Description
Pretty nimble for a fat guy.
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Volkl Chopstick Alpine Ski
? Share a...
You Like Pow? Then Here Ya Go....
Wally Phillips
Member since
Rules in soft snow and no jokes on that. The Volkl Chopstick Alpine Ski is fat enough (128mm waist), soft enough (noodle is good word for the flex pattern) and has the camber ("0" positive camber in the middle a.k.a. flat, to equal amounts rocker in tip and tail) to be a soft snow dominator. The structure also gives an easy spin weight for booters.
One thing though, no hard snow unless you have a super relaxed ski style. Attempt to really push into a hard chop, high speed turn and your skeletal system will resemble a tuning fork being hit by a tack hammer.
Overall, if everything you are is soft snow conditions, strap on a pair of Volkl Chopsticks and you won't be disappointed.
I've got a pair of chopsticks with a cheap...
bbf52847265
Member since
I've got a pair of chopsticks with a cheap set of bindings. I'm looking to upgrade to some alpine touring bindings. Any suggestions on a solid bang for my buck binding that has big enough brakes to handle to chopsticks?
Silas Dittmer
Member since
Marker Dukes!
Im 5'6 expert skiier what size would be...
bryden vaughan
Member since
Im 5'6 expert skiier what size would be im guessing the 175 whould fit better. Whould the chopsticks be too fat for a all mountain ski?
Wally Phillips
Member since
Hi bryden vaughan,
Thanks for your question. When it comes to sizing up the Volkl Chopstick Alpine Ski, the 175cm would be a good choice for you especially if spin weight is a factor. As for it to be an all-mountain ski, I wouldn't be as worried about the Chopstick being too wide as it does rather well for its girth. I would be more worried about the flex pattern being too soft for hard snow. If you like riding a bit more of a soft ski in most conditions, then by all means fire away on this ski. If you like a bit of a stiffer feel for harder snow, you may want to look at something stiffer such as the Volkl Shiro or Gotama.
Mount the chopstick at the middle
Ski AK
Member since
I just picked up the 185cm and mounted 1cm behind dead center. I skied Alyeska this weekend in 4-5" powder and crud. They smoked the whole mountain. They float over everything and ski really really fast. I did a bunch of research for where to mount them and the general consensus was dead center/-1cm. Just like the Volkl pros recommend. I mounted them back because I don't ski switch or spin alot and I'm happy with it, but I think a center mount would ski great too because it's at the narrowest point of ski and the middle of the flex pattern.
foyorama
foyorama2214091
Member since
this is a typical Vokl ski, you have to ski them hard and fast and stay on top of the ski, you cannot let the ski take you, you have to force it. I live in Alaska and this is the perfect big-mountain powder ski, I love it...
Trying to Replicate
Baer
Member since
Best ski I have ever owned hands down I am trying to find a replacement for my prototype 185's but can't find anything. I have even been talking to folsum on having a set made for but it will run me around 2grand. Maybe I should just wait and order a new pair for next season.
I have the 185 and last years 175, wish I would have bought 185's last year because the 175 is just to damn small. Im 5'8 185 26.0 boot. I ran jesters, and dukes on them and much prefer jesters.
i will see these skis mostly on powder but...
skiforever
Member since
i will see these skis mostly on powder but once in awhile on groomers. how do they do on groomed runs?
DEON NORTJE
Member since
they would do well on groomers
Grete Eliassen
Member since
They do not do well on groomers. They ski the best on deep powder and soft snow. This is a pure powder ski.
bbf52847265
Member since
I've had the chopsticks for the past two seasons and they do surprisingly well on groomers. Though be prepared for a little chatter as they are a very soft ski.
How much do the 2011-2012 185 chopsticks...
isk4673675
Member since
How much do the 2011-2012 185 chopsticks weigh? Also Im stuck between the chopsticks, the armada ARG and the newer Hellbents and suggestions?
Thanks, Ryan.
isk4673675
Member since
supposed to say any* suggestions
isk4673675
Member since
supposed to say any* suggestions
Evan Tougas
Member since
I'm not sure how much the ski weighs, but I own them and can tell you they are super light considering their size. The bulk of your weight will come from your binding choice, the skis themselves are very light. I love my chopsticks, I have last years model but this years is unchanged (with the exception of graphics.) They absolutely kill in pow and are still stiff enough to ride crud and drop big cliffs. And I live in New England, so 60% of skiing up here is crud and groomers. A nice all around ski, would definitely recommend.
will
Member since
Consider the Praxis powder boards. praxisskis.com
Good First Impression
Evan Tougas
Member since
I picked these up a few weeks ago, and used them yesterday for the first time. They slayed 3+ feet of fresh pow like nobodies business. This is my first fat ski, and the first rockered ski I've ever used. I got the 175's, I mounted Marker Griffons at +2, and I'm impressed. The longest, and widest ski I've ever used. Burly enough to huck anything, but quick enough for North Eastern trees. 09/10 Chopsticks.
Day at Alta
Cam Mackenzie
Member since
skied these for a day at alta. refrozen crud with some windblown powder.
these skis were a little confusing. they didn't stand out at anything but they didn't fail at anything either. they could rail a turn on groomers, play in the pow and pop off anything. there was something kind of off about them but I don't know how to describe it.
I would try these before you buy them.
Do These Perform Well On Groomed Snow?
Pete
Member since
Do These Perform Well On Groomed Snow?
Evan Tougas
Member since
They perform surprising well on groomers, for a rockered ski. Carving is a little tricky at first, but if you've ever skied a wide ski you'll be fine. They are definitely stiff enough to handle crud and groomers.
Baer
Member since
If you lay this thing over on edge it will turn like no other. It was my everyday ski in colorado for two season 90+ days a season.
Can i use these skis for Currves (turning...
AD999
Member since
Can i use these skis for Currves (turning right and left) , STOP, and can i use them as a beginner freestyle?
brennan
Member since
These skis would not be good for beginners. These skis are for huckin cliffs in the deep pow,backcountry,and skiing monster lines. I you are a beginner looking for a freestyle ski, i suggest looking at an all mountain twin tip because those carve well for turns and can be good for freestyle.
AD999
Member since
Thank you, so these skis are just for powder?
i really dont know whats the different between backcountry, freeride, and all mountain?
which ones are good for curves and easy to stop and can be used for freestyle.
and please where can i find skis that fit me, i need 150, can you help?
carlos romano
Member since
If you're looking for a nice pair of ski's for a beginner, you want ski's that won't hold you back in a couple of seasons (not all of us can afford new set ups every year), so look into (as said above) some twin tip, mid length, all mountain ski's. I started on Armada ARV's in a 185 (wayy too long for most beginners) but I picked it up pretty quick.
I'm not sure if they still make Solomon Foils in a 166 but i have some friends who learned on those and we bust them out for fun.
Just make sure you don't get jipped into ski's specifically for "beginners" likes the K2 Force. They'll just be a waste of money in the long run.
Is volkl changing the design on next years...
brennan
Member since
Is volkl changing the design on next years model ?
Pat Rooney
Member since
I do not believe so, and if at all maybe just the graphics
Grete Eliassen
Member since
The chopstick will stay the same, just the graphic will change. If you are looking for a newer powder ski. Look for the Shiroa.
When are these going to go on sale ?
brennan
Member since
When are these going to go on sale ?
Josh Chapman
Member since
Hey Brennan,
It's hard to say but we do have a Semi-Annual Sale coming up that you'll want to keep an eye out for.
I need a ski with 25% crud 25% groom 50%...
brennan
Member since
I need a ski with 25% crud 25% groom 50% powder would this ski work well, also how do they compare to armada jj, obsethed, and moment bibby.
bryden vaughan
Member since
The armada jj would be a better bet for a all mountain ski get the 165. The obsethed have, to much rocker for an all mountain ski and so little camber it would be to much for you! I dont know much aubout the bibby but the sethed would be a better bet!
how would this fit me if im 5 ft 3
brennan
Member since
how would this fit me if im 5 ft 3
JG30
Member since
175 would probably work fine, but don't fear the 185, especially if you plan to center mount
Grete Eliassen
Member since
Do not go larger than a 175.
Read many reviews, and wondering is this...
brennan
Member since
Read many reviews, and wondering is this ski good, or bad on groomers or crud.
Will Guru
Member since
this ski is good on groomers and in crud
Grete Eliassen
Member since
This ski works the best in powder. It can ski a groomer, but it's not the best Volkl ski to be on a groomer with.
SO fun in soft/smooth/heavy/light POW
Ingrid Backstrom
Member since
I love these skis. They excel in certain conditions (for me, at least)--all types of powder, windbuff, corn, or any kind of soft/smooth snow. It took me about half a day to feel comfortable on them, and then it was like being in a video game--the control and float and responsiveness are amazing and so so fun and playful. My favorite "powder" ski for sure.
Nick Green
Member since
If I'm only 5'2" 110lbs but an aggressive skier, you think I could rock the 175 length?
jesski
Member since
Nick- I rode the 175 last season. they were great in all conditions. I'm 5'3" 130#
Not a noodle
JG30
Member since
I own the 09/10 chopsticks. It is not my first reverse camber powder ski. My opinion is that this ski and the K2 hellbents are polar opposites, as far as feel goes. The chopsticks rip through every condition. The thing that amazes me the most about the chopsticks is how well they perform on groomers, considering the waist width. They are, of course, best in deep powder. I have done a few straight lines over giant bumps, and the chopsticks felt very stable! I am baffled by anyone who can accuse these skis of performing like a noodle and then offer the hellbents as a better alternative! The bottom line is that the chopsticks will perform best for you if you have a very "forceful" style, where you push your skis around rather then relying on them to make turns feel easy. They have made me feel much more stable during straight lines and cliff drops. I feel like they force me to stand up if I land in the back seat. My advice: demo and decide for yourself. I think that Volkl meant for this to be a jib ski.
Downhill Mountain Biker
Member since
I am confused. You say that you have to have "foceful" style where you have to own your skis, but then you say that these skis "force me to stand up if I land back seat". Which is it..do you have to force the ski around or does the ski force you?
Also, you say that this is not your first rockered ski...what else have you skied?
JG30
Member since
I actually said "forceful", not "foceful". Anyway, my use of the word "forceful" in the context of a skiers turning style does not contradict my use of the word "force" in the context of the way a ski feels during a backseat landing. Yeah, I wasn't super clear with this review, but you seem very critical.....sorry for confusing you. I was just trying to convey a general impression
of the chopsticks.
Anyway, rockered skis I have skied: K2 Hellbent, K2 Pontoon, Atomic Bent Chetler, Volkl Katana, Rossignol S7
Will Guru
Member since
for a back county jib ski, there are many better options. this ski is not the best in deep powder either that title is for the pontoons or arg even if vokl meant it to be a jib ski they're not poppy enough to be the best. Ep pro or hellbent for backcounty jib, pontoons of arg's for powder
JG30
Member since
I said powder is the best condition for the chopsticks, not that the chopsticks are the best powder skis ever. And in that case, Pontoons are not the best either, but it is debatable.
I prefer the stability of the chopsticks over the "pop" of the hellbents. If you are gonna go big, a less than perfect landing with the hellbents will be a disaster! Talk about a noodle! Also, you don't need "pop" to catch air and pull a trick, so I don't buy the whole "poppy" jib ski argument. Yeah, I think the chopsticks are a much better choice than hellbents for backcountry jibs. I've not tried the EP pro.
Again, anyone considering the chopsticks, go ahead and demo them. They are not for everyone, but you might be pleasantly surprised by them.
Will Guru
Member since
the pontoons are not the best powder ski but they are the best in the deepest of the deep which is probably why so many heli services use them as rental skis. the chopstick is not a bad ski just there are some better options
brennan
Member since
Great write up JG30 You sound like you know what your talking about.
Will Guru
Member since
maybe he does but i don't think you do
brennan
Member since
At least i am a better skier than you Will Guru
justinFF
Member since
These are not beginner skis. I think his comment on skis being "forceful" and having to force the skis makes perfect sense....if you know anything about skis. They are meant to be pushed hard, jumping big cliffs, landing hard and going fast. They are not noodles. ie you have to force them to do what you want or they will force you to ski out of control. For good skiers this is a great,because they will be able to handle anything you force them to do. but if you are a weaker skier and dont know how to charge, then these will take you for a ride...
smi4970227
Member since
how does the bent chetler compare to the chopsticks and hellbents in regard to float/surfy feel?

Pierre Hills
Member since