09-10 Volkl Attiva "Bio-Logic" design

Volkl has dramatically redesigned their womans skis for 09-10 with "Bio-logic" in mind. Bio-Logic can be read about it here... http://www.volkl.com/ski/attiva/bio-logic.php . While the names have stayed the same in the models from 08-09 to 09-10, Luna, Sol, Tierra ect, the skis have changed dramatically bordering on revolutionary (if what they say IS true). 

Overview (and over simplification) of the design that were significantly redesigned, tips are (roughly) 10mm wider, tails are 10mm narrower and bindings have gone to 0* ramp angle compared to the outgoing model of the same name. While these numbers do not sound significant, they are a dramatic departure from the norm. 

Volkl feels that these will be much safer and easier for women to ski. How do others feel about this departure for women's skis? If it right? Wrong? Marketing? 

 This is quite intriguing.  Things that come to mind first and foremost....
First: Balance, They raise the toe slightly to create a balance and avoid stress on the quads and hammstring
Isn't this a move in the opposite direction of where women's ski balance and boot work has been going for years? For someone who never benefited from heel lifts, this is very interesting.

Second: Geometry, they seem to change the tip and tail configuration to initiate turns quicker and release quicker, without much effort.
I know this is one of the things involved with the design of some of Nordica's Expert women's skis. Fun design, not sure how it fits in the entire collection.

Third: Flex, they change the flex to work better with the change in binding and geometry changes.
Hmmmmm, softer, or no?

 0* delta on the binding a huge step in the right direction for any ski/binding combination IMO. From what I gather, the older, forward mount position is a reaction to womens skis being knock offs of mens skis. What they say makes sense and our shops women testers all liked the new crop of Volkls. Heel lifts are one of those things that should not be universally added to "all women". Certain "womens gurus" think this way and it is very wrong IMO.

Interesting that they apparently chose not to use this on the wider skis. At least the Aura and Kiku are not listed among the "bio-logic" series.

Having always skied on unisex skis. I find it difficult to think we are built that differently that we need completely different designs. Maybe biologic technology will move into mens skis and they'll call it machology.

The Kiku and Aura are flat skis, the Bio are their system ones. Makes me think...could we see a woman specific Marker coming soon since Volkl is in bed with them?

 Phil, to that point, I was actually wondering if marker is part of the major equation as it is.
I have had Dukes on two pair of skis, one of which is the Aura.  I liked the zero delta on the Aura, and I understand that the Duke is/has been mounted on quite a few Auras and Kikus.  I wonder if someone said, "Hmmmm, Women like a ski binding system that isn't heel lifted"



^^^^of course I'm over simplifying. 

I believe Dynastar and Lange have been involved in the "elevated heel" for use by women for 4 or 5 years(or more.) They seemed to have found favorable results from many of the women that have used their equipment. It seems they have been more beneficial for newer skiers.
K2 has used the "forward-waisted" philosophy with their T-Nine women's series with seemingly positive results. Their T-Nine series has been very successful for many years.
Nordica and pre-2010 Volkl women's skis have received many rave reviews from all the product testing results in recent years.
You always have to wonder how much is actually "bio-mechanical" and how much is marketing. If it is a truly "bio-mechanical advantage" then shouldn't it be included in their flat skis.
Usually, it takes several years for "advanced" ideas to be accepted or rejected as viable in the market. We certainly have seen plenty of "revolutionary" concepts come and go in the ski industry with negative results being, far and away, the most predominant.
It seems to me (on a purely anecdotal basis,) that better women skiers that learned to ski on "unisex" equipment do not seem as drawn to the performance of some of the women's skis/boots, as much as, some of the "unisex" skis in sizes appropriate to their weight and ability.
The Marker 0* could certainly be a driving factor but why not with K2. Different philosophies perhaps, as in Dynastar/Lange vs. Rossignol.
From my years of selling and fitting, skis and boots, as well as, studying the two concepts, I personally lean more towards elevated heels. But,as they say, "that, and $3.50, will get you a glorified cup of coffee."

 Have any of you  shop guys compared the Volkl bio logic skis side by side with other brand skis of the same class, or even last years version of the same Volkl ski?

Volklgirl and I compared a Tierra with a Nordica Mint(two closest at this particular shop).
The ramp angle was the most obvious to the naked eye, without setting both skis up for the same BSL.

This is going to be very interesting. 

 

TC's got her finger on the trigger.......

 Moi?
Nah!  I just like to drool over new stuff. 

But wouldn't you rather SKI it? 

 With demo days at Loveland, the first SkiDiva reviews of this system are up.
http://www.theskidiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8287