The RTM 86 is the top of the line ski in Volkl’s Ride the Mountain collection. While these skis are dubbed “all mountain skis” by the manufacturer, their shape and performance aligns more with frontside carving performance than anything else. The RTM 86 uses the proven 3D.Ridge and 3D.Glass construction techniques and is actually the only ski in the collection that uses titanium instead of steel. Titanium is a stronger, lighter metal than steel, which gives a ski exceptional levels of torsional stiffness and responsiveness. All of our testers were on a 177 cm length; let’s see what they thought.
Michael Carroll-Sherwin scored the RTM 86 5 out of 5 for stability and torsional stiffness, which really isn’t surprising based off its construction and the feedback we’ve received about it in the past. He wrote in his feedback, “The RTM (86) obviously have their time and place on the hill. Corduroy to significant chopped snow with low to moderate snow depth, these skis are in their element.” That 86 mm waist width really allows the ski to perform nicely in softer snow conditions. It doesn’t get bogged down like a narrower carving ski can. Michael was also impressed by the ski’s “punch-through power” when charging through choppy snow. He ended his reaction to the ski with “no excuses! Carve like a champion!”
Mike Aidala also gave the RTM 86 a 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness and stability. He did, however, only score it 3 out of 5 for forgiveness and playfulness, suggesting the RTM 86 is a relatively demanding ski. His reaction to the ski was “these skis are like being on rail road tracks. I can’t say enough good things about the stability and power of these skis.” According to Mike, “if you charge at high speeds on the frontside, these skis are for you.”
Dave Raybould also found the RTM 86 performed at a very high level, although his reaction focused more on responsiveness and energy than stability and damping. That titanium in the construction definitely allows for quick reactions to skier input. He described it as a “lively, poppy ski with lots of rebound.” Dave also thought the RTM 86 would be reasonably versatile on the feet of an expert skier. He mentioned they’re “best for expert skiers,” but went on to say that he thought it could “ski all over the mountain. There isn’t much this ski won’t do.” We think that’s true, but you really should be at a high level if you’re planning on using these as versatile all mountain skis.
Dave Lewis had a similar reaction compared to Mr. Raybould. He found them to be exceptionally quick and actually was the only tester to give the RTM 86 a 5 out of 5 for both quickness and playfulness. When reading his written reaction, it seems he was feeling a playful amount of energy out of a turn. “Nice energy out of the bottom of the turn. Feels very lively and energetic. Great ski, I would add it to the quiver.” We wouldn’t be surprised if he picked up a pair judging by his 5 out of 5 overall impression score.
If you’re looking for a powerful ski that can carve turns through just about any type of snow conditions, the RTM 86 should definitely be on your list. There aren’t many skis that match this level of performance in this waist width. Less aggressive skiers and intermediates considering the RTM 86 should be aware that it isn’t an exceptionally easy-going ski; it’s pretty demanding.
