Volkl Shiro Ski - 2011 BCS

Hey Paul Williams,

Good question. My tenure on the Volkl Shiro Ski led me to see that it is a big mountain tool for deeper snow conditions, but its rocker profile is great for the most punchy type of crud and due to its slightly stiffer flex can handle steeps as well as flats. I really couldn't find a fault in this ski except for it would be a waste in an area with a lack of fresh snow.

183. Most versatile length.

I mounted them where the suggested mountain position on the ski is and I love the control.

Get the 192, the extra length will float better, and because they have rocker they will ski short. Man up and get the 192, you won't regret it.

Both great, Rocker 2 more pure powder, Shiro more versatile.

+1 with what Flash said.

rocker 2. way more playful and fun than the volkls. even though the rockers have a similar turn radius, i felt like the volkls always wanted to turn and be on edge. i have been disappointed with salomon's line up for years but this time they got back to the wood core and have created a ski that is quite versatile and fun

I have the Shiro in a 173 and the S7 in a 178. Both are mounted with Rossi FKS180 bindings. Both are BTW exactly the same length despite the tag, which means the Rossi skis shorter in reality. The Shiro is a stiffer ski than the S7, which is nicer coming home down the groomers, however the Shiro is no slouch in the steep and deep. In truly good Hokkaido (Japan) powder when Im loving every second, Im hard pressed to tell the difference! If I had to only have one pair...tough choice, but it would be the Shiro's by a nose. Hope that helps Erik?

Erik, sorry for the delayed response. I think you will be fine with either length, but I have been sizing down the last couple years - I even dropped from 190 to 178 in a Gotama. Stability seems rarely to be an issue anymore. I skied both the 183 and 193 in epic snowbird conditions last spring. 193 is big mountain ski, but gets to be a bit much late in the day. But, you have 2 inches and 25 pounds on me, so maybe that tips it to the 193. I ski the S7 in a 195 and think that would be the size for you in that ski. They ski shorter.

Thanks Jamie, great info. I'm 6'3" 200lbs, so the Shiro 183 sounds pretty short. Extra maneuverability is great but I'm worried I'd overpower the shorter ski. If I did go with the s7 would you recommend the 195?

This is a great question. Volkl designed this ski to directly compete with the S7, and they did a great job. I have a pair of super S7 in 195 and the Shiro in 182, which I skied from the end of March through the end of the Utah season last year. These were skied at Alta and Snowbird mainly. Even at 195 the S7 is a highly maneuverable ski for an expert skier, and the rocker design of the Rossi completely lives up to the hype. The ELP rocker of the Shiro also makes what looks like a monster sized ski, a breeze to get through the tight spots. What had me choosing the Shiro was the lack of turned up tip and tail and thus the ability to carve turns back to the lift - the s7 will actually carve as well, but you're on such a smaller portion of the ski. In the end, both are great skis, so you cannot choose poorly. Somebody can make a vehement case for the S7 and I would not debate them. But, when reaching for the ski of the day, I would generally reach for the Shiro. If you are looking to ski trees, opt for the 183 - you give up no stability, but gain maneuverability.

I'm 5'10", about 215lbs. Not an ex-racer but decently aggressive. I ski about 30 days a year in Tahoe. Everybody I talked to said at my height and weight, the 193cm would be a better choice as the 183cm might ski too short. I went with the 193cm and will probably mount somewhere between center and traditional. I also like to ski the trees but the tree runs I like aren't as tight as those in UT or CO.

I'm in the same boat, though I'm 6'1"195, coming from a Chopstick 185cm, Katana 191 and Bridge 187. I'm hoping to replace the CS and KT with the Shiro. I'm probably going for the 193 and will mount as far forward as any Volkl Pro/expert would recommend.

I did. I only ski the Shiroa now in powder, no more ChopStick. Some of the guys still prefer the Chopstick, but they have switched to the Shiroa as well.

UT Marker Volkl Rep - I'm assuming you mean +1 or +2 from the traditional line as indicated on the ski?

Ben, not sure if your Shiro mounting position question has been answered yet... If you ski switch a lot don't be afraid of moving forward +3 and beyond. If you are a more traditional directional skier then +1 to +2 has been working great for athletes and company reps alike.

Not sure but I just saw this year's TGR movie and Ian Mackintosh absolutely slays it on these skis. Charging spines up in AK.