2023 Volkl Racetiger GS

The 2023 Volkl Racetiger GS is a fantastic example of an on-piste ski done right. It's a race ski, but not quite, and that's right in the sweet spot for a whole lot of expert skiers and former racers. Front side skis are just a whole lot of fun when you get them on the right trails and in the right conditions. They are a very specific type of ski that works quite well when it's needed, but is more of a one-dimensional tool, and that's okay, especially since most skiers want a couple of skis in their quiver these days. If you're looking to fill that narrow/on-trail slot with something with a race-style heritage, the Volkl Racetiger GS skis are an ideal choice. Built with a dense multilayer wood core, the skis have a strong start to them for sure. Dual-metal laminates stiffen and dampen the ski further, but Volkl does not quite stop there. The 3D Glass laminate boosts energy and pop by layering the fiberglass over the edges, and in more of a 3-dimensional shape. When that glass goes from 2D to 3D, it gets a whole lot stiffer and more responsive, so it really takes the performance of this ski to the next level. In addition, the Tailored Carbon Tips offer a ton of responsiveness in the shovel, making the ski go from the snow to on-edge very quickly.

The shape of these skis has a whole lot to do with the performance. At 67 mm underfoot, we're getting into the race shapes, but not quite there, as the true race skis are a bit narrower. Even so, at 67 mm underfoot, these things are pretty darn tough to balance on, and do require a pretty deft touch to get the most performance. Couple the narrowness with the burly build, and this is certainly an expert ski that's best-suited for high-level skiers and former racers. The turn radius is on the shorter side, but still in the GS-zone, and works quite well with skiers that are using these as either beer-league racers or early-morning leg-burners. Other than those areas, though, there's not a whole lot of applications for this ski in a versatility sense. They're kind of one-trick ponies, and that's okay, because in that realm, they excel. Nobody's going to mistake these Racetiger GS skis for a powder ski--they stay in their lane quite well and make some of the cleanest and roundest turns on the planet.

Josh Wolfgang found himself on the 178, and while he noted it as short for him, he still had some high scores and good times on it. He scored top marks of 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness and edge hold, which are not surprising, and 4's for quickness and maneuverability, which are also to be expected, especially given the length. He notes that "this is a good race ski. it is much less twitchy than other race skis and feels stable and comfortable underfoot. The Tailored Carbon Tip system does a good job of keeping the tip planted on the snow at higher speeds." And that's a really good thing, as these skis are meant to be operated at a higher velocity and in deeper turns than most skis on the market.

While not for everyone, and having a pretty specific application, the Volkl Racetiger GS nevertheless finds itself at the top of its own class. Thanks to the construction, shaping, and Volkl's relentless reputation for edge grip and energy, these skis are GS-turning machines that love, love, love to be in a carved turn at high speeds. There's not much else to them, but in that realm, and in their lane, these skis are total beasts.