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Rising from the ashes of discontinuation, the Katana is by far the most demanding ski out of Völkl’s freeride lineup. It’s comparable to the Racetiger in terms of the tier of rider it takes to keep this monster under control, but for different reasons.
This retooled version of the Katana is easier to control than the long-retired original, but is still built for charging. If you aren’t yet a savvy skier used to heavier options, then it can quickly get away from you.
While it seems the new Katana is a little more user-friendly than the previous retired version, it’s still a whole lot of ski. It’s up there with the full-titanal Blizzard skis in terms of driving power and charging capabilities, but that’s simply what it takes to be a leader in the freeride and big mountain categories.
We’d recommend the M6 Mantra to most skiers over the Katana. Put bluntly, it’s just too much ski for the average resort rider. But if you yearn for the metal laminate skis of yore, the Katana delivers old school driving power, and more.
Notable Features
Titanal Frame: A titanal frame runs the length of the ski with extra emphasis on the tips and tails for its vibration mitigation and dampening properties. An additional plate under the mounting area provides more strength and aids in binding retention.
Carbon Tip: Carbon tips cut down on the weight and make the ski a little better at floating in powder and swallowing up variable snow.
3D Radius Sidecut: Variable sidecut is designed to make it easier to perform multiple turn shapes. Tips and tails are tailored for long turns while a shorter radius underfoot makes shorter turns at low speed easier.
Things we like:
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A serious ski for serious slopes -
Reinforced enough to blow up anything in your path
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For all of the metal and rigidity, you can still make smaller turn shapes
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The kind of ski you can take as fast as you want through any snow
Things we don't like:
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Only for expert riders who can keep it under control -
Punishes sloppy skiing
- Waist: 106 mm
- Length: 170-191 cm
- Rocker Profile: Tip and Tail Rocker
- Core: Beech/Poplar
- Tail: Partial Twin Tip
- Turn Radius: Medium
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Things we like:
-
A serious ski for serious slopes
-
Reinforced enough to blow up anything in your path
-
For all of the metal and rigidity, you can still make smaller turn shapes
-
The kind of ski you can take as fast as you want through any snow
Things we don't like:
-
Only for expert riders who can keep it under control
-
Punishes sloppy skiing
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