Volkl Shiro Skis 2013

Comments about Volkl Shiro Skis 2013:

I am 6'4.5" and 175lbs. I skied the 193's and 183's, mounted 2cm forward of recommended. Both were exceptionally smooth, great carving and turning on smooth snow wether groomers or fresh pow. The 193's felt a bit heavy, and the 183's were more playful. The 193's were resistant to getting in the air in pow, which I found very annoying. The 183's where easier to pop up into the air but still more work then a more conventional rockered ski with mid camber. One may think the 193's might be difficult turning in trees and tight areas, but they were easy to navigate in trees. However.... I found that in any snow condition where the snow was bumpy or rough, they were bucky, very difficult, uncomfortable and unstable at speed. One just had to simply slow them down. This was unlike other powder skis of width that I find more stable and skiable, in powder over bumps, cut rough and rutty end of the day snow or second day snow. I found the primary issue being one can not press forward and use forward presssure on the ski, they just simply rock further forward with their constant curve rocker. This same rocker makes them turn wonderfully on smooth groomers or smooth frsh powder, but awful over rugged variable terrain. Landing airs needs to be centered to back or they roll too easily over the tips, bizarely the skis are very controllable in "wheelie" mode, but I am more comfortable on a ski you can stomp on the balls of your feet, not have to be on your heels. Summary, great for that heli trip, not for worked over snow or ungroomed resort runs, I cant believe the reviews that refer to them as an "all mountain" ski.

Comments about Volkl Shiro Skis 2013:

Beautiful powder/deep snow ski that performs extremely well for what it was built for. Don't be shy on going a little longer than you normally would as this ski feels very short due to the full rocker. Definitely not a one quiver ski as it sucks on ice and firm hard pack. The ski has a very long radius with very little side cut 26.4 meters with the 183 CM but feels more like 30m. It can be carved at high speeds ok but not very good at low and medium speeds.
Buy it if you live out West for that 30cm 1 foot + dump but if you are looking for a do everything ski forget it, buy a Kendo or Mantra or possibly a Gotama

Comments about Volkl Shiro Skis 2013:

I am 6'6", 220, and I have spend 10 days on the 203cm Shiro now. I love the ski. It is not without its flaws. First, it is heavy. But then again, I got a 203cm powder ski, so I expected some weight. Also, it is a little too much to move through the bumps, but I give it my all.

Other than that, I have no complaints. I have heard people complain that this ski doesn't do well in chopped up snow, crud or groomers, but I disagree. Granted, you cannot give it a half effort. But with my shins pressed forward it just plows through, even with the somewhat aggressive rocker.

It also carves like a GS ski on groomers, but again, this doesn't come with a half effort. However, with an aggressive stance and some force, the ski bites nicely on hard snow and can carve some trenches in the corduroy.

Of course, the float in powder is great. I used it in 39" (not a typo) of new at Stevens Pass and of course had a blast. I have it mounted +2, which I think is perfect, btw. Also got some use on a few deep-ish days in Utah. Again, great ski for tight cottonwood trees.

It is also stiff enough that I can land drops a little behind center and not have to backslap every time.

Comments about Volkl Shiro Skis 2013:

This powder specific ski is a great resort weapon for more than just deep snow. I love this ski because it floats like a boat and carves its way to the lift line once you're back on the trail. I have had frustrating experiences landing big airs with other reverse camber skis but the Shiro seems to provide the right amount of tail and surface area to ride out of those four point landings without putting you in the back seat. Its shovel tip will help to keep you from faceplanting through the trees. I was very impressed by how much the tapered tail maneuvers and reacts when making quick, tight turns. I love this ski and use it almost every day of the season.

Comments about Volkl Shiro Skis 2013:

My first time on the Shiro was probably like a lot of other people's. Pretty blown away by its versatility. The Shiro is Volkl's answer to a deep day at the resort ski, something that you can ski all day on after a dump. From 12" new to sun baked crud to the groomers back to the lift. There isn't a ton of energy from turn to turn due to the camber or lack thereof so it's not a super exciting ski edge to edge but it more than makes up for it with stability and edge grip. If you like a traditional Volkl feel this will be right up your alley.

Comments about Volkl Shiro Skis 2013:

We tested out the Volkl Shiro Skis in Lake Tahoe, California on a few Powder days at Squaw Valley.

Great skis, very versatile and really crave speed, deep powder and the steeps, but also perform on the groomers when in a pinch, check out the video for more in depth review.