The Volkl Flair 79 is a new ski for 2019 and is part of Volkl’s collection of carving skis, all of which get the Flair name. The Flair 79 isn’t the “top of the line” model, but we don’t expect it to be a slouch by any means as Volkl has constructed the ski using their proven 3D.Ridge techniques and have also included a steel laminate to strengthen and dampen the ski. Steel is an interesting material for skis as it’s arguably smoother than titanium, yet still increases torsional stiffness, giving a ski excellent damping properties, etc. Typically skis with steel, not titanium, are a little bit easier to ski, but still have that distinctly high end feel that comes along with metal.
Mar Kuhnel loved skiing the Flair 79. She describes it as “super fun, lively, quick, and very responsive when pushed.” Mar also confirmed our thoughts about the user-friendly nature of the ski by saying that it was “easy to ski, turny, yet stable at speed through chunked up heavy snow.” We love that description. A ski that is approachable, but can still perform at a high level, is a difficult task for manufacturers to accomplish. Mar thought it would be a “great ski for intermediate to advanced frontside carvers who like to make lots of quick turns.” Mar was skiing the 163 cm length and even though that might be a little small for her, she gave the ski 5 out of 5 for both stability and torsional stiffness, which is very impressive.
Pascale Savard also skied the 163 cm length and agreed that it was “fun and snappy in short turns.” Pascale did comment that the ski does feel “quite stiff at the waist and tail,” so it’s going to finish a turn with precision and power. While there are certainly stiffer skis on the market, that description is quite impressive. Pascale went on to recommend it for “solid intermediates who ski groomed terrain,” which makes a lot of sense. 79 mm is a bit narrow for softer, un-groomed snow conditions. We also think the “solid intermediate” is a great ability level for this ski.
Chloe Wexler started her feedback of the Flair 79 by saying it’s a “good ski for an intermediate skier,” so it seems she’s on the same page as Mar and Pascale. Chloe thought it was “easy to turn,” although she did mention that “on steeps the ski would sort of slide out providing a little speed check.” Chloe didn’t give the Flair 79 the highest score for torsional stiffness, but she is a pretty aggressive skier that really drives her skis, so we can understand that. She might be better off on a slightly stiffer frontside carving ski. Chloe, like Mar and Pascale, also skied the 163 cm length.
Annie MacDonald, despite being a high level skier herself, found it to be plenty torsionally stiff, a nice reminder that ski performance is quite subjective. Annie also skied the 163 cm length and described the ski as “snappy, holds an edge well.” She actually thought it would be a “good carving ski for aggressive gals.” It’s nice to know that Annie thinks the Flair 79 can hold up to aggressive skiing. As we mentioned, there are stiffer skis out there, but the Flair 79 is a great carving ski.
If you’re looking for a high level of carving performance, but don’t want the stiffest, most demanding ski on the market you should definitely consider the Flair 79. Many skiers will likely overlook it because there are two skis “above” it in the Flair collection, but 3D.Ridge construction supported by steel provides a pretty high end feel. So ask yourself if you think you really need a stiffer ski before you rule out the Flair 79.
