M's Cruiser Skis: 2010

You're an expert who demands performance. But you'd prefer to do the driving, thank you very much. These skis are a little less touchy and a little less aggressive than their high-end brethren, but still have plenty of power when you shift into overdrive.

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Blizzard Magnum 8.1 IQ

MSRP $1,100 w/binding

Dimensions 123-81-108

Category Ranking No. 3 (tie)

Average Score 3.31

Here’s that solid, powerful IQ binding interface again, making one of the widest skis in the group perform like something 15 mm narrower, thanks to its exacting boot-to-edge energy transfer. The 8.1’s wood-core construction yields a snappiness that earned it top honors in rebound energy, but it’s also reasonably content to relax, and it skids off speed readily when you’re tired or feeling lazy. “Rips the fall line a new one, but cross-hill carves are also on the menu,” said Hogen.

Best For Long, fast arcs on the groomed

Not For Crud, where it’s a little too edgy and energetic