Anyone searching for a definition of the modern SL ski should always include the Stöckli Laser SL as a reference. Be aware it is not the best SL ski in the world. But if we want to talk about an uncompromised SL that fulfills all the essentials of this category, the Stöckli Laser SL does it exceptionally well.
Stöckli Laser SL
© Stöckli Swiss Sports AG
It goes into every single turn and we will be surprised of how fast we are skiing, while linking short and clean cut turns one after another. All this comes with levels of precision, stability and control feeling which are above other SL skis. It’s got an excellent medium radius, a point which is not so apparent as in many skis from this category. Wide curves are obviously not in the strengths list. However, it doesn’t break down easily in that kind of scenario, we should be skiing remarkably fast for that to happen.
© Stöckli Swiss Sports AG
As in every excellent SL, its reactivity is remarkably strong. If we play hard with it, it will play hard with us. A great amount of what we throw at it will come back to us quite abruptly. So it’s much better being aware and prevented. Because of this, applying an accurate technique and a more sporty position will allow to avoid some unwanted flights (edge shifting in the air).
Anyone looking for a good SL ski but not wanting to end up exhausted after just some runs, will find that the Stöckli Laser SL is a very good choice. It feels light and easy in all turns. The only drawback will be when skiing bumps, because its reactions should be controlled and tamed. The cut while turning on the edge feels moderate and precise. However, we will be allowed to slide the tails whenever we want to practice a wedeln-style run with the upper body firmly looking at the valley without any hook or heavy feeling from the rear end. Whatever happens, the tip always slides in and therefore the edge engages nicely. From this moment on, if we ski just a bit good, everything occurs spontaneously.
The Stöckli Laser SL is painted in blue as it was on the last season. There are no remarkable visual changes. The brand’s name appears at the tip with enormous letters in contrast to the sobriety seen on other models, such as the Stöckli Spirit. This is a “warfare” ski, a weapon, and it’s painted consequently. As it happens in many SL skis, it incorporates a small hard plastic protection at the tip avoiding scratches, holes, and marks that can ruin the general looks very soon.
Not being ridiculous at all, the external look is quite similar to what one may expect from a racing ski. But the result is a bit restrained, not being exaggerated in the tone, color or the distinctive marks. This adds a plus because we can walk around with this ski without calling everyone’s attention, despite its sporty profile. Last, not having any decoration in the ABS plastic cover gives it a handmade feel and look, and from my perspective this is another nice point that should be considered.
The Stöckli Laser SL is an SL ski with all the qualities you might expect from a high performance, high quality ski of this category. It will satisfy powerful skiers used to these sporty profiles and will do for those who have achieved enough proficiency in the short turns as well. If we ski gently, we will feel comfortable and will be able to make as many turns as desired without compromise. But if we are decided to pilot this ski, we will realize we are on top of the pure SL breed.
Technical Specifications
| Length (cm) | 170 | 165 | 160 | 155 | 150 |
| Tip (mm) | 119 | 119 | 119 | 119 | 119 |
| Waist (mm) | 66 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 66 |
| Tail (mm) | 97 | 97 | 97 | 97 | 97 |
| Radius (m) | 14.5 | 13.6 | 12.7 | 11.8 | 11.0 |
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HI Albert, great review. I have skied the Laser SL and agree very much with your comments. I was wondering whether you could comment on the Laser SL compares to the FIS version. I infer from the product website that perhaps the FIS is stiffer in torsion. Is this the case? Is it of similar stiffness in flex? Are you able to comment on how it might ski compared to the non FIS model. I ask as with the season coming to a close availability is poor and I can find the FIS and not the standard model. Would this be a mistake to but the FIS for an enthusiastic non competing skier?
Hello Andy,
Thanks for your comment.
FIS skis will be included in SkiReviewer in the future, although they will be just “mentioned”, not fully reviewed. There are a couple of reasons for that. People’s average skills are lower and their demands are different. On the other hand, racers looking for a FIS model usually know what to look for in that category.
That aside, I want to mention an important piece of the equipment and that is the plate-binding system. Choosing one or another can make the difference in the flex pattern. Some of those differences are hard to find without measurement tools but some others are noticeable. I would recommend going for a Vist plate, either the World Cup series or the Speedlock Pro Light ones for a Stöckli Laser SL. Now, both skis are made using the well-known sandwich system, but I am not able to tell you if the FIS model has a wood core or not since the non-FIS has foam instead. I bet the FIS model is made with wood in the core and that means it’s a complete different ski. There’s another piece to mention and that’s the sole. The FIS model surely uses a much faster, more porous, tricky to maintain sole.
To answer your last question, my view is: just avoid FIS models if you are not competing. FIS models are far beyond standard skis. That said, if someone is looking for a good GS skis and his skiing skills allows him, I’d tell that person to go for a Masters model or an old women model at 23m radius. Obviously, the “soft” versions of those. But that idea comes with a disclaimer: make sure you ski alone and on empty slopes. For an SL model the disclaimer changes to: make sure you train hard at the gym all year and you know a good knee doctor.
I’d avoid the FIS and look harder to find the standard one or just look somewhere else. There are great skis on other brands too.
Albert, all your comments are right on the money… I just spent a couple days on these skis on the Hintertux glacier… I was also told that Stokli is building the ski next year with bamboo sidewalls and that it is phenomenal… (I may have confused this comment with the Kessler Phantom S skis I also tested)… is this true?
Hi Rick. Thanks for your comment.
I haven’t heard anything from Stöckli in that sense. Bamboo can be great, specially if you live in New Zealand and you to build skis cheaply!
I tested a pair of FIS Laser SL laset week – one day on hard groomed surface, the second on very hard groomed surface. I confirm the FIS model has a wood core. It is a stiff ski, don’t end up on the tails at turn exit or you will get a quick demonstration of this stiffness; but the turn entry is smooth, the grip is phenomenal, and the energy out of the turns is great. It holds tight in steep fall-line turns like nothing I’ve ever skied before. The skis tolerate longer-radius turns at high speed, but you can tell you’re off the design point. It a perfect ski for an athletic skier who wants to turn a smaller hill into a big challenge.