BEST SKI
Völkl 90Eight review 2018
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Since the brand’s Kendo, Mantra and Cochise regularly score high in the PROSKILAB reviews, we were curious to see how Völkl’s 90Eight (for "98") behaves in this category where we’re also looking for lightness. It was no surprise that the 90Eight is a bit heavier and stiffer than its playmates, with more emphasis on performance. It behaves well and is efficient both on and off the groomers. Its stability is remarkable for a ski in this category. Once on the white stuff, it will take you anywhere with incredible ease. Its stiffness makes its performance impressive on crud or hard pack. It’s an easy-to-handle ski, reassuring and incredibly docile off-piste, so it's accessible to intermediary riders. But it can also take you far performance-wise, and requires a certain degree of engagement and technical skill to manage correctly. The 90Eight is a true, light "all mountain" ski, perfectly versatile and happy on all terrains, including groomed trails. With 1790 grams (ski only) under each foot, it won’t be the first one up, but offers incredible enjoyment going down! We recommend this model for intermediate to expert riders who’re looking for a lighter ski but don't want to sacrifice performance.
Review: Pros
- Overall performance
- Strong character
- Consistent flex distribution
- Reassuring behavior
- Overall stability
- On-trail/off-trail versatility
- Transfer in crud and difficult snow
Review: Cons
- Lacks incisiveness
- Technically and physically demanding when pushed to its limits
- Physically demanding
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.0 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.1 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.2 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.1 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.2 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.4 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
| Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.5 |
| Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
| Any ground comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
We find the 3D construction present on the V-Werks, for a slimline ski that will reveal all of its qualities in your very first downhill run. Its shape with a rocker at the tip and tail (Tip & Tail Rocker) means that it’s easy to get to grips with good snow contact on the piste, while performing well in powder. Stability and liveliness describe the 90Eight with its 98mm at the waist, it’s the ideal one-quiver ski. Given its lightness, it can be mounted with a Freeski binding (Squire, Griffon...) or a binding with inserts like the Marker Kingpin for instance.
Features of the 90Eight
| Brand : | Völkl |
| Model : | 90Eight |
| Year : | 2018 |
| Family : | Freeride touring |
| Size tested : | 177 cm |
| Tip size : | 133 mm |
| Waist size : | 98 mm |
| Tail size : | 116 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | Not available |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2017