Völkl RTM 81 review 2018
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Völkl‘s RTM 81 puts the focus squarely on performance, especially high speed and long turns where it excels. It’s an energetic, even aggressive ski, which requires engagement and a forward position to be handled correctly. It’s slightly less happy in short turns where the rider has to show some stamina, not helped by a rather flexible tail, and rebound that lacks energy. The RTM 81 is great for good to very good sporty riders who love long turns and riding fast without necessarily wanting to invest in a ski that’s too demanding or technical.
Review: Pros
- Versatile
- All mountain
- Great stability
- Energetic
- Responsive ski tip for incisive turn initiation
- Good behaviour at high speed
- Smooth long turns
Review: Cons
- A big radius ski, far more demanding in short turns
- Needs to be well positioned (forward)
- Requires physical engagement
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.5 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.5 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.7 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.3 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.3 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The RTM 81 also benefits from the V-Werks-inspired 3D construction. Its tip and tail rocker make it easy to handle while ensuring great bite underfoot. Performance transmission has also been improved with wider bindings and a rail molded directly into the ski core. All these changes have unleashed the RTM 81’s full potential and energy.
Features of the RTM 81
| Brand : | Völkl |
| Model : | RTM 81 |
| Year : | 2018 |
| Family : | Cruisers |
| Size tested : | 177 cm |
| Tip size : | 128 mm |
| Waist size : | 81 mm |
| Tail size : | 109 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | Not available |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2017