Next up in this year’s ski test: double poling skis. We have tested seven pairs from the leading brands to help you find the ski that suits you.

This year’s big ski test is divided into four parts: skin skis, double poling skis, mid-range skate skis and an updated version of the pole test.

Next up are double poling skis. We tested seven pairs from the leading brands and rated them on stability, ski feel and maneuverability, with an overall score from 1 to 5.

How the test was carried out

The test took place at Torsby Skidtunnel in Värmland, Sweden, in September. The temperature was −3°C, there was no wind at all, and conditions were consistent throughout the test. The testers skied on each pair, scored them, and wrote their comments independently. The brands themselves chose which skis would be tested and also provided the product information. The results presented are an average of both testers’ scores. Each ski was tested for ten to twelve minutes in varied terrain to give a fair overall impression.

Stability: How stable the ski is on the track and outside it. How does the ski feel to stand on?

Ski feel: The sense of whether the ski wants to go forward. The ski’s liveliness (response). How does it respond when you apply power? Does the energy come back, or is it lost?

Maneuverability: Tested in corners and track changes. Describes, among other things, how easily the ski can be moved sideways.

About the testers

Both testers are experienced skiers who competed at elite level for many years, in both long-distance racing and traditional cross-country skiing. Madelene Halvardsson is 174cm tall and weighs 70kg. Maja Eriksson is 171cm tall and weighs 68kg.

The Big Ski Test 2026 – Double Poling Skis

Rossignol X-IUM Premium DP

Assessment

Overall score: 4.8 / 5
Stability: 5.0
Ski feel: 5.0
Maneuverability: 4.25

Testers’ comment:
Very stable ski that tracks straight and wants to go forward, especially on the climbs. Particularly well suited to powerful skiers.

Facts

Core: 100% NOMEX / OKOUMÉ
Length: 193 cm
RRP: approx. €810 excl. bindings

About the ski:
The Rossignol X-IUM Premium+ DP IFP is a World Cup ski for elite skiers, with a full-length carbon fiber layer and proven edge technology from the race tracks. The result is an ultralight, well-balanced ski with maximum power transfer, glide, and smooth acceleration. The DP ski has a specially developed flex and camber optimized to perform well in a wide range of snow conditions, while delivering a more forgiving and energy-efficient performance.

Salomon S/LAB Equipe DP

Assessment

Overall score: 4.7 / 5
Stability: 4.0
Ski feel: 5.0
Maneuverability: 5.0

Testers’ comment:
Light ski that tracks straight. The skis want to go forward and are easy to maneuver.

Facts

Core: Innowave
Length: 190 cm
RRP: approx. €760 excl. bindings

About the ski:
The S/Lab Equipe DP is a double poling ski designed for racing at the highest level. The Innowave core and carbon fiber reinforcement make for a light, responsive ski that takes you to the next level. All skis are selected through S/Lab Select, which means they are picked, ground, and checked by the staff at the race warehouse. The ski comes in two versions: Universal Cold with a G5% base and SL22 grind for normal winter conditions, and Universal Warm with a G10% base and SL21 grind for warmer conditions and coarse-grained artificial snow.

Speedmax 100 Double Poling Sprint

Assessment

Overall score: 4.5 / 5
Stability: 3.75
Ski feel: 5.0
Maneuverability: 4.75

Testers’ comment:
Light ski with plenty of forward drive. Both testers found it slightly unstable.

Facts

Core: Air Core HM Carbon
Length: 191 cm
RRP: approx. €1,020 excl. bindings

About the ski:
The top model in Fischer’s double poling collection. Low weight, a great flex, and Fischer’s unique top base with “Cold Base Bonding” technology. A proven model used by much of the world’s elite.

Atomic Redster DP

Assessment

Overall score: 4.4 / 5
Stability: 4.0
Ski feel: 4.75
Maneuverability: 4.5

Testers’ comment:
Very light ski that wants to go forward and is easy to maneuver. The testers found it somewhat wobbly.

Facts

Core: Innowave Core
Length: 191 cm
RRP: approx. €870 incl. bindings

About the ski:
These cross-country skis are designed for racers who focus on long-distance events where the terrain is flat, and kick wax is not the best option. They are ideal for skiers who rely heavily on double poling for maximum propulsion. The ski’s design is tailored to eliminate any resistance from the kick zone. The highest point of the camber has been moved forward. This provides better acceleration and higher speed throughout the race, which is essential for efficient double poling.

Kästle RX WC DoPo Plus

Assessment

Overall score: 4.3 / 5
Stability: 4.0
Ski feel: 4.5
Maneuverability: 4.5

Testers’ comment:
Stable ski that releases well on the climbs. Easy to handle in corners.

Facts

Core: Honeycomb
Length: 191 cm
RRP: approx. €760 excl. bindings

About the ski:
The Kästle RX WC DoPo Plus is developed for long-distance racing and double poling. The light honeycomb core and paulownia (empress tree) torsion box are combined with a camber curve specially adapted to the double poling motion, providing efficient acceleration and powerful rebound for high energy return. The ski has a hand-finished performance grind.

Peltonen Dopo X

Assessment

Overall score: 3.7 / 5
Stability: 4.0
Ski feel: 3.0
Maneuverability: 4.0

Testers’ comment:
Heavier ski that lacks a little pop, but has good stability.

Facts

Core: Nomex Honeycomb
Length: 192 cm
RRP: approx. €690 excl. bindings

About the ski:
A newly developed double poling ski for racers. A low camber with a stiff tail gives an optimal balance between gliding surfaces and camber, so the ski both glides well and drives you forward when double poling uphill. Choose the Hard Track profile for hard, well-groomed tracks, or Universal for slightly softer or mixed snow conditions.

Madshus Redline DP

Assessment

Overall score: 3.4 / 5
Stability: 2.75
Ski feel: 3.5
Maneuverability: 4.0

Testers’ comment:
Easy to maneuver, but unstable. The ski feel was good on the climbs.

Facts

Core: Carbon Wrap
Length: 192 cm
RRP: approx. €810 excl. bindings

About the ski:
The new Redline DP is developed to perform at the highest level every time. A new, dedicated all-round profile with a lower camber and adapted pressure zones makes it a truly world-class double poling ski.

Overview – Double Poling Skis

Torsby Skidtunnel is the partner of The Big Ski Test 2026

Torsby Skidtunnel opened in June 2006 as Sweden’s first ski tunnel and was, when it was built, the longest in the world at 1.3 kilometers. The track follows the natural terrain, the temperature stays constant at around −3 degrees Celsius, and you can ski both classic and skate. The tunnel is located at the Valberget outdoor area near Torsby and is used by everyone from beginners and recreational skiers to national team athletes.