The 100Eight from Volkl is back for 2019 with a new topsheet graphic, but the same construction and design. It’s a relatively unique ski. Volkl has used their 3D.Ridge and 3D.Glass construction, which we also see in the 90Eight and their narrower carving skis, and has paired it with a reverse camber shape and a 108 mm waist width. The result is an all mountain freeride ski that boasts strong versatility, good torsional stiffness, and comes in at a relatively light weight considering its performance and size. We’ve done quite a bit of testing on the 100Eight over the past few years, but we weren’t about to leave it out of our 2019 test as it’s always valuable to get more feedback from different testers.
Steve Sulin skied the 181 cm length and gave the 100Eight high scores across the board. Quickness, forgiveness, and versatility were all scored 5 out of 5 by Steve, with most other criteria receiving a 4 out of 5. We’re always impressed when a ski earns high scores for stability as well as playfulness and forgiveness. In Steve’s opinion, that describes the 100Eight very nicely. Steve commented that the “long, low rocker doesn’t get bounced around,” and that it “can carve a turn like a narrower ski and float like a powder ski.” That’s always been one of the most impressive characteristics of the 100Eight. The torsional stiffness and energy provided by the 3D.Ridge, 3D.Glass, and Carbon Stringers is downright impressive, especially considering the 108 mm waist width.
We had a couple of women jump on the 100Eight as well. We didn’t stop them as the construction is the same as the “women’s” version, so consider their feedback whether you’re shopping for men’s or women’s skis. Annie MacDonald is a relatively small skier, tipping the scales at 115 lbs, so a 181 cm 100Eight on paper is a big ski. “I loved this ski today! Mashed potatoes and this thing rocked! I’m 115, so having a big boat 181 reverse camber ski was awesome.” While it definitely gave her good float and stability, both receiving 5 out of 5 scores, she also said it “turns easily, carves like butter, yet held up to speeds.”
Caroline Kessler also tested the 100Eight. She was most impressed by the ski’s stability and torsional stiffness despite its relative light weight. “Loves to send it fast down the hill! Extremely stable at high speeds, but still playful when turning quick.” Caroline did say it felt “less poppy than others, but very hard-charging.” We can understand that comment because reverse camber skis typically don’t snap or pop you into the next turn. On the other hand, she described it as “smooth and stable through the crud.”
Like Steve, Dave Raybould was also impressed by the versatility of the 100Eight. He described it as “very playful and forgiving in moguls and still rips down a groomer.” Dave definitely enjoyed it as he didn’t give the 100Eight a single score lower than 4 out of 5. Dave thought it would be “ideal for deeper snow days.” We agree. The 100Eight probably isn’t a ski you’d take out every day just because some narrower skis will be quicker edge to edge, but anytime there’s soft snow it’s a great ski for the whole mountain.
Whether you’re adding this to your quiver as more of a dedicated powder ski, something in between narrower skis and even wider powder skis, a wider-than-usual daily driver, or an alpine touring ski, it’s an absolute blast to ski. You’ll notice we listed a lot of different applications there and that’s because it truly is a versatile ski. Not many skis this wide share the same level of firm snow performance, and not many hit this weight range either.
