The 2024 Volkl Revolt 96 is a wonderful upgrade to the outgoing 95, which we wouldn’t go so far as to call stagnant, but it’s nice to have a refresh at the same time. For years, the Revolt 95 was a stalwart option in the mid-90's freestyle division, and as an athlete driven ski, it featured a central mount point, tip and tail rocker, and a durable build that stood up to the harshest of throw downs in the park. As good as it was in those situations, even more skiers fell for the Revolt as an amazing all-mountain ski. This ski opened a lot of skier’s eyes to the benefits of a wider twin tip for general daily use. You did not have to be a dedicated park skier to enjoy the Revolt 95, and we’re happy to say that trend continues into 2024.

The basic construction of the ski is pretty similar to the outgoing model, built with a Multilayer Woodcore and a blend of full sidewall and Mini Cap sandwich. This gives the underfoot region of the ski a whole lot of density and strength while keeping the ends of the ski lighter and more manageable. When the shape is factored in, the ski becomes even more useful, fun-loving, and versatile than ever before. Built with a thicker and stiffer base, this ski glides quite well and is able to withstand some serious use. In the 173, we’re seeing the ski hit 1920 grams per ski, so while it’s not a feather, it’s still on the maneuverable and agile side of the spectrum. It certainly feels like a sturdy ski both underfoot and through the ends.

The shape is where this ski changes the most from its predecessor. While the old Revolt 95 had a very long effective edge, and almost no taper in the tips or tails, the new 96 is quite the opposite. The ends of the ski are quite a bit sharper, contributing to more drifty and smooth character overall. This new shape, combined with a 3D Radius Sidecut, makes for a very round turning ski. While the sidecut does vary, it’s not quite the same as in other skis in Volkl’s line. Here, we’re seeing the 173 have a 17-meter arc underfoot to go along with a 20 in the front and a 19 in the back. The nice thing is that you can find the 17, hold it, and make amazingly clean and round turns across the fall line. It skis a lot more interestingly as a result. While the tip and tail rocker profile is decidedly twin tipped, there’s not thing crazy about it, rather it falls in line with a lot of other well-rounded twins out there on the market today.

Skiers looking to get into the park and have an absolute blast in an all-mountain format should line up quickly for the new Volkl Revolt 96. This ski is also a great value, as you’re getting quite a bit of ski for not a whole lot of money. From intermediates who are looking for a sturdy and fun-loving twin to cruise the mountain on, all the way up to highly competitive park and pipe enthusiasts, this new Revolt 96 is a welcome change with nothing but positives.