The Volkl Secret has edge, and it’s soon to be the buzz among women’s skis.
Volkl calls it their most versatile ski ever, integrating freeride shape and powerful edges for unparalleled performance.
The Secret is brand new for Volkl’s 2019 lineup, the women’s version of the newly redesigned men’s Mantra M5. Now in its fifth generation, the Mantra has garnered a loyal following even through its revisions, like its earlier sister the Aura.
The 2019 Volkl Secret
Although the Secret shares DNA with the Aura, it has been reinvented as a more versatile all-mountain carving tool. Volkl made three radical changes that set it above its ol’ Auntie Aura:
Camber underfoot: The Secret has camber underfoot and rocker in the tips and tails, unlike the fully-rockered Aura. This makes for a long effective edge, allowing you to better carve your turns.
Narrower waist width: Volkl tailored the waist down to a svelte 92mm, making the Secret quicker edge to edge than the 100mm Aura-of-old.
Titanal Frame construction: The Secret is smooth, stable, and damp, all thanks to the titanal frame. Low-profile titanal wraps around the tips and talks in a U-shape and reinforces the ski underfoot. It gives you the benefits of metal without all the added bulk. This design makes it easier to flex into your skis, creating a lively, energetic feel.
Field Notes
I tested the Volkl Secret at Winter Park and in Mary Jane’s legendary bumps. Spotty coverage left something to be desired (and perhaps a little bonus ptex work for our techs), but it allowed me to test the edge-hold in telling conditions.
Groomers
The Secret is built to hold an edge, so it’s no surprise it left a ribbon of steam in its wake on groomers. These planks like to rip slalom-style turns and lay down their edges. It sliced through hardpack like it was buttah’—actually, flan. The titanal frame is stable but easy to flex into. When you take it fast, the frame builds energy, propelling you out of one turn and into the next. Still, the ride is damp and exceptionally smooth—almost like first tracks on an ice rink after the Zamboni rolls through.
Bumps and Trees
In bumps and trees, the Secret was nimble as can be. How nimble, you ask? Let’s just say, if I were to pursue a future in ski ballet, I’d do it on the Volkl Secret. With the titanal frame, it’s highly responsive, making it easy to maneuver in trees. I felt light on my feet as I bounced through bumps. In chopped up conditions, it remained predictable and responsive.
Powder
Taking the narrow 92mm waist into consideration, the lightweight Secret floats relatively well in powder. I could ride any terrain without issue thanks to the tip rocker and wide shovel (130mm). I haven’t skied the Secret on truly deep days, and if that’s your priority, you’ll prefer something a bit wider.
Downside
In deep, western powder, the Secret isn’t fat enough to excel in softer snow. You wouldn’t take the Secret on your heli trip, just like you wouldn’t use your putter to drive. Or swim in your jazz leotard. Or play tennis in your pumps. You could, but would you?
Bottom Line
The Volkl Secret has the edging and precision of a carver, but a 92mm waist that will open you up to all-mountain freeride terrain. The titanal frame creates energy as you exit your turns, making it fun bounce through bumps or trees. It is seriously smooth, even in variable conditions, and more versatile than its Auntie Aura. Make all-mountain versatility your new Mantra with the new Volkl Secret!
What else is new for Volkl in 2019? Find out here.
