Nela 86 review

Overview

The Nela 86 is Stöckli's new women's all-mountain ski for 26/27, and the brand describes it as completely redesigned. It sits at the narrow end of the Nela family, below the new Nela 93, while the previous Nela 88 stays in the range as the Nela 88 Classic. Stöckli's 26/27 catalogue lists a 129-86-112 mm shape in all three lengths, radii of 12.5 m (155 cm), 14.0 m (162) and 15.5 m (169), and weights of 1,425 / 1,490 / 1,554 g per ski. That is light for a ski with a Titanal top layer. The build is women-specific (Stöckli's "Lady" label): a Poplar/Beech/Paulownia freeride core, Softflex lay-up, Thin Glass Laminate and Titanal Technology Pro, at 1,199 EUR on stoeckli.ch.

On-snow performance

Stöckli calls it a playful women's all-mountain ski that should feel at home both on and off piste, and the spec sheet backs that up. The 86 mm waist and the short radius (14.0 m at 162 cm) point to a ski that changes edges quickly and prefers medium turns over long, fast arcs. Powder Rocker at the tip with a light Freeride Tip insert and a longer, flatter Tail Rocker shorten the running length, so the ski should pivot easily in bumps and chopped snow and release the tail without a fight. Softflex means thinner individual layers, which lets lighter skiers bend the ski at moderate speeds. The Titanal top layer and Polywall sidewalls add some damping, so on paper it should stay calmer on firm snow than a pure glass or carbon ski of the same weight. The trade-off is top-end grip: a soft, light 86 will not hold a high-speed carve on ice like a heavier double-metal ski. In fresh snow the 86 mm waist floats less than the Nela 93, so this is a groomer-first ski that also handles side trips.

Construction & specs explained

• Core: Freeride Core, Poplar/Beech/Paulownia (Stöckli Light Core).
• Lay-up: Softflex (thinner layers) with Thin Glass Laminate, 25% lighter than standard fibreglass.
• Metal: Titanal Technology Pro top layer, graphics printed directly on the Titanal.
• Sidewalls: Polywall, elastic and impact-resistant.
• Edges: Solid Metal Edge Light; factory tune 1.5° base, 2.0° side.
• Rocker: Powder Rocker tip with Freeride Tip Technology insert, Freeride Tail with Tail Rocker.
• Base: Racing-Graphite. Women-specific Lady build, Swiss made.
• Dimensions: 129-86-112 mm in all lengths.
• Radius: 12.5 m (155), 14.0 m (162), 15.5 m (169).
• Weight: 1,425 / 1,490 / 1,554 g per ski.
• Sold flat; bindings optional.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Nela 86 suits intermediate to advanced women who mostly ski groomers, want a light ski that turns without effort, and still leave the piste after a snowfall. Compared to the Stockli Nela 88 classic it is 2 mm narrower, a little lighter (1,490 vs 1,535 g around 160 cm) and has a tighter radius, so it should be quicker from turn to turn. The Head Kore 87 Ti W is the closest metal-reinforced rival but heavier in its 170 cm length (1,685 g vs 1,554 g for the 169 Nela). The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is lighter still at 170 cm, and the K2 Mindbender 85 womens is a similar weight with an even shorter radius in its smaller sizes.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Light for a Titanal-topped ski: 1,425–1,554 g per ski.
• Short radius makes it quick and easy to turn.
• Powder Rocker and Freeride Tail help it pivot and release in mixed snow.
• Softflex construction suits lighter and less aggressive skiers.

Cons

• Only three lengths, topping out at 169 cm.
• A soft, light build gives up grip on ice at high speed.
• An 86 mm waist floats less in deep snow than the Nela 93.
• Priced at 1,199 EUR, at the premium end of women's all-mountain skis.

Verdict: The Nela 86 is a light, easy-turning Swiss women's all-mountain ski with enough rocker for side trips off piste. Women who want precision and comfort over outright power will find it a well-judged daily ski.