Volkl vs. K2

Volkl and K2, both brands claim to be number 1 in ski sales.  K2 sells more units, Volkl has more revenue; in their own right they are each number 1.  The two brands comprise of almost 2/3's of all skis sold in North America.  Volkl and K2 over the years have both built a very loyal following.  K2 skiers won't give Volkl a chance and vice versa.  People like the way each respective brand feels on the snow, they both feel very different, ski very well, and are made to the highest quality of any skis on the market.  For the avid skier it doesn't take a brand name on the ski to know if it's a K2 or a Volkl, no matter what level of ski, high-end or entry-level, you can tell what brand you are on.

So what does a K2 feel like? K2 makes skis that feel incredibly smooth, smooth in EVERY aspect.  Dampening is something K2 works hard at and does well.  Their dampening cores and the new Rocker Technology in all of the 2010 - 2011 skis attribute in making the skis feel smooth in and out of the turn, without a lot of kick or snap in the tail, making it easier to stay on top of the ski all day, or when you're tired.  The skis are so smooth that they don't ever really feel like they're really biting in even when they are holding a smooth edge going 50 mph.  K2's are skis that don't make you feel like you are accelerating rapidly out of every turn the whole way down the mountain.  They are easy skis to ski and a great option for someone that is looking for (keyword) something smooooooooothhhhh.

Ok, so how bout Volkl?  Volkl's feel like they they are really biting into the hard pack; in there all mountain line, this is attributed to their iPT/Wide Ride binding system, that doesn't allow any energy to be wasted when pressuring the edge of the ski.  In the rest of the line they're edge grip is attributed to the general construction of the ski, the woods used and how they are layered in the press.  Volkl's have some power coming out of the turn, they are harder skis to sit back on and enjoy the surroundings or teach little ones how to make their first turns.  These skis are ones you need to be a little more on top of, they like to RIP!

K2 and Volkl are both killer brands.  They both feel different, but are a lot of fun in their own way, just depends on what you're looking for and what you want to do out there.  A ski that's smoother can be a lot easier to learn more difficult terrain on, a ski with a lot of bite and power can make the same run you've been taking off North Peak at Loon Mountain every weekend a lot more fun.  The key is having fun, that's why we all do this.  Get a ski your going to have fun on.