2022 Head V-Shape V4 XL

If there's such a thing as a wide front side ski, I suppose the Head V-Shape V4 XL would be a strong contender. Built like the other V-Shape skis, but with a wider-bodied shape, these skis are able to tackle a lot of different terrain and snow conditions all at once. While "Composite" wood cores generally get a bad rap, the ones used in the V4 XL actually hold up quite well. The big thing is that they add a strip of Graphene to the mix to really bolster the snap and energy coming out of the ski. For building a house, plywood is great, but particle board is just as good, and less expensive, and that's really the biggest difference between the materials. The Power Sidewall Jacket construction makes the ski lighter and more maneuverable in the tips and tails while the full sidewall underfoot allows for fantastic edge grip even on the most firm snow and ice you can find. If you're an intermediate skier looking to improve, and want something with a bit more surface area underfoot, look no further than the Head V-Shape V4 XL.

At 84 mm underfoot, we're dealing with a pretty darn versatile shape here. These skis can do it all, and do it well. In the softer snow, the tip rocker with the wider shovel and waist combine to create a smooth-turning ski that loves to stay on top. When you find yourself, invariably, on firmer snow and ice, the 84 mm waist with the vertical sidewall underfoot will grip tight and hold on through the carve, instilling a strong sense of confidence and control the whole way through. It's this middle-of-the-road type of shape that makes a whole lot of friends and sense in the ski industry, and we're all about it here at SkiEssentials.com. Thanks to Head for putting out a wider-bodied front side ski that can really blur the line of all-mountain for intermediate skiers.

Bob St.Pierre hopped on the 170, which was bordering on comically small for him, but that never stopped Bob from having a good time on a pair of skis. He scored the ski 5's out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and versatility. 3's dotted the rest of the card, highlighting that well-rounded nature. "I actually really liked this ski--easy to use and a lot of fun, that's what it's all about for sure! I'm definitely not going to try to find the speed limit on the 170 here, but I don't think that's on the minds of V4 XL skiers for the most part anyway. Really easy to turn and engage, with strong grip and surprising pop. It's really everything I like to see in an intermediate all-mountain ski. Do not overlook."

Head does a nice job in making accessible skis and giving them a higher-end feel and performance level. The V-Shape series as a whole is a good example of that, and the V4 XL is a strong value-oriented ski with a surprising top end. Thanks to the construction, shape, and profile, these skis have a lot more going for them than just being a mid-range ski for sure.