Katana 108 - the resurrerection

Printable View

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

02-24-2021, 04:37 AM
SoVT Joey

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikoski

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

Bandit has hit on a bunch in the last 30 posts. Read above.
02-26-2021, 03:15 PM
CascadeLuke

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

Corvus fan. Curious how you’re enjoying Katana? Comparison- do I need it?
02-27-2021, 02:22 PM
Mustonen

Katana 108 - the resurrerection

Quote:

Originally Posted by CascadeLuke

Corvus fan. Curious how you’re enjoying Katana? Comparison- do I need it?

Just seeing this, sorry. Got sidetracked by travel plans to VT.

I’ve only skied the katana once so far. For me, the Corvus felt like the sweet spot was under my heel and it didn’t respond great to being driven, and it also felt a little long (which, even at 5’9” and 155, was a first for me); not in a demanding way, just in a way that required more input and/or got hung up unpredictably but without the reward of stability or power.

My experience with the Corvus actually led directly to me getting the Katana in a 184 instead of a 191, which I might regret now. The katana is great, though. I don’t need the longer length, but I think I’d prefer the feel of it. The 184 is definitely a lot easier to toss around than I’m used to. Nice and stable on edge (I wasn’t blown away by the grip, though it was pretty good) and confident and predictable through terrible refrozen crud, even if it didn’t make those conditions “fun.” Compared to the Corvus, the Katana could be driven more and responds well if you get out over the tips, while still skiing nicely (as the Corvus did) if you stay centered and drive the area directly underfoot. The shovels hook up nicely if you want them to, which is something I was missing with the Corvus, but they still seem to behave. Both skis felt similarly “loose” to me, and about equivalently substantial after accounting for the length difference. Neither felt as substantial or as smooth to me as the Q Lab, which is a disappointment. Perhaps the 191 would be a more apt comparison, though.

I still think I’d like to try the Fischer Ranger 107 and see if it has more of that Q Lab magic.
02-27-2021, 02:35 PM
zion zig zag

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustonen

Just seeing this, sorry. Got sidetracked by travel plans to VT.

I’ve only skied the katana once so far. For me, the Corvus felt like the sweet spot was under my heel and it didn’t respond great to being driven, and it also felt a little long (which, even at 5’9” and 155, was a first for me); not in a demanding way, just in a way that required more input and/or got hung up unpredictably but without the reward of stability or power.

My experience with the Corvus actually led directly to me getting the Katana in a 184 instead of a 191, which I might regret now. The katana is great, though. I don’t need the longer length, but I think I’d prefer the feel of it. The 184 is definitely a lot easier to toss around than I’m used to. Nice and stable on edge (I wasn’t blown away by the grip, though it was pretty good) and confident and predictable through terrible refrozen crud, even if it didn’t make those conditions “fun.” Compared to the Corvus, the Katana could be driven more and responds well if you get out over the tips, while still skiing nicely (as the Corvus did) if you stay centered and drive the area directly underfoot. The shovels hook up nicely if you want them to, which is something I was missing with the Corvus, but they still seem to behave. Both skis felt similarly “loose” to me, and about equivalently substantial after accounting for the length difference. Neither felt as substantial or as smooth to me as the Q Lab, which is a disappointment. Perhaps the 191 would be a more apt comparison, though.

I still think I’d like to try the Fischer Ranger 107 and see if it has more of that Q Lab magic.

Let me know if you decide you want to move on from the 184’s! You know you want those 191’s!
02-28-2021, 10:31 AM
CascadeLuke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustonen

Just seeing this, sorry. Got sidetracked by travel plans to VT.

I’ve only skied the katana once so far. For me, the Corvus felt like the sweet spot was under my heel and it didn’t respond great to being driven, and it also felt a little long (which, even at 5’9” and 155, was a first for me); not in a demanding way, just in a way that required more input and/or got hung up unpredictably but without the reward of stability or power.

My experience with the Corvus actually led directly to me getting the Katana in a 184 instead of a 191, which I might regret now. The katana is great, though. I don’t need the longer length, but I think I’d prefer the feel of it. The 184 is definitely a lot easier to toss around than I’m used to. Nice and stable on edge (I wasn’t blown away by the grip, though it was pretty good) and confident and predictable through terrible refrozen crud, even if it didn’t make those conditions “fun.” Compared to the Corvus, the Katana could be driven more and responds well if you get out over the tips, while still skiing nicely (as the Corvus did) if you stay centered and drive the area directly underfoot. The shovels hook up nicely if you want them to, which is something I was missing with the Corvus, but they still seem to behave. Both skis felt similarly “loose” to me, and about equivalently substantial after accounting for the length difference. Neither felt as substantial or as smooth to me as the Q Lab, which is a disappointment. Perhaps the 191 would be a more apt comparison, though.

I still think I’d like to try the Fischer Ranger 107 and see if it has more of that Q Lab magic.

Thanks for the comparison. It’s a ski I’m trying to find a ride on. The Corvus 188 fits my size very well so your comments have me rethinking my plan to size down on K108 while gaining mass. Owned a Corvus 193 for awhile but that one for me mimics your experience. Hmm
02-28-2021, 12:32 PM
Bandit Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustonen

Just seeing this, sorry. Got sidetracked by travel plans to VT.

I’ve only skied the katana once so far. For me, the Corvus felt like the sweet spot was under my heel and it didn’t respond great to being driven, and it also felt a little long (which, even at 5’9” and 155, was a first for me); not in a demanding way, just in a way that required more input and/or got hung up unpredictably but without the reward of stability or power.

My experience with the Corvus actually led directly to me getting the Katana in a 184 instead of a 191, which I might regret now. The katana is great, though. I don’t need the longer length, but I think I’d prefer the feel of it. The 184 is definitely a lot easier to toss around than I’m used to. Nice and stable on edge (I wasn’t blown away by the grip, though it was pretty good) and confident and predictable through terrible refrozen crud, even if it didn’t make those conditions “fun.” Compared to the Corvus, the Katana could be driven more and responds well if you get out over the tips, while still skiing nicely (as the Corvus did) if you stay centered and drive the area directly underfoot. The shovels hook up nicely if you want them to, which is something I was missing with the Corvus, but they still seem to behave. Both skis felt similarly “loose” to me, and about equivalently substantial after accounting for the length difference. Neither felt as substantial or as smooth to me as the Q Lab, which is a disappointment. Perhaps the 191 would be a more apt comparison, though.

I still think I’d like to try the Fischer Ranger 107 and see if it has more of that Q Lab magic.

Good luck with the Q-Lab replacement quest! I’m not sure we will ever see another ski like that. I mean, did they actually sell any other than on Pro Form?

The tail on the 190 was special...so powerful. Feels like the market for skis like that was so small and might even be smaller now, especially with the recent weight-weenie trend.

I would like to try a 191 K108, though. Don’t need it, but would love to see what the longer length and larger radius skis like.

Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums
03-01-2021, 02:21 PM
roQer

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8042d1a277.jpg

I just couldn’t resist. Loved the OG Katanas for many years but now is time to move on. M102 did this to me.
Would give away the OG Katanas, both in 191, for free ( just shipping costs). One mounted with Griffons Demo, the other one drilled for Pivots. Still perfectly skiable. Shipped from Europe, so probably not really cheap for over the pond.
BTW, what is the recommended mounting line on the K108, the middle one?
03-01-2021, 03:10 PM
kc_7777

Quote:

Originally Posted by roQer

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8042d1a277.jpg

I just couldn’t resist. Loved the OG Katanas for many years but now is time to move on. M102 did this to me.
Would give away the OG Katanas, both in 191, for free ( just shipping costs). One mounted with Griffons Demo, the other one drilled for Pivots. Still perfectly skiable. Shipped from Europe, so probably not really cheap for over the pond.
BTW, what is the recommended mounting line on the K108, the middle one?

Just curious what length are the M102s and the K108s in the pic? The Mantra looks longer but not by much. Is that cause the K108 is moved forward?
03-01-2021, 03:23 PM
roQer

Katana 108 - the resurrerection

Both are 184. The M102 is a little bit more upright in the picture.
In direct comparison K108 looks indeed a wee bit shorter than M102, maybe around 2-3 mm, probably due to slightly more rocker.
03-01-2021, 03:51 PM
roQer

Quote:

Originally Posted by CascadeLuke

Thanks for the comparison. It’s a ski I’m trying to find a ride on. The Corvus 188 fits my size very well so your comments have me rethinking my plan to size down on K108 while gaining mass. Owned a Corvus 193 for awhile but that one for me mimics your experience. Hmm

Regarding Corvus 188 comparison: I sold my Corvus 188 mounted with a Shift. Will use R11 188 for 50/50 duties instead. Was always disappointed with powder performance of the Corvus. Was kinda worse than M102 und much inferior to R11. As a pure resort ski I personally prefer M102 by far. Really curious to see how it turns out with M102 versus K108 as my non-powder days DD.
03-01-2021, 05:43 PM
Mustonen

Katana 108 - the resurrerection

Quote:

Originally Posted by roQer

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8042d1a277.jpg

I just couldn’t resist. Loved the OG Katanas for many years but now is time to move on. M102 did this to me.
Would give away the OG Katanas, both in 191, for free ( just shipping costs). One mounted with Griffons Demo, the other one drilled for Pivots. Still perfectly skiable. Shipped from Europe, so probably not really cheap for over the pond.
BTW, what is the recommended mounting line on the K108, the middle one?

Nice! The green pivots are sexy on those M102.

The reco mount line is the furthest back. The other two are +1 and +2.

Allegedly.

I ended up at +1 because my thought process took me to the same place it apparently took you. They’re fine there.
03-01-2021, 06:23 PM
bry

I'm on the furthest back of the three lines on both m102 and k108 maybe even a smidge behind on the katanas, without regrets

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
03-01-2021, 06:34 PM
milkman

roQer let me know what you think about the 184 length compared to your previous older 191 Katanas once you ski it. I'm really on the fence between a 184 and 191 (I'm 6ft 165 lbs and like directional pow chargers) and love my 186 Confessions. 184 is probably my length, but if the Katana 108 is a bit easier to ski than the Confession, a 191 might be in order!
03-01-2021, 07:53 PM
Lord Thomas

I've been on both the 186 Confession, several years ago, and K108 in a 191. I'd say the K108 is easier, more versatile BY FAR, and probably just as capable. K108 is by no means a man eater. At 5'11" and 220lb I would choose the 191 but was still plenty comfortable on the 184. Like me, that ski is a winner.
03-01-2021, 08:00 PM
CascadeLuke

Quote:

Originally Posted by roQer

Regarding Corvus 188 comparison: I sold my Corvus 188 mounted with a Shift. Will use R11 188 for 50/50 duties instead. Was always disappointed with powder performance of the Corvus. Was kinda worse than M102 und much inferior to R11. As a pure resort ski I personally prefer M102 by far. Really curious to see how it turns out with M102 versus K108 as my non-powder days DD.

Right on. I welcome any additional input. For me Corvus was a hit when there was a few inches of chopped snow. Very intuitive. I also think the shape helps my arthritic knee. Agree the pow performance is not their high mark. Specifically remember a hero run in Switzerland where I was in full glory bouncing in pow - then wham without much explanation I tripped up hard. That has stuck with me. Only want to pull the trigger if it’s quiver killer for a PNW guy.
Bandit ?
03-01-2021, 11:12 PM
ASP

This thread has pushed me to demo one..
03-02-2021, 06:58 AM
gaijin

That’s it? It just pushed you to demo?

Just buy it. There isn’t anything else out there telling you otherwise. No other ski in this category has this following.

People are split between the K108, the M102, and god-damnit the MFree 108.

Oh wait... there is another ski with a cult following.
03-02-2021, 03:35 PM
Bandit Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaijin

That’s it? It just pushed you to demo?

Just buy it. There isn’t anything else out there telling you otherwise. No other ski in this category has this following.

People are split between the K108, the M102, and god-damnit the MFree 108.

Oh wait... there is another ski with a cult following.

I could serious whittle my quiver down to the M102, MFree108 and Billy Goat and have all the bases covered. I love the K108 and it covers the conditions and terrain where the M102 and MFree108 would be used, so perhaps I could get down to the K108 and Billy Goat. What an insane notion!! :)
03-02-2021, 03:43 PM
phatty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

I could serious whittle my quiver down to the M102, MFree108 and Billy Goat and have all the bases covered. I love the K108 and it covers the conditions and terrain where the M102 and MFree108 would be used, so perhaps I could get down to the K108 and Billy Goat. What an insane notion!! :)

Just give us a heads up when the liquidation sale is going to happen so we can clear funds up. But how will you decide which BG from your collection?
03-02-2021, 03:52 PM
cstefanic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

I could serious whittle my quiver down to the M102, MFree108 and Billy Goat and have all the bases covered. I love the K108 and it covers the conditions and terrain where the M102 and MFree108 would be used, so perhaps I could get down to the K108 and Billy Goat. What an insane notion!! :)

Not that I have a hidden agenda (but I do), to me it sounds like you should do the M102/MFree108/BG quiver and then let me know when the Katanas hit the auction block.
03-02-2021, 04:55 PM
Bandit Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatty

Just give us a heads up when the liquidation sale is going to happen so we can clear funds up. But how will you decide which BG from your collection?

It’s the 2014 186. That ski was designed for Stevens Pass and the terrain of the Cascades.
03-02-2021, 05:03 PM
bry

K108s are gonna be so money in spring conditions.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
03-02-2021, 05:52 PM
CaliBrit

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

I could serious whittle my quiver down to the M102, MFree108 and Billy Goat and have all the bases covered. I love the K108 and it covers the conditions and terrain where the M102 and MFree108 would be used, so perhaps I could get down to the K108 and Billy Goat. What an insane notion!! :)

I’m kind of headed down this road too.

I’m not sure the 102 would do anything better than the 108 and I’d like the (slightly counterintuitive) smaller turn radius of the 108 for true groomer train tracks.

I live in Sun Valley so there will always be a skinny carver in there but carver, K108, M-Free 118....oh and praxis pow boards. I’ll always have them.
03-02-2021, 05:54 PM
Bandit Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by bry

K108s are gonna be so money in spring conditions.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Spring days at Mammoth on the Katana 108. Railing groomers in the morning and harvesting corn in the afternoon...and never having to swap skis.
03-03-2021, 03:51 PM
kootenayskier

https://www.corbetts.com/2021-volkl-katana-108-skis/
Just dropped to CAN$664 at Corbett’s. Must resist.
03-03-2021, 04:02 PM
phatty

Quote:

Originally Posted by kootenayskier

https://www.corbetts.com/2021-volkl-katana-108-skis/
Just dropped to CAN$664 at Corbett’s. Must resist.

Thank goodness they are sold out on the 191. I would want to have to explain that one to my wife.
03-03-2021, 05:48 PM
Bandit Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatty

Thank goodness they are sold out on the 191. I would want to have to explain that one to my wife.

I see this as both good and bad. Good that the temptation has been removed. Bad in that the K108 is the ski you are looking for to complement your MF108. Your life was almost changed...[emoji6]
03-03-2021, 05:52 PM
cstefanic

1 Attachment(s)

Attachment 365748

Been sitting here for an hour and so so tempted.
03-03-2021, 06:20 PM
phatty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

I see this as both good and bad. Good that the temptation has been removed. Bad in that the K108 is the ski you are looking for to complement your MF108. Your life was almost changed...[emoji6]

Not saying a 191 K108 isn't in my future, though the M102 or M6 is a better fit for current quiver construction.
03-03-2021, 10:37 PM
Bandit Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatty

Not saying a 191 K108 isn't in my future, though the M102 or M6 is a better fit for current quiver construction.

There you go...being one of those “Spreadsheet Skiers” Blister laughs about. [emoji6]

I really like the M102 and it is a more practical fit to complement my already bloated quiver...but the K108 speaks to my soul. Regardless of dimensions, it is perfect for western slopes in all the right ways.
03-04-2021, 08:12 AM
zion zig zag

Quote:

Originally Posted by kootenayskier

https://www.corbetts.com/2021-volkl-katana-108-skis/
Just dropped to CAN$664 at Corbett’s. Must resist.

184 out of stock damnit.
03-04-2021, 08:58 AM
CascadeLuke

Katana 108 - the resurrerection

...Was going to sleep on it. So glad I pulled the trigger last night. party time
Thanks Kootenay
03-04-2021, 09:09 AM
Bandit Man

1 Attachment(s)

Look how cool the graphics will look next year. Might as well wait, right? [emoji851]

Attachment 365809
03-04-2021, 09:32 AM
BC.

After seeing 21-22 K108’s...Might be hanging my old school Katanas on wall....next years are sweet!
03-04-2021, 10:28 AM
CaliBrit

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

Look how cool the graphics will look next year. Might as well wait, right? [emoji851]

Attachment 365809

Is the Katana the darkest one on the left?
03-04-2021, 10:30 AM
Bandit Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliBrit

Is the Katana the darkest one on the left?

Yes
03-04-2021, 01:59 PM
CaliBrit

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit Man

Yes

I quite like the current one. But those are nice for sure.
03-04-2021, 02:56 PM
kc_7777

1 Attachment(s)

I have some new STH 16s that are looking for a home. Have both 100mm brakes and 115mm brakes.

K108 or Rustler 9?

Gotta stop reading this thread.

banditman....you are bad bad man.

FYI...snow forecast calling for +104cm from now through Sat at Whistler...might be Proto 118 time! Hope the damn alpine opens.

Haha..I know that's killing you. Sorry.

Attachment 365876
03-04-2021, 03:49 PM
ticketchecker

Quote:

Originally Posted by kc_7777

I have some new STH 16s that are looking for a home. Have both 100mm brakes and 115mm brakes.

K108 or Rustler 9?

Gotta stop reading this thread.

banditman....you are bad bad man.

FYI...snow forecast calling for 106 cm from now through Sat...might be Proto 118 time!

Attachment 365876

Haha.

Fack me, we just had rain/sleet and wind for 72 hours and no snow in sight. I'm buying bike parts this week.

Git sum
03-04-2021, 05:08 PM
kc_7777

I’ll be trying....freezing level hard to pin down. Could be a bit moist on Fri. With wind. Then freezing. We’ll see.

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page