The Volkl 100Eight is a brand new ski for next winter, replacing the beloved, venerated Gotama. I was lucky enough to demo quite a few 2016 skis at the SIA on-snow show up at Copper Mountain a few weeks ago, and the 100Eight was my favorite of the bunch. It was hard to choose a winner with so many fantastic skis coming next winter, but the 100Eight had to be it.
Volkl incorporated their new 3D Ridge Technology into this ski, which created a lightweight but powerful ride with low inertia. Combining that technology with reverse camber makes these a joy to pilot around on any terrain–they’re very maneuverable, but still stiff enough to handle whatever conditions you may encounter.
The 100Eight will be a fantastic addition to pretty much any quiver, or a great every-day ski for someone who favors soft snow. The reverse camber profile of the ski with 108mm underfoot allows the ski to float in powder without being so wide that you can’t rip the entire mountain. I started with some laps on groomers–where the ski was excellent–and finished with a few fun runs in Resolution Bowl at Copper Mountain. Imagine steep terrain with 6″ of powder and you are picturing exactly where this ski wants to be, Resolution Bowl is where they really felt at home.
If you like skiing steep stuff, the 100Eight is for you. Steep bumps, steep trees, steep bowls, a steep couloir…any terrain that you can put the word steep in front of. Real versatility means compliant enough to ski bumps, powerful enough to charge big slopes, and maneuverable enough for tight trees. Based on my heroic test runs, I promise that this ski is as versatile as a fox with wings. And it’s very hard to think of anything more versatile than a fox with wings.
If you don’t think you can get any more excited, check out our early preview of the other changes in Volkl’s ski lineup for 2016.
Even though the Volkl 100Eight isn’t available at the time of this posting, you can always give us a call and chat about these (or any) skis. And, if you must, you can pre-order a pair. We understand the allure of hot new skis, and waiting, after all, is the hardest part.
Very interested in Vokl 108. I own many skiis.i live in CO and get about 40 days per season (62 Years old). Expert skier, 5’8″, 185 lbs.
I purchased a Nordica-Patron, 185 cm last year, a great ski. I also have a 5 yr old Gotama, also a great ski. I ski all over, lots of bumps and trees, steeps etc.
What are your thoughts in terms of length? 181 or 189? With full Rocker should I go longer – 189cm?
What length was demoed?
Thanks much!
JC
Hy Matt,
Which size did you test? Usually Volkls run big – i am 5 ’11″, 185 lbs and inbetween 181 an 189… thx a lot
Hi JC,
I recommend the 181cm length. Because you spend lots of time in bumps and trees, the shorter length (181cm vs 189cm) will prove more useful and fun in the long run. The reverse camber design isn’t as aggressively rockered as some other fully rockered skis, so I wouldn’t recommend sizing up. We demoed the 181cm length and loved it!
Thanks for your question,
Dan
Hi Bon,
Depending on your terrain preferences, you could go either way. If you want a little more stability at speed and a more open-terrain and groomer-friendly ski, go up to the 189cm length. If you make more short-radius turns and like lots of bumps and trees, stick with the 181cm length, which is the length we demoed. Either way you go, the 100Eight is a really fun ski, and you’ll really enjoy it!
Best,
Dan
Looking at the 189 for more powder oriented skiing Is this a better choice for more float? Love tight trees also!
Hi Andy,
The 189cm length is a good choice for extra float for a fairly tall 6’2″ or so, or a heavier (210+) skier. Like always, sizing up in a ski will take a little agility away from the ski, but it should help it float better in the deep stuff. For a more nimble choice that will be ultra-quick in trees and still float nicely (but not quite as nicely as the longer ski) go with 181cm length.
Happy Winter!
Dan
I am 5,10 inches weigh 175 lbs and probably classify myself as expert skier.Am looking at the 189 to take to Japan which generally has pretty good deep pow and want to use this as a sidecountry ski occasionally putting skins on . Would the 189 still be manageable in you opinion? Like the idea of the longer ski for float and keeping up with my mates when we get back on the groomers!
Hi, I’m in that 6’2″ 210 pound category and at one time considered myself at least close to expert, but time/age has set me back some as well as not skiing as much these days — so I’m probably back closer to intermediate. Bottom line is I like to ski trees (in powder and crud) and like to be able to get my skis around quicker and am wondering if the 81 CM fits the bill or would it be too small in the powder and/or crud for someone my size? Ski in the northwest (Whistler, Big White, Whitefish) ad Utah mainly.
Hi Jim,
I was just on the 100Eight a couple of days ago up at Copper and found it to be a versatile, maneuverable plank. I’m 5’9″ and 145lbs, and I was on the 181cm length. It carved exceptionally well for a wide, reverse camber ski, and that’s what I found most surprising. In tracked out trees, it wasn’t the most forgiving for me–I found it to be more work than the old 178cm Gotama, for example–but that’s where your 6’2″ and 210lbs will help you. I certainly wouldn’t recommend sizing down for you, and I think that 181cm length will offer enough stability and stiffness that you won’t overpower it. I hope that helps–
Justin
Similiar questions as others above. 6’2″, 195#. Ski tahoe area. High intermediate skier, only been at it for a few years. Got K2 Sideshows 188 cm. I am looking for a ski that would help me in the heavy, tracked out crud that we see in tahoe after big dumps. Have hard time getting skis around and making quicker turns. Would this ski fit the bill since although I know it won’t make me a expert skier with a purchase? Thanks for help.
Hi Todd,
Thanks for your question! I think this is a great option for precisely the conditions you describe. To keep the ski nimble and quick, I’d say to go for the 181cm length. Generally speaking, you’ll get better float for the fresh turns on the 189cm ski, but the 181cm ski will be quicker edge-to-edge, and the shorter ski will help you up your game and confidence in the crud without being too much work to turn.
Thanks again for writing in,
Dan
Justin –
I’m 5’9 and 150 lbs. I’ve been riding on 167cm Seth Pistols from 2007 and getting a pair of 100eights (super stoked!). I’m trying to decide between the 173 and the 181. I’m an expert, pretty aggressive skier, and like to ski steep and powder when available. But I also spend good time in the trees and groomers. I want to size up for stability, but will it be tough at all in glades? Any suggestion is welcome.
Hi Ben,
Thanks for your question! You’re right to be thinking of sizing up to the 181cm length for stability on groomers, but the 173cm length will be a lot quicker in trees and more manageable on steeps. The 181 would be right if you’re spending most of the day in wide open spaces, but the 173 will be better for glades. Also, coming off a 167cm ski, you’ll likely find the 173cm ski will be enough to handle just about everything without being cumbersome.
Best,
Dan
I’m having difficulty figuring out the right size. I’m an advanced skier, home out east but go West when I can. I love steeps, glades and bump. I’m 5′ 3″ / 130lbs. I would think that a 160cm ski is the right size for me, but that’s rarely an available choice.
Anyone have suggestions?
Hi Rob,
Thanks for getting in touch! Based on your stats, I’d say you’re right to be looking for a ski in the neighborhood of 160cm, and, as you may already know, the 100Eight is only available in 173cm, 181cm, and 189cm. If topsheet graphics aren’t ultimately that important to you, you could consider trying the 100Eight W – the ladies version, so there’s some pink in the graphic, which is easily hidden by a light coat of spray paint if you really can’t stand it. The 100Eight W is basically the same ski, but available in 157cm, 165cm, and 173cm lengths. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions!
Thanks again,
Dan
Hi Dan,
Thanks! I tried the Auras as a demo last week and really liked them (the pink model). I was just fine with a hot pink base and topsheet for a day; less sure for the long term. The 100Eight W’s have an awful lot of pink on them… Would need many a sticker!
How does the 100eight differ from the Aura? The Aura receives amazing reviews.
I presume that the main difference between a men’s ski and womens is expected weight / height, is that right? If this is the case, it seems like I need to be shooting for either Unisex skis with a wide size range or Women’s.
Finally, when the sizes are just over/under 160 (157/165), should I choose the over or under?
Hi, trying to decide between 100eight and 90eight, and also length. I am a one quiver guy, have been skiing on 170 volkl ac4 unlimited for the past eight years. I only ski out west, mostly Sierras, which means a lot of snow, but often heavy/cruddy. Probably a low expert skier, won’t look good getting down some terrain but willing to try most things. 5’9″, 175-180 pounds. Is 173cm too short for me? I do like to make shorter radius turns on average, even on grommers. Thanks.
Hi Richard,
Thanks for your question! I’d say that either option (the 90eight in the 170cm length, or the 100eight in the 173cm length) would work well for you. The 90eight has a turn radius of 18 meters at that length, while the 100eight’s radius is closer to 20 meters. That’s not much of a difference, but if you prefer tighter turns, going with the 90eight will be quicker. Where you’ll see the bigger difference is in their powder performance, and that’s where the 100eight will outperform the 90eight. Wider skis are always better in deeper snow than narrower skis. Each of these is really stable in all conditions, so if you’re on the fence, I suppose you’d find the slightly shorter, narrower ski quicker edge to edge and overall more maneuverable. Honestly, it’s a tough call, but one that you can’t really get wrong. Either ski will be a great option for you! Hope that helps!
-Dan
Realise no one is probably commenting on this now but for anyone looking in and thinking of buying the 100eights. I am 5’9 154pounds and have just had a full season in Canada on them. They are brilliant in pretty much every condition and carve way better than you would expect on groomed runs. I bought the 181cm version after testing 8 different sets of skis over a couple of weeks. They plough through anything and feel pretty nimble although you have to be on top of your game when in tight trees. Took them heli-skiing and they were great in even the deepest powder, can’t recommend them highly enough. I have never had a set of skis that puts as big a smile on my face.
Thanks for the detailed review!
-Dan
Hi – not sure if anyone will pick this up. I’m really interested in this ski in the women’s model, but unsure on length. I currently ski the Aura in a 163. I love it off piste and on. I’m 5’5” and 118 pounds. I’ll ski pretty much anything, but prefer to be off piste. I’m going to Japan next year and am thinking about getting a wider ski than the Aura – mine’s a few years old, 94 underfoot and has no rocker. Basically wondering whether I need to size up due to the rocker. Any advice apprecicated. Thanks Sara
Hi,
I’m a advanced intermediate, possibly advanced skier looking for a ski that can handle the pow but also do alright in the crud, moguls, and trees of the eastern sierra. The 100eight looks to be the ticket. My dilemma is whether to go with the 173 or 181. I’m 6′, 203 lbs and currently ski a pair of 177 kendos. I really dig these skis, but in the moguls and tighter chutes l found them a little heavy when initiating turns, most likely due to the metal layer sandwiched in em’. With the lighter construction of the 100eight l’m thinking the 181 will initiate turns in tight places easier, or should l consider the 173? Thanks.
@Shawn You are indeed correct that the metal layer within the Kendo would make them a little more sluggish in the bumps and trees and obviously makes them heavier as well. This Volkl 100eight is also reverse camber which makes the ski feel shorter than something like the Kendo with camber underfoot. At your height and weight I would definitely lean towards the 181, especially if you enjoy the 177 Kendos since this ski will allow you to pivot and turn much easier. The 100eight also has a Volkl technology called the 3D Ridge which channels out the wood along the edges of the ski to also reduce the weight of the ski. Hope this helps!
-Mike