Gear Guide Ski Review – Volkl Revolt 104

August 23rd, 2020

 

Markus Eder, two-time FWT world champ takes the 104 for spin during testing last year. Pjhotyo: Pally Learmond

 

Mountainwatch | Gear Guide

While not all ski brands have 2020/21 models available in Australia this season, there are new and interesting skis in the market. We thought we’d check in with the crew at Chillfactor ski mag for their expert picks of what is available which we’l publish over the next couple of weeks. The first cab off the rank is the Volkl Revolt 104.

Volkl Revolt 104

Lengths: 172, 180, 188

Dimensions: 132- 104-122

Radius: 20.2 (180)

Rocker: Tip and tail rocker

Core: Multi-layer wood core; Aspen/Maple

Type of skier – advanced to expert freerider

The Revolt 104 is the latest in Volkl’s line-up of freeriding skis, and is equally at home in powder, piste, park or backcountry.  This ski is the latest result of R&D program Volkl calls “Built Together” which brings its athletes and engineers together to develop new designs. Head engineer Lucas Romain, who spent a couple of seasons as a freeride coach in Thredbo, worked with the international freeski team, including Marcus Eder, Tanner Rainville, Paddy Graham to come up with a ski that fits between the big mountain/powder weapon the Revolt 121 and the all-terrain/park ski the Revolt 95.

“When developing the new model, the team followed the core idea of the Revolt 121: to develop a ski that can be used every day, in a wide variety of conditions by all freeskiers. Romain describes the ski as the 121’s little brother, a versatile ski that handles groomers at speed, backcountry stomps, park and powder.

While the Revolt is aimed at freeskiers and is about having fun without restrictions in and out of the park it also holds its own on the groomers. It is a strong ski with sandwich construction, multi-layer wood core, 3D radius side-cut and full-length sidewalls, tip and tail rocker and camber under foot. The shorter radius under foot lets the ski carve when you want it to and it holds an edge through longer turns.

 

Volkl’s team are stoked with the result, two-time world champ Marcus Eder describing it as the perfect ski to take out for a ride when you’re unsure what the day will bring. Shredding pow, carving on the slopes, buttering in the slush or hitting the snowpark. Everything goes.”

The Australian and New Zealand markets are the first to have the Revolt 104, the rest of the world receiving stock in October/November. While it hasn’t been a great snow year, the NSW resorts have a decent cover and it’s fair to say the past few weeks fit Eder’s call of being “unsure of what the day will bring.”

The feedback from Volkl’s Australian team has also been strong, Ben Murphy describing them as an awesome ski and perfect for Australia.

“I have my touring set up on them, but they rip on the groomers and in the heavier fresh stuff we’ve had so far. I haven’t hit the park on them, but I’ve hit a few smaller natural airs in the backcountry and they feel awesome under foot. I reckon they’ll be sick in the park, perfect width.”

The graphics are the work of American artist Ben Brough, his “spirt animal” theme inspired by his love of mythical creatures and their legends. “I let myself be inspired by the speed, style and fearlessness of the Völkl athletes when creating this design. I love mythical. I imagined these animals coming to life on skis as they fly down a snow-covered mountain, “he explained.”

For more info head to volkl.com