AWARD
Völkl VTA 98 review 2019
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
During the pre-tests, we mentioned our preference for the Mantra V.Werks (an amazing model that we would like to review next year), but VÖLKL asked us to review the VTA 98, a ski designed for a larger market.
Overall performance is good. The testers said the ski was "very predictable," "playful," and "performed well" in all snow conditions, especially in powder where float and maneuverability are excellent.
The ski is "ultra-light and ultra-easy," "fun," and particularly accessible. However, it struggles on hard pack and at high speed. Edge grip is limited and the edge breaks away in these conditions.
The weight published by the manufacturer is 1.370 kg for the 177 cm length, making it one of the lightest skis in this category.
The VTA 98 is more touring-oriented than freeride and is incredibly light. It is a very good ski that is super smooth and enjoyable and will appeal to skiers who enjoy descents that are not too steep or exposed. It is also an excellent model for your first forays off-piste. Freeriders might prefer a stiffer model.
Review: Pros
- Good flex distribution
- Overall performance
- A good touring ski
- Accessible
- Agile, playful
- Fun
- Light
Review: Cons
- Lacks edge grip on hard pack at high speed
- The ski flaps at high speed
- Not lively or stiff enough for freeride skiing (fast steep off-piste skiing)
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.2 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.6 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.5 |
| Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.2 |
| Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.3 |
| Any ground comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The VTA 98 is part of the VTA (Völkl Touring Alpine) range. With 98mm underfoot, it has the same sidecut as our 90Eight, making it a really good freeride ski. Weighing in at only 1370 g for the 177cm ski, it will be the perfect companion for your long ski tours. Like all the VTA skis, it features the Ice Off topsheet technology, designed to keep the snow from sticking to the ski’s topsheet. Völkl’s freeride touring reputation remains intact with this ski, which has very good edge hold on hard pack, and is easy to ski in crud and tricky snow. Be careful when mounting the bindings as they fit in a predefined mounting zone.
Features of the VTA 98
| Brand : | Völkl |
| Model : | VTA 98 |
| Year : | 2019 |
| Family : | Freeride touring |
| Size tested : | 177 cm |
| Tip size : | 133 mm |
| Waist size : | 98 mm |
| Tail size : | 116 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | 20 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2018