Could the Volkl 100eight be the perfect West Coast one ski quiver?
Volk brought out the 100eight as a replacement for the much loved Gotama for the 2016 season. Designed to be 70% off piste but how does it fair as an all mountain one ski quiver?
Volk brought out the 100eight as a replacement for the much loved Gotama for the 2016 season. Designed to be 70% off piste but how does it fair as an all mountain one ski quiver?
My ski statistics
5ft 9"/175cm tall, 11 stone/70kg, Advanced skier that skis all over the hill with a preference for deep snow and powder.
Having skied the Volkl 100eight (Buy here) for 30+ days in varied conditions and terrain this review will be as unbiased as possible. Hard to do given how brilliant they are!
Pictures and videos are from Revelstoke BC.
The skis
The ski is 141-108-124 and comes in a 171, 181 and 189 length. They are a full rocker all mountain freeride ski. Volkl have utilised an early taper, full sidewall and a flat tail design. Probably not best suited to those of a park or half pipe persuasion. They are a multi wood ski with ash underfoot. Internally they have a carbon stringer (that can be partially viewed on the top sheet) and P-Tex 2100 bases. The 3d ridge construction means that they are very light so they could be a great option for a backcountry touring ski. I mounted them with Salomon Sth12 driver bindings from previous skis.
This is a review of the 181 length ski.
5ft 9"/175cm tall, 11 stone/70kg, Advanced skier that skis all over the hill with a preference for deep snow and powder.
Having skied the Volkl 100eight (Buy here) for 30+ days in varied conditions and terrain this review will be as unbiased as possible. Hard to do given how brilliant they are!
Pictures and videos are from Revelstoke BC.
The skis
The ski is 141-108-124 and comes in a 171, 181 and 189 length. They are a full rocker all mountain freeride ski. Volkl have utilised an early taper, full sidewall and a flat tail design. Probably not best suited to those of a park or half pipe persuasion. They are a multi wood ski with ash underfoot. Internally they have a carbon stringer (that can be partially viewed on the top sheet) and P-Tex 2100 bases. The 3d ridge construction means that they are very light so they could be a great option for a backcountry touring ski. I mounted them with Salomon Sth12 driver bindings from previous skis.
This is a review of the 181 length ski.
Deep Snow
Soft snow is where the Volkl 100eight feel most at home. I took them heliskiing where the snow was waist deep at times and felt that they had more than enough float. At 108 underfoot they are a mid fat ski that feels solid and stable at high speeds.
They are a playful ski that likes to go fast, feeling snappy due to the poplar and fibreglass construction. It smashes through crud and Wind blown snow comfortably.
Soft snow is where the Volkl 100eight feel most at home. I took them heliskiing where the snow was waist deep at times and felt that they had more than enough float. At 108 underfoot they are a mid fat ski that feels solid and stable at high speeds.
They are a playful ski that likes to go fast, feeling snappy due to the poplar and fibreglass construction. It smashes through crud and Wind blown snow comfortably.
Groomers
Perhaps the most surprising thing, given how big and burly the 100eight is, is just how well it skis on piste. The sidecut and rocker give brilliant edge control. The more edge you give them, the better they are. Incredibly confidence inspiring.
Although I prefer to ski in deep snow and trees I don't want a ski that is lost when returning to the groomers, the 100eight won't be that ski. They charge.
Perhaps the most surprising thing, given how big and burly the 100eight is, is just how well it skis on piste. The sidecut and rocker give brilliant edge control. The more edge you give them, the better they are. Incredibly confidence inspiring.
Although I prefer to ski in deep snow and trees I don't want a ski that is lost when returning to the groomers, the 100eight won't be that ski. They charge.
Slush
Just brilliant fun! In slush they surf and glide. I've never skied any planks that come close to these on slushy snow.
Hard Pack/IceOn hard pack the 100eight's hold an edge well for such a wide ski but they would not be my choice for skiing those conditions often. They ski well but it is not their forte, they are much more at home on soft snow.
Hardpack/Ice
On ice, you will get down the hill, but out of necessity rather than for enjoyment! On icy cat tracks they can become quite chattery and squirrelly. I don't think I will be skiing them often when in Scotland unless there is fresh snow.
Trees
They have a mid range turning circle at 22m. This means that they are an in between size for the trees, on paper at least. I really enjoy skiing these in the trees, they are nimble and, as long as you ski aggressively, pretty forgiving. Best to avoid the tress if you are feeling tired. They are so light that they swing easily and manoeuvre easily.
Just brilliant fun! In slush they surf and glide. I've never skied any planks that come close to these on slushy snow.
Hard Pack/IceOn hard pack the 100eight's hold an edge well for such a wide ski but they would not be my choice for skiing those conditions often. They ski well but it is not their forte, they are much more at home on soft snow.
Hardpack/Ice
On ice, you will get down the hill, but out of necessity rather than for enjoyment! On icy cat tracks they can become quite chattery and squirrelly. I don't think I will be skiing them often when in Scotland unless there is fresh snow.
Trees
They have a mid range turning circle at 22m. This means that they are an in between size for the trees, on paper at least. I really enjoy skiing these in the trees, they are nimble and, as long as you ski aggressively, pretty forgiving. Best to avoid the tress if you are feeling tired. They are so light that they swing easily and manoeuvre easily.
Volkl 100eight overall
If you ski the West Coast these could be your perfect do it all one ski quiver. Hard charging and fun, they smash through anything put in front of them. If a ski's quality was measured in the amount of smiles they put on your face, then these would be high on the smile-o-meter. Fantastic skis.
If you ski the West Coast these could be your perfect do it all one ski quiver. Hard charging and fun, they smash through anything put in front of them. If a ski's quality was measured in the amount of smiles they put on your face, then these would be high on the smile-o-meter. Fantastic skis.
