New 2016 Volkl skis for sale now! Ready to ship, ready to be skied!
Volkl always seems to be ahead of the pack when it comes to new innovations in the ski industry, and what they are rolling out for 2016 is certainly no exception. One key theme you will start to notice in most of the 2016 Volkl skis line this year is the utilization of their 3D Ridge that started in the V-Werks Katana, and has been showing up on more models each and every year. Five or six years ago, companies were all about refining their rocker stories and now it seems companies are focused on cutting as much weight as possible. This is where the 3D Ridge technology really steps up the game. This mold also reduces the inertia around the center of the ski to a minimum and significantly enhances agility. The 3D Ridge that was used on the V-Werks Katana and BMT lines in the past, is now seen on the 100Eight, 90Eight, and the higher end RTM skis.
As you can see, the RTM line for 2016 has received a complete overhaul in just about every aspect. First and foremost, these skis are no longer reverse camber, which most people will be quite thankful for, especially the traditionalist rider. As previously mentioned, they also feature the 3D Ridge design which really helps cut weight on these often heafty and heavy carving skis. Possibly the coolest innovation I have seen in a while is the integrated binding system. I know your thinking, “integrated bindings, that’s nothing new.” Take a closer look at the image and you will see the term “integrated bindings” has new meaning.
The 2016 Volkl RTM line are the only skis where the track binding system is built into the core of the ski. This will drastically improve the weight and also power transmission from boot, to binding, to ski. The two highest end skis in the line, the RTM 86 UVO and RTM 84 UVO, both feature the Ultimate Vibration Object, or UVO. This is essentially a free floating 360 degree vibration absorbing tool which allows the engineers at Volkl to use lighter weight ski construction without sacrificing any performance. It is also worth noting that the V-Werks RTM from last year is no longer available in lieu of these high end RTM UVO models. Next down the line we have the RTM 81 and the RTM 78, meant for the more casual. recreational skier. These skis are powered by steel instead of Titanium and do not have the UVO piece, which will keep the cost down and ease of use high.
Some other major changes for this year are in the All Mountain line. For this category, everything over 100mm underfoot is now reverse camber and anything under will have camber combined with tip, and sometimes tail rocker. I am sorry to inform all of the lovers of the famed Volkl Gotama, it is no longer in the Volkl lineup — sort of. While the popular name of the Gotama will no longer be in circulation, there is still a ski that is pretty much the same, the all new 100Eight. You still get the reverse camber and 108mm footprint, but the 100Eight now offers a lighter package due to the 3D ridge technology mentioned earlier. We have had some employees test this ski and the feedback is that it feels almost identical to the previous year Gotama.
Next down the line is the 90Eight, which will essentially take over last years (reverse camber) Bridge. Now with camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and tail, you get a more versatile ski, and in my opinion, will do much better on hard snow than the bridge. Similarly for the women, the Kiku (women’s Gotama) has now become the 100Eight W. The new design of the Volkl Mantra and Aura last year were such a hit, all they updated here were the topsheet graphics. Next down the All Mountain line, the Men’s Kendo and Women’s Kenja have received major updates as well. The older models, while having tip rocker, were incredibly demanding and in my opinion not the most fun to ski all day long. Now, by blowing out the tip shape a little, adding a bit of width, and giving you tail rocker, the ski is now much more user friendly and playful. There are still two sheets of metal in these skis, so they are still meant for the expert riders. Just in case anyone was wondering, the only changes in the big mountain line are topsheet graphics. So, the One, Two, Three, and Shiro are structurally the same for 2016 as they were for 2015.
Now that you know what is in store for 2016, finish up 2015 with a bang, and give us a call to talk new skis!
Pictured above (left to right): Yumi, Kenja, Aura, 100Eight W
Pictured above (left to right): Mantra, Kendo, Kink
Pictured above (left to right): BMT 122, BMT 109, BMT 94, and V Werks Katana.
Pictured above (left to right): Volkl Three, Two, One, and Shiro.
Pictured above (left to right): Volkl Viola, Aurena, and Adora.
Have been demoing the 2015 Kenja. Really like it but sounds like the 2016 Kenja ski will have some updates that will even make it a better ski!
Hi-
Will the 2015/2016 Volkl Yumi ski come in 141 cm? Thanks
what is the difference between the volkl yumi 2015 and 2016 skis?
Hi Kristine,
There is no difference from the 2015 to 2016 version of the Volkl Yumi, other than topsheet graphics of course.
Thanks,
Zack
Hi Kristine,
Unfortunately the smallest size the Yumi will come in is 147cm. If you are looking for a similar waist width and need a shorter length, you may want to look at next year’s Mantra Jr in a 138cm! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Zack
Hi
Is there any change to the 2016 kink apart from graphics from the 2015 ski?
I was wondering what sizes the RTM 86 will be offered?
1. What is the BTM line? Cambered or rockered? FS or all-mountain?
2. In what lengths will the 90Eight be offered. Does it have metal?
Thanks!
I meant BMT, not BTM. Sorry for the typo.
Hi Adam, The Kink will be the same. It has a graphic change, but that’s it! -Katie
Hi Steven, The RTM 86 will be offered in 167, 172, 177, and 182cm. -Katie
Hi Jim,
1. The BMT stands for Big Mountain Touring. We have some of them in stock now (link). They are full carbon fiber skis intended for freeride alpine touring.
2. The 90Eight will be offered in 163, 170, 177, and 184cm. It does not have metal. It is kind of like the Mantra but no metal, and it has rocker tip and tail with camber underfoot. I’m really excited about this ski. I think people are going to be happy to have this option for a lightweight, versatile, 98mm waist ski. The benefits are similar to the carbon fiber skis but with a much lower price tag.
-Katie
Must say I’m quite disappointed without of the graphics. Pretty boring yet again.
when will the new kendo be available for sale?
Hi Mike!
The new Kendo will arrive at our shop on or around 8/15/15. We can take payment at anytime to reserve the ski for you, it will cost $699 for the flat ski. Please give us a call at 303-237-7547 with any questions.
Thanks,
Zack
bonjour
chez volkl quelle est la plus grande taille du modèle 100 eight ?
merci et bonne journée
Hi,
The largest size of the 100Eight for 2016 will be 189cm. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Zack
Will the chiara continue for 2016?
Hi Jodie, Yes the Chiara will be available in 2016. There are no changes except for graphics! -Katie
Hey! Awesome article. Wondering what the tip width on the 90Eight’s is, and also, how much it will be going for this August. Thanks!
Hi!
The tip width on the 90 Eight will be 133mm and the cost when it arrives will be $649.95! Please let us know if you have any other questions, thanks!
Zack
Hi There,
I am debating between purchasing the current Volkl Bridge or the 90Eights.
You say the camber underfoot will improve performance on hardpack (which sounds great!)… in your opinion, what aspect of performance will the lack of reverse camber detract from?
In other words in what settings/conditions would the bridge be preferable to 90eights?
Thank you!
Hi!
Certainly two great options here. The area where reverse camber really makes a difference to me is in tight spaces like bumps and trees. You are essentially able to pivot on that “flat”spot underneath the foot and I find that with the reverse camber design, the tips and tails swing quite easily. That is also what makes it not the best on ice and really hard stuff. If you are skiing softer snow (western conditions) than the Bridge will be just fine. Not that money is everything, but the Bridge is certainly available for a better deal!
Have a great off-season!
Zack
Thinking about 2015 Mantras and wondering if I need to wait for the 2016 version?
Thoughts? Thank you.
Hey Jason,
Literally the only difference between the 2015 and 2016 version is topsheet graphics. I personally think the 2015 is a bit better looking and it is now on sale! Of course it is up to you, but I would grab a 2015 now for a great price!
Zack
Hi,
Appreciate some advice/opinion. A Volkl distributor in Australia was telling me at a Ski Expo about the impending release of the 110Eight. I was reasonably impressed but would appreciate another (maybe less biased) opinion. I may be looking to get a good all mountain ski, one that will let me ski powder when there is some around but also forgiving enough for the groomers. Do you think this a good option for me to look into more seriously or would you have other suggestions?
One of the features i liked most about the Volkl’s was the light weight, which i assume would be similar to the BMT which i was able to inspect.
Would also appreciate an opinion on a suitable binding. Marker was suggested to me.
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Regards
Warren
Hi Warren,
It sounds like we are talking about the 100Eight, which is essentially an updated version of the ever-popular Gotama. The biggest difference from the Gotama to the 100Eight is the 3D Ridge design which cuts down on weight quite a bit. Other than that they are still a reverse camber 108 waisted all mountain-powder-ski. The reverse camber design is fantastic when the snow is softer but if you encounter ice and firm conditions on the groomers, and this is going to be a 1 ski quiver, I would look closer at the 90Eight. That will have camber for the hard surfaces and still tip and tail rocker to help you float.
Thanks,
Zack
Thanks Zack. Appreciate the comments.
For the technically illiterate like me, can you tell me the difference between camber & reverse camber?
Also, if I am looking for a potential one quiver, all mountain lightweight ski that I can use in powder & on the groomers, is there anything else you might suggest. I’m not the greatest powder skier by a longshot but gee I had some fun with it last season in Japan on some 100 or 110 mm waist skis (can’t remember which one precisely) while my companions struggled with their carving skis
Warren
Hi Warren,
No problem! The easiest way to describe camber vs. reverse camber is to think of the skis base to base, and then assess the profile. A traditional camber ski will have the contact point way up near the tips and again way down at the tails with the open section in between being referred to as camber. Reverse camber is exactly opposite where the only contact point is a flat spot directly underneath the bindings. From that flat spot, the tips and tails are both fully rockered up in either direction. So as you can imagine, the reverse design is great for getting up on the soft snow but does not provide the same stability that a traditional cambered ski would. I still think that the 90Eight will be a fabulous option when it is available because it combines the two aspects above for a very versatile package. I will email you two other skis that I really like in this category.
Thanks,
Zack