If you’re looking for a Frontside style of ski in an all-mountain width, the Navigator 85 is an excellent choice at a more than fair price. Our test crew tended to skip over the Navigator 85, but shop owners did not, stocking more of the Navigator 85 than either of its siblings, the 90 and 80. All the Navigators are built alike, which makes both the 85 and 80 exceptional values; the only variable among them is flex, which ascends from softest (80) to stiffest (90). The flex of the Navigator 85 lies exactly in the middle, as do its dimensions, which pare precisely 5mm off the tip, waist and tail of the 90.

As befits a middle-of-series model, the Navigator 85 is equally amenable to moseying along at a low edge angle or being pushed to perform at higher edge angles and higher speeds. While the Navigator 85 has a bit of fore and aft rocker, it’s not noticeable when carving on the groom. Bob Gleason of Boot Doctors pinpoints the Navigator 85’s prowess: “The Navigator stands out as an all around ski with a Frontside bias. It has a friendly ease of use with a comfortable stability when pushed.”