Question: k2 vs volkl?

[floridakeysskibum]

Looking for opinions on k2 burnin' luv vs volkl tierra. I was all set in my mind to purchase k2's, until I got to the shop, and was redirected to the volkl. hard to find women's expert opinion on volkl, and everyone raves about k2, but not so good in the powder(skinny waist). i'm 5'1", 110lbs, love to carve the groomers, but now found a new love in the powder. ready to toss a coin or einy meiny miney moe, which way to go?

 

[volklgirl]

In general, K2s and Volkls have very different feels. The K2s tend to be much more damp and heavy feeling while the Volkls tend toward more lively.

In the case of these specific skis, the BL is a true groomer-zoomer with a bit of a high-end speed limit. It'll do some nasty snow, but not happily. The Tierra will do better in the mucky snow without sacrificing any performance on the groomers.

JMHO: Either way, however, if you're an advanced to expert skier looking for an all-mountain ski that's truly capable in powder and crud, I'd look for something wider in the waist than the low 70-somethings. Many of the twin-tips in the low-to-mid 80s are powder hounds with plenty of performance for groomer days. If there's any way for you to arrange to demo some skis, that's really the way to go.

 

[oragejuice]

Try the Volkl Attiva Aurora. =)

 

[ski now work later]

Try the Volkl Attiva Aurora. =)

Orage, have you seen this ski in person? I've seen it a bunch of times and it sure is pretty. It's my favorite Volkl graphic I've seen in the Attiva line so far.

 

[Daria]

I think it comes down to your quiver and what you want to maximize and what you can afford. If you can afford a couple of pairs for specific conditions then go for it. I have a pair of 07/08 BLs for hard pack (ski in California so icy conditions are frequent) and I love them. BUT I would not take them into the powder. I have another ski for that. I strongly suggest you demo and decide what you can afford. If you need to focus on one ski for all conditions, recognize that you may need to make a compromise for conditions that are not as frequent. Unfortunately nothing in life is perfect - not even skis

 

[floridakeysskibum]

thanks, would love to demo, but where I live, and when I travel, I don't want to waste time going in and out of ski shop, just want to ski all day!! Might be up in cadillac soon, my brother and nephews live there, and ski often. my youngest nephew is a GS man, at age 11!!

 

[floridakeysskibum]

I agree, nothing is perfect, but I am a woman and must shop until satisfied! I'm starting to lean towards the volkl because of waist being wider, and will handle powder better. Also purchasing last year's model, to keep cost down. Only get to go 3-4 times a year, one week at a time, so why spend so much on equipment that will be outdated before I even get to the powder. thanks for info

 

[oragejuice]

Orage, have you seen this ski in person? I've seen it a bunch of times and it sure is pretty. It's my favorite Volkl graphic I've seen in the Attiva line so far.

Yep. Absolutely gorgeous, I agree. And asthetics aside, its a FABULOUS model as well. Not exactly what I need, right now, but I would love to add that one to a quiver one of these days...

 

[volklgirl]

thanks, would love to demo, but where I live, and when I travel, I don't want to waste time going in and out of ski shop, just want to ski all day!! Might be up in cadillac soon, my brother and nephews live there, and ski often. my youngest nephew is a GS man, at age 11!!

If you do get up this way, I recommend taking the extra 2 hr drive to hit Nub's Nob. They have an excellent selection of demo skis at the Tech center which is right at the base of the hill (it's where I usually demo each year).

 

[floridakeysskibum]

news bulletin...I ended up getting the volkl tierras(o2gearshop ended up giving me 09's for the price of 08's since they no longer had them in stock--ohh--so sad:( yeah right!!)was up in cadillac this past weekend, and loved the ski. on ice, not so much, but luckily enough, there wasn't too much of that to worry about. It dumped on us all weekendAs someone said, the tierras are like a porsche. quick, responsive, and light. I'm really happy with my choice in ski. I also purchased the lange exclusive 100's (from peter glenn in ft lauderdale and they were more than likely overpriced, but didn't want to mail back and forth via online purchase), I need to go back for minor adjustments, since left foot is much tighter than right foot, but all in all loved the set up. can't wait for next trip, which will hopefully be in feb with friends out to utah. the tierras are definately an aggressive ski, I pushed them hard, and they responded. great choice for me thank you all who suggested, might have been disappointed with the k2 (oh, btw, girl at sun and snow ski shop commented on how k2 was recently bought out, and the quality has gone down the tubes, the shop no longer carries the k2 brand. anyone know if this is true?) sad to be back in florida, but needed to thaw out

 

[volklgirl]

I don't know about K2 being bought out, but I DO know that K2 purchased Volkl. So far, there doesn't seem to be any significant changes in design or quality, but we'll see.

 

[skigrl27]

In general, K2s and Volkls have very different feels. The K2s tend to be much more damp and heavy feeling while the Volkls tend toward more lively.QUOTE]

See I completely disagree with this statement. Volkl was born & bred as a racing line of skis - they are therefore known to be quite heavy. I never really realized how heavy my Volkls were until I just got my K2's.

I have Volkls and K2's - both in big fat style skis. I find the Volkls very heavy and burly. Super stiff. However, they plow through whatever your tips are pointed towards and handle excellent. (these are Mantras).

My K2's do the same, however, they are very light, lively and have tons of pop. But they're a rockered ski and really only for big pow days (which luckily we are having LOTS of).

You should probably demo - because the K2/Volkl dilemma seems to differ with each skier. Test them out and decide for yourself. Either way, in my opinion, K2 and Volkl are the top ski manufacturers out there and I love both of my pairs of skis in their very own special way. Aww....