2021 Head V Shape V10

In the ~85 underfoot all-mountain/front side system ski category, the Head V-Shape V10 is a true player. Built with a lot of the same technology that's used in the super-popular Kore series skis, the V10 is a light weight cruiser that loves to be on edge. Built with a wood core, graphene, and carbon, the V10 is impossibly quick. While it may not have the same top-end performance of a metal-filled front side ski, it certainly has a good amount of versatility as well as a fun-loving personality. Unchanged for 2021, the V10 retains its quickness and maneuverability, which we see consistently high scores for from our testers. As the top model in the V-Shape line from Head, we expect to see some expert level performance out of these, and while we do get that, it's just not at the top speed that some competitors are at. And that's okay-not all skis have to be de-tuned race skis that you need a 130-flex boot and a racing background for. There's a ton of skiers out there who will do a lot better and get a lot more enjoyment out of something lighter and easier to ski such as the V10.

Rick Randall notes just that, calling his 177 cm test ski "really light underfoot and easy to maneuver." Rick scored 4's for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility. These skis are not only well-suited for the expert skier with more of a technical background, but also for skiers looking to expand their adventure-seeking out fresh snow in the bumps and trees and other off-piste zones. Rick also says the V10 is "easy to roll edge to edge with a playful energy." The increased sidecut does generate a shorter-than-average turn radius, so getting that ski to transition between turns is one of the ski's strong points for sure. On the same page, Steve Sulin notes that the V10 is an "all-mountain carver that's quick to ski from edge to edge." He was on the 170 but noted that it was short for him, a 177 would be better. Regardless, some pretty high scores from Steve, with 4's for most categories, showing the higher-end all-mountain versatility of the ski.

On the 177, Bob St.Pierre wished for a longer ski as well. Mostly 3's from Bob on the scorecard, echoing Steve's notion that the ski does a lot of things pretty well. "Loves to be on edge-great radius carver that is very solid and stable in the woods and bumps. Great and light all-mountain ski with a slower-than-average speed limit." We do see that when the radius is shortened and the turns get tighter, high speeds are not quite as easy to come by. They're kind of like the slalom ski of the all-mountain world. Michael Rooney is on the same side as Bob in this regard as well. He skied the 177 and called the V10 "surprisingly light and goes from edge to edge quickly. They still hold well in choppy snow and ice and have a very solid and stable platform." Michael scored a lot of 5's for this ski, showing that he felt it was on the higher side from average.

With a strong blend of front side and all-mountain characteristics, the Head V-Shape V10 is built and shaped to tackle most of what the resort has to offer. Most skiers spend most of their time on some type of groomed or on-piste terrain, so it's important that their gear reflect that application, and the V10 slides comfortably into that spot for a huge number of skiers.