completely new models of all freeride skis every year, but often they are so-called “carry over” models where the graphics just change from one winter to another, so just because you don’t have this year’s model doesn’t mean you don’t have to feel outdated and behind.
How is a freeride ski constructed and what materials are used?
The materials differ depending on the manufacturer and the properties sought. But as a rule, less metal is used in freeride skis compared to all mountain and piste skis to get a more playful ski that is also not too heavy, as many people also want to be able to ski tour with this type of ski. To strengthen the ski, materials such as carbon fiber are sometimes used to get a powerful ski with low weight.
What is the difference between women and men?
Women are usually shorter than men and thus also usually weigh less. Women’s skis are thus generally a little softer in comparison to men’s skis and come in shorter lengths.
On women’s skis , the recommended mounting point, the place where the binding is to be mounted, is often moved forward, which makes it easier to get into the turn without using the same force. The skier ends up a little further forward on the ski.
Some brands choose not to differentiate between men’s and women’s skis and others only have different graphic designs on an otherwise identical ski, these skis are often called unisex.
How long freeride skis should I have?
Choosing the length of skis is difficult and there are many factors that come into play such as weight, experience and the type of skiing you prefer. When it comes to freeride skis, a rule of thumb can be to start from your own body height and step up another 5 to 15 centimeters. This is because the effective riding surface on most skis in this segment is usually shorter than on other types of skis as almost all freeride skis have a strong rocker both front and back. Therefore, the skis will probably not be perceived as clumsy as many people think. Another benefit of long skis is that they become more stable in uphill terrain and do not dive into the loose snow. Also consider whether you mostly go forest skiing in Sweden or large open fields in the Alps? If you manage to spot the latter regularly, a pair of longer skis is definitely preferable.
If you want to dive a little deeper about the length of your skis, we at Freeride have made a guide that will help you find the right length of your alpine skis. This gives you an approximate picture of what length might suit you, there is of course some room for liking and taste as well! Take a look here and you will get help choosing the right length of skis.
What turning radius should I have?
The turning radius is the favorite topic of many ski buyers. This is a clear figure that is easy to compare between models. Simply explained, the radius is given in meters where a higher radius means a longer turn and a lower radius gives a shorter turn. For example, a 12-meter radius gives a really tight turn that suits those who want to turn really fast, while a radius of, for example, 27 meters makes the ski turn slowly in large turns, which suits those who want to ski fast.
When it comes to freeriding , most freeride skis have a longer turning radius compared to all-mountain and piste skis. This is because a ski with too tight a radius tends to get anxious when the snow is messy and the terrain unpredictable, which it usually is when you go off-piste. Most freeride skis have a turning radius around 20 meters, which is a good compromise where the ski feels calm and safe without being boring. Of course, there are exceptions, such as Line Sakana (as mentioned above) where the radius is as short as 15 meters, which is unusual for a freeride ski. And when it’s really deep powder, some people prefer no turning radius at all, there are even skis that have a reverse cut, so the ski is at its widest under the foot.
However, there is so much more than just the theoretical number that comes into play when it comes to turning radius. The complex thing about the radius is that the ski’s other properties, such as flex, binding mounting and more, play a big role in how much you experience the ski swinging. A ski that has a theoretical radius of 20 meters can thus in practice “turn more” than a ski with a radius of 18 meters. In other words, it is always best to test the ski before buying, but if you do not have the opportunity to do so, the number is definitely a factor to start from, but at the same time do not stare blindly at it.
Rocker and span, what does it matter?
Spanning means that the ski is bent downwards (i.e. like a pair of cross-country skis) and full rocker/reverse camber means that the ski is bent upwards (like a pair of water skis).
Rocker broke through a number of years ago, before that basically all skis had a traditional camber. A ski with a traditional camber is usually more stable and works better when it goes fast and is hard, while a ski with a rocker is usually perceived as easy to turn and playful without the ski chopping and getting stuck in the snow. Therefore, it is good to have a ski with some kind of rocker on groomed piste, in the forest and in similar terrain.
Freeride skis usually have a mix of traditional camber under the foot and reverse camber/rocker in the tip and tail, which gives a versatile ski. We can call this mustache rocker, because it resembles a nice well-combed hair growth on an upper lip. Usually there is more rocker and less camber on freeride skis compared to all-mountain skis that are often constructed according to the same principle, i.e. the rocker starts further into the skis, which means that they are more playful and easy to turn in unprepared and groomed terrain.
What is flex and what difference does it really make?
Flex simply means how hard the ski is, especially longitudinally. But of course, there are many variants and aspects that come into play even within this failing trait. The simple description is that a stiff flex provides a stable ski that allows high speed without becoming fluttering. A soft ski will be playful and easy to turn, but can become unstable when the speed increases.
There are also variants where the ski is stiffer in the middle and softer in the front and back, which can provide a more versatile ski. A ski’s rocker profile also plays a role in how hard or soft it is perceived. A traditional span, for example, usually feels harder than the reverse camber, i.e. rocker.
We can also discuss hardness sideways, then it’s torsional stiffness we’re talking about. A torsionally stiff ski (i.e. the stiffness of when you turn/rotate the ski) is basically always preferable no matter what type of skiing you like.