I got a great deal on a pair of Volkl Aura's at an end of season 50% off sale at the Lifthouse in SLC. I bought the 177's because I was skiing on the Head's Sweet Fat Thangs 176 but found that the edge control on the hard stuff was dismal. They sucked the confidence out of my ability to maintain control while ripping it bullet-style. I just got back from trying them out and all I can say is, "WOW!" These ski's are INCREDIBLE! The conditions in the Cottonwood Canyon's was harsh today... colder temps after the spring melt last week then 8 inches of soft powder over the last 48 hours made it rough riding. The wind was whipping and it was snowing/freezing crystalline pellets....and only 1/2 of the terrain was open due to hazzardous conditions! Needless to say....the Aura's were like a dream come true. In the trees with the soft powder.....floated with the greatest of speed and finesse. On the icy blue death underneath.....held an edge at full speed, never skidding or wavering! I can't say enough about these skis!!! Except....anyone thinking about getting a new fat board that can handle the terrain in between the storms, go with the Aura's! I skied the Mantra's as well but found the Aura's much more forgiving in the trees and bumps, plus my legs felt strong and fully charged up by the last run....not screaming for the hot tub!
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The Volkl Aura's: Best of Both Worlds
- Thread starter utahrded
- Start date
Lori_K
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Gotta love that Volkl edge grip!
I just picked up a pair of Auras (on sale), after having demo'd them twice this season. They are super light with the two-piece binding I had installed, and they are freakishly good on hardpack snow. Even though it's 94mm underfoot, it truly is an "all-mountain" ski. :D
I just picked up a pair of Auras (on sale), after having demo'd them twice this season. They are super light with the two-piece binding I had installed, and they are freakishly good on hardpack snow. Even though it's 94mm underfoot, it truly is an "all-mountain" ski. :D
I have even sold my carver Attiva's because of the Aura's performance. I didn't use them enough here in Utah and the Aura's fill that tall order perfectly.
I appreciate all the posts on this site from everyone.....including yours....which helped me go for the Aura's when I was leaning towards the Mantra's. I am 5' 10" and 145 lbs and figured that I could handle them fine. I wasn't able to demo the Aura's in my desired length anywhere in the SLC area so I had only skied the Mantra's.
I just hope the rest of April continue's to bring us more snow so I can have a few more fresh snow days to play with them. I will then sadly put them in storage for the off season. May I also discuss the graphics....what's with the bazooka toting girl on the topsheet? To set the tone?
I appreciate all the posts on this site from everyone.....including yours....which helped me go for the Aura's when I was leaning towards the Mantra's. I am 5' 10" and 145 lbs and figured that I could handle them fine. I wasn't able to demo the Aura's in my desired length anywhere in the SLC area so I had only skied the Mantra's.
I just hope the rest of April continue's to bring us more snow so I can have a few more fresh snow days to play with them. I will then sadly put them in storage for the off season. May I also discuss the graphics....what's with the bazooka toting girl on the topsheet? To set the tone?
cloudpeak
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Yeah, I'm not crazy about the graphics, but I've really enjoyed the skis this winter. In fact, I'm skiing them in the pictures in this thread Your season-over?
IdahoSkiGirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I have been thinking about getting the Auras...I have bugged Lori_K about this. From all of your posts you really make me want to get a pair 
We received 12 inches over the last 3 days and snow is in the forcast for next week as well. Alta is closing on the 15th of April but Snowbird is open until then end of the month. If the conditions allow, perhaps into May. I hope to get in another 7 days if possible. You?
Lori_K
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I'm not crazy about the graphics on the Aura, but it beats pink and/or flowers any day. :p
Going to get another blast of snow in Colorado, and Wolf Creek is officially "closed" but going to open Saturday only on 4/14 and 4/21.
(Woohoo- that means a week's accumulation of untracked pow!)
Going to get another blast of snow in Colorado, and Wolf Creek is officially "closed" but going to open Saturday only on 4/14 and 4/21.
(Woohoo- that means a week's accumulation of untracked pow!)
NICE! First tracks will definately improve your mood....and probably carry you through the melt and mud. First tracks at Snowbird is something I rarely obtain....with my work schedule and two kids. But....there is always the hidden stashes/trees one can hope to reach after the releasing of the powder hounds.
cloudpeak
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Maybe it's because the green clashes with my kid's Sir Francis Bacons. lol
The girl on the Auras looks distorted to me. It's no biggie, though. Who really sees the graphics when you're skiing anyway.
lil mountain girl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
bad-ass indeed!!
i really like the graphics -- at least volkl's moved away from pink (thank you)!!! :p
IdahoSkiGirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
The ski shops had a great pre-season sale over the weekend and I bought a pair of Auras. The ski shop only had one pair left in a 163...they went really quick. I am really looking forward to sking them this season!
SnowFalcon
Certified Ski Diva
I have a pair of 170 Auras being shipped to me right now. I am dying for them to get here! I said this on another thread, but I'll say it again here: Thanks so much to SnowHot for consulting with me about what skis to buy. I can't wait to try out the Auras! 
As far as the graphics, I think that the girl is supposed to be holding a samurai sword, not a rifle, but I will get a chance to look more closely at it once they arrive. As far as I'm concerned, a Samurai girl rocks! 
As far as the graphics, I think that the girl is supposed to be holding a samurai sword, not a rifle, but I will get a chance to look more closely at it once they arrive. As far as I'm concerned, a Samurai girl rocks!
Lori_K
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Latest issue of SKI magazine had a small gear article on "XXL" powder skis. In addition to the men's skis, three women-specific skis were reviewed, including the Aura. (New graphics for '08). The Aura was rated "most versatile".
I'm looking forward to spending a lot more quality time with my Auras this season.
I'm looking forward to spending a lot more quality time with my Auras this season.
Latest issue of SKI magazine had a small gear article on "XXL" powder skis. In addition to the men's skis, three women-specific skis were reviewed, including the Aura. (New graphics for '08). The Aura was rated "most versatile".
I'm looking forward to spending a lot more quality time with my Auras this season.
It makes me laugh that SKI thinks Auras are XXL powder skis. 94 is a good all-purpose ski out West. Plus, if 94 underfoot is an XXL powder ski, what do you classify my new Praxis which are 136 underfoot?
I do agree that Volkl does a great job of making versatile skis that can ski powder and rail on groomers.
Gloria
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Ditto, but isn't it a great almost sinful feeling to have a ski that excels in powder and only powder especially at the time you are floating through the powder. Do tell all when you get to ski those new praxis on a powder day. We are all waiting with baited breath...
Lori_K
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Yeah, the Aura is my "all-mountain" ski here.
Super deep powder is a rare occurrence for us, so a true deep powder ski hasn't been needed yet.Funny how just a few years ago, 94mm underfoot would have been HUGE!!
