Description of Volkl The Grizzly Alpine Ski w/ Motion iPT Wide Ride 14.0 Binding:
The Volkl Grizzly Alpine Ski uses Power Switch technology to let you manually alter the ski’s flex to personalize your skiing experience. The rear adjustment dial allows you to switch between three positions that control the tension on dual carbon fiber rods encased inside full-length tubes in Volkl’s Extended Double Grip construction. The result is a ski with three distinct flexes to choose from depending on the conditions and your skiing style. The Grizzly has 89mm underfoot to float through powder and plenty of side cut to carve up groomers. The large 131mm shovel busts through crud, while a thin layer of titanium helps this ski dampen vibrations at high speeds and on choppy snow. The included Motion iPT Wide Ride 14.0 Bindings improve power transmission by putting the ski/binding interface directly inside the ski and provides a wide platform for maximum edge control.
Bottom Line: High performance, adjustable, all-mountain versatility.
I'm 5'11 165 and usually ski the longer lengths in most brands. Was at Alta and rented a pair in a 177cm and it was plenty of ski. It was a hardpan day so groomers and junk snow was the scenario. Was able to get these way outside and trust the edge hold to bring these around at a very fast pace. Stability means confidence and this 177 had it in spades. It has a nicer flex than the AC 50 in hand to me. This is a punchy,fun,rowdy new school midfat thats racy. Just what I was looking for on a front side day with some side excursions. The bindings were cool and maybe contributed to the solid edge feel but honestly think this Volkl ski would shave granite with any binding. Amazing hold for its dimensions.
Well, Big Guys, here you go. I'm 5'9" 210lbs and rented the Grizzly 177s for a day at Breckenridge. Some compacted fresh snow but mostly packed power, chop, and crud. I didn't like the 'power' setting but I did enjoy the 'dynamic' setting where I kept it the whole day. From the top of Imperial Express down to Peak 7, and going over to Peak 10, blues and blacks this is the ticket. Smooth, fast, powerful, carves nice arcs, holds the edge on hard pack, and you can turn more sharply if need be. Goes thru chop and crud very smoothly. What I really found fabulous is how easy the skis were on my legs. No knee soreness, just in the quads. I could have gone all day on these just about anywhere on the mountain. I already have a pair of AC50s so I did the same run after switching from one to the other. No comparison: Grizzlys all the way. Very stable, gives you confidence. Big Guys, get off the couch, this one's for you.
I am a 180 lb. 5'11" ski instructor. I ski the 170 cm. length. This ski is most effective for me at power setting on hardpack and soft cruise setting for crud and powder. It is NOT a ski for bumps.... too sluggish for quick turns. It is the most stable ski I have ever used on firm snow and ice. It is good in 6-12" of powder but too heavy and lacks float in deeper powder. In heavy crud it just bashes it's way with power and stability on the cruise setting. I use the dynamic mid-range setting for teaching on groomers. 170 cm. is a good length since turning radius is smaller than longer models, more versatile for my uses. Summary: Burly yet stable!
