Nordica Speedmachine 14.2 (2007)

Pro It’s an intimidating name for an Aspiring Expert ski, and in some ways the 14.2 lives up to its billing. But testers found it to be a ski of many talents, with a performance envelope that’ll please experts and intermediates alike. As with the Mach 3, it’s an all-wood core, and Nordica gives it 2 mm more waist width this year. But unlike the Mach 3, the 14.2 eschews metal and employs a less demanding cap construction. At the high end of its performance range, that lightens the load for lightning-quick short turns. But for intermediates, it introduces enough forgiveness and slow-speed manageability to be reasonably, if not eminently, forgiving. "Edge control is superb—and completely nonthreatening," said Morgan. Con Not the best choice for lighter or less athletic intermediates.