Katana 108 - the resurrerection

Nice review banditman....got notice while skiing today that my M102s were delivered to my door in North Van. My neighbour threw them in the garage cause I’m in Whistler skiing the conditions that M102s and k108s would excel in. My Enforcer 104s doing just fine though.

Funny....my gut said get a K108, but my head said go for an M102. Plus I got a sweet deal from Corbett’s on last years M102.

But your review comment above “my go-to ski for Whistler” got me! Haha.

But I’m happy to own the M102, it will be a great Whistler ski for my height/weight. Assuming I can ski it...will likely add a K108 in future.

As usual, nice review Bandit Man. They sound like fantastic skis. Now you need to try the new Cochise 106 to compare!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kc_7777

Nice review banditman....got notice while skiing today that my M102s were delivered to my door in North Van. My neighbour threw them in the garage cause I’m in Whistler skiing the conditions that M102s and k108s would excel in. My Enforcer 104s doing just fine though.

Funny....my gut said get a K108, but my head said go for an M102. Plus I got a sweet deal from Corbett’s on last years M102.

But your review comment above “my go-to ski for Whistler” got me! Haha.

But I’m happy to own the M102, it will be a great Whistler ski for my height/weight. Assuming I can ski it...will likely add a K108 in future.

---

You’ll be set with the M102 and 104 Free. I think that added width and perceived increased stability will make the K108 just a tad better in the High Alpine of Whistler and just about everywhere at Blackcomb.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

BM,

Your review pretty much corroborates my limited experience on the K108's. The 184 has that next gear like you said and the 191 has yet another, it goes to 11. I didn't get to try the 108's in deep snow but I did take a run on 191 M102's in some bottomless pow and was totally taken aback by the float, way better than it should have been so I have to believe that the 108 will be even better. Keep the reports coming as you get them into more stuff.

Heads up. I was on Corbett’s last night and had the coupon code “Pow21” which gets you 30% off full price 2021 stuff.

2021 K108s left in a 177cm and 184cm were available...they show up as $660CDN plus free shipping in your cart.

That’s approx. $515US for you ‘mericans.

I almost bought some. But want to ski my Mantras first.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kc_7777

Heads up. I was on Corbett’s last night and had the coupon code “Pow21” which gets you 30% off full price 2021 stuff.

2021 K108s left in a 177cm and 184cm were available...they show up as $660CDN plus free shipping in your cart.

That’s approx. $515US for you ‘mericans.

I almost bought some. But want to ski my Mantras first.

---

kc, great PSA - did not buy the Katanas but have a new pair on f Blizzard 106 Cochise on the way...! Thanks...!


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lord Thomas

The sound they make notwithstanding, the K108 is kind of a honey badger with respect to conditions. Both times I skied them it was bulletproof and I still had a great time on them

---

I know right...I’ve always kinda said it (even on older versions)......damn fun. The only people who seem to not be believers are the “internet carvers” who believe anything >80 underfoot is too wide for “real” skiers....

When u only have cash for 1 pair of sticks.....the K108 is a legit option.

*Wow, great review Bandit.......

I got my 191cm Katana 108s in December and they are incredible. Unbelievable speed and stability on groomers. I've had them in 12" of fresh and they float me at 6'5" 290lbs without issue. I did not expect them to be as agile as they are, but they pivot and turn extremely well. Crud and skied-out snow that would typically jostle and shake me around just seems to ride smooth and even.

Saw some people talking about chatter or noise in the tips? Never heard anything like that on mine. I will say, these skis forced me to pay closer attention to my technique. They are more responsive and powerful than other skis I own which means sloppy foot pressure or edge angle is much more noticeable. The ski does what it's told.

These skis have ruined me. I don't think I am going to be able to have as much fun on anything else now. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c73e02836c.jpg

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

If it hasn't already been posted:

New Volkl Mantra M6; Burly Chargers; & Movement Skis (Ep. 130: Volkl Katana 108 vs Monster 108 vs Blizzard Cochise 106 (12:05))
https://blisterreview.com/podcasts/n...nt-skis-ep-130

Getting annoyed with trying skis that don’t work. Tempted to sell allot of different waist widths and buy the K108. As a literally nearly every day ski.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kc_7777

Heads up. I was on Corbett’s last night and had the coupon code “Pow21” which gets you 30% off full price 2021 stuff.

2021 K108s left in a 177cm and 184cm were available...they show up as $660CDN plus free shipping in your cart.

That’s approx. $515US for you ‘mericans.

I almost bought some. But want to ski my Mantras first.

---

Dammit. Dead.

Yeah, it worked the first night, but I didn't pull the trigger. Dunzo now.

is the item you are trying to apply the code to now discounted from MSRP? Because the code still works, just only on itms not already discounted.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FlimFlamvanHam

is the item you are trying to apply the code to now discounted from MSRP? Because the code still works, just only on itms not already discounted.

---

Yeah I guess it is now which messes up the coupon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CaliBrit

Getting annoyed with trying skis that don’t work. Tempted to sell allot of different waist widths and buy the K108. As a literally nearly every day ski.

---

You could do a lot worse than the K108 if you ski out west.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

You could do a lot worse than the K108 if you ski out west.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

---

This. With the k108 you would be pretty well covered for just about any condition you might come across, then put all of the specialty quiver skis in orbit around it. That appears to be where I'm headed though there is a chance that I might sub the M102 for the K108 depending on purchase price. Very similar skis, the 6mm notwithstanding.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lord Thomas

This. With the k108 you would be pretty well covered for just about any condition you might come across, then put all of the specialty quiver skis in orbit around it. That appears to be where I'm headed though there is a chance that I might sub the M102 for the K108 depending on purchase price. Very similar skis, the 6mm notwithstanding.

---

Yeah I’m leaning K108 for the tighter radius. Then Praxis Pow Boards and call it good!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CaliBrit

Yeah I’m leaning K108 for the tighter radius. Then Praxis Pow Boards and call it good!

---

I have totally simplified my quiver, now that I have the K108.

Over the holidays, I skied 19 days in a row. I was using the K108 everyday, except one. Conditions were brutal, so I took my M5 out for the day and honestly wanted to chuck them into the garbage after a couple runs. The M5 doesn't do anything as well as the K108. I guess I'll keep the M5 in the closet for early season days, as I don't give a shit if I wreck them on rocks.

In any case, I have a bunch of skis that now just collect dust. My K108 will be my daily ski and I will use my Volkl Two or Kuro for big pow days. How easy is my life now... A 2 ski quiver!!! SO GOOD!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lord Thomas

This. With the k108 you would be pretty well covered for just about any condition you might come across, then put all of the specialty quiver skis in orbit around it. That appears to be where I'm headed though there is a chance that I might sub the M102 for the K108 depending on purchase price. Very similar skis, the 6mm notwithstanding.

---

Our local ski shop (The Quest) didn't even carry the 102 this year. The owner didn't think that it would sell with the K108 on the shelf. He figured that most of the Fernie crowd would opt for the 108 over the 102.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SnowCreekChad

I have totally simplified my quiver, now that I have the K108.

Over the holidays, I skied 19 days in a row. I was using the K108 everyday, except one. Conditions were brutal, so I took my M5 out for the day and honestly wanted to chuck them into the garbage after a couple runs. The M5 doesn't do anything as well as the K108. I guess I'll keep the M5 in the closet for early season days, as I don't give a shit if I wreck them on rocks.

In any case, I have a bunch of skis that now just collect dust. My K108 will be my daily ski and I will use my Volkl Two or Kuro for big pow days. How easy is my life now... A 2 ski quiver!!! SO GOOD!!!

---

I’m sure my wife would appreciate that state of affairs hahaha

Just put these through their paces this last week. Remarkable ski, you can basically do whatever you want on them :). Felt maybe a little flexier and pivot even looser to me than the M102s.

More sword than full bore tank, I might prefer the M102 tip, maybe a bit more torsional rigidity there.

M102s engage a touch more at the tip when you roll them over and tend to track right across the fall line. K108 not tremendously different but engage more from the forefoot and didn't pull me across per se, was more amenable to whatever.

I think the M102s might be more what I'm after long term if I had to choose. Need to comp to the Cochise 106.

Had a couple zingers under foot on fast icy cat tracks just when I was appreciating not having to stay on them.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8e3f909134.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Anyone had time on the K108s skiing powder in steep trees?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kootenayskier

Anyone had time on the K108s skiing powder in steep trees?

---

Had them in 19" of fresh today. They cut and pivot amazingly well as long as I am moving. I do feel the weight of the ski if I have to make a jump turn.

That meaty heft is worth it to me though. Chopped up sloppy snow at the end of the day felt so consistent and smooth. I was taking much more speed than the guys I was skiing with and it just felt stable.


Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

Skied my 184 K108’s at Park City today. Started the day over on the Canyons side looking for stashes on Ninety-Nine 90 and other areas with trees and steeps. Lots of day old pow (12”+) and soft crud...the Katanas were perfect. Floated when I needed it, pushed through the crud with ease, and never, ever felt hooky. They were very manageable in tight trees and decent in the bumps...not amazing, but not punishing.

We spent the afternoon ripping groomers on the Park City side. I love how they lock up with the 19-m sidecut, but never feel hooky or locked in to a specific turn shape due to the 3D sidecut. I ended the day back in Canyons marching down some not so pristine groomers. The Katanas smooth out everything and provide so much suspension without exacting a heavy toll on me.

I skied the previous day at Snowbasin (it was deep and oh so good) and my lower back and gimpy knee were stressed. I skied bell to bell today on the Katanas and didn’t ever think of my knee or sore back...they just sucked up all the crap...provided smooth dampness, and made me feel like a lot younger.

I love these skis.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

Skied my 184 K108’s at Park City today. Started the day over on the Canyons side looking for stashes on Ninety-Nine 90 and other areas with trees and steeps. Lots of day old pow (12”+) and soft crud...the Katanas were perfect. Floated when I needed it, pushed through the crud with ease, and never, ever felt hooky. They were very manageable in tight trees and decent in the bumps...not amazing, but not punishing.

We spent the afternoon ripping groomers on the Park City side. I love how they lock up with the 19-m sidecut, but never feel hooky or locked in to a specific turn shape due to the 3D sidecut. I ended the day back in Canyons marching down some not so pristine groomers. The Katanas smooth out everything and provide so much suspension without exacting a heavy tool on me.

I skied the previous day at Snowbasin (it was deep and oh so good) and my lower back and gimpy knee were stressed. I skied bell to bell today on the Katanas and didn’t ever think of my knee or sore back...they just sucked up all the crap...provided smooth dampness, and made me feel like a lot younger. I love these skis.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

---

Go on then. I’ll buy some.

These showed up today. They look real nice next to the Q Labs.....

These are all lined up by recommended boot center.... interesting that they all have pretty much the same amount of tip, probably within 1cm, 184cm to 193cm.

Attachment 363828

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mustonen

These showed up today. They look real nice next to the Q Labs.....

These are all lined up by recommended boot center.... interesting that they all have pretty much the same amount of tip, probably within 1cm, 184cm to 193cm.

Attachment 363828

---

Nice! If you are used to those bigger sticks, the 184 is going to feel really easy...but still so stable and capable.

Skied mine again today at Park City. They were great hitting the steep back bowls, playing in the 8-12” of two day old Pow (they float just fine) and railing groomers. The only thing I wished for today was fresher legs. The Katanas were so up to everything.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

Skied my 184 K108’s at Park City today. Started the day over on the Canyons side looking for stashes on Ninety-Nine 90 and other areas with trees and steeps. Lots of day old pow (12”+) and soft crud...the Katanas were perfect. Floated when I needed it, pushed through the crud with ease, and never, ever felt hooky. They were very manageable in tight trees and decent in the bumps...not amazing, but not punishing.

We spent the afternoon ripping groomers on the Park City side. I love how they lock up with the 19-m sidecut, but never feel hooky or locked in to a specific turn shape due to the 3D sidecut. I ended the day back in Canyons marching down some not so pristine groomers. The Katanas smooth out everything and provide so much suspension without exacting a heavy toll on me.

I skied the previous day at Snowbasin (it was deep and oh so good) and my lower back and gimpy knee were stressed. I skied bell to bell today on the Katanas and didn’t ever think of my knee or sore back...they just sucked up all the crap...provided smooth dampness, and made me feel like a lot younger.

I love these skis.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

---

The bandit in Utah! Inquiring minds want to know what else did you bring? R11's?

Do love the K108 accolades. Putting them into the serious consideration category.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fred Pabst

The bandit in Utah! Inquiring minds want to know what else did you bring? R11's?

Do love the K108 accolades. Putting them into the serious consideration category.

---

LOL...did you peek in my ski bag? Yeah, I traveled with Rustler 11’s and Katana K108’s. Bandit Jr brought M102’s and Enforcer 110’s. He prefers the M102’s everywhere but the trees.

I honestly could have left the Rustlers at home. They were fun at Snowbasin on Wednesday but the Katanas are just so good for current Wasatch conditions.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

Anyone have any experience moving from a Confession to the Katana 108? My 186 Confession is getting a bit worn out and the Katana seems to be the obvious replacement, but the narrower waist has me hesitating. The Confession has been my pow ski for the last few years. I also have a 184 M5 Mantra that I love for low snow days/groomers, but after reading all the hype in this thread sounds like maybe the Katana could replace both skis?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

Skied my 184 K108’s at Park City today. Started the day over on the Canyons side looking for stashes on Ninety-Nine 90 and other areas with trees and steeps. Lots of day old pow (12”+) and soft crud...the Katanas were perfect. Floated when I needed it, pushed through the crud with ease, and never, ever felt hooky. They were very manageable in tight trees and decent in the bumps...not amazing, but not punishing.

We spent the afternoon ripping groomers on the Park City side. I love how they lock up with the 19-m sidecut, but never feel hooky or locked in to a specific turn shape due to the 3D sidecut. I ended the day back in Canyons marching down some not so pristine groomers. The Katanas smooth out everything and provide so much suspension without exacting a heavy toll on me.

I skied the previous day at Snowbasin (it was deep and oh so good) and my lower back and gimpy knee were stressed. I skied bell to bell today on the Katanas and didn’t ever think of my knee or sore back...they just sucked up all the crap...provided smooth dampness, and made me feel like a lot younger.

I love these skis.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

---

Sounds about right....on any Katana...old or new108.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BC.

Sounds about right....on any Katana...old or new108.

---

Yeah...they old Katanas were special. But they haven’t been made since 2014. Nice that there is an updated version that is a bit more resort friendly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

Yeah...they old Katanas were special. But they haven’t been made since 2014. Nice that there is an updated version that is a bit more resort friendly.

---

I hear ya Bandit.....I had em’ in my MDV cart forever....but never placed order...lol. I do enjoy reading the reviews of the K108 and M102....living vicariously through the positive comments.

I got bit by the Moment C98 bug this year....and haven’t even ski’d my Volkls at all this winter....

In addition to my question regarding a Confession comparison a few posts back, Bandit, it sounds like you prefer the Katana 108 to the Rustler 11 as well? The R11 is also on my short list (I pretty much only ski Whistler) but I'm leaning towards the 184 Katana to replace my 186 Confession...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by milkman

In addition to my question regarding a Confession comparison a few posts back, Bandit, it sounds like you prefer the Katana 108 to the Rustler 11 as well? The R11 is also on my short list (I pretty much only ski Whistler) but I'm leaning towards the 184 Katana to replace my 186 Confession...

---

So, I’ve never skied a Confession. I do really like the Rustler 11...I think it is close to a perfect Whistler Pow day ski. The M102 and Rustler 11 would be my 1-2 punch that covers all the bases for a place like Whistler.

But the K108 could be a 1-ski quiver for a place like Whistler. I’d still be tempted to pair it with something like a Rustler 11 or Enforcer 115 Pro/Free for really deep days.

I guess I’m fickle. I’m a fan of the Rustler 11, but the K108 has really “stolen my heart” this year.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

So, I’ve never skied a Confession. I do really like the Rustler 11...I think it is close to a perfect Whistler Pow day ski. The M102 and Rustler 11 would be my 1-2 punch that covers all the bases for a place like Whistler.

But the K108 could be a 1-ski quiver for a place like Whistler. I’d still be tempted to pair it with something like a Rustler 11 or Enforcer 115 Pro/Free for really deep days.

I guess I’m fickle. I’m a fan of the Rustler 11, but the K108 has really “stolen my heart” this year.

---

Thx for the insight! My 2 ski quiver is the M5 Mantra and Confession so sounds like I should try to test both the Katana and R11, but an M5/R11 2 ski quiver might be good too...

I only took a couple of runs on a first gen Confession so take this opinion for what you payed for it. Confession struck me as a fat, bottom feeding GS type ski that preferred to lock into a turn and blow shit up. Didn't ski it in pow but suspect that it was near the bottom end of the spectrum for float in that size class based on the flex pattern and rocker profile. K108 will still lock into a turn and blow shit up but it will excel at just about anything else you might want/need to do...and I'll bet if would float better than expected, probably at least as well as a Confession. Also not quite as intense as the Confession unless you ask it to, then it will be more than happy to accommodate. ................................That just got me to thinking...............what about a Katana 117 and call it a "M3? Confession"!!!! That could truly kick ass as a BIG mountain killing machine while still being fun in the shrubs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lord Thomas

I only took a couple of runs on a first gen Confession so take this opinion for what you payed for it. Confession struck me as a fat, bottom feeding GS type ski that preferred to lock into a turn and blow shit up. Didn't ski it in pow but suspect that it was near the bottom end of the spectrum for float in that size class based on the flex pattern and rocker profile. K108 will still lock into a turn and blow shit up but it will excel at just about anything else you might want/need to do...and I'll bet if would float better than expected, probably at least as well as a Confession. Also not quite as intense as the Confession unless you ask it to, then it will be more than happy to accommodate. ................................That just got me to thinking...............what about a Katana 117 and call it a "M3? Confession"!!!! That could truly kick ass as a BIG mountain killing machine while still being fun in the shrubs.

---

Thx for the feedback! Yeah I was hoping for 2022 Volkl would have a Confession replacement in the 115 waist range, but alas we still have to decide between the Katana 108 and Revolt 121....

Okay I gotta ask - what's the comparison of a Katana green dragon with the Confession? (sadly never skied one). I definitely miss my Dragons in deep snow, and agree with Bandit that there was just something special about those Katanas. So close back to ~200cm ... haha

So I recently got a few laps on a pair of the M6's and they will make up my two pair quiver with the K108's. Same as the M102 & K108 but it feels/skis narrower than the 96mm it is.

Hello,has anyone skied both the184 katana and the192 rustler 11 and would like to compare them? I read here that the 192 rustler is a bit different than the rest of the range and that they all got a bit heavier. Does it get close to the katana regarding power on the edge and stability. I am looking for something to complement my volkl kendo 88 for soft snow days and deep variable snow
Thanks