AM 88 review

Overview

The Augment AM 88 is the Austrian boutique brand's carving-focused all-mountain ski, sitting at the piste end of their All-Mountain line. It is handmade in Austria using PCM (Prepreg Compression Moulding) with a poplar wood core, Titanal reinforcement, phenol sidewalls and a polyamide micro-construction cap. Verified sidecut is 128-88-110 mm across all three lengths (163, 171, 179 cm) with per-length radii of 16, 17 and 18 m and weights of 1600, 1700 and 1800 g per single ski.

On-snow performance

The 88 mm waist combined with a moderate 17 m radius at 171 cm gives the AM 88 a piste-first character rather than a mixed-terrain daily driver. Augment's PCM sandwich construction with double Titanal and carbon prepreg produces a stiff, damp platform that rewards a strong forward stance and long carved arcs — the same construction philosophy the brand applies to its race skis, tuned slightly softer for all-day resort use. On hardpack it holds an edge with race-quality authority; off piste the narrow waist and cambered profile limit float and pivoting.

Construction & specs explained

Core: poplar wood with Titanal reinforcement and phenol sidewalls, built using Augment's PCM (Prepreg Compression Moulding) sandwich process — the same manufacturing method used for their FIS-legal race skis. The topsheet is a polyamide micro-construction cap. Racing steel edges and a P-Tex race base. Verified sidecut 128-88-110 mm across all three lengths (163, 171, 179 cm) with a per-length radius progression of 16 / 17 / 18 m. Weights per single ski: 1600, 1700 and 1800 g. Rocker profile is a subtle tip-and-tail rocker with camber underfoot.

Who it's for & comparisons

Compared to the Nordica Enforcer 89 the AM 88 is more piste-specialist and stiffer — the Enforcer is more of a mixed-terrain daily driver, the AM 88 is a hardpack ski that also handles firm off-piste. Against the Head Kore 88 Ti it is heavier and damper with less carbon-driven snap. It sits closer in intent to a stiffer version of a piste-charger like the Volkl Mantra 88, though Augment's boutique origin means direct segment comparisons are limited.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Handmade PCM sandwich construction from Augment's race pedigree.
• Verified per-length data (1600-1800 g at 163-179 cm) matches published radii of 16-18 m.
• Race-quality edge hold on hardpack thanks to Titanal + phenol sidewall build.
• Boutique construction quality with racing steel edges and P-Tex race base.

Cons

• Only three lengths (163, 171, 179 cm) — no option for taller or shorter skiers.
• 88 mm waist and cambered profile limit real off-piste versatility.
• Premium price reflects boutique manufacturing, not mainstream value.
• Stiff race-adjacent flex demands aggressive technique to unlock.

Verdict: An Austrian boutique 88 mm all-mountain ski with a race-oriented construction pedigree. Best for advanced-to-expert skiers who mostly ski hardpack, want race-quality edge hold, and value handmade construction over mainstream brand availability.