2008 Volkl Skis

[riverc0il]

I tried Sandstorms at Whistler in April. Like all Solly's I've been on - yuck. If you like Dynastar's, there's not a chance you'll like them

That is really good to know coming from a fellow lover of the 8000. The Sandstorms had the specs I was looking for but I was skeptical of the skis performance being a Solly with foam core and all that. I flexed the blue noodles and the Tornados and was not impressed with the flex of either. My big beef with Volkl is being too stiff (e.g. Mantras) but I am encouraged by this thread to big the Goats a shot. Karhu BC100 looks like an interesting option as well.

 

[koreshot]

That is really good to know coming from a fellow lover of the 8000. The Sandstorms had the specs I was looking for but I was skeptical of the skis performance being a Solly with foam core and all that. I flexed the blue noodles and the Tornados and was not impressed with the flex of either. My big beef with Volkl is being too stiff (e.g. Mantras) but I am encouraged by this thread to big the Goats a shot. Karhu BC100 looks like an interesting option as well.

river, you have been talking up the 8000s for a while now. Dynastar should start paying you for all the promo you are doing for them . I did a bunch of research and was just about to get a pair in a 184 but then the sierrasnowboard sale started and I went for the B3s for less than half the price of what I could find the Legends for anywhere on the internet.

I was really really interested in them because of magazine and skier raves about the playful nature, quickness in trees and bumps, etc... but the only thing that was bothering me about them is some mags/skiers noting that they are easy to overpower especially when the skier is heavy. If i remember correctly, you are 6+ feet and near/around 190-200lbs? Have you had any issues with over skiing them a bit? I am 6'2" and 225. I am asking cause I am keeping the 8000s on the radar and if I can find a really cheap deal (like sub $250) I might still go for them later in the season. Although this year's model is out of the question for me - I hate the fact that they now come with built in rail binding crap - what is up with ski companies forcing you to buy skis and bindings all at once from them? what are they trying to do, make a profit at our expense or something? :-?

 

[big_vert]

river, you have been talking up the 8000s for a while now. Dynastar should start paying you for all the promo you are doing for them . I did a bunch of research and was just about to get a pair in a 184 but then the sierrasnowboard sale started and I went for the B3s for less than half the price of what I could find the Legends for anywhere on the internet.

I was really really interested in them because of magazine and skier raves about the playful nature, quickness in trees and bumps, etc... but the only thing that was bothering me about them is some mags/skiers noting that they are easy to overpower especially when the skier is heavy. If i remember correctly, you are 6+ feet and near/around 190-200lbs? Have you had any issues with over skiing them a bit? I am 6'2" and 225. I am asking cause I am keeping the 8000s on the radar and if I can find a really cheap deal (like sub $250) I might still go for them later in the season. Although this year's model is out of the question for me - I hate the fact that they now come with built in rail binding crap - what is up with ski companies forcing you to buy skis and bindings all at once from them? what are they trying to do, make a profit at our expense or something? :-?

I have three buddies and my son who all share about the same boot size, and their reaction when trying my 8000's were all the same. Stop 200 yards down the hill and look up with a giant smile - too much fun - snap, crackle and pop whenever you want.

I've also read the reviews that say they can be overpowered by a heavier skier. The folks I mentioned before are in the 140-175lb range, so you're moving it up a couple of notches. At 6'2, 225 try a 178 first, as part of the charm of the ski gets lost as it goes longer (I found out the hard way - cost me $400).

And the 8k doesn't require a rail binding - even the new ones. They're smart enough to keep it as a binding of choice ski, but of course they know that the only binding to put on it is the PX12, so they're on pretty safe territory.

 

[koreshot]

I have three buddies and my son who all share about the same boot size, and their reaction when trying my 8000's were all the same. Stop 200 yards down the hill and look up with a giant smile - too much fun - snap, crackle and pop whenever you want.

I've also read the reviews that say they can be overpowered by a heavier skier. The folks I mentioned before are in the 140-175lb range, so you're moving it up a couple of notches. At 6'2, 225 try a 178 first, as part of the charm of the ski gets lost as it goes longer (I found out the hard way - cost me $400).

And the 8k doesn't require a rail binding - even the new ones. They're smart enough to keep it as a binding of choice ski, but of course they know that the only binding to put on it is the PX12, so they're on pretty safe territory.

Hmm... its hard to picture myself skiing on the 178s, but maybe its just my ego. As far as the 2008 8Ks go, this is what I found:
http://www.coloradoskishop.com/item2078.htm

 

[big_vert]

Hmm... its hard to picture myself skiing on the 178s, but maybe its just my ego. As far as the 2008 8Ks go, this is what I found:
http://www.coloradoskishop.com/item2078.htm

I bought my 8800's there, and they were fine, although it took much longer for them to get to me than they said - but they didn't charge my card until they shipped.

since the 8k hasn't changed in 3 years, find some of last year's if you can - although I like the new graphics better.

 

[koreshot]

I bought my 8800's there, and they were fine, although it took much longer for them to get to me than they said - but they didn't charge my card until they shipped.

since the 8k hasn't changed in 3 years, find some of last year's if you can - although I like the new graphics better.

I included the link in my previous forum to show an example of the 2008 Legend 8000 that now comes with a rail on it. No longer flat mounting, at least not on the Fluid model or whatever. Not looking to buy the 2008 model, I actually want the model 2 years back over the last years model - better graphics + no confusion about the mounting point.

 

[big_vert]

I included the link in my previous forum to show an example of the 2008 Legend 8000 that now comes with a rail on it. No longer flat mounting, at least not on the Fluid model or whatever. Not looking to buy the 2008 model, I actually want the model 2 years back over the last years model - better graphics + no confusion about the mounting point.

It's not a rail honest - it's part of the graphic. Look at the Mythic Rider - same graphic - no rail.

C'mon this is Dynastar - a rail on big mountain skis from D'star? I think not.

 

[koreshot]

It's not a rail honest - it's part of the graphic. Look at the Mythic Rider - same graphic - no rail.

C'mon this is Dynastar - a rail on big mountain skis from D'star? I think not.

Are you sure about that? Looks like a rail to me... also been told by a local ski shop dude that the new Legend 8000s will have a rail. Not like it matters all that much to me, if I get a pair, they will be last year's.

 

[bigbog]

really looking forward to my new boards....

My iM82s(@172...122/82/108 ) may not be the ultimate quick tree ski with a 17.7m radius, but they'll be great in anything ungroomed on the EC...at anytime, and I really liked how much control I had, even with my previous boots from the darkside! when I demoed them last January..on EC mixed bag. I think I'll only love em' even more when in 6"+...

$.01
Steve

 

[big_vert]

Are you sure about that? Looks like a rail to me... also been told by a local ski shop dude that the new Legend 8000s will have a rail. Not like it matters all that much to me, if I get a pair, they will be last year's.

I called Dynastar - The 8k and Mythic Rider (new 8.8k) will both come with and without plate, so you can choose what you like. (I bet the plate ones don't sell) If you get the plate, then it's set-up for PX14 Looks (now Dynastar) bindings. So - we're both right.

I have the orange 8K's from two years ago, and the 8.8's from last year. I like the older graphics better, and then I like the "fiber" graphics from two years ago even better.

 

[koreshot]

I called Dynastar - The 8k and Mythic Rider (new 8.8k) will both come with and without plate, so you can choose what you like. (I bet the plate ones don't sell) If you get the plate, then it's set-up for PX14 Looks (now Dynastar) bindings. So - we're both right.

I have the orange 8K's from two years ago, and the 8.8's from last year. I like the older graphics better, and then I like the "fiber" graphics from two years ago even better.

Cool, thanks for checking. Kudos to Dynastar for doing the right thing! I can't stand the rail trend in all mountain skis. The slightly better carving benefits aren't worth the extra weight, the complexity and cost.

 

[riverc0il]

river, you have been talking up the 8000s for a while now. Dynastar should start paying you for all the promo you are doing for them . I did a bunch of research and was just about to get a pair in a 184 but then the sierrasnowboard sale started and I went for the B3s for less than half the price of what I could find the Legends for anywhere on the internet.

I was really really interested in them because of magazine and skier raves about the playful nature, quickness in trees and bumps, etc... but the only thing that was bothering me about them is some mags/skiers noting that they are easy to overpower especially when the skier is heavy. If i remember correctly, you are 6+ feet and near/around 190-200lbs? Have you had any issues with over skiing them a bit? I am 6'2" and 225. I am asking cause I am keeping the 8000s on the radar and if I can find a really cheap deal (like sub $250) I might still go for them later in the season. Although this year's model is out of the question for me - I hate the fact that they now come with built in rail binding crap - what is up with ski companies forcing you to buy skis and bindings all at once from them? what are they trying to do, make a profit at our expense or something? :-?

I am 210 lbs and 6'1" and have NO problems over powering the skis. This wouldn't be the ski I would want for groomer skiing all day (it gets the job done, but it isn't the best tool for the job and I could over power it if I wanted to rip serious Super G turns). I skied on the B2 and absolutely hated them but good luck with the B3. Different skiers have different preferences so it is always hard to get a good feel for how you will like a ski versus someone else. Any one saying they over powered the 8000 must be used to a Legend Pro or something because it is a solid wood core moderate flexing ski. They are available brand new for $350 in older models flat. Is the 07-08 sold with rails exclusively? The 8000 has been popular with backcountry skiers (I have both P12s and Freerides on my two pairs) and Dynastar actually sold the 8000 with naxo this past season so I would be extremely surprised if they did not offer a flat option. I don't mind rail systems but ski companies that are serious about upper end skis and upper end skiers should always sell their best skis flat. BTW, I ski the 8000 in 178, fwiw. Still haven't found a ski I like more than the 8000 so if the no more flat thing is correct, I am going to start stocking up! Oh, another thing, the original first year model boot center point is about 1.25cm further forward than the second and third year skis (not sure about current year) and I prefer the original boot center point as it does make a difference.

/hyjack

 

[Edd]

That is really good to know coming from a fellow lover of the 8000. The Sandstorms had the specs I was looking for but I was skeptical of the skis performance being a Solly with foam core and all that. I flexed the blue noodles and the Tornados and was not impressed with the flex of either. My big beef with Volkl is being too stiff (e.g. Mantras) but I am encouraged by this thread to big the Goats a shot. Karhu BC100 looks like an interesting option as well.

Can you be more specific about your impression of the Tornados? I'm considering replacing my Legend 4800s. I love them, really great skis but I think I'd like more sidecut; something that may float better in deeper snow. During a week at Whistler this past season I had a hell of a time in some deep slush; sank like a stone. I had a similar experience with that crazy April snow at Sugarloaf.

Anyway, the Tornados have alot of positive press and are the 8000s really that different from the 4800s?

Ah crap; should have read your post better. You didn't actually ski the Tornados, huh? My bad.

 

[riverc0il]

I only flexed the Tornados, I did not ski them. They flexed too easily for my liking. I am not into a super stiff ski, they just had a weird flex to them so the construction in general didn't feel right. Can't quite put my finger on it.

The 4800 and 8000 are complete different skis. I absolutely hated the 4800. They did nothing for me at all. No energy, no pop, no liveliness, etc. 4800 is probably better for a lighter skier and someone not looking for top level expert ski performance. Your mileage may vary.

 

[koreshot]

Can you be more specific about your impression of the Tornados? I'm considering replacing my Legend 4800s. I love them, really great skis but I think I'd like more sidecut; something that may float better in deeper snow.

You probably already know this but sidecut is usually considered a drawback in powder. What is most important for float in powder (from the sidecut perspective) is what is directly under foot. Increasing the size of the ski in tip and tail does help somewhat in getting better float (and keeping good carving manners for the groomers) but they also make the ski a bit funky in the deaper snow.

Skis that are fatter under foot and have less sidecut usually make for better soft snow skis. Having a healthy taper between tip and tail is also a big plus - helps the skis release out of a turn easily for smearing. The Legend line seems to follow these principles more than other all mountain and powder skis - this is why people love them.

 

[big_vert]

The 4800 and 8000 are complete different skis. I absolutely hated the 4800. They did nothing for me at all. No energy, no pop, no liveliness, etc. 4800 is probably better for a lighter skier and someone not looking for top level expert ski performance. Your mileage may vary.

Interesting. My buddy rented some 4800's in Steamboat when we had about a foot of powder two years ago, and when he went in for lunch I put them on. I tried to get him to take a longer lunch because I was having so much fun on them, but he saw through that in an instant.

OK, I'm smaller / lighter, but man, I thought they were turning fools. They're what got me convinced on the 8k.

Anyway Edd - I've been on the Sandstorm and the Fury, which are also Soloman's, and if the Tornado's are anything like their sister skis, no doubt you'll be dissappointed after having 4800's. Also as mentioned, more sidecut will diminish your poder fun. I had 4 trips to Whsitler last year, and 3 times brought my 8k's out, and I was never hurting for float.

If you like 4.8's, the 8k's will be for you. Go down a size though as it's a much stronger ski in the bowls.

 

[Edd]

Thanks for the input about the 8Ks. Don't get me wrong about the 4800s; I found them quite usable in powder, but deep SLUSH is something else to me. The 8Ks with a wider waist sounds awfully tempting. Rivercoil, I weigh about 175 and I think I remember you saying you're over 200 so the 4800s may be a funner ski for me than yourself

 

[awf170]

You probably already know this but sidecut is usually considered a drawback in powder. What is most important for float in powder (from the sidecut perspective) is what is directly under foot. Increasing the size of the ski in tip and tail does help somewhat in getting better float (and keeping good carving manners for the groomers) but they also make the ski a bit funky in the deaper snow.

Skis that are fatter under foot and have less sidecut usually make for better soft snow skis. Having a healthy taper between tip and tail is also a big plus - helps the skis release out of a turn easily for smearing. The Legend line seems to follow these principles more than other all mountain and powder skis - this is why people love them.

This is west coast talk, IMO. I hate my 8800 in powder + woods, they just won't turn quick enough. 24m turn radius is too large for the east coast. I like my Aztecs with a 14m turn radius way more in powdery woods conditions. If you still want to skid your turns though your opinion may differ. But if there is deep snow in the woods skidding just kills way too much speed.

 

[koreshot]

This is west coast talk, IMO. I hate my 8800 in powder + woods, they just won't turn quick enough. 24m turn radius is too large for the east coast. I like my Aztecs with a 14m turn radius way more in powdery woods conditions. If you still want to skid your turns though your opinion may differ. But if there is deep snow in the woods skidding just kills way too much speed.

To each his/her their own I guess. Everyone has different techniques, some people like the "carving" feeling in powdery trees and others go for the skis that allow pivoting and smearing turns. A year ago I went from a powder ski with a lot of sidecut to one that has minimal sidecut - I was amazed at how playful, quick and mid turn adjustable the new skis felt in powder and crud in the trees.

It is interesting though how divided some people are on this topic. Many consider the Voland Spatula, the first widely available reverse camber reverse sidecut ski the best powder tree ski ever made - tips and tails stay out of the snow at all times, never snag and hence can pivot lightning quick. Others think that Phantoms and Icelantics with their super sidecut design are the ultimate tight tree skis. What I don't understand is, what good is a 14 meter turning radius if the trees are spaced 2 meters apart? Won't you spend most of the time skidding/pivoting them anyway?

Oh, a few years ago Shane McConkey ripped a huge line at 45mph in a sustained sideways skid so it is possible to smear turns and keep speed up in powder.

 

[awf170]

To each his/her their own I guess. Everyone has different techniques, some people like the "carving" feeling in powdery trees and others go for the skis that allow pivoting and smearing turns. A year ago I went from a powder ski with a lot of sidecut to one that has minimal sidecut - I was amazed at how playful, quick and mid turn adjustable the new skis felt in powder and crud in the trees.

It is interesting though how divided some people are on this topic. Many consider the Voland Spatula, the first widely available reverse camber reverse sidecut ski the best powder tree ski ever made - tips and tails stay out of the snow at all times, never snag and hence can pivot lightning quick. Others think that Phantoms and Icelantics with their super sidecut design are the ultimate tight tree skis. What I don't understand is, what good is a 14 meter turning radius if the trees are spaced 2 meters apart? Won't you spend most of the time skidding/pivoting them anyway?

Oh, a few years ago Shane McConkey ripped a huge line at 45mph in a sustained sideways skid so it is possible to smear turns and keep speed up in powder.

But don't you want to go back to 179 Seth's for the woods, which are pretty turny skis (well at least compared to the Bros)? Though that tiny bit of rocker might make them pretty sweet in the woods, just enough so your tips an tails don't hook.