2023 Volkl Secret 96

For 2022, the Volkl people re-vamped Mantra once again to the M6, and the Secret, which was 92 mm underfoot previously, then became a structural twin of the M6. This was great news for advanced and expert skiers who were looking for the same ski that the men have had, and that philosophy carries forward into 2023 as well. Built with a multi-layer wood core, tailored titanal frame, and tailored carbon tips, the Secret 96 also features Volkl’s 3D Radius sidecut, keeping the pilot firmly in control over the shape and duration of the turn. They can vary the turn shape by keeping pressure squarely underfoot for shorter arcs, or letting them run and pressing the ski’s tips and tails to lengthen the turn shape. As a result, there are endless types of turns you can make on these skis, much to advanced and expert skier’s delights.

One of those skiers was Alli Ruschp who skied the 163 and found it skied true to size. Other than a low score of 3 out of 5 for forgiveness, she was all 4’s and 5’s the rest of the way, with 5’s given for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and stability. She’s been on a Kenja/Secret for some time now, so this type of ski really suits her style and ability. Alli states that yet “Again, the Volkl women's skis hold a top spot in my line up. Looking for a wider turn radius for bigger mountains, or just the perfect ski for your trip out west or Europe, this is an excellent option for a strong female skier. It's powerful, stable on ice, and smooth on groomers, gives a little float if it snows. The extra width (up from the Kenja 88) is perfect for a couple of inches of powder but still a great daily groomer ski. The 96-mm waist does give it a little more weight and power, so it's not forgiving for long days but you can ski with confidence on this ski that it will handle almost any condition you take it in.” Confidence is a very nice thing for a lot of skiers, especially when the terrain and type of snow get on the weird side. Abby Maurice was also on the 163, noting that it was not only true to size, but the size she’d take herself. Abby’s top marks of 5 out of 5 went for torsional stiffness and edge grip, which is not too surprising. She gave 4’s for overall impression, forgiveness, playfulness, stability, quickness, and maneuverability. These are some consistently high scores for a pretty specific ski, and we’re all about it. Abby notes that “this ski is hard and stiff. A super-quick and sharp ski that charges over crud with no problem. Feels a bit heavier underfoot (which I don’t mind). Definitely for an advanced skier who likes to lean into turn shape. Good on groomers and quick maneuverability with the slightest pressure and adjustment. More comfortable for someone who has a racers stance and desirability. I would recommend it to an advanced skier and above.” We got to have a third 163 cm skier, Laura McLaughlin, who states that “the length of the ski felt just right! I would recommend to anyone looking to pick this ski to stay with the length they regularly enjoy.” Laura scored 5’s out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge grip, and overall impression. “The ski test day conditions for this ski were very firm. I went a little off the list and chose the Secret 96 over the Blaze 94 and that was definitely the right move! Stable at all speeds and held to the snow like I do to an ice cream cone on a hot summer day! Nothing rattled her, let her run - she loved it, made her ski short radius and she quickly adapted and held strong. I would recommend this ski to anyone looking to stay more front side, groomed conditions, but wants to have a little fun as the sides of the trail become schluffy throughout the day. The 94 skied great in firm conditions and would also allow for a little float if snow started to accumulate throughout the day. However, I would recommend the Blaze 94 for high snow accumulations in general.”

On the 170, we had Volkl enthusiast Ann MacDonald, who also had fantastic experiences on the Mantra 102 and the Secret 102, so it makes sense that those feelings and vibes would pass on to the Secret 96. Ann scored 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability, with 4’s running the table the rest of the way. This is a very high baseline and average for scoring, showing Ann’s affinity for the ski for sure. “Great all around 1 quiver ski. Good width for a variety of conditions. Really easy to turn quickly and also good at long radius turns. Bumps to groomers to powder in the woods, this ski handles well. Goodfor an intermediate or hard-charging girl. Very versatile ski all around. I personally like a tad wider ski but that is just me. Lively and fun all around though!”

Volkl really has it dialed in terms of making the women’s skis just like the men’s skis, and this Secret 96 is a perfect example of that. Skiers who want a high-performance ski with no excuses should land their search right in the all-mountain and freeride category in Volkl’s catalog. The Secret 96 is certainly the flagship model, and one that should not be overlooked by any accomplished skier.