If you’re looking for an under 70-mm ski for pure carving precision and power, the 2024 Volkl Racetiger RC is a fantastic tool for the job. This ski gets some changes for 2024, allowing it to fit in better with the rest of the Racetiger line in terms of construction and shape. At the same time, it retains many of the qualities that made it a fan-favorite when it came to making clean, crisp, round, and relatively easy turns on firm snow and ice. While this ski doesn’t fall into the “race” category as far as overall sturdiness and composure are concerned, many skiers who are looking for an entry point into that realm will find a whole lot of positives here.

Thanks to Volkl’s Multilayer wood core, this Racetiger RC features a blend of light weight energy and stout dampness. It’s not too heavy that it makes for a lumbering feel, and that’s great news for skiers who are looking to get into the world of racing without having to fully commit to a super dense race ski. This also helps with the entry and exit points of the turn, making it quicker and more agile to aid in progression. Most skiers will find that a true race ski is just too heavy or demanding, so having something like this on the slightly lower end of the spectrum makes a whole lot of sense. The use of a titanal band as opposed to full sheets of metal makes this ski quite a bit more approachable, and for the intended audience, this definitely makes sense. One of the main differences from a build perspective is the implementation of Tailored Carbon tips to the ski as opposed to the outgoing UVO system of tip damping. The new way is lighter, crisper, and more precise, and our testers also appreciate the added agility in a short turn format.

At 69 mm underfoot, we’re dropping one or two mm from the waist from last year’s model, and while most skiers won’t feel this change, it’s still important to note because we’re now sub-70, potentially putting this ski in a different category in some skiers’ minds. In the 172, the ski generates a 15.3-meter turn radius, and this is right between a slalom and GS style of turn, making it easy and fulfilling for progressing carvers to fully enjoy the ski’s ability to be crisp and on edge in a variety of turn styles. From quick and choppy to longer and more drawn-out, this ski’s flex allows it to be bent at the skier’s whim. Again, this is keeping in line with the ski’s desire to be a learning tool and a progression option for those who are seeking out race-like design and feel without the demand or danger.

If you’re looking to get into the wonderful world of front side carving in order to progress and perhaps get into the gates, this Volkl Racetiger RC is a big step in the right direction. While lighter and more maneuverable than the heavier-set skis in this category, this thin-waisted ski is more than appropriate for skiers who are looking to spend most of their time up on edge creating high angles and mid-radius turns on firm snow.