Nordica Hot Rod Helldiver (2009)

Attention Easterners: Of all the skis in the category, this is the one testers considered most versatile for everyday conditions. The Helldiver is a metal-free, carbon-reinforced construction, so it's never sluggish, and vertical sidewalls give it good edge-hold. No 90-mm waist is ever going to sink in soft snow, and yet there isn't even a hint of the planky feel of other wide rides. "Super quick," said Howard. "Easy to steer around trees, bumps and snowboarders."

Best For

Quickness and hard-snow versatility

Not For

Inattentive or unskilled technique