The modern ski "system" -- a seamlessly engineered blend of boot, binding, and ski -- gives downhillers the subtle touch of thin-soled boots and the stable comfort of lifter plates. Bindings glide along rails on the ski's top skin, allowing the ski to flex and hug every contour; polyurethane and rubber inserts absorb vibration, making every turn feel smooth at high speeds. Experts and beginners alike will appreciate the improved performance, as we did while testing more than 100 new models last season in Vermont, Colorado, and Utah. Afterward we narrowed our preseason favorites to these four. --Paul Hochman

CARVING
ATOMIC Izor 9:7
By injecting nanoscopic silicon oxide crystals into the Izor's carbon fiber layer, Atomic eliminates bulky structural elements such as the core and sandwich layers. The entire package is topped with the 4tix binding system, custom-engineered to meld with the ski's low profile. Dimensions: 116/72/102 mm. [$895; atomicsnow.com]

BEST ALL-AROUND
FISCHER RX9
Fischer "tuned" the RX9 to absorb vibrations that throw a ski off its edge by placing a fine metal grid beneath each top skin. FX12 Railflex2 bindings sit atop composite rails, which let the ski flex roundly. Designed for intermediates and experts who want to vary their turn shapes. Dimensions: 109/69/96 mm. [$1,095; fischerskis.com]

HIGH-SPEED CRUISING
NORDICA SpeedMachine Mach 3
Press down midturn to send energy through this Nordica system, in which X-shape metal "arms" extend from tip to tail and from the ski's top skin to the center of its superstructure. For experts only, it's the year's best option for high speeds on groomed snow. Dimensions: 119/72/104 mm. [$1,385; nordicausa.com]