Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25165
;" • While K2's new line of mid-fats don't meet the measurement standards of most of the other skis on this list, especially underfoot, they had to be included because they're so darn good. The MOD X is marketed by K2 as their all-mountain high-end ski. With their innovative MOD con- struct ion (a pipelike rib that runs the length of the ski) K2 is one of the first companies to integrate two cores. A wood core lies underneath the MOD-which works like a suspension system-allowing the wood core to act independently, keepi ng the ski on the snow where it belongs. With the addition of a huge sidecut and wide tip and tail, the MOD X makes smooth every condition you cou ld possibly slide under it. If you're a skier who loves the powder-but loves hard pack groomers and cut-up snow equally as much-the MOD X is your Valhalla. K2, www.k2skis.com. 107-70-97, $800 VOLANT MACHETE MCH Shane McConkey is one of the most talented freeskiers on the planet. He can do it all: flips, aerials, hucks and big- mountain ripping. Shane skis on Machete's. In fact, they were designed for him, with al l-around riding conditions and techniques in consideration. The Machete is fat, mod- erately stiff and has twin tips-one of the cooler innova- tions of the last year or so. By putting twin tips on big- mountain skis, jibbers and the like don't have to buy short little trick skis if they want to ride switch, which, as Shane would tell you, is a lot of fun. Volant still uses its steel top sheet for the Machete, so count on it to be durable and moderately stiff. For those who love to do it all , the Machete del ivers. Volant, www.Yolantsports.com.110-92-102. $749 VOLKL VERTIGO G41 PRO Volkl have been making high quality skis longer than most North American ski resorts have been in operation. It makes sense then, that their top-of-the-line fat ski, the G41 , is far and away one of the best fat skis on the market. 3D technology-new to their line last year-ensures that fu ll edge contact is created from tip to tail the moment the ski becomes tipped up on edge. Consequently, less pressure is required to get the ski into the turn, which trans- lates directly to easier turn initiation. The G41 also features a rounded, slightly upturned tail and, due to its hand laid "Sensor" wood core, is as torsionally bomber as any ski on this list. Volkl, www.Yolkl.com.118-83-106. $735 STOCKLI STORMRIDER II Fashioned for Euro-adventure skier, Dominique Perret, the Stormrider II is one of the finest skis you could ever slip your plastic sl ippers into. Handmade by a Swiss ski manufactur- er that has been making boards for years, the Stormrider II is strong and stiff. And by using "titanal-fiberglas" and a sandwich wood core construction, the Stormrider II is as durable as a piece of steel pipe. While Stockli hasn't com- pletely committed to girth with this moderately fat model, it makes up for it in performance virtues. The Stormrider II wil l destroy any skiing condition and love every minute of it. (For an even fatter ski, hold out for the Asteroid 021- 91- 108), Stockli's fattest ski to date, due this winter.) Stockli, www.stockli.com. 105-73-97, $749