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Volkl 100Eight Skis
Volkl’s revised 100Eight skis utilize the same minimalist 3D.Ridge construction as the V-Werk Katana and V-Werk BMT 109 Skis. The central raised ridge reduces mass at the edges of the ski and minimizes its swing weight without sacrificing power and performance. Wrapped in a fibreglass composite which provides solid power transfer from tip to tail, the core is a multi-layered poplar wood with durable ash under foot. The denser ash core in the underfoot binding area ensures a solid foundation for binding screws improving retention and stability. The softer poplar wood used in the rest of the core provides a snappy resilience and a flex pattern tailored to each length of ski. Carbon stringers enhance the ski’s torsional stiffness for quick edge-to-edge power and a snappy, playful feel. While the full sidewall construction is not as minimal as those on the V-Werk Katana and BMT 109 Skis (which also incorporate the 3D.Ridge construction) it provides a stronger and more energetic ride and allows the ski to better negotiate variable snow and terrain conditions.
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Full rocker profile, tip to tail.
The Volkl 100Eight Skis have a progressive tapered shape with dimensions of 141-108-124mm. This design facilitates easy steering with less chance of tip deflection in variable snow while still providing enough girth on those deeper pow days. The 100Eight’s 22-meter turning radius (for the 181cm length) puts it in the middle of the pack for a ski of these dimensions; Below 20m is ideal for negotiating tight trees and bumps, closer to 30m and the ski is ideal for straight line stability and more aggressive skiing.
Volkl also incorporated the same full rocker profile on the 100Eight Skis as it did on the V-Werk Katana and BMT 109 Skis. It’s a subtle, gradual bend from tip to tail providing extra maneuverability in soft snow, while delivering high speed arcing turns on the groomers. The full rocker, plus the 100Eight’s matching flex and sidecut, equals uninterrupted edge contact and smooth predictable turns.
Features:
- Progressive tapered shape
- Full sidewall construction
- Carbon stringer from tip to tail
- P-Tex 2100 base
- Directional design
- Full rocker
- Tough Box construction with a composite/fibreglass sheath
- Poplar wood core with dense ash wood in the binding area for secure screw retention and stability
- 3D.Ridge Carbon construction
The tips and tails up close, beauty.
Verdict:
This is one fun ski, period. If you like lots of snap and the ability to link up turn after turn, the Volkl 100Eight Skis might be for you. They can also lay down long GS turns and hold an edge like nobody’s business. In variable snow conditions, their added weight allows them to plow through crud and remain solid even in challenging terrain. I even took the 100Eights down a few bump runs to see what they could do; And while they aren’t the softest ski I’ve ridden, they maneuver well given their turn radius.
Since both the Volkl V-Werk Katana Skis (that we reviewed over here) and the 100Eight’s share the same 3D.Ridge design and both have carbon in their layup (albeit substantially more in the V-Werks), I guess you could say that these skis are pretty similar. However, compared to the Volkl V-Werk Katana Skis (that we reviewed over here) the 100Eight’s are 260g heavier and 4mm thinner underfoot with 8mm less width at the tail. They also ski considerably different. The V-Werk Katana’s are much stiffer and less forgiving. They don’t have as much pop as the 100Eight Skis, and are much more conservative. Don’t get me wrong, the V-Werk Katana is still one of my favourite skis I’ve ever tested. It’s just that the 100Eight’s seem far more playful and responsive.
Compared to the Volkl V-Werks BMT 109 Skis (that won our Gear of the Year Award) the 100Eight’s weigh 460g more, have 7mm less width in the tips, and 5mm less in the tails. Both the V-Werk Katana and Volkl V-Werks BMT 109 are fatter and lighter over all, which makes them both ski with less gusto than the 100Eight Skis.
Given the 100Eight Skis’ $799 price tag, I’d consider these the poor man’s V-Werks. The 100Eight’s are designed more for the resort than the backcountry, but if you don’t mind a little added weight you’ll love them!
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PROS:
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CONS:
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SPECS:
Price: $799.99CAN
Sizes: 173, 181, 189cm
Radius: 19.7, 22.0, 24.5m
Dimensions: 141/108/124mm
Weight: 3.94kg / 8.69lb (181cm)
RATING: 9.5/10
Groomer Performance 2/2
Stability 2/2
Weight 1.5/2
Value 2/2
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Leave a Comment:
I was wondering if you could provide a bit more detail on the differences between the v-werks Katana and the 100eight, particularly in less ideal conditions? For example, on very firm roughed up groomers and firmer off piste conditions does one get deflected more than the other?
As the 100eight has a bit more weight and more fiberglass than carbon is the ride more stable/less chatter? In other words is the added weight worth it, if you are using it as a 50-50 ski or is the difference fairly marginal?
When you say the 100eight is "more forgiving" do you mean a bit softer in the shovel and tail? As an ex-racer and 200 lbs. is the 100eight going to feel possibly too soft and fold when pushed hard?
How are they different when carving short turns and longer turns?
Thanks again for a great review! Bill
The 100eights are more nimble due to their thinner dimensions overall and tighter turn radius. This makes them more playful and able to transition edge to edge faster. But given the Katana V-Works larger platform they are more stable at speed, tend to rail that much better and love firm snow even when it is broken up.
Given that both skis use a full rocker design there is some chatter in the tips but nothing I would worry about and the 100eight's do a better job at minimizing this due to their non-carbon and thicker overall construction. Both skis are able to power through crud and don't really deflect all that much given their mass and generous dimensions.
If you were going to ski purely in-bounds either ski would be super fun, if you have more powder days then the added float of the Katana V-Werks will only make you smile more. For touring this would also be true given the Katana V-Werks are lighter (albeit not by much).
The 100eights are more nimble and easier to turn over the Katana -Werks but only marginally as the full rocker profile lets both of them carve and slarve as required. I wouldn't qualify either ski as being too soft but the 100eight would be more rewarding in bumps since it can react faster and also remain more solid overall in this type of terrain. The Katana V-Werks I'd think of as the sports car and the 100eight as more of a crossover sport-utility.
The Katana V-Werks wins for longer GS turns and railing on groomers and the 100eights for shorter radius turns.Overall, it really comes down to price since you really have to want the Katana V-Werks given their price tag but for me, living in BC I find they are more fun given all the snow we get.Hopefully, this helps answer your questions and you enjoy whichever ski you choose!