Katana Vs Katana

**fat yeti** · 10-02-2023, 11:04 PM

I have wanted to try this version of Volkl Katana for the last several years so I ended up picking up two pairs.

2010 vs 2013

Other then the Dragon graphics being just that cool.
2013 is about 3 cm longer deeper rocker lines, wider and seems to flex stiffer.

What are the pros and cons to both.

Me 5’ 8
Fat like 215 fat
Ski Brighton and Snowbird

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**Tri-Ungulate** · 10-02-2023, 11:35 PM

I have the 12-13 Ronin version in 184 (same as your Dragon version with less cool graphics) and it's still my go-to inbounds charger.

Bulletproof, powers through anything and everything. Fast and stable as fuck, so not particularly playful or ideal for bumps or billygoating, although more maneuverable than expected for their stiffness d/t the rocker. Carves well in the hardpack, although tails release when you want. Floats well in pow, no problems with diving.

I'm skiing them with Rotte NTN Freerides, mounted on the line (which is waay back, as per usual Volkl recs).

Haven't skied the 2010, but per the reviews, that version is a tiny bit narrower and heavier?

5’9 150-ish
Ski Solitude and AltaBird when inbounds.
Don't really tour with the metal Katanas but do with the V-Werks Katanas.

**SnakeMagnet** · 10-03-2023, 01:43 AM

The dragon one sucks, you should give it to me.

Gen 1 and 2 are mostly the same except 1 had the swallowtail plastic insert which did nothing except fall out. Part of the early full rocker all mountain years where everyone was experimenting; Volkl was extremely conservative. Basically completely flat like a stiffer Corvus and a big mountain hero snow charger, had issues with chinesium delaminating on some models. 3 as noted got more rocker and is more willing to move around and better in deeper stuff while still being unstoppable.

**frorider** · 10-03-2023, 02:13 AM

I had gen 1’s (191?) and still have the gen 2 in a 197. I echo what Tri U says, but for the 197 I ended up going +1.5 and felt it was an improvement overall vs the voelkl line. Just made it more pivoty in the inevitable large bumps on a pow day at mammoth or kirkwood.

Had NTN, now I have alpine clamps on there, may put the NTNs back on if I ski mammoth more regularly again.

**One (+) Sentence** · 10-03-2023, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by fat yeti

I have wanted to try this version of Volkl Katana for the last several years so I ended up picking up two pairs.

2010 vs 2013

Other then the Dragon graphics being just that cool.
2013 is about 3 cm longer deeper rocker lines, wider and seems to flex stiffer.

What are the pros and cons to both.

Me 5’ 8
Fat like 215 fat
Ski Brighton and Snowbird

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Honestly the biggest difference in those two skis is that the 2010 was made during the short period of time Volkl produced skis in China. They had a higher instance of delams and sidewall issues / warranties.

The 2013 was built in Volkl’s primary German factory.

PSA- You can tell where a Volkl was made by the serial # on the sidewall. If it is dot matrix etched into the sidewall = China. If it is printed in the sidewall in ink = Germany.

**fat yeti** · 10-03-2023, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I think the 183 might fit my needs better after all of your feedback.

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**waxoff** · 10-03-2023, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by fat yeti

Thanks for the feedback. I think the 183 might fit my needs better after all of your feedback.

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Ski em both, then you'll know for sure. Flip the ones you don't care for, or just keep on hoarding. You're on a good path! 😁

**enginerd** · 10-03-2023, 05:50 PM

Those look a lot like the ones on the Craigslist add from the north Tahoe area that was posted in gear swap!

Curious to see what you think. Logging in as a potential buyer of the green dragons if you don’t get on with them.

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**waxloaf** · 10-11-2023, 10:58 AM

Some 191s at lone pine if anyone is interested

https://lonepinegearx.com/collection...bindings-0f13a

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**Velomayniac** · 10-11-2023, 11:05 AM

I wish I could find a pair of those 2014 Greens brand new in 191. I know someone in this world is holding/hoarding.

How do the Katana 108s compare to the oldie-but-goodies?

**phatty** · 10-11-2023, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by waxloaf

Some 191s at lone pine if anyone is interested

https://lonepinegearx.com/collection...bindings-0f13a

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Hmm, I'm in Utah this weekend, too...

**1000-oaks** · 10-11-2023, 11:51 AM

Crazy how many people put Dukes on Katanas.

**BC.** · 10-11-2023, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Velomayniac

I wish I could find a pair of those 2014 Greens brand new in 191. I know someone in this world is holding/hoarding.

How do the Katana 108s compare to the oldie-but-goodies?

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**Velomayniac** · 10-12-2023, 09:41 AM

Yeah I wish I could find a new, unmounted pair.

**waxloaf** · 10-13-2023, 02:06 PM

Katanas keep rolling through Lone Pine!

https://lonepinegearx.com/collection...bindings-083a2

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**Velomayniac** · 10-13-2023, 02:50 PM

That place is great!

**phatty** · 10-13-2023, 04:21 PM

I'm rolling through today and am going to check out that first pair. Since I have the Dragons for Bandit, I may as well grab something for myself, right?

**Dantheman** · 10-13-2023, 04:28 PM

Damn, those Lone Pine deals are tempting. I have no interest in those bindings, but I have some spare Pivots and I'd almost certainly need to remount anyway (284 mm BSL). Anyone skied these and Sickles who can compare? I had to remount my Sickles last year to -2 cm and I was never very excited about them afterwards, always felt like I was behind the sidecut trying to catch up. I suppose the real question is 183 vs. 191....