Volkl: Men's Katana Flat Freeskiing Skis

Word got out early about this new Volkl Katana. Last January the Volkl released some early models for testing among retailers and there was more than a little Internet buzz (and even a few posted videos) about this wonderfully wide backcountry crud buster. This season Volkl did away with the swallowtail and made the Katana slightly wider in the tip and tail while keeping the waist width exactly the same. The Katana features a Sensorwood core consisting of vertically laminated poplar and beech wood with titanium sheeting for just enough rigidity and none of the excess weight. This year's Katana also features Volkl's Elongated Low-Profile (ELP) rocker design, which is a complicated way of saying that the reverse camber shape is easier to turn than the Katana of seasons past. The idea is that ELP rockers bend to float in deep snow but still have the edging potential to keep you turning as you approach the packed-down stuff around the base of the chairlifts. This season you'll also find a lower tip shape (again, no swallowtail stuff like last year) on both ends for a smoother ride on groomed and a consistent bend that keeps the ends from diving in deep snow. What's surprising is that while the Katana's ELP tips are lower in profile, the height remains the same as a traditional ski tip--the elevation gain is just extended further down the length of the ski in a slightly bowed profile. Volkl specifically adjusted the ELP on the Katana, so it offers distinctive handling (and amazing float) that makes the ski unique compared to other Volkl freeride skis--even when those skis have similar shapes. Considering all the early tester accolades, more than a few powder-hound freeriders have this year's Katana on their "gotta have" lists, so grab one now before you're left looking on in envy at the lift lines.

• Freeride floatation in the backcountry for advanced and expert freeskiers
• Sidecut (tip/waist/tail in mm.): 141-111-131
• Turn radius: 25.5 m. in 183-cm. length
• Aluminum topsheet with painted art design
• New Volkl Elongated Low-Profile (ELP) rocker design
• Sensorwood core made from vertically laminated poplar and beech wood
• Volkl Power Construction with titanium sheeting for better rigidity