Zag Mata ti — Review

The Zag Mata ti is the French brand's titanal-reinforced frontside carver, a "fun carver" built in Zag's Chamonix Lab around a tight 14 m sidecut radius, an asymmetrical shape and a stiff titanal-plus-poplar core. At 89–90 mm underfoot it sits between a traditional carver and a true all-mountain ski — a ski for skiers who want explosive edge-to-edge response on groomers without giving up the option to dip into the side of the run.

The Mata ti's defining feature is the very short sidecut radius — 13.8 m at 163 cm climbing only to 14.7 m at 183 cm — paired with 10% tip and 10% tail rocker and moderate camber. The result is an exceptionally lively short-turn ski that hooks up at speed and stays glued through edge transitions, helped by the titanal layer's torsional resistance. Off-piste capability is honest: the narrow waist plus minimal rocker make this an unapologetic frontside tool, not a 90-mm all-mountain crossover. Manufacturer flex is 4/5 — stiff enough to demand a skier who drives the ski actively. Weight per single ski runs from 1650 g (163 cm) to 2050 g (183 cm), heavy for a 90 — that mass is what makes the titanal energy return feel substantial.

The Mata ti uses a poplar wood core wrapped in a titanal plate plus quadraxial fiberglass laminate, with rubber damping inserts, Semi-CAP ABS sidewalls and a sintered base. Zag specifies a 33% bio-sourced resin and a 50% bio-sourced nylon topsheet, with recycled steel edges — the more sustainability-conscious side of the brand. The flex profile is rated underfoot at 9.5/10 with softer 8/10 tips and tails, which is the recipe for the lively-but-stable carving feel.

The Mata ti fits intermediate-to-expert skiers who want a dedicated frontside carver with a touch of all-mountain optionality. Compared to the Head Kore 88 Ti it has a shorter radius and more carving bias; against the Atomic Maverick 88 TI it is similar in titanal feel but tighter in radius; the K2 Mindbender 89 Ti is a more all-mountain-oriented alternative.

Pros

• Very tight 14 m radius for explosive short turns.
• Titanal stability at speed.
• Asymmetrical shape and bio-sourced construction.
• French Chamonix-Lab build.

Cons

• Heavy for the 90 mm category.
• Minimal rocker limits off-piste versatility.
• Demands an active skier (4/5 flex).
• Limited brand presence outside Europe.

Verdict: a focused frontside carver for skiers who measure a good day by edge angle, not turn length.