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Thread: Looking for v-werks katana with a resort build

  1. #1
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    Looking for v-werks katana with a resort build

    The v-werks katana has been my go to travel ski because it can do so many things so well. My only beef with it is that it feels fragile and I’m terrified what will happen if I smoke a rock.

    Is there anything out there in a heavier construction that can float as well in pow, charge through crud and carve as well?

    I’ve tried m102, k108, Mindbender 108TI, Cochise, Wrenegade 102 / 108Ti / 110 Pro, FL105, FR110. Love many of those but none have been as versatile.

    Wren Pro 110 and FR100 are the closest I’ve found to a do-it-all replacement. Wren pro doesn’t float as well and isn’t as loose but is better in crud. FR110 with a -10 mount would be almost perfect … maybe the R110 would be the ski?

    Is finding an old 100Eight the answer? Anything I should try?

  2. #2
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    Stockli Stormrider 105
    Kastle zx108
    The new (older version) 184 Katana on sale in Gear Swap
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  3. #3
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    Mfree 108 but the obvious answer is the GS 184 Katana - undrilled! Buy it so I don't as a backup.

  4. #4
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    OG Bodes should be in your radar as well, I've seen lots up on gearswap in good condition for good prices. It's wide but can carve pretty well with sufficient speed and has the right balance of looseness and chargability you seem to be wanting

  5. #5
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    100eight is a fun and pretty similar ski in many respects but certain production runs of them (first year or two esp) were notoriously fragile. Later batches were better in that regard but I think the main thing you’d be gaining in picking up a pair on the cheap is the confidence that when you do smoke a rock you’re not blowing up a thousand dollar ski.
    There are lions and there are sheep. So, which one are you?

  6. #6
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    M-free 118. You’ll like it.

  7. #7
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    If your only beef with it is that you are worried it's fragile just stop worrying.

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  8. #8
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    Looking for v-werks katana with a resort build

    You must be on the 191 Vwerks and ski perfect snow all the time. Many of the skis you listed are much more well-rounded resort skis. Vwerks are powder queens and ski short, IMO. They are really just a lightweight replacement for the OG version. That’s the answer.
    Last edited by Bandit Man; 02-08-2024 at 12:33 AM.
    In constant pursuit of the perfect slarve...

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Andyski View Post
    Mfree 108 but the obvious answer is the GS 184 Katana - undrilled! Buy it so I don't as a backup.
    Looks like I was too slow on that one but it sounds like what I really want is an OG Katana.

  10. #10
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    I've had my vw katanas for 4 years, Backcountry and they are not fragile at all. Hit many rocks, dry skied and they are still good, except for some top sheet scratches

    Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

  11. #11
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    I think the R110 is the ski. I DD’d 100Eights over a few 100+ day seasons. While I’d like a pair of VWerks Katana’s for touring, I prefer not to ski inbounds on a ski w/ that weight also. The 100Eight was a good weight for a ski of that size IMO. I think the Blaze was/is too light also, I consider that line to be backcountry skis…

    But the R110’s numbers look so dialed to me for a full rocker soft snow resort ski. When HL released it I thought the R110 sounded like the perfect replacement for the full rocker Katanas (OG & VWerks) and 100Eights.

  12. #12
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    The other one to look at would be the Corvus...but it doesn't weigh much more than a VWK. If your interested I've got a pair of VWK 184's in great condition that I'd part with for reasonable bacon. PM me if interested

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by chicken feathers View Post
    I think the R110 is the ski. I DD’d 100Eights over a few 100+ day seasons. While I’d like a pair of VWerks Katana’s for touring, I prefer not to ski inbounds on a ski w/ that weight also. The 100Eight was a good weight for a ski of that size IMO. I think the Blaze was/is too light also, I consider that line to be backcountry skis…

    But the R110’s numbers look so dialed to me for a full rocker soft snow resort ski. When HL released it I thought the R110 sounded like the perfect replacement for the full rocker Katanas (OG & VWerks) and 100Eights.
    Have you been able to ski both the 100Eight and vwk? Curious how the 100Eight did in deeper stuff and if it had enough weight when it gets choppy?


    R110’s seem almost perfect, except I want a farther back mount. I mounted my FR110 at -8 and love them, but it’s different tool than what I’m looking for (directional charger that can also float in pow). I’m not sure the R110 is different enough and wonder if the R105 would float enough in 12” pow. (I’ve got billy goats and pon2oons for deeper days so looking for something between the FL105 and the pow skis.)

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Thomas View Post
    The other one to look at would be the Corvus...but it doesn't weigh much more than a VWK. If your interested I've got a pair of VWK 184's in great condition that I'd part with for reasonable bacon. PM me if interested
    PMd.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by SkiJitsu View Post
    Looks like I was too slow on that one but it sounds like what I really want is an OG Katana.
    I've got 191 OG I could part with.
    One mount Saloman for bigger than a 306.
    Slight tail delam (they came from JH so probably from repeated Gondi rides).
    Pretty cherry other than that.

  16. #16
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    This season's Rustler 11 can do all the things you want and is only slightly heavier but considerably more durable than the KVW. I've put about 50 days on my pair this season in all kinds of conditions and have been very impressed with their versatility and construction--I've hit a lot of rocks at pretty high speed with them and have only gotten a couple small core shots

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