Voile X9 Ski

Voile is one of the primary denizens of the lightweight touring niche, so it's probably not the first name that comes to mind when you hear, backcountry freeride ski, but that's a pretty apt description of the new X9 Ski. With more sidecut, a larger rocker, and less taper than the classic V8, the X9 can slay the deepest blower, turn on a dime and give you nine cents change, stomp cliffs, and even handle a little switch riding if you're feeling extra progressive. While the X9 is perhaps the most freeride oriented ski in Voile's lineup, it's not a floppy new school jib noodle. It does have the rocker camber rocker profile that's become so popular Voile calls it Hybrid Rocker and enough rise in the tip to float through serious powder and give you a smooth ride through rough snow, but there's a load of camber underfoot, too. With it, you can edge easily through wind and sun affected snow, and use the generous rise in the tail to pivot on a dime, throw big sideways slashes, and snake your way through tight trees like they're not even there. The tip and tail have less taper than in the X9, so you can turn tightly despite the increased girth,and the aspen core provides a lightweight, springy platform that's meant to come alive when the snow gets soft. The X9's not a low speed turning machine, though it can handle itself when speeds are high and conditions less than perfect, thanks to a combination of carbon fiberglass and triaxial fiberglass laminates, which help keep it stable and torsion free, respectively. Together, this means you'll enjoy a predictable feel in variable snow, and won't have to check your speed jones at the door just because you're on a ski that can ride switch, handle backcountry booters, and send cliffs without losing control of its bladder.