The Volkl 90Eight is back for 2019 with new graphics, but the same design and construction we saw for 2018. The 90Eight uses Volkl’s 3D.Ridge construction technology, which is really focused on being lightweight while still delivering good stability and overall performance. It has more freeride and backcountry influence compared to skis like the Mantra and Kendo. For 2018, Volkl updated the construction with their 3D.Glass technique: more fiberglass running up along the sidewall and out along the edge. That change retained the lightweight feel of the 90Eight, but gave it a little more power as well as increased durability.
Jeff Neagle tested the 177 cm length and started his feedback by saying “the 90Eight continues to offer a lighter, more freeride-inspired alternative to other more traditional Volkl all mountain skis.” That’s a really good way to think about it. Put a 90Eight next to a Mantra, which is a very similar waist width, and you’ll notice that the 90Eight is significantly lighter. Carbon stringers through the ski create a really responsive feel, which Jeff seemed to notice. “Feels light and quick on your feet. Quite responsive for a ski with a 98 mm waist width. The tail feels stiffer than you might expect.” Jeff gave the 90Eight pretty high scored across the board, which is a nod to the ski’s versatility. It can carve turns on groomers, while also being exceptionally capable in off-piste scenarios. Jeff thought it would be “great for a skier who values a lightweight feel and quickness over damp, heavier skis with metal.” He also thought it “could be a great touring ski or 50/50 touring/resort ski!”
Dave Marryat really liked his time on a 177 cm 90Eight, which suggests that the 90Eight doesn’t require an advanced or expert skier to enjoy its performance. He referred to it as “an excellent daily driver for the strong New England skier that doesn’t need metal.” Despite it not having metal, Dave found it to be quite stable, giving the ski 5 out of 5 in that category. That really shows what Volkl accomplished in this construction: lightweight, yet still stable. He described them as “playful and stable in heavy snow,” and he also thought the “edges held well in scraped off sections.” That makes sense, as Dave gave the 90Eight 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness and edge grip as well. Despite it not using metal, Volkl’s 3D.Ridge technology definitely retains excellent torsional stiffness, a confidence boost on firm terrain whether it be groomers or variable off-piste snow conditions.
Although the 98 mm waist width often falls into more of an all mountain category, Charlie Roy, who was testing the 184 cm length, referred to it as, “a great lightweight powder ski.” We wouldn’t quite put it into a powder ski category, but the 98 mm waist width and tip and tail rocker definitely gives it good performance in deep snow. Charlie found the flotation, quickness, playfulness, and forgiveness of the 90Eight to be the highlights. Charlie thought it would make a fantastic AT ski, adding that “I would love to mount these with a touring binding. They would be light on the way up and a blast on the way down.” Charlie also commented on their approachable nature for less aggressive skiers, “I would also suggest these for anyone who likes to ski the woods, but doesn’t charge. (They’re) very playful and maneuverable.”
Whether you want a lightweight, super versatile all mountain ski, or are planning on mounting them with touring bindings, the 90Eight really does offer a nice level of performance for a variety of skiers. Anyone from an expert who values lightweight equipment to an intermediate looking for a more versatile ski can enjoy the performance of the 90Eight. Groomers, trees, powder; it can do it all.
