r/Skigear•
shuja555

Analysis Paralysis!! Need help selecting an all-mountain ski

So I've been really wracking my head trying to pick some skis as the season comes to a close and sales start, but I just can't choose!

Everthing seems incredibly similar but so different and verytime i think i find something good i see a negative comment or something even better so ive come here to ask for help

About me: 173cm (5'8), 150 lbs, 23yr old guy. I ski in the east (Ontario Canada) with occasional trips (~once a season). I've been skiing for ~4 yrs and I think I'm solidly an intermediate skier. That means im improving my carves and can confidently ski almost anywhere on our little hills. I mostly ski groomers since that's what im used to but i want to be a more 'playful' skier ie jumps, spins, side hits etc. I'm not a park rat by any means (if i never learn to cork thats probably fine) but I definitely do want to learn basic skills a la riding switch, straight air, spins. I'm also okay with not being the most technical carver on the mountain.

What I want: I want a ski that still performs on the groomers and hardpack but is good enough riding switch and can help me with jumps.

I think (please correct me if im wrong) I need a directional all mountain ski with some camber and decent tail rocker. I've narrowed it down to a few contenders which seem to fit my requirements and are in my budget which is around $700CAD with bindings.

Here's the list (no order) of skis ive found deals on:

  • Elan Playmaker 91 172cm - $403CAD:
    • Are these too park-y? I dont want to sacrifice directional performance as I will definitely still be mainly an on-piste resort skier. Tied for first place with the QSTs
  • Salomon QST 92 168cm - $525CAD Bindings inc:
  • Seems to be really good but I'm worried if theyre more meant more for off-piste. Are they 'poppy' enough?
  • Atomic Bent 85/90 170cm:
  • I've heard the 85 is more for beginners and I want to keep my skis for a few years. Willing to hear more about the 90. Are these too park oriented?
  • Armada ARV 88/94
  • Same feelings as the Bent, really interested in these
  • J skis Joyride 168cm - $555CAD:
  • Pretty good deal on these and theyre pretty hyped. These seem to be exactly what I'm looking for but the graphic on this specific one is pretty garish. But I can suck it up if theyre as good as ppl say

I know that I'm probably way overthinking this and any one of these would make me happy but this is a lot of money so. In terms of demo, I've been skiing on these old 67mm race skis i got off of marketplace for $40 a few years ago so I dont know if I have the ability to discern the nuances between these skis anyway. Anyway, thanks for reading through this, I'd really appreciate any thoughts or guidance and correct me if I'm wrong on anything!

Posted Feb 26, 2026, 3:21 AM UTC

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