2023 Head Shape e-V10

The 2023 Head Shape E-V10 is a revamped model replacing the outgoing V-Shape V10. Sticking with similar personality traits and shaping the E-V10 is a smooth and easy-turning ski that has some sophisticated technology built in while keeping the overall character and poise largely intact. Built with a light weight wood core consisting mainly of karuba with some ash stringers, these skis are light and poppy to start. We also get two layers of carbon, similar to what we see in the Kore series of skis, a strip of graphene, and fiberglass laminates for responsiveness. They also use their Performance Backbone which stabilizes the central portion of the ski while leaving the tips and tails unencumbered by the extra material. Additionally, the Energy Management Circuit that’s found on the Supershape and Rebel models filters down to the Shape series, giving it a high-end feel that is difficult to replicate at this level. The end result is very simple turn initiation to go along with superior edge grip and stability.

They are turny, generating a 13.6-meter turn radius in the 170, so be prepared to be on edge and making turns. At 85 mm underfoot, the skis have a lot of versatility built in from an all-mountain perspective, and that’s great news for skiers who spend most of their time on groomed and smooth terrain, but who also want the width and surface area for off-piste adventures. With minimal taper and slight tip and tail rocker, these skis function very well on smooth surfaces, with longer effective edge leading to a smoother overall feel through the arcs. Best-suited for intermediate through advanced skiers who prefer to ski at moderate speeds and in mid-radius turns, the Head Shape E-V10 is a great option for that centrally-themed skier.

Matt McGinnis skied the 170, noting that it felt just right. He had a lot of 4’s on his scorecard—all of them, in fact, except for a lone 2 for flotation. This is a very high spread of scores at a top level of the spectrum. Matt notes that “Overall, these skis were just solid skis for experienced beginner and upper intermediate skiers. Super easy to ski, and very capable of holding a strong edge. The drawback, and I suspect this was intentional, is that they certainly have a top speed, meaning experts would overpower them. That said, for expert skiers, the Supershape would likely be a better option. Overall, these would be an easy ski to recommend for year 2-4 skiers who want a ski that makes them feel comfortable while also enabling them to progress.” We did note that about the outgoing V10, that they were not comfortable above a certain speed, and as Matt points out, that’s intentional, making it feel friendlier to more skiers in that upper beginner to upper intermediate range, and there’s a whole lot of those skiers out there.

Fun, easy, and quick-turning, the 2023 Head Shape E-V10 has a whole lot of technology and sophistication packed into a pretty convenient package. With the shape, profile, and construction, the Shape E-V10 is a great option for skiers who spend most of their time on groomed surfaces, but also want some precision and poise built in.