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Outside Magazine, November 2009

Essentials
You Need New Skis
We've narrowed the field to the six best of the year. Now, use our Terrain Meter to choose a pair based on the conditions you ski the most.

By Marc Peruzzi

Dynastar | Elan | Scott | Line | Salomon | K2

Dynastar Contact Cross Ti
Photograph by Shana Novak

Dynastar Contact Cross Ti
Frontside
Add a layer of metal (preferably titanium alloy) to a frontside ski and you instantly quiet the ride, absorb high-frequency chatter, and boost the speed limit. The Cross Ti delivers all that without sacrificing slow-speed performance—unlike with carving skis of old, you don't need to bring it up to 30 miles an hour and jump on it to get a crisp, round turn. And because it isn't as twitchy as some carving skis we tested, you can throw it around easily enough in bumps and ungroomed snow. "The Cross Ti is a versatile and damp frontside ski for someone who loves making round turns on nice corduroy," said one tester. 120/72/104; $1,100; dynastar.com

Terrain Meter
 



Next Page: Frontside

Dynastar | Elan | Scott | Line | Salomon | K2



Frequent contributor and Alpine Ski Test Director Marc Peruzzi skis and rides bikes in Colorado. His recent work includes The Gore-Tex Vortex and a list of North America's Best Ski Resorts.

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