4FRNT SKIS
4 Frnt are a relatively new, but successful ski company, having been founded in 2002 by skier Matt Sterbenz.
They followed suit of competitors 'Armada' and ‘Line’, who were the first skier driven companies to form off the back of the late nineties newschool and freeski movement. Their skis are all twin tipped and are getting fatter every year: this is a freeski range, there are no carver, race, mogul or piste cruising skis in this list. Just freeride and freestyle.
4Frnt are hot on the development of reverse camber and rocker skis which are leading the way for big mountain turning. The rocker basically means that the section of ski leading up to the tip and tail are slightly turned up away from the snow which gives the ski a very slight banana look to it; this means that tips actively ride up out of the deep snow and its very difficult to catch an edge on a turn- gives skis a very loose feeling, but at a slight loss to out and out edge grip.
The reverse camber is usually in the tip or the tail section and means that the ski is the opposite of the standard hourglass shape. Believe it or not this adds a very smooth feeling to the ride when turning and is especially useful in the powder. The first 4 ski models mentioned below all use rocker and sections of reverse camber to give the user a very floaty and loose riding experience.
Please note, approximate UK prices are indicated based on the current exchange rate. The actual retail price will vary. Read on for information on 4Frnt Skis available for this winter season...
You can also see our other ski review and ski equipment guide pages for information and reviews of Rossignol Skis, Salomon Skis and Head Skis.
THE SKIS
4FRNT EHP
The 4Frnt EHP ski is a big mountain ski designed by the absolute ripper that is Eric Hjorleifson. It’s a wide ski with a massive turn radius which means it is not very good on piste, but it’s excellent in the deep powder. The sheer width of this ski means that it doesn’t hold an edge very well when it gets really grippy, but it is surprisingly reasonable in some quite hard packed snow. It’s not a true twin tip although does have a lot of rocker in the tip and tail so it tends to stay on top even when it’s really soft. It’ll handle tricks well in the soft stuff and, apart from the weight, feels slightly shorter than it is because of the rocker.
Who wants the 4Frnt EHP Ski?
Great for shredding big lines in the pow and for going really fast. Not recommended for anything other than the above!! Buy this ski if you are an expert skier who is going cat-skiing or heli-skiing, not if you’re spending most of your time on piste and within the resort boundaries.
Ski Stats
Cost: $800 (approx. £475) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
179 128 116 122 40 2.2
186 129 116 123 40 2.3
193 132 116 122 40 2.5
What 4Frnt Say....
EHP - by Eric Hjorleifson "This year I completely redesigned the EHP line up, my goal was to create a ski that utilized the reverse camber/side-cut concepts but still incorporated traditional ski design to provide a versatile stable platform on and in all types of snow. Ultimately, I tried to find the perfect blend between traditional ski design and the new technology of reverse camber/side-cut concept skis".
Some of the design improvements are:
The long gradual tip/tail radius/shape give the ski great flotation in powder and enable you to wash, plane and scrub your turns creating a surf like sensation. This long tip/tail shape also give the EHP a shorter running surface making them more responsive and easier to turn on hard snow. Although the tail has a curve radius it was not designed to be a true twin tip, the tail shape was designed to maximize performance in powder snow. The pintail shape sinks into the snow allowing a more forward mounting position giving the ski a much more responsive, centred and balanced feel.
Eric Hjorleifson - "I recently visited the Matchstick Productions Crew to view the footage from this past season, watching the shots I could not believe how much the new EHP's improved my skiing. After her first run on the EHP’S my girlfriend, Jen Ashton commented, “I forgive you for the hours upon hours ignoring me while you where designing these skis. They feel amazing.” That’s what she said."
FRNT CRJ
The 4Frnt CRJ ski is a new addition to the MSP range and is CR Johnson's pro model. It’s a reasonably soft ski which is billed by 4Frnt as an "all mountain" ski. It does ski surprisingly well on hard pack, but it’s so wide that I would consider it more of an out and out powder ski.
It’s got a small amount of rocker and a true twin tip which makes it great for tricks on the big backcountry booters. It’s more playful than the EHP (above) because it’s less stiff which basically means that you don't need to ski it as hard to get a lot out of it; the downside to this is that it isn't quite as stable at high speed.
The edge grip isn't that good on harder snow, but this ski is really fun because it is so loose- you could rip down the whole mountain sideways if you wanted to.
Who wants the 4Frnt CRJ Ski?
Great for playing in the powder and doing tricks in the backcountry. Because of the width and rocker you won't ever catch your tips so it’s a ski that performs really well so long as you don't push too hard. Not ideal for groomers, piste or pipes.
Ski Stats
Cost: $750 (approx. £445) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
164 120 109 117 25 1.9
172 122 112 120 26 2.0
180 126 115 124 27 2.2
188 130 118 128 28 2.4
What 4Frnt Say....
CR says - "I have been looking for a tool that will enable me to make the entire mountain my playground. I designed the CRJ to be a playful all-mountain ski. The dimensions make this the ultimate powder tool that caters to all conditions. With "normal" sidecut and camber underfoot, this ski carves through firm snow. The reverse sidecut and rocker towards the tip and tail make this ski ideal for skiing powder and playing with every feature on the mountain."
4FRNT VCT
The 4Frnt VCT ski is a Vinnie Dorion designed ski and it is probably the best all mountain tool in the 4frnt box. It has quite a large turn radius so is best for those of you who like to ski fast and don't make a habit of short radius bum wiggles.
It's fat, but not the fattest, at about 110 under foot so it’s best in the powder or in deep sludgy snow. It’s got a very bouncy feel to it and the large radius means that there's a lot of effective edge.
This means it’s actually quite good on groomers and seems to handle the odd patch of ice without whipping out from underneath you - which is quite refreshing for a ski this fat.
Who wants the 4Frnt VCT Ski?
Good for someone who wants an all mountain tool that'll do everything. Doesn't need to be ridden like a rabid bull, doesn't flap at speed, feels firm for tricks, soft enough for butters, floats in the pow. Great all rounder.
Ski Stats
Cost: $750 (approx. £445) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
168 124 100 116 24 1.7
175 129 104 121 25 1.9
182 129 104 121 27.5 2.0
189 134 108 126 28 2.3
What 4Frnt Say....
"Vincent introduced the world his VCT model a few years ago and, at the time, as a powder ski. As the years have gone by, the VCT has become an equally respected all mountain tool. The VCT comes in four lengths, each with a surface area plenty wide for powder days but also responsive in variable snow conditions. The is one of the most liked skis by the team for these very reasons. The newly integrated HI-LITEcore and Q-45weave technology furthers this skis' agility all the around the mountain in all conditions."
4FRNT VCT Turbo
Very similar to the VCT ski, but the 4Frnt VCT Turbo ski has a little more rocker.
This means that it skis a little looser, but you get way more floatation and there's less chance of catching your tips.
Who wants the 4Frnt VCT Turbo Ski?
This is a good bet if you want an all rounder, but you ski more off-piste than on. It’s also a bit more forgiving and fun-natured than the VCT, but doesn’t rip the groomers and harder snow quite as well.
Ski Stats
Cost: $800 (approx. £475) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
168 124 100 116 24 1.7
175 129 104 121 25 1.9
182 129 104 121 27.5 2.0
189 134 108 126 28 2.3
What 4Frnt Say....
Vincent Dorion - "Welcome to the year of the Turbo! This creation was developed to commemorate this skis 5th year in production. I wanted to take this already dominating model deeper in the backcountry. The result, a limited edition ski that has been strapped to the press for special features like minimal camber and rocker in the tip and tail for ultimate powder snow dominance. The artwork is a compilation of the VCT's 4 different creatures, delivering a turbo-charged feel only this five-year phenomenon could handle."
4FRNT MSP
The 4Frnt MSP ski is a great all round ski, if a little on the thin side for deep deep powder.
For most days ripping around the resort it’s perfect as it’s got a medium radius so you can get good long and short turns out of it. Its not super stiff and its also not super soft so you should be able to get out whatever you put in.
Not quite soft enough to get those butters going but it does have great pop about it so rips in the pipe and park. The edge grip is also fantastic with this ski.
Who wants the 4Frnt MSP Ski?
This one is for the person that loves to rip around the resort every day and enjoys getting a bit of everything. Its good in the soft stuff, but you have to go fast to stay on top. It’s not ideal for backcountry kicker action, but it is ideal for in bounds huckage. Will accommodate any level of skier.
Ski Stats
Cost: $750 ski only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
161 107 83 99 22.5 1.5
171 114 87 105 23.5 1.7
181 122 92 112 25 2.0
187 128 96 117 26 2.0
What 4Frnt Say....
"Steep trees, afternoon bumped out groomers, big tables, lunch and then back out there, powder stashes and homeruns. If you ski resorts, occasionally take off work for powder days and ski like everyday is your last, then you'll probably like the MSP. Matt designed and redesigned this ski around the resort lifestyle and the race for freshies. Dual turn radius, wide and stable shapes make this your ski, open to close, day in and day out".
4FRNT TNK
The 4Frnt TNK ski is awesome in the park and that's exactly what it was designed for. A short turn radius and a relatively thin waist means that it’s quick from edge to edge and can carve up and down the pipe like nothing else.
It’s got heaps of pop to it, but also a soft tip and tail which allows nose and tail press galore.
It’s a nice and light ski so you can really throw it around when you need to.
Who wants the 4Frnt TNK Ski?
Park skiers of all abilities will love this ski and it’s also a good one for just cruising around the piste. Not bad for all mountain stuff, but just a bit thin for powder.
Ski Stats
Cost: $700 (approx. £415) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
135 111 73 101 10 1.0
145 111 74 99 13 1.2
155 99 76 96 23 1.4
165 106 82 102 23 1.6
175 112 86 108 23 1.8
180 115 89 111 23 2.0
What 4Frnt Say....
"The TNK is our competition park and pipe ski. Niklas revisited his 3-year standing signature model with an improved core profile to accommodate the biggest of parks. Beyond the core, Niklas also incorporated a Die Cut sintered race base for blasting the pipe. The shape is nearly symmetrical by design thus providing the easiest switch riding ever. Worry not on swing weight, this ski has LITEblock core technology to keep you spinning like a top."
4FRNT MADONNA
The 4Frnt Madonna is a forgiving ski that's made for girls. It’s a bit softer than the other 4Frnt skis, but still performs well when pushed.
It’s got about 90 underfoot so it floats on top of most crud that you'll find on the mountain, but struggles a bit when it gets deep and light.
It’s got a great edge hold and is really easy to manoeuvre and has got good spring for getting into the air.
Who's the 4Frnt Madonna Ski for?
Girls! But we definitely don't mean that in a bad way. It's just a great ski for park and all mountain vixenation....
Ski Stats
Cost: $450 (approx. £270) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
155 117 90 107 16 1.7
165 121 90 111 19 1.8
175 125 90 115 21 2.0
What 4Frnt Say....
"You rip! You need skis that support the performance it takes when showing up all your male ski buddies. The Madonna is your saving grace. She comes stacked threes sizes deep so like all fashionable possessions, we got just the right size for you. Each length has been designed with a similar, versatile cut to dominate the whole mountain. Pink Rock graphics, a wood core and sandwich construction will ensure this girl is the life of the party".
4FRNT CLICK!
The 4Frnt Click! ski is aimed at slightly less of a hardcore user than the above models and is a great tool for learning. It's good for medium sized and slow turns and it’s so easy to manoeuvre as its light and quite soft. It'll handle some harder skiing to though because it doesn't flop when you start going a little faster and turning a little harder. It also seems to stay quite stable on the takeoff/landing so great for learning to lift off.
Who wants the 4Frnt Click Ski?
This is a great all round ski for progressing on and it will take you all over the mountain quite happily. Good for beginners, but will also accommodate those who learn just a little alarmingly quickly.
Ski Stats
Cost: $450 (approx. £270) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
167 106 78 98 22 1.5
177 112 82 104 22 1.8
183 116 84 108 22 2.0
What 4Frnt Say....
"When titling this ski, an exclamation point was the thesis of our discussion. The team has welcomed our newest ski to the Identity Series nest with open arms. Loud and proud, the Click! has a 3-piece quiver ready to run for the hills on any given day. All day, cruisers to the park, the Click! has no limits. A mid-sized waist with a 22M turn radius all the same over 3 lengths, there's enough fun here for the whole family"
4FRNT PIQUE
The 4Frnt Pique ski is as close to an out and out piste ski as 4Frnt make. It does the job excellently!
If you want to carve and get out on those hard pack days ,and get lots of edge grip, then these skis are for you.They're good for those short turns, but can also be pointed and relied on at high speed. Zippy!
Who wants the 4Frnt Pique Ski?
Piste cruisers and hard pack speed demons. Good for intermediate to advanced skiers and those who really like their turns to look nice.
Ski Stats
Cost: $450 (approx. £270) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
160 117 78 101 15 1.6
168 117 78 101 17 1.7
176 117 78 101 19 2.0
183 117 78 101 22 2.0
What 4Frnt Say....
"The Pique's performance is supported through our TINTAN technology with a race-laminate construction and cut with a forgiving freeride shape. The Pique model is a series that reflects a 78 waist across four lengths with a turn radius historically quicker than any other adult 4FRNT skis on the market. If you like dynamic skis with a crisp turn, these gems are your ticket. But be aware, with our die cut ISO sintered race base, they'll be faster than you think".
4FRNT GROM
The 4Frnt Grom skis are really great for mini sliders of all levels. They are incredibly light and forgiving and can easily be thrown around by the smallest of grommets. They've got a good edge hold on hard stuff and stay stable on the crud so they are great for inspiring confidence. They also look really cool!
Who want the 4Frnt Grom Ski?
Kids, kids, kids. These skis are good for kids and will see them ripping harder and faster than the adults in no time.
Ski Stats
Cost: $250 (approx. £150) skis only
Length Tip (mm) Waist (mm) Tail (mm) Turn Radius (m) Weight (kg)
117 102 72 92 9 0.8
127 102 72 92 11 1.0
137 102 72 92 13 1.1
147 102 72 92 15 1.3
What 4Frnt Say....
"A junior shred tool designed and shaped to accommodate the youngest and most inexperienced skiers in the world. We realize first impressions are everything and we know the GROM model is here to please. This model has a lightweight cap construction to support the intro level ripper. But don't worry, these rip sticks provide all the charm as our adult models."