2027 Volkl Peregrine 82

The 2027 Volkl Peregrine 82 gets a graphic update but returns otherwise unchanged. As a result, we get to see more of this ski’s amazing on-piste performance combined with Volkl’s flatter shape and style for increased all-mountain feel. We’ve found this shape pairs quite well with Volkl’s 3D Radius sidecut and allows for a variety of turn shapes and styles—not just for its crisp and sharp GS carves. It still feels more like an advanced and expert ski and works great on the feet of aggressive skiers who want to rip. It's pretty stiff, so it does need/prefer to be driven by an experienced skier.

Like most Volkl skis, engineering and sophistication are big parts of the construction process. They start with a multilayer wood core consisting of poplar and beech. This blend allows the engineers to place the denser part closer to the sidewall to increase grip and power to the edges. Underfoot, with lighter wood, the skis are smooth and easy to control. In addition to the top-shelf wood core, the Peregrine uses 3D Glass to stiffen the ski. By incorporating a fiberglass laminate that bends down over the sidewalls, the layer gets stiffer due to the third dimension. We get one full sheet of titanal below the core and one Tailored Titanal layer on top. Using three different pieces of metal, Volkl stitches together a very interesting layup. The front and back frames are thicker metal and put more power and torsional stiffness to the edges of the skis. This doubles up the firmer wood in those zones to really make this ski feel stout and strong. In the middle, a thinner laminate stretches edge to edge to boost that grip and power in the central part. Per length, the Volkl engineers are able to fine tune and customize these frame pieces to fit the specific size and needs of that ski. Finally, Volkl’s Tailored Carbon Tips lighten the swing weight of the ski while providing direct contact with the snow. The stiffer tip of the ski is impossibly light, allowing razor-sharp turns with minimal effort. Without the binding, the ski sits on the scale at 1990 grams per ski in the 177 cm length. The Lowride 13 FR binding is integrated into the construction of the ski, giving Peregrine a unique way to more directly incorporate the binding into the performance of the ski. Tester Pete Fox notes that "Edge to edge, on hard pack, this ski was absolutely exceptional. The purchase on snow in the turn was really great, and the transition from turn to turn is seamless. The ski was a blast on snow that many will complain about. If you live in an area that had hard, fast groomers, buy a pair!"

Volkl's mixing of a flatter profile with a somewhat narrow shape is all part of the process here. It is still very turny, using Volkl’s 3D Radius Sidecut to get the job done. In the 177, the ski’s central part hits that 15-meter arc while the 27-meter tip and 23-meter tail arcs let the ski run a bit more at various edge angles. The whole idea here is to mix up turn shape and style at any point in time. If you pressure the mid-section and really angulate, the ski comes right around. If you let it go straighter and more direct to the fall line, the ski doesn’t feel as hooky as some other front side skis that just want to come across the hill. You can do it, but you’re not locked in, and that’s the beauty of this design. Volkl uses a considerable amount of long and low rocker in this ski—it has a flatter overall profile than most other skis in this range, and that works in favor of the radius as well. While it adds to the smoothness in the softer snow regions, it’s certainly still happier when the snow is firm and consistent. Tester Kristin Connors notes that "The Völkl Peregrine 82 is a true crowd-pleaser! It's an intuitive, confidence-inspiring ski that makes carving feel easy and fun. It has a touch of early rise, but it stays well connected to the snow, delivering a smooth and predictable ride. This is one of those skis that will leave a smile on your face. A great everyday groomer ski that is fun on fresh corduroy, hardpack, and variable conditions. It will give you confidence even on firm groomers."

The Peregrine 82 loves to turn and be on edge. While it’s on the stiff and heavy side, it’s still surprisingly easy to turn. As a result, the advanced skiers looking for a high-quality product will not be overmatched, especially if they choose a shorter length. Advanced and expert skiers who like to mix up turn shape and style will fit right here with the Peregrine 82. From quick and agile turns to longer and faster carves, this thing rips and it’s a fantastic option for all-mountain carving in the low-80's. If you want a race-like ski with an all-mountain reach, it's tough to do better than a Peregrine 82.