The 10 Best Freestyle Park Skis 2022 – [Review & Buying Guide]

Updated Feb 17, 2022

Street hits, jump lines, halfpipes, and rails are just a few of the options for freestyle skiing, and you don’t want skis that constrain your fun. The best freestyle park skis of the year, for example, include symmetrical shapes, minimal swing weights, and plenty of pop to nail the line you see. Do you want to add some spice to your skiing?  A set of freestyle skis, which are designed to bring out the most creative, playful, and fashionable aspects of your skiing, can truly transform the mountain into your playground.

The Best Freestyle Park Skis 2022 – Factors considered

They keep getting better and better. Ski brands gave it their best, and we had fun narrowing down our top park pick for you. We looked for skis that could best handle any pipes, jibs, spins, butters, and jumps, as opposed to just one park terrain. Other than the basic attributes that usually make up a pair of freestyle skis such as having a twin tip, we chose to focus on these key factors in our selection:

Playfulness

A good balance between playfulness and stability.

Carving

Looking at the turn radius, and optimal camber/rocker selection or combinations.

Durability

Strong edges, solid core, quality laminate.

Construction & Materials

Base, edges, sidecut, binding capability, laminate, reduced swing weight, core.

Price

Always plays a part in it.

After narrowing down skis from all the great brands out there such as Armada, Atomic, Line, K2, 4Frnt, Scott, Salomon, Nordica, etc., we took a firm look at the above factors and came up with the best park skis list that follows below.

The Best Freestyle Park Skis 2022 List

1. Völkl  2022 Kendo Skis

Our first pick for the best freestyle park skis is the Völkl Kendo 88  that have a long history of quality, and still continue to improve. Read our in depth review to find out more information.

The Kendo is less hooky at the tip and tail now that it has 3D sidecut, but it still has enough of hard-carving power in the middle.

From the form to the Titanal Frame top laminate to the full sidewall construction, Völkl has nailed it with the Kendo 88. If you want a low-tide or groomer-centric shred machine that kills it from dawn to sunset, look no further.

Specifications

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

2. Atomic Bent Chetler 100 Skis

The Atomic Bent Chetler 100 is one of the best examples of the new class of “fun” skis designed for anything from railing groomers to slicing windlips. These Skis are lightweight, nimble, and a blast to ride. When it’s not a pow day but you’re not sure what to anticipate, this is the ski that most Atomic pros grab before heading out the door – you couldn’t do much worse.

These skis have a full twin tip and medium turning radius, made of carbon and wood core, directional shape and structured topsheet. They have a 20/70/10 Rocker and they are better for intermediate to advanced skiers. Another great choice for freestyle park skiing.

Specifications

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

3. K2 Poacher Skis

We agree with K2’s description of the Poacher, who describes it as a “twin-tipped freak.” The Poacher leaves its imprint on everything from X-Games podiums to urban shoots and everything in between. This isn’t your average park ski. The Poacher is designed to endure heavy impact with to K2’s double tech sidewalls.

A stiff, lively, and damp ski is added to its exceptional durability by an aspen and fir core structure with additional carbon stringers weaved throughout the ski. The Poacher is best suited to those who enjoy a bit of burliness underfoot, weighing 2kg each ski (at 177cm). The Poacher’s enormous weight, on the other hand, does not hinder it from engaging in more lighthearted riding. With its 96mm waist and significant tip and tail rocker, the Poacher will have you buttering, smearing, and slarving away in no time. The Poacher is a brash performer who has a lot of fun.

Best For: Burly durability
Sidecut: 163 / 170 / 177 / 184 (184cm)
Radius: 19m (180cm)

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

4. Volkl Revolt 87 Skis Mens

Look no further than Volkl’s Revolt 87 for freestylers wanting for ultimate stability and rigidity. The Revolt 87 is a ferociously technical freestyle ski built to win competition podiums. The Revolt 87 is the only freestyle ski with 100 percent camber (no rocker in sight.) The end result is a ski with unrivaled edge control and, thanks to the presence of Volkl’s highest level race base, fast performance.

Because the Revolt 87’s sidecut is totally symmetrical, you can expect similarly excellent performance whether riding switch. While the Revolt 87 is on the heavier side of freestyle skis (at 185cm), it provides enough of support underfoot. The Revolt 87’s explosivity isn’t the only thing that’s drawing attention. Ben Brough’s eye-catching spirit animal-inspired artwork is featured throughout the Revolt series.

Best For: Fiercely technical
Sidecut: 129.5-100-120 (180cm)
Radius: 19.5m (180cm)

Specifications

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

5. Armada ARW 86 Skis – Best for Women

The ARW, the ARV’s sister series, constantly provides a leading line-up of Armada women’s specific freestyle skis. The ARW 86 is a stunt machine that can handle anything from the first 180s to dub 12s on the professional stage.

The ARW 86 is incredibly light on the feet, making it an excellent partner for airtime, spins, and flips. It’s also a rather soft ski (Armada rates it at 5.5/10 underfoot), which gives it a lot of suppleness and makes it simple to chuck about.

The ARW 86 is highly responsive and provides a lot of performance both in and out of the park, despite its low weight and accommodating flex. The ARW’s huge 17-metre turn radius (at 163cm) and rockered tips and tails allow it to slice through soft chop, bumps, and tree lines as well as kickers.

Specifications

Best For: Lightweight responsiveness
Sidecut: 122 / 86 / 107 (156cm)
Radius: 16.5m (156cm)

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

6. Volkl Revolt 95

Völkl’s Revolt line has proven to be a formidable force in action and an excellent freestyle park ski. The Revolt 95 is a multifunctional jib machine that was built with Ahmet Dadali’s participation. A poplar and beech wood core ensures long-term durability, while a hard wood composite underfoot ensures stability and strength where you need it.

The larger tip and tail, together with the flexible underfoot width of 95 mm, allow for a terrific blend of control and surfy liveliness. It will easily butter off of any jump, tabletop, or knuckle your imagination brings to mind.

The Revolt 95 won’t back down from a challenge, whether it’s lapping the park in the spring sunshine or setting out on an urban expedition with your pals.

Specifications

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

7. Atomic Punx 5 – Value Pick

We felt the Atomic Punx also had to be included on the list of the best park skis for freestylers as it maximizes the value at a cheaper price point than many of the options above. The Atomic Punx series has long been associated with competitive skis that are precise and meticulous. The Punx Five, on the other hand, has been altered by Atomic to be a little more adaptable around the rest of the mountain. It has the tight waist, moderate rocker, and modest taper you’d expect, but it also has a very light foam and wood core, as well as a softer flex.

To make the most of the Punx Five, you don’t need the greatest leaps or the fastest speeds. Instead, it’s quite approachable and adaptable. It’s content to jib about the mini-park, buttering every roller, but it holds up nicely on bigger jumps and firmer snow and is easy to throw big spins on.

The Atomic Punx Five is also a fantastic bargain. It’s one of the greatest terrain park skis since it’s inexpensive, high-performing, and most importantly, a lot of fun to ski anyplace. A great choice for all-around park and pipe riding.

Specifications

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

8. Line 2022 Honey Bee Womens

Line has always had one of the most comprehensive ski lineups of any company, so having one of the top women’s park skis should come as no surprise. The Honey Bee is a park ski that can handle anything. It’s a touch wider than typical, so it has a bigger platform for new wave tricks and all-mountain skiing, but it’s still quick enough to stack switch ups on the down-box.

When skiing forward or switch, the Honey Bee’s symmetric flex makes it predictable, and the fatty bases and edge stand up nicely to repeated rail impacts.

The Line Honey Bee was designed to keep up with you if you spend the most of your time at the terrain park but occasionally venture outside for a few runs.

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

9. Armada BDog

As Phil Casabon’s pro model, Armada’s Bdog has been around for a long time, in a few different types. This most recent iteration achieves an attractive balancing. It has a tapered profile with a smooth flex and plenty of tip and tail rocker. All of this adds up to a ski that is fun to ride, maneuver, and butter. If you’ve ever watched one of Phil’s video sections, you’ll notice that he makes the most of crisp transitions and technical transfers while exuding style. As a result, Armada uses a thicker base and edge on the Bdog to keep it robust even on long street operations.

If you enjoy loose, soft skis and want to get as much style out of every feature and transition as possible, the Armada Bdog is one of the best freestyle skis and fits the bill well.

Specifications

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

10. Line Skis Tom Wallisch Pro

The internet was in a frenzy when Line announced the signing of park sensation Tom Wallisch. We were all holding our breath, waiting for his first new pro model. The Line Tom Wallisch Pro has consistently been one of the most well-rounded park skis on the market over the years.

Its 90 mm width puts it right in the middle of the new school jib skis and the narrower comp skis of the past. And it does a good job of dividing the difference. The Tom Wallisch Pro is up there with the greatest skis for buttering and is at ease hitting a tight kinked urban rail while also being prepared to session an immaculate jump line. It doesn’t skimp on performance, and its tough design can withstand a lot of punishment.

If you’re still trying to figure out your own personal style and what kind of park skiing makes you happy, the Line Tom Wallisch Pro is a wonderful place to start. It’s adaptable, friendly, and suitable for a wide range of ski styles.

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

Freestyle Park Skis Buying Guide 2022

How To Choose A Pair Of Freestyle Skis

How To Choose A Pair Of Freestyle Skis

Camber

If you lay a pair of skis flat on a surface, the skis will most likely lift up from the surface. The rise, which is most noticeable from the waist, is referred to as camber. This rise means that when the ski is weighted, the weight will be evenly distributed across the length of the ski rather than being concentrated at the midpoint. If you want a ski that has a lot of energy and bite in firm snow, go for one that has a lot of camber underfoot.

Rocker

Camber is the polar opposite of rocker. It’s the upward curvature in the ski profile, which is most noticeable in the tips and tails. The contact length of the edges is reduced by rocker, requiring less effort to steer your skis into turns. Because the tips and tails of fully ‘rockered’ skis are considerably lifted above the surface, they will have very few contact points with the snow. This results in skis that are incredibly maneuverable in deep snow but lack bite on firm snow.

Mix of Camber and Rocker

Most freestyle skis nowadays mix camber underfoot with rockered tips and tails, similar to all-mountain skis. This combination combines all of the benefits of camber and rocker to create a rocker profile that is incredibly adaptable. On kicker take-offs and landings, camber underfoot ensures that the skis keep their edge. Rocker, on the other hand, allows you to freely whip, press, and swivel your skis. Additionally, lift in the tips and tails reduces the likelihood of your skis catching on rails or features.

In general, if you’re looking for an ultra-stiff park ski to use only on larger park jumps, maximal camber is the way to go. If you want to try your hand at natural features, jumps, and jibs, a generous dosage of rocker will help you out.

Sidecut

This figure shows the breadth of the tips (first number), waist (second number), and tail (third number) in millimetres and is presented by companies as ‘120 / 95 / 115’ (numbers will vary). When the sidecut is added together (along with the amount of tapering), the radius (in metres) of the ski is calculated.

If you set the ski on edge and follow the contour created by the sidecut, this radius is the distance the ski would travel to make a turn. The numbers in the paragraph above, for example, represent a radius of 25 meters for a 180cm ski. Longer radius skis are more stable at high speeds through long turns, whereas shorter radius skis are easier to turn and make shorter, snappier turns.

Freestyle skis have a medium radius, making them easy to manage while maintaining stability at faster speeds for kicker in-runs and landings.

Shaping

Freestyle skis, unlike traditional skis (commonly referred to as ‘directional’ skis), have nearly symmetrical shaping in the tips and tails, which is why they’re referred to as ‘twin tips.’ Freestyle skiers can ride switch (backwards) as easily as forwards because of the symmetrical shape. Skis made specifically for park use have a more symmetrical sidecut, whereas freestyle skis made for all-mountain versatility have more directional shape for downhill and powder performance.

Mounting Point

The key to stability and control for freestylers is to keep their body weight uniformly distributed over their skis. Most freestyle skis are ‘centre mounted,’ which means the boot is virtually squarely in the middle of the ski to help you stay in the middle.

This will take some getting used to for individuals who are used to directional skis with the binding closer to the ski tails, but a center-mounted ski makes switch skiing, spinning, and landing tricks a lot easier.

For people new to freestyle, ‘freestyle advised’ mounting points offer a fail-safe solution. Ask your ski technician if you want your ski mounted in the true center, as this is often slightly different from the recommended mounting point.

Width

Ski widths for freestyle skiing typically range from 80 to 100mm. Smaller waist widths (about 80 – 88mm) provide more bite on firm snow by allowing power from your boot to be directly transferred to the skis’ edges – ideal for booters looking to generate speed and power.

Wider waist widths (90mm and up) create a wider surface area underfoot, allowing the ski to act as a launchpad for buttering about and providing more stability on rails. With a waist width of 95mm or more, you’re on the verge of becoming an all-mountain/freestyle skier.

However, for a freestyle ski, you don’t want to go wider than 100mm, since too much breadth and swing weight underfoot would feel clunky on features and difficult to manage in the air.

What is the best length for a Freestyle Park ski?

These skis were created with park shredding and street jibbing in mind. Park skis are twin-tipped like FS all-mountain skis, but they’re narrower and don’t necessarily have rockers. This increases the effective edge length for extra grip, which is useful on the pipe’s icy walls. Park skis are typically more technical and challenging than FS all-mountain skis. They have a stiffer flex and are designed for advanced and expert skiers.

To determine the right length, you must first determine how you plan to use it:

• Park and Pipe: Select a ski at your height. Landings will be more stable, and you’ll have greater grip.
• Jib and Street riding: Choose a ski that is slightly shorter than you (few centimeters). It will have a more nimble and vibrant feel to it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Freestyle Park Skis

What are park skis called?

Park skis are also known as freestyle skis. Freestyle or park skis are for folks who like to spend their time doing stunts rather than rushing down a mountain. If you enjoy doing jumps and showing your agility, park skis may be the ideal fit for you.

Is it true that park skis are lighter?

When you’re spinning, a few ounces of weight differential between two park skis can substantially change the impression of rotational weight, making the skis appear heavier or lighter.

What is the definition of a playful ski?

We define “playful” skis as those that are (1) easy to release from a turn / slarve, (2) produce energy when you lean into them, (3) are easy to flip around in the air, (4) feel balanced in the air (typically owing to a more forward mount point), and (5) ski switch well.

What makes a good freestyle ski?

For hard snow and freestyle. Snowparks and severe slopes are better with skis with waist widths up to 95 mm. The skis are rapid from edge to edge and turn easily due to their reduced dimensions.

No matter your budget or the skill level, you’ll find a quality set of freestyle park skis on this list.

Thanks for reading and good luck! Feel free to drop a question, or comment and let us know what you thought of our selections and yours.

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