Völkl Racetiger SL review 2020
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Völkl usually offers performance-oriented skis and the Racetiger SL is no exception. The ski is worthy of its name. The testers’ comments say it all: “aggressive,” “a beast,” “nervous,” “a weapon…”
Its performance is at the highest level in this recreational slalom category. It is powerful, “precise and snappy,” and full of energy. The testers were especially impressed by the edge grip, stability at high speed, and “powerful rebound at the end of the turn.”
It is a slalom ski, but it is also very comfortable in larger radius turns. But its versatility stops there. The Racetiger SL has a natural tendency to dig into the snow, which gives it excellent edge grip and ability to hold the line in the turn. On the other hand, skidded turns are not its cup of tea. It is possible to make skidded turns, but you need to be well-centered on the ski.
The Racetiger SL is not for everyone. It requires focus, and it is unforgiving. You need to be well-centered, aggressive, in good physical condition, and willing to go fast.
It is a high-performance ski that we recommend to very advanced to expert skiers who are looking for performance above all.
Review: Pros
- High-level performance
- Very energetic ski with a powerful rebound
- Assertive character
- Phenomenal edge grip
- Stability at high speed
- Versatility in turn radius
Review: Cons
- Physically and technically demanding ski
- Not really forgiving
- Not comfortable just cruising
The ski review scores
Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.5 |
Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.5 |
Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.0 |
Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 19.5 |
Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.5 |
Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.5 |
Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The famous Racetiger from the German brand has undergone a few minor adjustments.
The famous UVO, developed by Marker engineers, is now UVO 3D. It is a freely rotating vibration dampening device with a spring that allows the UVO 3D to move up and down to reduce vibrations and improve ski-snow contact. In terms of construction, the Racetiger has the 3D Glass technology: fiberglass placed vertically along the sidewalls at the tip and tail, which gives the ski greater stiffness and power. The fiberglass is flat at the bindings, so skiers can flex the ski more easily. The Racetiger SL is a pretty radical, technical, and very stable ski. The Racetiger GS and SL are both available in a PRO version with the famous Marker WC Piston Plate.
Features of the Racetiger SL
Brand : | Völkl |
Model : | Racetiger SL |
Year : | 2020 |
Family : | Slalom |
Size tested : | 165 cm |
Tip size : | 127 mm |
Waist size : | 68 mm |
Tail size : | 103 mm |
Radius for the size reviewed : | 12 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2019