MSRP $1,235 w/binding

Dimensions 128-85-112

Category ranking No. 1

Average score 3.49

Völkl’s German designers must see it as a challenge: How wide can a ski be and still have hard-snow integrity? With the AC50, they’re really showing off. Does it float? With an 85-mm waist, that’s a given. Meanwhile metal laminates, an extra-wide binding interface and extra mass stacked over the edges combine to give the AC50 the kind of power and stability you once only expected from a race ski. It’s a lot of ski, to be sure. “Don’t lay off it, or it’ll get bored with you,” said McGrath.

Best for Taming crud, carving trenches on softpack

Not for Surfing and smearing in powder; tight bumps