The Vantage 85 tries to piggyback the reputation the new Vantage series will quickly accrue, but as the low-ball MSRP suggests, its not in the same league as its seeming siblings.  On the other hand, none of the other Vantage models are going to retail at around $399, as the 85 is likely to. At that price, you’re getting a reasonably competent carver as long as speeds and expectations are kept in check.

If we were counseling adults on where to spend their scarce ski budget, we’d advise stepping up to the Vantage 95 C as it’s a better all-terrain ski. But for teens spending their own coin on a ski they’ll outgrow, the Vantage 85 is “a perfect value ski at $399 that performs as well as other brands’ $599 skis,” says the perspicacious Pat Parraguirre, manager at Bobo’s and the unelected mayor of Reno.