"BLAZE" that demonstrates its performance in the backcountry. The reason is? ｜VÖLKL

VÖLKL has incorporated a new lineup in the "FREERIDE" category. That is the “BLAZE” series.

INDEX

• Light, exquisite shape, free turning arc. High versatility of "BLAZE"
• All-encircle coverage on freeski
• freeride and freestyle. Rich lineup and riders who express it
• Future versatility sought by freestylers

Light, exquisite shape, free turning arc.
High versatility of "BLAZE"

This series is aimed at skiers whose main field is the backcountry.

Although it has a wide shape, it is light, and it is a model that makes it easy to bring out the gliding performance under various conditions. The series consists of 4 models, "BLAZE106" with a waist width of 106mm, "BLAZE94" with a waist width of 94mm, and each has a female model. The former is mainly used for skiing in the backcountry regardless of the season, and the latter is mainly for skiing at ski resorts, and can be used for rough conditions and long hikes in spring mountains.

In the backcountry, we use different techniques such as carving and sliding depending on the situation, and slide down the slope with large and small turns.

Sliding short turns at controllable speed in difficult conditions, and comfortably spraying big turns as you pick up speed. The ability to draw such turns is largely due to the “ 3D Radius Sidecut .
This function, which was introduced for the first time in the 2020 season, makes quick turns easier with a tight radius at the center, and a larger radius at the top and tail to prepare the entry and finish of turns at high speed. The rocker in the top and tail is also excellent, allowing for quick edge transitions even with wide shapes.

The core material is a combination of beach and poplar, which is characterized by its light weight. In addition, the center uses a light artificial material called Isokoa. I'm worried about the softness because I tried to reduce the weight, but I inserted a titanium layer in the binding area to reinforce it. While giving a sense of stability when speeding, it is light enough for hiking.

All-encircle coverage on freeski

Let's take a look back at the history of the brand.

"VÖLKL" started making skis in 1923 and has a history of about 100 years.

It is the only ski brand that is still developed and produced in Germany. Despite its strong brand image in alpine competitions, it entered the freeski category at an early stage as a European brand. In 1999, they announced the "V-Ski" which focused on park and freeride. In the 2000s, iconic skis such as "GOTAMA", "MANTRA", and "WALL" were introduced to the scene one after another.
Among them, a one-size 193cm ski with a swallowtail "SANOUK" was introduced, which had a bold and unique design for the time. In this way, we continue to create new products while respecting the development capabilities and traditions cultivated in alpine competitions, such as working on unique models that are the exact opposite of the image of a solid German brand.
This is the identity of "VÖLKL".

freeride and freestyle.
Rich lineup and riders who express it

The VÖLKL lineup consists of three categories: Freeride, Freestyle and Tour. In the 2021 season, the number of models increased and further expanded. The table below shows the transition, with the 2020 season on the left and the 21 season on the right.

Looking at the breakdown, in the 2021 season, the "Freeride" category, which had a lineup of 12 units in the 2020 season, was sorted out. It was divided into "ALL MTN FREERIDE" and the newly established "PURE FREERIDE". In addition, "REVOLT 104" was added to "FREESTYLE", and "SKI MOUNTAINEERING" also changed the category name from "TOURING", renewing the lineup.

As we have been making freeskiing skis for over 20 years, we cover all categories. There are many support athletes who are active in each scene, and the international riders are a diverse lineup.

In the freeride scene, MARKUS EDER, who won the overall victory in the Freeride World Tour (hereinafter referred to as FWT) in the 2019-20 season, and SAM SMOOTHY, are among the names of talented riders.

In freeskiing, ALEX BEAULIEU-MARCHAND, ABM, who is a top regular in slopestyle, ANDRI RAGETTLI, who is famous in big air, and KEVIN ROLLAND, who has won the gold medal five times in the X GAMES superpipe. Laurent) are lined up.

We should not forget that Yasunari Yamamoto from Japan is one of them. There are many riders who are not only strong in the competition scene, but also known in the world of expression such as video and photography. AHMET DADALI and JEREMY PANCRAS, who do their own video activities, IAN MCINTOSH, ANGEL COLLINSON, and TANNER RAINVILLE who participate in film companies such as TGR, MSP, and L1P. (Tanner Rainville) and others.

This versatility sought by freestylers

The "REVOLT" series is good for skiers who want to ski freestyle anywhere.
There are models that match the riding style you want depending on the waist width. "REVOLT87" for aggressively attacking kickers and jibs, "REVOLT95" ideal for free running with park, and "REVOLT121" for backcountry freestyle. Until the 2019-20 season, the 100mm level was completely missing, but the "REVOLT104" was newly added to the lineup to fill that gap.

Skis with a waist width of 100mm have been a trend for the past few years, regardless of whether they are twin-tip or directional.
Especially for skiers who have experienced park riding, they can enjoy not only park items, but also the top-to-bottom of the ski resort, finding sections such as wall topography and slope changes on the side of the course, and enjoying the ski resort in 3D. know the trick.
Such skiers must have awakened to the fun of powder in 90% of cases. The "REVOLT104" ski is suitable for such skiers.

Like the REVOLT121, the REVOLT104 uses the 3D Radius Sidecut, which is also used in the BLAZE. This is clearly designed for maneuverability in a variety of slope conditions. The waist width of 104mm is enough to comfortably glide through the powder in the ski resort, and while it is 180cm long, it is light enough to weigh less than 2kg. The lighter the ski, the easier it is to move in the air when skiing in the park, and the easier it is to handle the skis when free-running.

In addition, the video commentary by Takumi Toyama is the most detailed and easy to understand for the new work "REVOLT 104", so please check it out. I have a feeling that the REVOLT104 will become a new standard model for freestyle skiers.

By the way, don't forget that "VÖLKL" has been developed in collaboration with the binding brand "Marker" since 2000 and the boot brand "Dalbello" in 2015. "Marker" and "Marker" have been jointly developing system bindings that integrate skis and bindings for many years, and "Marker" and "Dalbello" have "Gripwalk" technology that considers walking comfort with a rounded sole. promoting. The three brands comprehensively support the evolution of performance.

Please refer to this link for the full lineup of VÖLKL.

MDV Sports Japan | Ski equipment specialty brand such as bindings and boots