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Ski Review 2025/2026: Touring Skis Men

Those looking to escape the daily hustle and explore the untouched mountain world will find the ideal companion in modern touring skis. The models in the Men’s category combine lightness on the ascent with reliable downhill performance. Our latest test reveals just how diverse the offerings have become.

Lightweight partners for real adventures

Touring skis in the Men’s category are versatile and characterized by their reduced weight. This conserves energy on longer ascents – whether on ambitious multi-hour tours or spontaneous after-work outings. With waist widths of 86 to 91 millimeters, they offer a balanced combination of agility on the ascent and safety on the descent.

Heiligenblut as an optimal test location

The test took place under optimal conditions in Heiligenblut at the Großglockner, within the impressive Hohe Tauern National Park. The terrain provided ideal conditions – from relaxed ascents to technically demanding descents. Not only were skiing characteristics and edge grip evaluated, but also the handling of the climbing skins. The results show that the quality of this category is consistently high.

Target group: Tourers who want to combine easier ascents with downhill safety

>> How the WorldSkitest works

>> Results for women’s touring skis

Winner: Kästle TX88

Test winner Kästle TX88: light, precise, and packed with performance for ambitious tourers – including Bronze in the Design Contest.
Test winner Kästle TX88: light, precise, and packed with performance for ambitious tourers – including Bronze in the Design Contest. © Kästle

With 46.5 points and a rating of “very good,” the Kästle TX88 secures the top position. It combines remarkably low weight with absolute precision in skiing. On the ascent, it impresses with track-accurate glide and reliable grip. Downhill, its qualities fully emerge: stable running characteristics, precise edge grip, and balanced flex – whether on firn or in powder. A ski for ambitious tourers who demand maximum performance. Bronze in the Design Contest underscores its well-rounded overall concept.

CriterionAscent / Descent
Handling, skins7.7 / 10
Long turns8.1 / 10
Short turns7.7 / 10
Stability7.6 / 10
Edge grip7.5 / 10
Overall impression7.9 / 10
Overall score46.5 / 60
very good

2nd place: Hagan Core Carbon 89

The Hagan Core Carbon 89 impresses as a versatile all-rounder with dynamic handling – ideal for a wide range of terrain types.
The Hagan Core Carbon 89 impresses as a versatile all-rounder with dynamic handling – ideal for a wide range of terrain types. © Hagan

With 44.7 points and a rating of “very good,” the Hagan Core Carbon 89 rightfully takes second place. The model presents itself as a sporty all-rounder with versatile character. On the ascent, the Hagan proves reliable with efficient management and energy-saving handling. On the descent, it impresses with dynamic presence, stable skiing characteristics, and secure edge grip – an ideal combination for various types of terrain. Tight passages as well as wide turns in open terrain are a joy with this ski.

CriterionAscent / Descent
Handling, skins7.4 / 10
Long turns7.5 / 10
Short turns7.4 / 10
Stability7.2 / 10
Edge grip7.5 / 10
Overall impression7.7 / 10
Overall score44.7 / 60
very good

3rd place: Fischer Transalp 86 CTI

Fischer Transalp 86 CTI: a reliable partner for multi-hour tours with comfortable downhill security.
Fischer Transalp 86 CTI: a reliable partner for multi-hour tours with comfortable downhill security. © Fischer

The Fischer Transalp 86 CTI scores 42.3 points with a rating of “very good.” The model combines robustness with notable skiing comfort for longer touring days. Even on the ascent, it scores points with easy skin management and reliable handling on demanding routes. On the descent, the Transalp delivers smooth skiing and secure edge engagement. A ski that performs confidently in all types of terrain and instills trust in the skier – perfect for multi-hour tours.

CriterionAscent / Descent
Handling, skins7.6 / 10
Long turns6.7 / 10
Short turns6.8 / 10
Stability6.7 / 10
Edge grip7.4 / 10
Overall impression7.1 / 10
Overall score42.3 / 60
very good

All Test Results for Touring Ski Men

RankSki modelDesign AwardScoreRatingPrice (RRP)*
1Kästle TX88SnowStyle Bronze46.5 / 60very good€899.00
2Hagan Core Carbon 89-44.7 / 60very good€699.00
3Fischer Transalp 86 CTI-42.3 / 60very good€700.00
4Blizzard Zero G 088-41.8 / 60good€700.00
5Elan Ripstick Tour 88-41.6 / 60good€649.95
6Nordica Unlimited 88SnowStyle Silver41.5 / 60good€649.99
7Atomic Backland 88SnowStyle Gold / SnowStyle of the Year40.7 / 60good€599.99
8Völkl Rise Above 88-40.5 / 60good€650.00
9Salomon MTN 91 Carbon-38.1 / 60good€700.00


>> Detailed ski test results can be found for each linked model

Jonas Weidemann
Since my early childhood winter sport excites me. Because of that in the winter it´s hard to find me somewhere else than on the slope. Not only skiing is a lot fun for me but also cycling and hiking on top of mountains or through valleys is my passion. Therefore I´m very happy to be part of the team behind Snow-Online. It gives me the opportunity to connect my hobbies with my profession. ... Read more
last update on 5 Jan 2026

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