Stöckli Laser GS — Review

The Stöckli Laser GS is a front‑side, GS‑inspired carving tool built for speed, edge hold, and composure. It rewards solid technique with an ultra‑calm ride, powerful energy out of the turn, and confidence on hard snow.

What it is

A non‑FIS, race‑influenced piste ski for advanced to expert skiers who love medium‑to‑long arcs on groomers. It’s more forgiving and versatile than a true FIS GS, yet more precise, damp, and stable than typical all‑mountain carvers.

On‑snow performance

Stability and damping: Exceptional at speed. It smooths out vibration and feels planted on boilerplate; it comes alive when you drive it.
Turn shape and energy: Prefers medium to long turns. Full camber delivers strong rebound—load the shovel and it locks into a predictable line without twitchiness.
Edge grip: Top‑tier. High torsional stiffness and the Carbon Steering Control layer keep it “on rails,” even on steep, slick pitches.
Agility: Rapid edge‑to‑edge thanks to the 68 mm waist, but it’s not a slalom toy. If you want short, snappy arcs, look to a Laser SC/SL or similar.
Terrain: Best on firm to hard groomers. In softer, pushed‑around snow it still works, but the narrow waist and stiffer tail are less forgiving. Not meant for bumps or powder.

Skier profile

Best for: Ex‑racers, strong carvers, instructors, and anyone who likes a locked‑in GS feel and real speed.
Not ideal for: Upper‑intermediates who prefer low speeds, skiers seeking off‑piste versatility, or fans of short, playful turns.

Specs and what they mean

Rocker profile — traditional full camber: maximum effective edge for grip, precision, and pop. Perfect for hard‑snow carving.
Sidecut 118‑68‑97 mm: narrow waist for quick edge changes; measured tip/tail promote a long, composed arc.
Waist width 68 mm: lightning‑fast transitions and direct edge feel; limited flotation off‑piste.
Radius (length‑dependent): about 15.7 m (168), 17.1 m (175), 18.7–19 m (182). Longer = calmer, more GS‑like; shorter = quicker and a bit more turny.
Weight: approx. 3.7–4.0 kg per pair (varies by length/year). A bit of heft adds damping, grip, and high‑speed composure.
Available lengths: 168 / 175 / 182 cm. Size down for lighter skiers or more maneuverability; size up for top‑end stability.
Construction/tech: Sandwich build with size‑optimized core, FTC (Flex Torsion Control) for easier initiation, CSC (Carbon Steering Control) for stability and smoothness, Solid Metal Edges, and a Racing‑graphite base for speed and durability.

Setup tips

Length: Nose‑to‑forehead is a good start for sporty skiers; ex‑racers often size up for maximum calm at speed. Want the exact per‑length radius/weight for a given year? I can pull and cite it.
Bindings/plate: Match with a quality race plate and a 12–14 DIN binding for precise power transfer and added damping.

Comparisons

Atomic Redster G9 Revo S: A touch more “on‑rails” and aggressive in the tip. The Stöckli feels smoother and more luxurious over rough groomers.
Fischer RC4 The Curv GT: Slightly easier into shorter turns; the Laser GS delivers more premium damping and hard‑snow grip.
Blizzard Firebird WRC/GSR: Very powerful with often longer radii; the Stöckli is less punishing and more refined, with similar top‑speed confidence.
Within Stöckli: Laser SC/SL = shorter radii and more playfulness; Laser AX = wider with rocker for mixed‑snow versatility.

Key takeaways

High‑speed calm: outstanding damping and stability at GS pace.
Elite edge hold: full camber + CSC deliver confident grip on ice.
Piste specialist: excels on hard groomers; limited off‑piste use.
Demands input: shines with strong technique and commitment.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How is the Laser GS different from a FIS GS ski?
A: The Laser GS is more accessible, with shorter, friendlier turn radii and a slightly more forgiving flex. A FIS GS is stiffer and demands higher speeds and impeccable technique.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: Try 168 cm for lighter/smaller skiers or if you prefer a livelier feel, 175 cm as the sweet spot, and 182 cm for maximum high‑speed calm. I can provide exact radius/weight for your length and model year on request.

Q: How does it handle ice?
A: Exceptionally well. Full camber, torsional rigidity, and CSC keep the Stöckli Laser GS quiet and locked‑in on boilerplate.

Q: Is it suitable for advanced beginners?
A: Not really. The Laser GS performs best when driven with speed and edge angles; less experienced skiers may find it demanding at lower speeds.