Reading other reviews here, there's nothing I would argue with. This is just to fill in some gaps for the PNW, "wet coast" skiers: (Height 6'1", weight 180lbs, Trab Magico 2, 178 cm, Trab skins, bindings; Trab Vario2, boots; Dynafit Ridge Pro, Salomon Mtn. Lab)
These have been in the quiver for coming up on a year now, riding on thin fall cover through the lift season at Baker and now into spring tour season. These are my lightest boards in a 7-set quiver and are the 2nd shortest. That said, they easily have the longest effective edge.
If you're used to a wider, heavily rockered "typical" PNW ski, these may feel like chopsticks under foot. For me they were quite catchy until I heavily detuned tip and tail edges to match the effective edge length on my longest rockered ski. (The tune on these was phenomenal out of the box, making a couple of the techs drool, but the razor sharp edge on my pair was full length)
They came alive after detune and were manageable in most PNW conditions, and fun in anything remotely light or when ski penetration was under 4-5 inches. Lift served hardback was a blast with 30-40 mph carving/ cruising. My best ski on ice and 3rd best in moguls. I've been sorely tempted to mount these with Shifts for next season (sorry skimo folks, but that would make them even more fun on piste).
On a "full conditions" BC tour I had the choice of skiing an icy chute or a mank bowl next door. Normally I'd be on wide rockered skis and choose the bowl. With the Magicos, the ice was preferable.
Now that we're getting some spring snow-pack consolidation and baby suncups, these are my go-tos. Just so fun. Hike long, ski steep. Beware though, no switch/ no falling leaf! Those tails will dive.
Cheers, Pat
Ski Trab Magico.2 Ski
When Golden State signed Kevin Durant in 2016, dub nation wondered if another superstar was what the team really needed. Many fans worried that management was trying to fix something that wasn’t broken, but in the end, this gamble would pay-off big time. The Warriors went on to win the NBA title back-to-back in 2017 and 2018, proving that the adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ isn’t without exception. Much like the Golden State fans who worried about the KD trade, we may have doubted Ski Trab’s decision to rework the original Magico (but only for the briefest of moments). Luckily, the Magico.2's are everything the original Magico's were, only better in every way. Ski Trab's insanely durable 14-layer Aramid construction remains the bedrock of the ski. The shape and profile have been updated to enhance the skiability without compromising any performance. Ski Trab added some rocker, widened and lengthened the tips (the ski measures ~2cm longer in the 171cm length), and altered the flex of the ski so turn-initiation is easier and the back half of each turn is rock solid. This updated flex pattern allows you to carve the wind buff at the top of the couloir, nimbly hop turn through the steep choke, and then float through the pow fields at the bottom without compromise. With a waist measuring somewhere in the mid-80mm range (depending on the length you buy), the Ski Trab Magico.2 is a magic(o) all-mountain ski, and is ready for almost any type of snow (like we said in the original Magico listing, show us someone who can ski breakable crust *well*. We're waiting).
- NoShock, a semi-soft barrier sitting between the edge and the core and which covers the tip and tail entirely, absorbs vibrations and provides stability.
- The sidecut and flex pattern of the Magico 2 were built in tandem with one another, and work together to help the ski feel stable and damp.
- With 10% flex underfoot and 20-30% flex in the tip and tail, you get the playfulness you want alongside the stable platform you need.
- HiConnect is an internal carbon bridge that spans the guts of the ski from edge to edge, ensuring torsional rigidity.
- Polymer inserts run lengthwise along the tip and tail, dampening vibrations and protecting the core of the ski.
- DuoTail splits the tail down the middle, providing extra sensitivity as you finish a turn without hooking.
- Sorry for the basketball reference, we do try to spice things up occasionally.
- Aramid honeycomb in the core provides an optimal strength-to-weight ratio.
- Ski Trab offers a 3-year warranty on this ski, which is made in Bormio, Italy.
Update 2021/22: Trab updated the graphics for the new season; construction remains the same.
Update 2023/24: Same beloved ski with a new paint job.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 157cm, 164cm, 171cm, 178cm |
|
Weight |
990g [157] 1020g [164] 1055g [171] 1105g [178] |
| Weight (pair) | 1980g [157] 2040g [164] 2110g [171] 2210g [178] |
|
|
118-88-104 [157] 118-88-104 [164] 118-85-104 [171] 118-85-104 [178] |
|
Turn |
19.5m [157] 21.1m [164] 21.1m [171] 23.2m [178] |
|
Skin |
Attivo clips |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Control Progressive Flex; contact points moved out for longer tip/tail |
|
|
Control radius technology; moved widest point of tip forward |
|
|
14-layer Attivo process w/ HiBox carbon cage |
|
|
Aramid honeycomb |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Mountaineering, speed touring in all conditions |
| Notes | New shape and profile will make for even easier turn initiation |
| Bottom Line | The Champion |
| Compare to other Low-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
6/5/2025
Pat
(used product regularly)
6/14/2025
Hey Pat,
That's an interesting take on 'effective' edge. I may have to try that.
You are not alone with the idea to mount a freeride touring binding on a Trab aramid-core ski. One of the owners of SkiTrab has the beefy SkiTrab TR1 binding on a Maestro.2 ski. To him that's the best of both worlds. You may consider that combo.
Cheers,
Brian
That's an interesting take on 'effective' edge. I may have to try that.
You are not alone with the idea to mount a freeride touring binding on a Trab aramid-core ski. One of the owners of SkiTrab has the beefy SkiTrab TR1 binding on a Maestro.2 ski. To him that's the best of both worlds. You may consider that combo.
Cheers,
Brian
Comment on this review:
2/25/2025
Deciding between these in a 171 and the Fischer Transalp 86 CTi Pro in 169. I ski the whites in New Hampshire and love an early morning resort lap before going into work. I will run into ice more often than I prefer out here on the east coast, so I'm looking for the ski that would perform better when those conditions arise.
Thanks!
Thanks!
2/25/2025
Hi Zac!
Both are good options for what you are up to. That said, we gave the champion nod to the Trabs for a reason, and such reasons certainly apply to a.m. fitness laps in icy conditions. The Magico, backed by a stiffer profile and longer turning radius, provides excellent edge security. I don't think you'd find this ski struggling to bite into firm/icy snow. When the conditions become more favorable, you'll find this ski excels on long, fast turns. Which, of course, can be quite joyful on groomers when in good shape. That's not to say the Fischer can't do the same, but the Magico does it at ~200g less. Could be a sweet ski for you!
Both are good options for what you are up to. That said, we gave the champion nod to the Trabs for a reason, and such reasons certainly apply to a.m. fitness laps in icy conditions. The Magico, backed by a stiffer profile and longer turning radius, provides excellent edge security. I don't think you'd find this ski struggling to bite into firm/icy snow. When the conditions become more favorable, you'll find this ski excels on long, fast turns. Which, of course, can be quite joyful on groomers when in good shape. That's not to say the Fischer can't do the same, but the Magico does it at ~200g less. Could be a sweet ski for you!
Answer this question:
2/4/2025
what size would be the best for me? I would like to use the Ski Trab Magico as a fitness ski, in addition to backcountry skiing in all conditions. I’m 5’6 140lbs.
2/5/2025
Hi, you could go with the 157 or 164. The 157 would lose a bit of stability at speed and float, but much easier to manage for touring - easier to kick turn, jump turn, and easier to ski in tight trees and poor conditions. The 164 would be a bit more stable at speed and float better. Might come down to how stiff of a boot you're on - a more downhill-oriented boot will drive a longer ski better, if you have a light boot the shorter length might be better. Feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can go more in-depth!
Answer this question:
6/18/2024
Wondering what size to choose, been thinking 171 but could size down potentially? 5'6'', 160lb, want to use it for fitness, and hut to hut traverses mainly, with a few NW volcanoes sprinkled in. Could be carrying up to 30 lbs on my back, depending.
6/18/2024
Hi Lauren,
Most of us here, in the 5'10-6' range, 150-180lbs, ski the 171cm Magico.2s. My powder skis are 177-180cm, and I size my Trabs at 171cm. I think you could ski either the 171cm or the 164cm - the 164 would be lighter, more maneuverable in tight places and easier to jump turn/kick turn in very steep terrain. The 171cm could be driven a little harder and would float better in powder, for more moderate terrain where you want to open it up and ski fast. I would choose based on whether your priority is stability at speed and float/downhill performance (171cm), or maneuverability and light weight for fitness and mountaineering (164cm).
Most of us here, in the 5'10-6' range, 150-180lbs, ski the 171cm Magico.2s. My powder skis are 177-180cm, and I size my Trabs at 171cm. I think you could ski either the 171cm or the 164cm - the 164 would be lighter, more maneuverable in tight places and easier to jump turn/kick turn in very steep terrain. The 171cm could be driven a little harder and would float better in powder, for more moderate terrain where you want to open it up and ski fast. I would choose based on whether your priority is stability at speed and float/downhill performance (171cm), or maneuverability and light weight for fitness and mountaineering (164cm).
Answer this question:
9/26/2023
Hi, I am considering these skis for spring mountaineering. They sound perfect except I am used to a ski that turns quickly. My favorite ski for mountaineering was the black diamond havoc (except that it didn't have a flat tail). I am concerned that some info said it likes speed for turning. I don't usually go fast when skiing down couloirs in the spring. Do you think this ski would work for me?
9/26/2023
Hi Kim, The Magico does have a larger turning radius which combined with a stiffer flex will give it an appetite for speed when you're carving turns. However, in steep terrain where you're jump turning and skidding, the Trab's stiffness and supportive tail is going to make it very precise and controllable for a skier with good technique. If you want a really precise and solid ski for steep mountain terrain, it's hard to beat the Magico. However, if you want something that will be quicker to turn and a little more friendly on the lower angle stuff below the couloir, skis like the Salomon MTN 86 or Movement Alp Tracks 85 might be a better way to go.
Answer this question:
I love these skis. They do well enough in powder (Powderkeg 2023), are very light and are an amazing spring Couloir ski. Having said all that, the durability for how light this ski is may be even more impressive.
Comment on this review:
I am writing this review just based on a demo. As a mediocre skier, these are not the best fit. If you are an expert who is confident in your abilities to maneuver high-performance skis in all terrain, you will love these skis. If you are someone who is not super confident in your abilities and tend to steer from the backseat at times, these are not the best option. Having skied many of the options in this category, the construction and ride quality of these skis is substantially better than the competition, they are much more stable at speed than others in their weight class. The issue for me is that they demand a forward stance and good technique, and if you aren't on the front of your boots it can be difficult to release the tails.
Comment on this review:
10/25/2022
Thanks a lot, Jeff!
How this Magico compare with the Atomic Backland 85 UL?
How this Magico compare with the Atomic Backland 85 UL?
10/25/2022
Jesus, both good skis, different price points. Ski Trabs 14 Layer construction isn't your typically advertising point. They use more components, High Tech materials and Old World Craftsmanship, that yields a truly superior ski. An incredibly damp and high performance ski at a very lightweight.
The UL 85 is very light for its price, but won't match the ski performance in the full range of conditions a a Ski Trab ski.
The UL 85 is very light for its price, but won't match the ski performance in the full range of conditions a a Ski Trab ski.
Answer this question:
10/23/2022
Hi,
I,m 177cm and 74 kg. I have the Scarpa Alien 1.1, and looking for some light skis to pair with. I intend to do some couloirs and every year I take part in two or tree skimo races. I don’t want a pure skimp race ski. I’m thinking in something more polyvalent. Movement Race Pro 85, Ski Trab Maestro, Magico…. Which one do you recommend and what size? (Couloirs, steep tight terrain…)
Thanks in advance for your help!
I,m 177cm and 74 kg. I have the Scarpa Alien 1.1, and looking for some light skis to pair with. I intend to do some couloirs and every year I take part in two or tree skimo races. I don’t want a pure skimp race ski. I’m thinking in something more polyvalent. Movement Race Pro 85, Ski Trab Maestro, Magico…. Which one do you recommend and what size? (Couloirs, steep tight terrain…)
Thanks in advance for your help!
10/24/2022
Jesus, The Ski Trabs are a favorite here, I ski the Magico.2. All three would fit what you want to do. Personally, I would favor the Magico for Spring and Couloir skiing, the extra width is great for changing and a wider variety of snow.
The Race Pro 85 and the Maestro, are better choices with racing in mind. Would suggest the 171cm length in either of the Ski Trab models
The Race Pro 85 and the Maestro, are better choices with racing in mind. Would suggest the 171cm length in either of the Ski Trab models
Answer this question:
6/4/2022
A couple of related questions. I’m 185lb and a solid “older” skier. I am assuming that I should be looking at the 178cm length. If this is correct, do you know when more will be coming in? If I get my skis and bindings from you, can you mount them for a size 28.0 Scarpa F1 LT and then ship them to me?
6/6/2022
Hello David, For what you have told me, Yes, the 178cm would be best. Only if you would be doing a lot of 'tight' ski mountaineering would you consider going shorter.
New inventory will be in the Fall, probably October.
The Titan Vario.2 binding would be The choice for this ski. As long as your binding choice has a BSL adjustment plate, we can mount your F1 LT here.
New inventory will be in the Fall, probably October.
The Titan Vario.2 binding would be The choice for this ski. As long as your binding choice has a BSL adjustment plate, we can mount your F1 LT here.
Answer this question:
3/17/2022
Hi there! How would you compare magico.2 with atomic backland ul 85? I'm really uncertain between those, mainly for the descent performance.. I'm a light skier with an intermediate level, thanks!!
3/18/2022
Thanks for reaching out, Francesco. The Magico.2 with its longer radius will be more at home making longer/faster turns whereas the Atomic, with its smaller radius, will have a more nimble feeling. Additionally, the Magico.2, with its 14 layer construction, will have more dampening compared to the Atomic. Overall, both are great skis and would serve you well!
Answer this question:
3/8/2022
Taco
(downright abused product)
I've now clocked 250 miles on my magico.2s. Can't fault it and always grinning. Safe to say I wouldn't change from Trab even if it came with a sponsorship deal. 'Nuff said.
Comment on this review:
What else to say other than phenomenal! They keep all the stability and confidence of the first version. Incredibly light and versatile. If I had to have one ski only this would be it, however it should also be noted that it doesn't just do all things well, it excels at steep and technical mountaineering and long distance tours where ski ability is required.
For anything touring I do where it is more than 2 hours and has real skiing these are my skis.
For tours less than 2 hours where going fast doesn't matter I do use wider planks and for tours where it is mostly across(say a traverse or circumnavigation) and no real skiing is needed the Maestro is slightly better.
Summary, buy them. 5 Stars
For anything touring I do where it is more than 2 hours and has real skiing these are my skis.
For tours less than 2 hours where going fast doesn't matter I do use wider planks and for tours where it is mostly across(say a traverse or circumnavigation) and no real skiing is needed the Maestro is slightly better.
Summary, buy them. 5 Stars
Comment on this review:
1/7/2022
buenas, veo en las caracteristicas tecnicas que en 157 y 164 el patin es de 88 mm y en la pagina oficial marca 85, ¿me podeis confirmar cual es el dato certero? imagino que la oficial esta bien y es un error de transcripción. gracias
1/7/2022
Hello Antonio,
The waist width information on our site is correct. Ski Trab changes the width underfoot to maintain a similar turning radius across sizes without adding weight by increasing the width in the tip or tail.
The waist width information on our site is correct. Ski Trab changes the width underfoot to maintain a similar turning radius across sizes without adding weight by increasing the width in the tip or tail.
Answer this question:
7/21/2021
good day!
if and when do you expect to stock the new ski trab magico 2?
and is it possible to pay and reserve a pair?
have a great day!
if and when do you expect to stock the new ski trab magico 2?
and is it possible to pay and reserve a pair?
have a great day!
7/21/2021
Hey Jonah, thanks for the question. We do intend on getting more Magicos in this fall but feel free to email us at help@skimo.co and we can get you set up!
Answer this question:
I've now had the skis for 5 weeks and put 66,855' on them (but whose counting). I absolutely love them. This is my first lightweight touring ski and I notice a huge difference immediately. I am driving them with the Fischer Travers Carbon boot and I feel better on this ski in any condition so far than my only other touring set up which is the BD Helio 105. These skis are stable despite their lightweight and ski powder like a dream, which I was not expecting. These skis are not for a beginner. They demand proper ski technique. They excel on steeps and want you to ski them fast.
I plan to come update the review once I have some more time on them. Looking forward to corn season!
I plan to come update the review once I have some more time on them. Looking forward to corn season!
Comment on this review:
I get the hype with these. They're the best skis I used in the mid-80 underfoot range. They can seemingly handle anything from crud to powder, which is impressive given their weight. Skiing these with a TLT8 or similar weight boot seems to be about perfect. After a couple dozen days on them they feel great and are holding up well. Excited to see how these spring ski on our local volcanoes.
Comment on this review:
2/2/2021
I've been looking at this ski in the 171 length for awhile now, but waiting to pull the trigger until I get my annual bonus (Less than a week now!). I see you are sold on of the pre-cut skins in 171. Are you able to order me a set? Is there something similar you would recommend? Thanks.
2/2/2021
Hi Aidan, we have a few pair en route from Italy. Give us a ring to pre-order, 801-942-9084.
Answer this question:
1/24/2021
Hey guys, I have a question about mounting Trab skis.
I have some Trab Misticos, which you guys mounted for me with quiver killers and Salomon MTN bindings.
I am thinking of replacing the heel (only) of the MTN bindings with the Hagan Core Pro. I like the MTNs but I like the Hagans 100 times more.
Hole-center width*length will be going from 27 * 58 to to 45 * 60.
This will leave about 3 mm between the edges of the holes.
My question is, am I going to create structural problems in the ski with this 3 mm clearance? (I have an ATK jig, so the holes will be in the right place!).
I have some Trab Misticos, which you guys mounted for me with quiver killers and Salomon MTN bindings.
I am thinking of replacing the heel (only) of the MTN bindings with the Hagan Core Pro. I like the MTNs but I like the Hagans 100 times more.
Hole-center width*length will be going from 27 * 58 to to 45 * 60.
This will leave about 3 mm between the edges of the holes.
My question is, am I going to create structural problems in the ski with this 3 mm clearance? (I have an ATK jig, so the holes will be in the right place!).
1/26/2021
Thanks for your question, Eric. We recommend having at least 1cm between center to center of the holes, especially with Ski Trab skis in the heel area.
1/26/2021
Thanks. I can probalby move the binding forward that much (or back) since there is 25 mm of adjustment.
Answer this question:
This is a very special ski, made by craftsmen. Used it with overnight pack weight in 10" of new snow, and with it's matched skins it got around great. Nimble steady platform. Skied it on piste it carves, while narrow light and small (for my size, skiing the 178s). It handles extremely well on most snow conditions, especially at mid- to high-speed and shorter turns. It and a pair of Stevios from Trab a decade old remain my best skis. Matched them with Hagan Core 10s. Nice to have a light, full-featured break for in/out, but this ski is primarily out of bounds star material. I'd take them anywhere from the Midi where you don't want to fall or lose a ski, to SLC when it gets deep and surfy. if I knew how to ski Sierra boilerplate they would probably do well there too, and only chatter when you really crank up the speed. Like most Trabs they hold an edge well. Friends who can't see south of 90 wide may not see the point, but I love these for an all around ski anything ski and will do so for a decade to come because they are so well made (the Stevios are still going strong).
Comment on this review:
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