How would you rank ski brands?

I have only skied a handful of brands in my life (Elan and Fisher are all I can remember and I have K2's now) but I have heard of many people talking about their favorite ski, so I wanted to know, as a company overall how do you rank the various brands of commercial skis?

I think they are all good, but there is a big difference between their better models and there also rans.

I don't, and I wouldn't bother to try.  First, there are too many companies, especially if you're including all the recent small boutique manufacturers.  And if you don't include them, you're missing out on a ton of good skis.  Second, there's *way* too much diversity even within most companies' lineups.  Based on what I've skied on to date, I don't like all the skis from any company, or dislike all the skis from any company.  Third, everyone's list is going to be different based on the skiing you do and the type of skis that work best for you.  Someone who only runs gates is never going to put PM Gear near the top of their list, for example.  And you have the same problem with someone who likes damp skis, someone who likes lively skis, etc.

 I would rank Elan at the top or near the top

Another religious war for your dining pleasure...

I'll bite,  but.... I'll also justify my response.

I'm just a dad of 3 boys,  and one who has enjoyed,  but not sold my soul to skiing since his teens.  My boys are avid soccer players,  which keeps them somewhat tied-up year-round.  Hence,  we do well to get in a dozen or so days per year (every year we say we'll do more,  but life happens).

I bought my first pair of Dynastars (White Course SL 203 (chickenhearts)) when working in a ski shop during college.  I LOVED those skis.  Since then,  I don't have time to demo or invest tons of time into researching various skis,  so I've tried to keep up on the latest models of one brand... Dynastar.  I've bought perhaps a dozen pairs over the years for my boys or me,  and I've found them to be reliably decent performers.  Hence,  when I wanted to add something wider this year,  I bought some leftover Big Troubles.  Are they the coolest ski ever?  Doubtful.  But,  I'm confident they'll handle the task well and will be "fun" to ski.

I have tried some other skis,  and I've found them to be hit-or-miss.  Dynastars,  for me,  have been a "safe" choice,  in that I can be reasonably sure the ski will be decent,  versatile,  and fun to ski.

So there you have it!

Dynastar for me.

AM.

Alphabetically.

SJ