Thread: 203cm volkl shiro

So I noticed that volkl is making the shiro in a 203 for this season and I'm kinda wondering if anyone has skied it.

Volkl has a history of their skis being somewhat longer than the advertised length, anyone have some insight into whether or not that's true with the 203? If so, that's a damn big ski.

Also wondering if anyone knows whether or not it's constructed differently than the shorter shiros.

With a twin tip in the 203 I'm thinking it'll ski somewhat shorter than it would appear. Anyone who's actually skied the 203 that can confirm or deny that?

I would find a way to get in touch with Ian McIntosh. He's one of their pros, and really tall. Probably the ski that he is on. He was on the 193 Shiro, but would probably welcome a 203. Check facebook or twitter or something to see if you can shoot him a message. Most of the pros are fairly receptive to tech talk questions about the gear they use.

Originally Posted by MC Slayer

Volkl has a history of their skis being somewhat longer than the advertised length, anyone have some insight into whether or not that's true with the 203? If so, that's a damn big ski.

Other way around dude. Unless they've changed things now, a 203 Shiro will be the same length as a 198-199 from other big ski brands.

Really curious how this will compare to the 196 Renegade. Seem fairly similar on paper, but maybe not...

I have just skied the 193 shiros and find them to lock in into turns when you start to pick up speed. Pretty much the opposite of what I expected. They are superstable though. But scrubbing of speed in tight spots will require some serious pre-season legwork. If thoy would just give the tip a tad of taper (might just be a quick fix with a detune). They were nice and damp and pretty nimble as well (in lower speeds that is). A really nice west coast daily driver.

Tried the 198 Katanas the same day. Perfect ski for hauling ass over avy debris. But you have to be in charge 100% of the time, or youll end up in ze back of ze zeat.

I guess the 203 would be kinda the same, but a little easier to handle. Btw...wasnt the shiro introduced as the new do it all freestyle oriented ski? :P

Let's see. A Volkl 203cm is like, what?, about a 174 K2? Lol.

I just remember measuring the 186 gotama and it being the same length as the 190 katana. Guess I just assumed that volkl tended to make their skis on the taller side. If they are indeed shorter, I may need to get myself a pair.

As to the shiro being introduced as more of a freestyle ski; although it may be a bit more nimble and playful, skiers like Ian McIntosh and people winning freeride world tour events are skiing on the shiro. So I think I'd still feel somewhat comfortable using it as a big mountain charger.

I think what you guys are missing is the fact that most ski makers measure the ski as a flat material length and depending how you measure the ski and what the rise of the tip and tail is the measurement will end up different then advertised.

Not at all. They are often listed as a size that is the height of the ski if you stand it up. Ie straight tape pull over the top.

Sent from my cell phone. no, a cell phone.

Originally Posted by auvgeek

Really curious how this will compare to the 196 Renegade. Seem fairly similar on paper, but maybe not...

Renegade? I didn't think they were similiar at all. 151-119-135 with no tip taper. Totally different tip profile and splay. The Shiro is wider in the tail that the Renegade is in in the tip. To me the only similarity is that they are both reverse camber and were both designed by dudes living in WHistler

Originally Posted by DudeLebowSKI

Renegade? I didn't think they were similiar at all. 151-119-135 with no tip taper. Totally different tip profile and splay. The Shiro is wider in the tail that the Renegade is in in the tip. To me the only similarity is that they are both reverse camber and were both designed by dudes living in WHistler

Yeah, I've been thinking that myself. Stupid comment based on the fact that they're both reverse camber and relatively stiff.

Edit: I guess I'm curious how much the taper and wood vs metal core affect the ski's performance and in what way.
Edit 2: Shiro doesn't have metal. DOH! Done talking now.

Originally Posted by lobstahmeatwad

I think what you guys are missing is the fact that most ski makers measure the ski as a flat material length and depending how you measure the ski and what the rise of the tip and tail is the measurement will end up different then advertised.

this is fact, mostly.

Originally Posted by auvgeek

Yeah, I've been thinking that myself. Stupid comment based on the fact that they're both reverse camber and relatively stiff.

Edit: I guess I'm curious how much the taper and wood vs metal core affect the ski's performance and in what way.

Huh? Shiro has no metal.

And agree that the Shiro seems to be nothing like what Völkl first advertised.

Haven't been on the 203, but after a few deep days at the end of the season on my 193's, I have to say that I was surprised how manageable they were. I also couldn't imagine the 193 being enough for McIntosh. I ski like a pussy compared to him and I think the 193's are perfect for me.

Shiro's are fun, but feel like a compromise of sorts. They float and have a playful side, but give up some of that charging attitude that one gets from something like the 191 or 198 Katana. I'd say they are a hybrid between the old (non-rockered) Gotama and Kuro.

Originally Posted by stuckathuntermtn

Not at all. They are often listed as a size that is the height of the ski if you stand it up. Ie straight tape pull over the top.

no not at all.
It will either be a flat material length or an arbitrary length that sounds good for marketing or unique like 1-8-7 on your motherfuckin meow.
Virtually no skis measure flat tip to tail straight pull as what is printed on the ski.
that's what makes what I do different, i don't roll like the euro manufacturers.
If someone wants a 187cm ski, I cut a 189-192 depending on the rocker tip/tail rise I put into it so it does measure like that when a straight tape is pulled.

Hey Dude, who did design the kuro? Just curious about.
I remember the first kuro reviews here in tgr were low profile, but I finally tried em last spring hand felt in love.

Originally Posted by verbier61

Hey Dude, who did design the kuro? Just curious about.
I remember the first kuro reviews here in tgr were low profile, but I finally tried em last spring hand felt in love.

Stian Hagen?

Originally Posted by verbier61

hand felt in love.

Quoted for posterity.

Originally Posted by sf

Stian Hagen?

is him in whistler?

Originally Posted by SiSt

Quoted for posterity.

you rock :-)