2021 Volkl Secret 92

I don't know if you can call a ski that's in its third year a "Secret" anymore, but Volkl has built a following around the name, so I guess they can call it whatever they want. These skis offer all you'll ever need or want for an advanced and expert all-mountain setup. Since Volkl's flagship Mantra got a titanal frame rebuild a few years ago, that technology has filtered into many of the other skis in the Volkl line, from the glass frame in the new Yumi and Deacon 80 to the wider Secret 102. In addition to the frame design, the Secret 92 has a great shape for that skier looking for versatility without sacrificing on-trail performance. The only thing it lacks that the other skis have is the 3D radius sidecut, meaning that the Secret 92 has a more traditional feel to it. Just push forward in your boot and you'll be on your way to a pure, beautiful carved turn. At 92 mm underfoot, it's a bit wider than the Kenja 88, so if you want a 90+ mm underfoot ski with the dual metal laminate, the Secret is the way to go. Tip and tail rocker, combined with carbon tips make for a smooth-turning ski that is a bit quicker and nimbler than its build and weight imply. Lower swing weight equals easier turns and since the rest of the build is still pretty burly, you don't lose any stability at all. Unchanged from 2020 except for graphics, the Secret 92 still holds a special place in many of our contributors' hearts.

Kristi Brown loves the 170 cm length Secret. Nothing below a 4 for Kristi, with that score going to forgiveness. As far as limitations go, getting a 4 in that category for a ski like this is a pretty good sign for the Secret. Overall impression, torsional stiffness, and stability all got 5's, so it's pretty safe to say that an aggressive and experienced skier like Kristi is going to find a lot to like about the Secret 92. She calls it "an awesome front side pleaser. Big groomer high speed turns are where it's at." With the lack of the 3D radius sidecut, that's what you're going to get; bigger turn compliance and consistency. Additionally, the skis have that "traditional Volkl confident feel with skis hugging snow and with a big sweet spot."

Ariel Aidala noted that the Secret does require a fair amount of skier input, and that the stronger you are, the more you're going to get. She skied the 163 and found it was a good length. Other than a 3 for flotation, Ariel's scores were all 4's and 5's, including 5's for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. She calls them "high performance, elite, advanced women's skis that rip. These skis are stiff and planky, but once you make them work for you, they're awesome." In terms of strength of skier, "on tired legs, these skis demand all your focus, but the returns are endless. It's no secret why so many women like this ski, but if you want something that doesn't demand work all the time, this isn't the ski for you." And that's no knock on the ski itself, just a good piece of advice for skiers who either overestimate their abilities or underestimate the power of the Secret. She puts it another way: "Sturdy, resilient and stable. Damp. Like a sturdy car - but it doesn't have automatic steering." You do have to work the ski or it'll work you.

No longer a secret, the Volkl Secret 92 is an ideal choice for advanced and expert lady skiers who are looking to shred the whole mountain. They're high-end skis for strong skiers with good skills. When you put them on edge and are balanced, you'll get great energy and rebound out, just don't sit idly by waiting for the skis to do all the work for you.