2025 Stockli Montero AR - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test Review

[@RichardKunz-io8ok]

Hi Bob, I skied approximately 45 days on last years Montero AR. I have skied 15 days this season on the new Montero AR. Both skis are/were the flat model. Both skis were mounted with the new Tyrol Protector bindings. All of your observations are true. The new model is slightly easier to turn at slower speeds. This ski has a perfect carve and is remarkable off piste as long as there is some firmness under soft snow. This ski takes dampness to the next level!

[@SkiEssentials]

So good! Thanks for sharing!

[@NexusDL12]

Compared to the Nordica 85 DC 2025 steadfast which ski do you think turns easier , carved better, and better for moguls for an intermediate/advanced skier?

[@clancy688]

Compared to an Anomaly 88, is the Montero going to be better or worse in fresh powder?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Anomaly 88 is a better powder ski than the Montero AR.

[@clancy688]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks! :)

[@hestermanfan]

Hey Bob, thinking of swapping my Stockli Laser SXs for the Montero ARs as I just find the SXs a bit too limited in versatility and demanding for the vast majority of front side skiing I do. What size would you go with for the AR? I ski the SX at 181. 6 foot, 190 lbs, advanced-expert skier. Would the 175 be a mistake?

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't think 175 is a mistake based on the longer arc of the turn and the sturdy build. With the 175, you'll fully take advantage of the capacity of the ski and I don't think there'll be much of a downside here except if you're really hitting top speeds a lot of the time.

[@hestermanfan]

@@SkiEssentialsthank you! Any binding recs? Would pivots be a mistake?

[@-A.N.R-]

Quick demo question! I demoed the 2024 AX and absolutely loved it (usually ride a 2022 Rustler 9). Thinking of pulling the trigger on the older model as there are some good deals out there. However, it was the first stockli I ever rode and am wondering if I should try to get on the 2025 AR before making the purchase. I like to charge (garmin tells me 40-50 mph), hit the moguls/tree trails and look for jumps where I can find them. Thoughts on whether the AX is just the way to go or if this new AR might be even better?? Thanks!!!

[@SkiEssentials]

The AR does hold up to speed a bit better than the AX but not by a lot. If you can get a deal on the older AX then I'd say it's a great place to be.

[@bambaramba6509]

Bob, need your help. 😅 Still between the AR and the AX. How would you compare the AR in 175 (16.3m radius) and the AX in 178 (16.5m radius)? Only 3cm difference in length and basically the same radius. And as you said, there is no need to go too long with the AR. Should they provide a similar feel, only maybe AX would be slightly quicker edge to edge because it is 4mm narrower? 🤷🏼‍♂️ Thanks a lot! Great reviews! Keep up the good work! 😊

[@SkiEssentials]

With skis this precise, it does make a difference when we're dealing with 4mm of width. The new AX is very quick and has a more pleasing overall feel. One of the new aspects of the AR for 2025 is the forward movement of the mount point by 1cm while the AX stayed the same. To me, this means that they are emphasizing a bit more versatility in the AR while the AX retains its smoother shovel. This may be one of the reasons why I enjoyed the new AX MORE than I thought I would this year--new build, same mount point. If I get another choice of an AR or an AX this year, I think I'm going AX.

[@bambaramba6509]

Thanks a lot for your valuable answer! 🙏🏻😊 Looking forward to new content! 💪🏻

[@julianjohnson9662]

coming from a FX86ti which I loved I skied them shorter (expert skier 85kg 187cm) 177cm they were so stable. in the AR I am likely to favour 175 or 180

[@SkiEssentials]

If you found the 177 to work well in the FX 86 Ti, I'd go with the 175 in the AR.

[@jberczi6]

What are the primary differences between AR and AX?

[@SkiEssentials]

Other than the 4 mm of width difference, and given the same build, it's all about turn shape and speed. The AR is the more GS-oriented ski that's smoother and more powerful at speed. AX takes the shape down a notch and makes amazing mid-radius carves. It's quicker from edge to edge as well, so if you're mid-range in speed and turn style, the AX will be a better fit.

[@jeffbooth6962]

Would this be too much ski for an upper beginner

[@SkiEssentials]

@@jeffbooth6962 I believe so.

[@xiaohei_bao2226]

Is there a difference between 2025 and 2024 model?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes, new wood core, new metal slits in tips and tails, and a 1cm forward movement in mount point. These changes make the AR more engaging and easier to turn without taking too much off the top end of the performance spectrum.

[@andreamonteverde4725]

have you tried the red bull Van Deer skis?

[@SkiEssentials]

We got on a couple of pairs last year for a short amount of time. The Pro XS and the H-Power 78. I was very impressed with the Pro, as it provided complete and total carving confidence. The 78 was great, but paled in comparison when it comes to edge grip and power.

[@jalaska007]

Trying to decide between the 165 and 170, I’m 5’7”. Any ideas on how to decide on a size? Think I might be ok on the 165 cm but don’t want to lose stability, hoping the 165 will be more maneuverable but not unstable. Coming from 177 cm Fischer Ranger 102 FRs, but I think the effective edge/running length on the Montero ARs is longer anyway.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go 165 here. I have an AR in the 185 and I do wish I got the 180. The skis are very stable and smooth, there's no real need to upsize here.

[@spurtbom81]

@@SkiEssentials I'm also 5'7" and having the same question about the sizing but I guess bodyweight (mine is about 168lbs), ski technique andsoforth plays a role too, right? I'm actually looking for a more easygoing mid-to short turn ski (I do also have and use a Laser GS 170 from 2022 and a Blizzard Brahma 180 from 2016 and selling my Head wc rebels I-speed pro 175) which gives me the grip on icy slopes in the morning but the smoothness to go through the crud and slush or bumps in the afternoon for example. I tested the Montero AX in 168 last season and was very happy with them (I didn't like the AS though, too soft for me) but maybe I should try the AR in 165 of 170. I ski mostly in Europe btw (the Alps and Dolomites).