AWARD
Völkl VTA 98 review 2019
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
During the pre-tests, we mentioned a preference for the Mantra V.Werks (an amazing model that we'd like to review next year), but VÖLKL asked us to review the VTA 98, a ski designed for a wider public.
Overall behaviour is sound. The ski was judged to be "very consistent", "playful" and "smooth" in all snow conditions, especially in powder where float and manoeuvrability are excellent.
The ski is "ultra-light and ultra-easy", "fun" and particularly accessible. On the other hand, it's less convincing on hard pack and at high speed. Grip is limited and push-offs are not solid enough in these conditions.
The weight announced is 1.370 kg for 177 cm, making it one of the lightest tools in the category.
More touring than freeride, and incredibly light, the VTA 98 is a very good ski, particularly consistent and fun for skiers who enjoy downhill rides that are not too physically demanding. It's also an excellent model for your first steps off-piste. Freeriders might prefer a stiffer model.
Review: Pros
- Good flex distribution
- Sound overall behaviour
- A good freeride touring ski
- Accessible
- Agile, playful
- Enjoyable
- Light
Review: Cons
- Less grip on hard pack at high speed
- The ski flaps at high speed
- Lacks dynamism and stiffness for freeride (engaged off-piste)
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.2 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.6 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.5 |
| Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.2 |
| Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.3 |
| All-terrain comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The VTA 98 has landed in the VTA (Völkl Touring Alpine) line! With 98mm underfoot, it has adopted the sidecut from our 90Eight, making it a really good Freeride ski. And with only 1370gr for 177cm, it will be the perfect companion for your long freeride trips. Like all the VTA, the ski features the Ice.Off top sheet technology, designed to keep the snow from sticking to the ski's surface. Völkl's freeride touring reputation remains intact with this ski, with very good hold on hard pack, while offering an easy ski for crusty and tricky snow conditions. Take care when mounting the bindings as they fit in a predefined binding area.
Features of the VTA 98
| Brand : | Völkl |
| Model : | VTA 98 |
| Year : | 2019 |
| Family : | Freeride touring |
| Size tested : | 177 cm |
| Tip size : | 133 mm |
| Waist size : | 98 mm |
| Tail size : | 116 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | 20 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2018