Montero aw classic review

Overview

The Montero AW Classic is the previous-generation construction of Stöckli's women's all-mountain ski, kept in the 26/27 range at 899 EUR (article 41040325) alongside the newer 1,199 EUR Montero AW. Stöckli applies the "Classic" label across the Montero line for the earlier layup at a lower price, and the catalog pairs the AX, AS and AR the same way. Here it means 122-80-106 mm in 150 cm (12.6 m radius) and 166 cm (16.0 m) only; the 158 cm length is reserved for the current AW. The build is a Light Core wood core, Flex Torsion Control Titanal, Adaptive Contact Length, Full Edge Contact and Stöckli's shovel and Tail Rocker, and it is a flat ski offered with the Strive 11 binding for 280 EUR extra.

On-snow performance

On paper the Classic behaves like the AW: 80 mm underfoot for fast edge changes, a 122 mm tip and tail rocker for support in soft and chopped snow, and 12.6–16.0 m radii that cover short and medium turns. The Flex Torsion Control Titanal uses an S-shaped notch at shovel and tail to soften the ends and let torsion adapt, so the construction suggests a progressive turn entry and a controlled exit — Stöckli's own words are that the rocker technologies "simplify turn initiation and enable effortless skiing". Full Edge Contact lengthens the engaged edge when tilted, giving the hard-snow grip the brand is known for. What the Classic does not list is the Softflex layup and the Tip & Tail Flex technology of the new AW, so it is reasonable to expect a slightly firmer, more conventional Stöckli feel from this generation. Weights are the same as the AW: 1,565 g at 150 cm and 1,750 g at 166 cm per ski, light for a Titanal all-mountain ski. Deep powder is outside its brief; a few centimetres of fresh snow over a groomed base is where the rocker helps.

Construction & specs explained

• Construction: Sandwich System, made in Switzerland.
• Core: Light Core — lighter European wood species, slightly softer and suppler.
• Metal: Flex Torsion Control (FTC) — Titanal with an S-shaped notch at shovel and tail.
• Adaptive Contact Length (ACL): forward widest point plus a slight shovel rocker.
• Full Edge Contact (FEC): longer edge contact as the ski is tilted.
• Rocker + Tail Rocker (TR): shovel rocker and a longer, flatter tail rocker.
• Edges: Solid Metal Edge Light; base: Racing-Graphite; surface: Polyamid/TPU.
• Sidecut: 122-80-106 mm for both lengths.
• Radius: 12.6 m (150), 16.0 m (166).
• Weight: 1,565 g (150), 1,750 g (166) per ski; Stöckli lists 3.13 and 3.50 kg per pair.
• Binding: flat ski; Strive 11 purple, GripWalk compatible, offered as the matching set.

Who it's for & comparisons

This is the value pick for intermediate to advanced women who want a Swiss-made all-mountain ski and fit a 150 or 166 cm length. The men's equivalent is the Stockli Montero ax classic, the same idea at 80 mm in 163–183 cm. Against the catalog's women's all-mountain skis, the Blizzard Black Pearl 82 is the closest rival in width and radius (11.5–15 m, about 1,490 g at 166 cm) and skis softer; the Volkl Mantra 84 w is the other metal-laminate women's ski in this class, a touch wider and more off-piste minded; and the Nordica Belle dc 78 is the lighter, narrower, more piste-only alternative. If you are choosing between the Classic and the current Montero AW, the deciding factors are the 158 cm length and the newer Softflex layup, both only on the AW.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Stöckli grip and Titanal construction at 899 EUR.
• Same 122-80-106 shape, radii and weights as the current Montero AW.
• Flex Torsion Control softens the ends for easier turn entry.
• Flat ski with free binding choice.
• Light for a metal all-mountain ski at 1,565–1,750 g per ski.

Cons

• Only two lengths, 150 and 166 cm, with nothing in between.
• Previous-generation layup without the AW's Softflex and Tip & Tail Flex.
• 80 mm waist limits it in deep snow.
• Firmer character than most women's rivals at this price.

Verdict: The same Swiss women's all-mountain shape for 300 EUR less, if 150 or 166 cm fits you. Skiers who need 158 cm or want the softer new layup should spend the extra on the Montero AW.