MSRP $630 (flat)

Black Diamond, heretofore a backcountry brand, describes the Verdict as being “built for the fat-ski aficionado with a race/power background.” In other words, it’s no flimsy touring ski designed with the ascent - not descent - in mind. Testers gave it consistently solid scores across the range of criteria. Some worried it didn’t have sufficient flotation for deepest powder but found it lively and smooth. “Great balance of burly and forgiving,” said Larsen.