Head V-Shape 4 XL review 2020
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Presented as an All-Mountain range, Head's "V-shape" range (named because of the shape of the skis, which are wider at the front) is rather a range of piste/"All-Round" skis (like the Speed Zone 4x4 range). It consists of five models with increasing levels of performance: V2, V4, V6, V8, V10.
The V-shape 4 is available in a much larger XL version, with an additional 11 mm at the waist. This model was evaluated by the Proskilab reviewers.
The ski's overall behaviour is good, with a special mention for the ease of pivoting that will reassure skiers with a low technical level. The ski shows itself to be docile, "stable and reassuring", ever predictable. Its width (84 mm at the waist) gives it a head start on varied snow and allows the most adventurous to tease the edges of the piste.
The ski is more at ease in cut handling than in slid and skid handling at low speed. According to the reviewers, "it pushes carving", which will appeal to a number of skiers who wish to discover the sensations of cut curves with large edge cornering angles. This gives it, according to the reviewers, "a great margin for progression".
"Nice surprise, Head!" writes one reviewer. We recommend the V-Shape 4 XL to a wide range of skiers from intermediate to good levels, especially for those who want to experience the fun of carving.
Review: Pros
- Carving skills
- Accessibility
- Easy to pivot, put into turns
- Homogeneous ski
- Transition between all snow types
Review: Cons
- Poor behaviour in cool slid, skid handling at low speeds
The ski review scores
Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.4 |
Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.5 |
Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.2 |
Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.0 |
Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.2 |
Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.8 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
Pleasant and easy to ski on all day, they help the skier to improve. With a larger footprint for more versatility, this ski supports you on and off the pistes with ease and security. Pure happiness. Skiing has never been easier.
Features of the V-Shape 4 XL
Brand : | Head |
Model : | V-Shape 4 XL |
Year : | 2020 |
Family : | Intermediate |
Size tested : | 170 cm |
Tip size : | 135 mm |
Waist size : | 84 mm |
Tail size : | 116 mm |
Radius for the size reviewed : | 14 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2019