2010 Zealot vs 2010 Katana... everyday in No. Rockies?

[rpmooreii]

How does the 2010 Zealot compare to the 2010 Volkl Katana as an everyday board for Northern Rockies (Big Sky, MT)?

I have read all the posts on TGR re: these skis and have yet to see somebody compare these directly. I have heard good and bad about both skis. Some say the Zealot is hard to handle esp. in tight spots and I have heard that both have durability issues. They have near identical dims and both have an early rise tip.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[the_clizz]

demo both of them and you tell us which is better for what youre describing. since these are mainstream skis it shouldnt be hard to find some with demo binders

[YB]

I've looked at both of these and have a pair of 2008 Katana's that have held up fine, though I'm not super hard on gear. I think the Zealot has more tip rocker, the Katana is more trad. Also I think build tolerances on the Volkl might be tighter.

[skibum93]

I've looked at both of these and have a pair of 2008 Katana's that have held up fine, though I'm not super hard on gear. I think the Zealot has more tip rocker, the Katana is more trad. Also I think build tolerances on the Volkl might be tighter.

This years Katana has tip rocker.

[hoarhey]

This year's Katana is supposed to have full rocker, ELP, which is the same ELP that the Kuros and the new Gotamas have.

[mortimer]

Also I think build tolerances on the Volkl might be tighter.
you mustve missed all the blown up katanas floating around...

the new zealots look and feel sexy

[YB]

A friend who's skied Goats (and Sumo 195) since they came out bought Katana's this year and I looked at his pair. They looked good. I've heard about blow ups on the ski here but it doesn't worry me, any ski can break if you land heavy enough on rock.

The Zealots I saw looked really nice but when I spied down the bases towards the tail the ski looked asymmetric, could have been optical delusion but I don't think so. That tells me maybe the ski isn't made with the precision you typically see in Volkl product. CAVEAT: I don't make skis, don't know much about skis, just spouting my opinion...

[gretch6364]

A friend and I both skied last years Zealots without any durability issues. When skiing them, I kept thinking a little tip rocker would make these perfect...and then this years came out.

I have not skied the Katana's, but I will say that the Zealots are very stiff and due to very little sidecut, can be pretty tiring in trees or tight quarters...that being said, out in the wide open, they are amazing. I have never skied any other ski that you could go so fast so easily on in wide open cut up powder...you just point them and go as fast as the hill will take you!

[mtbcat]

Nothing new here from what ive read from other reviews. on bc.com . Took this ski out or did it take me ? This ski wants to go fast. Found no speed limit and did not open her up all the way as my balls told me to try and keep her in check. she wanted nothing to do with this and just took off. This ski can eat up ground fast . If you like to go fast and can stay out of the back seat. then the 192 might work for you. pops and turns off of wind lips. arcs large gs turns with no give at all very solid. "carving short turns on groomers forget it. c above review." By the end of the day i was glad to of rode the bitch. she was mean and a take no prisnor attitude . In the hands of a skilled rider she could take charge off your stable. and i would love to ride her little sister the 182 zealot . If you have rode the 192 and know off other skis that ski simaliar please let us know so i will be prepared when i ask her out on a day on the hill.

[Canada Guy]

^^^ I definitely agree with the above statement when I had the 09 192's, but I broke them two weeks ago. The best way I can describe the 09s was like riding an oak door, but they have been softened up a bit for 2010 and a bit of a rocker was added to the tip.

I just picked up the 2010 182's (the 192s were just too mean) under warranty from MEC a couple of days ago and plan to try them out on Saturday. I'll post a quick review when I get back from the hill.

[sli11]

Canada Guy, be interested in that review and let us know your height and weight with it.

[kix515]

Destroyed my Katanas this month on early season conditions but, they rocked for a season in Tahoe and Snowbird.