REASONS TO BUY
Relatively stable
Decent edge hold
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn’t float well in powder
Lacks accustomed playfulness
Icelantic Pioneer X Review
A middle-of-the-road ski that misses the mark in powder and isn't very manageable for intermediate skiers
The Pioneer X handles choppy conditions well enough, but generally this ski isn't anything to write home about.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
By Renee McCormack ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 31, 2024
Our Verdict
The Icelantic Pioneer X surprised our testers by not following the general pattern of Icelantics they skied previously. Previous skis we tested stood out for their playfulness and maneuverability, whereas the Pioneer X has done an about-face. Instead, it prioritizes strength and speed over flexibility and forgiveness. Thanks to a fairly beefy flex pattern, this ski holds an edge well and maintains stability, even when pushed at high speeds. But these capabilities come at the expense of any pizzazz, and our testers don't think it's a worthy exchange. It isn't impressive enough on-piste as a carving ski to make up for the lack of playfulness, nor does it perform well in powder. Additionally, this powerful ski isn't very accessible to more intermediate skiers – we suggest looking at some of the other women's skis in our review.
Editor's Note: We tested the Pioneer X as an in-line model through the 2023-2024 season.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Updates for 2024-2025
After we tested the Pioneer X as an in-line ski during the 2023-2024 season (left), Icelantic released a slightly updated version dubbed the Pioneer 96 X for the 2024-2025 season (right). There is a new “Clear True Grit Artwork Topsheet” that incorporates the core materials into the topsheet design. More of note, they moved from an DuraSurf 4001 to an ISOSPEED 7200, though it's worth pointing out that both are still sintered bases. Otherwise, the dimensions and core of the two skis are identical. Since the newest model is functionally the same as the ski we tested for this review, we may link to the newest version based on availability.
The Icelantic Pioneer X doesn't stand out from the bunch in any notable way. We were surprised by such a dramatic departure from the previous Icelantic skis we tested, like the playful and well-loved Icelantic Riveter 95. Ultimately, the Pioneer X proved middling in all of our testing metrics.
The Pioneer X is decent on piste, but really struggles in powder, despite its wide shovel.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Stability at Speed
We were pleasantly surprised by the strength of the Pioneer X, namely because the Icelantics we have tested in seasons past were never very stiff or particularly stable. As a break from the norm, the Pioneer X offers decent edge hold and feels relatively steady at higher speeds. Despite the oddly shaped shovel 'wings' – which gave us the impression of a fledgling bird about to leave the nest for the first time – the tips don't flap around at speed. However, our lead tester also commented, “They felt a bit shorter than their length would suggest, and it was difficult to direct pressure to the front of the ski because it felt like there wasn't enough of it.”
This ski handles speed well, but it cannot adjust to make a slow, skidded turn very easily.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Carving Ability
The Pioneer X certainly prefers carving over skidding or smearing turns. Our testers noted that when they turned down the speed to make slower, more intermediate-style turns, the Pioneer X didn't want to cooperate. This harder-charging ski seems to appreciate higher edge angles and more velocity, and its turns feel even tighter than the printed 17-meter radius. Although we did notice a difference in our carves depending on the freshness of the ski's tune – once edges soften, the 17 m radius is much more believable.
This ski definitely prefers to set an edge and rip through a carve rather than smear.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Powder Performance
Despite the rockered profile in the tip and tail, the Pioneer X does not consistently stay afloat in powder. The shovel is unusually shaped, and the beechwood core is heavier than some of the otherwise comparable skis we tested. The result is a ski that simply flounders in anything deeper than six inches of fresh snow. One tester commented that skiing powder was like linking together a series of saves – one ski would sink, and in an attempt to recover her balance, her tips would cross, and then she was really in a pickle.
We were disappointed by the powder performance of this ski. Best to keep it primarily on-piste.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Crud Performance
The Pioneer X is damp enough to smooth out mildly chunky snow conditions, but it won't make true harbor chop feel like smooth sailing. As opposed to skiing powder – where the relatively narrow tip was more of a hindrance – the funky shape of the shovel seems actually to help this ski's performance in crud. This ski narrows from the widest point of the shovel toward the tip, which helps the Pioneer X from deflecting as often in chunky snow.
Reining in the Pioneer X is sometimes difficult even for advanced-level skiers.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Terrain Playfulness
Our testers figure that the Pioneer X is about as much fun as the Oregon Trail for the pioneers of old. A means to an end, but not necessarily enjoyable en route. They are nostalgic for the pizzazz of Icelantics we've tested previously. The Pioneer X doesn't have much rebound, nor is it very nimble – ultimately, this ski isn't very fun on anything off-piste.
Bumps
Somehow, this ski's refusal to skid doesn't undermine its ability to ski bumps. The Pioneer X smeared its way smoothly through moguls and wiggled its way down springtime slush wiggles with tenacity. Like classically shaped freestyle skis, the upturned, narrow tip helps it aim for that next sweet spot. Even though it moved through them well enough, a lack of energy doesn't make skiing bumps with the Pioneer X all that fun.
The Pioneer X doesn't make quick turns easily, nor does it seem to like getting airborne.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Should You Buy the Icelantic Pioneer X?
Unfortunately, we can't really suggest the Pioneer X as the perfect ski for anyone in particular. If you love deep powder days or popping off small features, definitely look elsewhere. If you're a strong skier on groomed runs and enjoy carving, it's not a bad choice. Yet, there are much better skis for carving that also perform well in other regards.
What Other Skis Should You Consider?
For a truly well-rounded all-mountain ski, look to the Blizzard Black Pearl 94. If you love laying down deep trenches and hauling down groomers, consider the incredibly stable Volkl Secret 96. Are you new to skiing and want a ski that will be kind to you as you learn? The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is not only approachable for new skiers, it's also a great deal. And if you're a powderhound, look into the similarly affordable Elan Ripstick 94 W.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Icelantic Pioneer X versus top competing products:
—Renee McCormack
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