2022 Stockli Laser AR Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

Jeff and Bob chat about a ski with a strong following, almost cult-like following, the Laser AR. You see a lot of people in internet forums and comment threads claiming this to be the best daily driver ski on the market. Find out what Bob and Jeff think about those claims!
Written Review: www.skiessenti...

[@jaredmayo7138]

I just got shoulder surgery and won’t be able to do much so I look forward to the drip of 2022 ski reviews from you guys.

[@SkiEssentials]

Here's to a quick and thorough recovery!!

[@wallstreetoneil]

The M5 analogy is perfect. For the wealthy, an M5 is a basic family car for going shopping, out for dinner and they wouldn't be seen in anything less. It has triple the HP they'll ever use and trunk space for shopping; and, you can take it to a track day (I use to race GT3s), and it will give you a thrill for a few laps. The car however will go through a set of brake pads in 30 minutes because it's so powerful but HEAVY - so it's fun for a few laps, you can then drop it at the dealer for new pads & rotor for a quick $3k service.

[@NickDawson]

I love this ski so much! It’s my daily driver for teaching and free riding. I think y’all nailed the description. (And thank goodness for the PSIA discount! 🤣)

[@SkiEssentials]

Fantastic teaching ski, huh?

[@mikaelcan441]

Laser GS too! I don't think you've reviewed that one before. :)

[@dbquek]

I demo'ed these in Whistler a couple of seasons ago and they are fantastic skis as you say....great on piste but also excellent in the bumps, a very versatile piste oriented narrower all mountain ski. Nice review guys :-)

[@stevefoltz3838]

I own a pair. Let me just say, for me, it is the best ski I have ever had. It has such diversity, the ski is able to take what ever you push it to.

[@scottparris4127]

Great review! Thanks gentlemen. What are the performance and personality differences between the Laser AR and AX when skiing on-piste? I think I get the differences off-piste but have read some different takes about on-piste. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

Edge to edge quickness is the first thing we notice. AX does feel quicker edge to edge. On one of the softer test days, the AR also handled the softer conditions a lot better than the AX. AX kept wanting to knife into the soft snow, which make it kind of twitchy. AX also has a slightly stiffer flex pattern, which was probably contributing to that. On a firmer day, that can be a benefit, so really just comes down to what you're looking for. AR is more forgiving and more capable in soft snow, AX quicker edge to edge and a little more powerful.

[@gregor1]

Great review as always! As an happy SR95 owner, I'm not exactly impartial. Hoping to meet you some day on the slopes in Stowe when our south border opens.

[@SkiEssentials]

That sounds great! Let us know if you're in Stowe this season and we'll try to meet up for some laps!

[@gregor1]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks, It would be great!

[@paulobirek8276]

Looking forward to getting mine this weekend. They'll round out the quiver at the other end for me. Love my SR105s but I want something a bit more piste friendly to help me develop more of the technical aspects of my skiing. Your reviews and the consultation of my ski guru were deciding influences in the decision of this or the AXs. Keep up the good work! Also, question for you. I have Knee Bindings on my SR105s (I'm approaching 50 and worried about injuries) would you recommend sticking with them or would you recommend something else?

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Paul! I would say if the Knee Binding works well for you on the SR105 and you enjoy its feel and performance, certainly no reason not to put it on the AR or AX. If anything, it's even more appropriate on those narrower skis with its relatively high stand height. Hope that helps!

[@davidborof607]

Thank you for this review, gentlemen! These look really tempting! How would they compare with a Brahma 82? I am particularly interested in the stiffness of the tails and how much flex they have in moguls. I am also looking at Atomic Maverick 86 C, Dynastar M-Pro 84 and Icelandic Pioneer 86

[@SkiEssentials]

The Laser AR actually has quite a supple flex pattern. A little softer flexing than the Brahma 82, but no less torsional stiffness, so you don't lose any edge grip. I think it's fair to say the Laser AR is a little better for moguls just because the flex pattern is more compliant. It's at least a little more forgiving. Both skis are stiffer and more supportive than the Maverick 86 C and M-Pro 84, just better overall skis IMO. I actually haven't skied the Pioneer 86 much, so unfortunately can't really speak to that.

[@Machria23]

Great detailed review as usual for you guys, thanks!! I’ve got to demo a pair of these this year….bring a set to Killington! ;-)

[@SkiEssentials]

Great ski for Killington! Not sure we could figure out the logistics of bringing a pair to you, but that would be a lot of fun and I wouldn't completely rule it out!

[@nightcap842]

I have the chance to buy a relatively cheap pair that's been barely used. Would you put an advanced intermediate 135 lbs skier on this? I'm thinking it will fit nicely between my supershape magnum and ripstick 96. East coast skier. Thanks for everything you do.

[@SkiEssentials]

If it's the proper size, then I say go for it!

[@jeremyg6108]

Hey guys. Awesome review as always! I am looking at these for use in Australia, when we aren’t in lockdown! I’m 185cm tall and 85 kgs, and my local ski shop is trying to get me to size down to the 175 instead of the 182. I’m an advanced but not expert 55 year old and normally ski around a 178-180 length of ski. Just wondering which length you’d suggest?

[@SkiEssentials]

Gosh, I don't know. That's somewhat hard for me to get behind. For reference, I'm about 178 cm, and in the 72ish kg range. To me, the 175 cm feels perfect. If I was your size, however, I undoubtedly would want the 182... If you're used to a 180 cm length, that's another reason I'm leaning towards 182... The Laser AR is so supple and smooth and has a relatively forgiving flex pattern. I have a hard time imagining you find it challenging to ski having successfully skied other skis in the 180 cm length. Hope that helps!

[@jeremyg6108]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the reply. Cheers.

[@eva-mariahempe]

I tested the Stoeckli AX, WRT (as well as the SC and SLs) this weekend over here in Andermatt, Switzerland. I liked them all, the WRTs and SCs were amazing on groomers as well as later in the day when the ice came out. However, given that Andermatt is (also) a bit of a free ride place I want to have a ski I can also take off piste on a good day (for proper back country I have separate gear). On Saturday I tested the Black Crows Serpo and really fell in love. Unfortunately conditions were not allowing much off piste this weekend (and I wasn’t able to ski the Serpo & the Stoecklis on the same runs as the tests were at different parts of the mountains). Long question short: Do you have any insight how the Serpo and the AX compare? Which one would you recommend?

[@SkiEssentials]

First off, we're big fans of both. I would certainly think that the Serpo has more all-mountain versatility to it, while not being as precise or grippy as the AX. For groomer-exclusive skiing and a bit of off-piste, the AX is fantastic. For a true 50/50 one ski quiver, I'd go Serpo.

[@tommansur6818]

Great review. Can you comment on the differences between the StormRider and the laser? I am on a fairly old 85ish underfoot kendo, and my previous was the Volkl supersport so narrow waist has been my experience. I briefly owned a Nordica enforcer 94 but did not like it, it hung up in the tail on the steeps when smearing a turn is essential to keep from breaking the sound barrier. Thinking about treating myself to a Stockli as it may be my last high performance ski

[@SkiEssentials]

Amazingly, after being on the AR for a few days both last year and this, it's getting harder for me to justify the SR 88. The AR is just so impressive in terms of all-mountain carving performance. It's not too bad in softer snow either, not quite as good as the 88, but overall, the versatility and top-end carving feel of the AR is very difficult to top.

[@andrewt248]

Not certain what percentage are AR's, but Lasers are extremely popular here in Michigan, especially among older guys.

[@SkiEssentials]

Really popular here at Stowe too. Probably an even mix between the AR and AX, then you see a handful of the narrower Lasers too.

[@bobbysyed1]

Great review!!! M5 or Tesla Model X - both would be perfect comparison . As an intermediate skier in the East coast on piste who enjoys carving but not charging , is it a better buy than Elan Ripstick 88 if there is no budget ? Hope you guys have Elan Ripstick 88 in stock next season . Mike said you are out.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Bobby! I'm hesitant to say it's a better buy than the Ripstick 88 because realistically they're quite a bit different. The AR gives you more on-trail precision, edge grip, and stuff like that. The Ripstick is more playful and easier to ski in moguls, trees, etc. So, both are good east coast skis, just depends on the terrain you like to ski, your skiing style, etc etc. We already have the Ripstick 88 back in stock! This is the time of year when most of our ski orders start arriving, so within a couple weeks you should see pretty much all our 2022 ski options.

[@KHC94611]

Hey guys love your videos and if I had the $, I’d buy both the Stokli 105 and the ARs, but let’s not get carried away! Im 62, 200lb, Adv Int, and prefer groomers and staying on piste. I’ve been on Mantras for 7 seasons and it time to try something new. Im transitioning from speed and steeps to enjoying turns with better carving .I will travel from Tahoe., but all West Coast skiing with some exposure to fresh snow and powder. But that’s not my preferred day as I ski to get threw it when it’s there, but don’t seek it out.. Can you give me a Stokli Rec to start? Your reviews are great but there is a lot of choice. My Mantras look pretty bad but I think there are a few seasons left. Conversely, I could retire them verses finding a compliment, Thanks. -Kenny C

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Ken! I think the sweet spot might actually be going with either the Stormrider 88 or 95. Those skis both kind of split the difference between the 105 and AR. They both carve really, really well, but can handle some softer snow conditions and even deeper powder days too. Owning both the AR and 105 would be sweet, but I think you can check most of the same boxes with one ski, either the 88 or 95.

[@davidedwards7594]

Finally had a chance to ski the stockli laser AR in the 182 cm. A previous demo of the 175 cm left me feeling this is a lot of ski. I had a similar experience on the Nordica Doberman 80 RB. The RB in a 174 was a lot of work and I had written that ski off. After trying the 180 cm RB, I had a very different opinion. Now, back to the 182 AR. I had a blast carving on the 182cm and it didnt feel so demanding. Maybe the shorter turn radius of the 174 and shorter tail ( I assume) requires more skill. great reviews. I definiately agree with Bob " the tail of the AR is responsive". I need to try the Rossignol Experience 86 TI to compare. A shop in Vail has the AX and the Experience 86 ti. I asked and was told " no comparison".

[@SkiEssentials]

In terms of precision and build quality, the AX is a superior product, but the wider and more versatile Experience 86Ti is no slouch. We all loved that ski this past year, and all felt it is a huge improvement over the outgoing 88. It's more of an all-mountain ski than a front side ski like the AX, so if you are off the groomers at all, it's certainly worth a close look.

[@davidedwards7594]

I am trying to compare the Rossi 86 TI to the stockli laser AR

[@t1969p]

Hello, thanks for this great test. I’m skiing a Laser SL FIS and a Mantra M3 on the slopes, for touring a Mantra V-Werks. Would now like to replace the Mantra M3 either by a Mantra M6 or Stöckli AR or AX, 80% piste, 20% offpiste. Which one would you recommend ? Thanks for your opinion.

[@SkiEssentials]

It feels like the M6 makes the most sense since it's replacing another Mantra in your quiver. The AR won't give you as much off-piste versatility. Feels like it makes sense to stick with the wider ski, unless you were thinking you'd prefer replacing it with something narrower.

[@jglads21]

Great review as usual! Would you compare them to something like an Elan Ripstick or something with 1 sheet of metal? And us petrolheads are loving the analogies. BTW, AMG over M any day of the week ;)

[@SkiEssentials]

I think a closer comparison would be the Elan Wingman 86 CTI. Both skis carve really well, but have some versatility to them too. I'd be pretty psyched if the vehicle I drove had either an M or AMG badge! For now, I'll stick to the R badge next to the VW logo...

[@Merlijn39]

I've been skiing on Volkl Racetiger SLs for the last 15 years and looking to upgrade. I love the Racetigers as I take a lot of small turns and go very fast. I do would want a little bit more versatility when conditions aren't great. Would these fit the bill or what would you recommend?

[@SkiEssentials]

Totally great addition/replacement. Not quite the SL feel, but a whole lot more versatile and well-rounded while still keeping the precision and carving performance pretty much intact.

[@danielholombo7593]

What other skis are the most similar to the AR? Of all the skis you've tested.

[@kingcobra7565]

great review. thanks

[@hassie82]

How do they compare to the SC’s? I tried the SC’s and really enjoyed them on the slopes, but they struggled in deeper snow.

[@SkiEssentials]

They are narrow, so when the hard snow precision ramps up, the soft snow prowess declines. That's where skis like the AR and AX, and ultimately the Stormrider 88 come in handy. Wider for more versatility, but still very agile and carvy on the firm.

[@paulfrede7179]

Please review the Laser WRT ST.

[@mishamur1]

Hi! could you compare it to VOLKL DEACON V-WERKS? I ski mostly on-piste and moguls on the East coast.

[@SkiEssentials]

They both are fantastic all-mountain carvers! The Deacon feels quite a bit stiffer. More powerful too, I think is fair to say, but it's not as supple as the Laser AR. The Laser is easier to manipulate into different radius carves and feels a little more forgiving too, without sacrificing too much in the world of power and edge grip. I personally would prefer the Laser AR as soon as you bring moguls into the equation.

[@tcnelsonwi454]

Guys is the Volkl Deacon 84 a competitor of this ski? What is your comparison? I generally don’t buy skis without demoing and I can demo the Deacons but am intrigued by the Stoklis. I am on RTM 84’s right now.

[@SkiEssentials]

yes in that they occupy the same slot in the respective catalogs. The AR, mainly sold flat, has more of an all-mountain vibe to it while the Deacon feels like a wider carving system ski. I'd rather the AR for most any situation except for icy groomers. The AR has a quiet, damp feel while the Deacon feels more pingy and metallic.

[@dick91p]

I can only speak for the Laser AX, but I tried 3 mounting points and +2 CM was my absolute favorite.

[@williamfox1146]

How does the AR compare to the AX?

[@SkiEssentials]

It's a little more all-mountain focused. Better in soft snow, makes different turn shapes a little easier, but not as quick edge to edge, precise, or responsive out of a carve as the AX.

[@tomaszczub54]

What type/model of ski boots would you recommend to go with these skis?

[@SkiEssentials]

In general, I'd recommend a 4-buckle overlap boot that's at least a ~110 flex rating. The best thing to do with boots is visit a knowledgeable boot fitter. They'll assess your foot shape, ski ability, size, etc, and make some recommendations based on that. It's much harder to do online, unfortunately.

[@colinddoubler7330]

Hi! could you compare it to Doberman spitfire 80rb? I've tried those before

[@SkiEssentials]

The Doberman feels quite a bit stiffer. They have similar characteristics overall, but the Laser AR is more forgiving and more versatile. Dobermans feel like a lot of ski when you try to ski moguls or anything other than groomers, while the AR is more supple and smoother. On the other hand, I think it's totally fair to say the Doberman is more powerful. The Doberman is more like if they made the WRT ST in a wider width.

[@houstonmorgan9504]

Would you purchase longer or shorter length or do they ski true to size?

[@SkiEssentials]

In my opinion, they ski very true to size.

[@andrejfercic653]

Great skis. I was testing VOLKL DEACON 80 and STOCLKI AR. Both are great but I ended with STOCKLI

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks for sharing! Both are great skis, but there are certainly some benefits to the AR.

[@danielholombo7593]

Any updates from 2021 other than colors?

[@SkiEssentials]

Just subtle graphics change.

[@vicentelongo6147]

Where buy it online from Spain??.:)

[@SkiEssentials]

We'll ship them to you! Shipping won't be inexpensive, but we're happy to do it.

[@juliodominguez4750]

Can you ship them to Chile?

[@davidedwards7594]

How would these compare to the Salomon S Force Bold?

[@SkiEssentials]

Softer flex pattern, more supple, and a little more forgiving than the Bold. I think it's fair to say the Bold is more powerful, but it loses some of the appeal of the Laser AR because it's just so gosh darn stiff.

[@davidedwards7594]

5”11 200. Would you lean towards the 182 AR or 175? I tried the AX in the 175 and 182 last season and they were both nice.

[@juliodominguez4750]

How good are in short turns and medium turns?

[@SkiEssentials]

You do have to put the effort in to make those shorter turns. The tails are pretty stiff, so there is some pushback when you want to tighten it up. But, when you do get them up on edge, they're about as precise as it gets!

[@garyanderson4274]

Volkl Deacon Vwerks vs Laser AR? 5’8” 145 lbs. advanced skier.

[@SkiEssentials]

Deacon has more of a race-like feel to it while the AR has more of an all-mountain carver personality. If you're on harder snow more often, I like the Deacon, but for true all-mountain skiing and versatile performance, I'd look to the AR.

[@davidscannell9166]

Any change from 2021?

[@SkiEssentials]

Nope, new graphic, same ski.

[@davidedwards7594]

Has anyone ever mounted the stockli laser AR with a Marker WC piston plate?

[@SkiEssentials]

That's not something that I can recall seeing. Of course, you could, but I don't think I would want to. It would definitely make it stiffer underfoot, but that's not really what the Laser AR is all about. I personally prefer a lower stand height on the AR. Better connection to the snow and if you put something on it like a Look Pivot you'd retain a ton of flex right underfoot, which is one of its best characteristics.

[@markhomiak6966]

Perfect analogy! I've been interested in this ski, and I'm looking for something like our new Audi Q7!

[@mulva28]

Anyone got a comparison to a Blossom Cross Wind?

[@SkiEssentials]

Would love to try that ski! I'll let you know if we get a chance this season.

[@tonyg3091]

WRT-ST next please :) If these are M5 the WRTs are a Ferrari.

[@SkiEssentials]

Fits the analogy nicely! There's a shot in there somewhere where I transition from filming Bob to filming Marcus. You can see a couple turns of Marcus on the WRT before it cuts away.

[@jerl.980]

Big deception for me when i tried those at the ski test. They are not bad but not great and that price is just stupid. The performance does not justified the hype or price. So much better ski out there for 2/3 of the price of this. The reps where really upset at me at the test but i stand buy my impressions.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Jerome! Ski performance ultimately is a very subjective thing. Not everyone will like the same thing. That said, you might be the only person I've ever heard from who didn't like the Laser AR. I have some assumptions and I'm curious if you could tell me... what's your height and weight?

[@DoYouEvenRift]

Pls do not get this stocklis f you don't know what ur doing... Makes my brain hurt when I see 40yr techies backseat pizza'ing with these beasts