2027 Volkl Revolt 104

For 2027, the Volkl Revolt 104 gets a sharp new look but returns otherwise unchanged. This ski is relatively unique in that it offers excellent soft snow performance and a very surfy feel in a narrower waist width than we’re used to seeing those characteristics. Sure, 104 isn’t exactly narrow, but the Revolt 104 does share performance characteristics with much wider, more powder-oriented skis, while still retaining reasonable all-mountain performance too. It has a unique taper shape to it that makes it steer very well in deeper snow and trees all while keeping more of a twin tip mentality fully intact.

While the Mantras and Peregrines get more of the engineering in terms of construction, Revolt just doesn't need it as much. Volkl relies more on their shaping when dictating the performance of each ski, although they do a lot with core thickness to achieve the right flex pattern for each different Revolt. The 104 is certainly softer than some other skis out there, but it’s still supportive too. Stiffer than, say, a Reckoner 102 from K2. Volkl uses a relatively straightforward Multilayer Woodcore pressed together in sandwich construction with vertical sidewalls. It’s not particularly lightweight coming in at 2000 g in the 180 cm length, but it’s not so heavy it feels sluggish either. If anything, the weight smooths out its performance a bit, which is nice as we’ve seen a lot of confident and relatively aggressive freeride skiers choosing it over the years and having a lot of success. We��d say Matt Stromecki falls into that categorization of a “confident and relatively aggressive” skier, and he has always enjoyed the versatility he finds on the Revolt 104. “Really enjoyed its playful nature and versatility as a freeride ski. Would make for an excellent tree ski for the east coast and daily driver out west. Forgiving yet strong and composed, the flex pattern and shape gave it a lot of capabilities for all-mountain freeride usage.” It does certainly feel like it can have a number of different labels attributed to it and still hold up.

It's clear that Volkl puts more emphasis onto the footprint of the ski. The shape of the Revolt 104 feels like a miniature Revolt 121. It doesn’t have the super exaggerated rocker splay and taper of the 121, but it does have a lot of rocker and a considerable amount of taper for a 104 mm width ski. It’s obvious the shape was inspired by powder skis, yet camber underfoot matched with the shortest radii of the 3D Radius Sidecut does allow for some carving too. It’s not going to be the most dynamic carving ski you’ve ever tried, and some bigger skiers will push right through it, but it’s definitely not bad. That’s really not its intention, however, as the Revolt 104 is 100% more geared to off-piste skiing, softer snow conditions, park skiing, and general creativity. That’s something Matt picked up on as well, commenting that he would recommend it for “Park, groomers, trees, and off-piste technical terrain would be great for this ski due to its shape and flex pattern.” Adding park to the mix makes the Revolt 104 stand out from some other skis that are somewhat limited to freestyle applications.

When you get this ski on the right day, it's an absolute blast. It provides all-mountain and freeride versatility for skiers who prefer a shape that works really well in soft snow. There’s a lot of homogeny in the 100 mm twin tip world, and sometimes it can feel like you’re lost in a sea of a bunch of the same skis. The Revolt 104, however, easily sets itself apart from the masses with its interesting shape and rudder-like tail. Steering is effortless in this ski, making it incredibly fun and useful in the trees, powder, pillows, and other natural features.