The point of Völkl’s signature 3D.Ridge design is to jettison as much mass as possible without compromising performance. When 3D.Ridge was applied to several core models last season, it succeeded at weight reduction but didn’t meet all expectations for performance. The inclusion of one well-contrived extra layer of fiberglass, called 3D.Glass, not only eliminated any performance issues, the new feature so substantially elevated every model to which it was applied that they all earned Recommended medallions this year.

While 3D.Glass upgraded every model it touched, none rose higher in our test team’s collective appreciation than the RTM 86. The model went from being a good on-trail ski to being an all-world carver. The cambered zone underfoot is supple, allowing the midsection to bow so it matches up with the baseline of the rockered tip and tail. This makes edge-to-edge carved turns a treat, with a little energy boost from the compressed camber to carry some speed through the transition.

While a few of our testers weren’t impressed with the RTM 86’s off-piste performance, pegging the RTM 86 as a purebred carver with no particular affinity for off-trail pursuits. While it’s true there are better skis in this genre for powder and crud, it’s equally true that few of its ilk adapt as well to mogul skiing as the RTM 86. The rockered tip flows over a bump’s contours and the rockered tail doesn’t get hung up trying to fit into troughs. The camber underfoot is easily compressed into service to retain snow contact.

The RTM 86 favors the technical skier who knows how to set an edge early and ride it to a round finish. It prefers to have some speed coursing through it; the more energy you put into it, the more it gives back. It doesn’t require an expert to appreciate the tenacity of its edge grip, but it doesn’t hurt.

The weight cited here includes a binding, in this case the Marker iPT WR XL 12 FR. The RTM 86 is also available with the same binding with DIN 14 scale, which ups the retail ante to $1,350.