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Volkl 2004 724 Pro

post #1 of 24
3/24/03 at 11:02am
Thread Starter 
Length : 170
Hieght: 5'9"
Wieght: 160
Level: 8 or 9
Years skied: 35 plus
Age: 44
Conditions: Variable, Very light Powder to ice.
Days ski per year : 25 to 30.

I was really trying to demo the new Head Monster Chip 75, but the guy who demoed them never returned them, in the 170 length I wanted over a three day period. Maybe that's some endorsement.

But I did have the good fortune to spend two days on the new 2004 Volkl Pro 724 at Jackson Hole. JH had been through a wild freeze/thaw cycle. Then it snowed 3 to 4 inches--so there was some spots with wind blown powder. Lots of crud, that softened up during the day. Later in the day the Hobacks, particularly lower down, were an almost unskiable pool of mush. Rendavouz Bowl was sheer ice. Bottom line, the conditions were very tough. You could see that many less experienced skiers were struggling.

Not surprisingly, the 724 handled all these conditions beautifully. Cut through every thing. Made all conditions seem easy. Later in the day when we got some spring conditions,soft crud, I was truly hooting and hollering.

The skies are very stable at speed. In fact, I would say that the real talent of these skies is going fast through variable conditions. Excels at medium to long turns.

Short turns are fine. But its not like you think short turn and they just come out effortlessly. You have to work the short turn, but its not overly strenuous.

Grip on ice is very good too. I skied some huge bumps, both in tight trees and very steep double diamonds, like Paint Brush, if you know JH, and they were very manageable. Perhaps this could be attributable to the fact that they were 170 length. By the way, I would touch a longer length unless you are much heavier than my 160.

After two days, the snow hardened up and I went back to my Atomic RX11's. By comparison, they felt like a sports car. Much faster edge to edge. Marginally better grip on the hard stuff. And the RX11 is still a wider waisted ski. I've skied the RX 11 in 15 inches of freshies and they were like a charm.

All this I think raises a central debate in my mind about which is the ideal waist, 74 or 75 or 70. Personally, I think a 70mm waist can go just about anywhere and cetainly is a lot more fun if you're not in loose snow.

The Volkl 724 Pro is however probably great because it is so versatile, it can really do every thing and when the snow is cut up or set up, it has an unbelievable ability to make it feel smooth and easy. A great ski for JH and I'd be willing to bet will be mopre popular than the G4 next year.
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post #2 of 24
3/24/03 at 11:22am
I'll bet if you buy the 724 Pro without the motion system and put Atomics Centrix binding on it, it would be even more versatile. It was ok in 177cm I'm 5'11" 190lbs, if I skied the 170cm I may have liked it better. I didn't find it as quick as my 10EX in 177cm. I think the binding makes a big difference.

[ March 24, 2003, 11:22 AM: Message edited by: smithby ]
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post #3 of 24
3/25/03 at 7:26am
Quote:
I'll bet if you buy the 724 Pro without the motion system and put Atomics Centrix binding on it, it would be even more versatile
You have to wait until 2004/2005 for 724 pro w/o motion system.

: [img]graemlins/evilgrin.gif[/img]
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post #4 of 24
3/25/03 at 8:38am
BobasEB, Thanks, this season is almost over anyways. What do think about putting the Centrix binding on the Pro?
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post #5 of 24
3/25/03 at 11:27am
BobasEB, Thanks, this season is almost over anyways. What do think about putting the Centrix binding on the Pro?

Next season is 2003/2004 not 2004/2005 so you have to wait for 2 years for non motion 724 pro .I prefer rossi or look but if you like atomics R412 are pretty good (Fullflex,Verizone with 4 positions).I’m definitely waiting for 724 Pro w/o motion system.
I demo them at Okemo, despite bed snow ski was amassing
“I’M IN LOVE”
[img]graemlins/angel.gif[/img]
BobasEb
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post #6 of 24
3/26/03 at 11:10am
According to Volkl, the 7 24 Pro will be available "flat" in the fall.
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post #7 of 24
3/26/03 at 1:28pm
Thread Starter 
Is there a benefit to the ski with out the Motion? Is there an anti-Motion bias out there? Why wouldn't you want the Motion?Truthfully I didn't really feel any significant effect of the Motion system, but I can not imagine that it detracted in any way.
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post #8 of 24
3/27/03 at 8:56am
BobasEB, I demoed at Okemo also I have a season pass there. I have the yellow myto helmet, not many of them around. Thats great that we can demo all those skis.

enquirer, yes I think I'm on the anti motion side of the fence. I couldn't feel any difference in last saturdays snow at okemo. The other thing is what happens when the ski wears out and you have a binding that is still good, but can only go on a ski with the motion rails. You can not buy a motion ski without the binding.
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post #9 of 24
3/27/03 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally posted by enquirer:
Is there a benefit to the ski with out the Motion? Is there an anti-Motion bias out there? Why wouldn't you want the Motion?Truthfully I didn't really feel any significant effect of the Motion system, but I can not imagine that it detracted in any way.
to use the alpine binding of your choice

to use an AT binding

to do whatever you want

those are 3 darned good reasons in my book.
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post #10 of 24
3/28/03 at 7:40am
enquirer, some feel that Motion defangs some good skis. Along with that idea, maybe Marker on Volkl is perfume (Volkl) on a pig(Marker). I've read opinions that Motion tends to wash out the tail. This seems to be related to both toe and heel being able to move outward when the skis is flexed, as opposed to only the heel on bindings such as Look/Rossi. Until the G3s I have w/1300 Pistons, for 12 years or so it has been Look then Rossi turntables. And it will be Rossi again. The Pistons are fine, get good tail pop. But I have a pair of 120 Axials that need a home. If one was going to go with Motion on a good Volkl, go with Piston, it might counteract some of the perceived poor qualities of the system.
For me, the only distracting aspect of Marker is a tendency to release quickly when in crud bumps as you go down into the trough and get a little tip dig... but maybe it knows better...
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post #11 of 24
3/28/03 at 8:43pm
First of all if Volkl 724 pro will be available in the fall , I have to save some cash hmmm. (Ok I will cut beer consumption )
Smithby
I’m sorry I can’t recall yellow myto helmet, perhaps if we hade some sort of sticker (Epicski) it would be easier to recognize members of this forum.
I have blue scott slalom helmet extremely rare, next time I ski at Okemo I will keep my eye on yellow helmets.
“Ski Demo” best idea next to snow making, it’s always fun to ski different brand names for free.
BobasEB

Ps Pleas excuse my English
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post #12 of 24
3/29/03 at 7:03am
Quote:
Originally posted by enquirer:
Is there a benefit to the ski with out the Motion? Is there an anti-Motion bias out there? Why wouldn't you want the Motion?Truthfully I didn't really feel any significant effect of the Motion system, but I can not imagine that it detracted in any way.
I've skied the Vertigo motion as well as the g3(same ski without the motion system) and I feel that there is a pronounced difference in how the ski reacts. The motion system smooths out the ski and makes it much damper then the G3 which really catapults you from turn to turn if you presure it right. If volkl is telling the truth and the skis DO in fact have similar construction then the Motion system gives you a more forgiving ski. I for one HATE that but differnent strokes for different folks. Other valid concerns are the fact that you can't put any other binding on a "system" ski and that some(ok a lot of) people have a problem with marker bindings.
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post #13 of 24
3/29/03 at 12:52pm
To Motion or not to Motion, whether it is nobler in the minds of skiers to . . . . . apologies to Bill Shakespeare.

Not all, but many of Volkl's skis this year and certainly next year are available flat, which allows freedom of binding choice. Like underwear, politics and light v dark chocolate (dark for me), it's all about personal preference. Volkl understands that individual skiers want, nay, insist on using their binding of choice.

Subject to change without notice, here's the list as taken from Volkl's 2003/2004 Ski Collection:

</font>
  • P60 GC & SC Racing - Motion only</font>
  • P60 GS & SC Race Stock - Flat only</font>
  • Supersport 6 Star - Motion only</font>
  • Supersport 5 Star - Flat & Motion</font>
  • Supersport 4 Star - Motion only</font>
  • 7/24 Pro - Flat & Motion</font>
  • 7/24 AX4 - Flat only</font>
  • 7/24 AX3 - Flat & Motion</font>
  • 7/24 AX2 - Flat & Motion</font>
  • energY 420 - Motion only</font>
  • energY 320 - Flat & Motion</font>
  • energY 220 - Flat & Motion</font>
  • 7/24 AX3 Gamma - Motion only</font>
  • energY 420 Gamma - Motion only</font>
  • energY 320 Gamma - Motion Only</font>
  • 7/24 AX2 Gamma - Motion only</font>
  • energY 220 Gamma - Flat only</font>
  • Gotama, Explosive, Dragon Slayer, V Pro & V Expression - Flat only</font>
  • All Junior, Mountain and Rental skis - Flat only</font>
This year's women's Volkls, the 20/20 series, get a name change for next year; they will carry the Gamma suffix. Purely conjecture, but if I were to hazard a guess on what ski might change, I would think that a flat Supersport 6 Star would be a popular option. I hope this helps.
IG
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post #14 of 24
3/29/03 at 8:12pm
Inspector Gadget, would you be able to tell me the difference between this year's G3 and next year's AX3? I've heard that they are similar, but that's about all that I've heard. I'm curious to know the sidecut and if the construction is changing a great deal. It will affect my decision on whether to replace my current G31's with a G3 or wait until next season. Thanks in advance.
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post #15 of 24
3/31/03 at 6:29am
nasaguy, I'm no Inspector Gadget, But I've used up my G31's love my 01/02 G3's more then the G31's. Have demoed the AX3 motion, I feel the AX3 is the same as the G3 and have been told they only changed the graphic's. My 15 y/o x-racer boy said he could do anything he wanted on the AX3. Thats coming from someone who is a Atomic person, he has three pairs of Atomics and PR's.

I know that Shon at Northern Ski Works 802 228 3344 has two pair of 02/03 G3's for I think,$417.00 in 177cm on his wall. They were there Saturday night March 29th while I was haviing him adjust my new boots.

[ March 31, 2003, 06:29 AM: Message edited by: smithby ]
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post #16 of 24
4/2/03 at 2:21pm
Quote:
Originally posted by nasaguy:
Inspector Gadget, would you be able to tell me the difference between this year's G3 and next year's AX3? I've heard that they are similar, but that's about all that I've heard. I'm curious to know the sidecut and if the construction is changing a great deal. It will affect my decision on whether to replace my current G31's with a G3 or wait until next season. Thanks in advance.
nasaguy,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. The simple answer is graphics; there is no functional difference between the G3 and the AX3.

Quote:
Originally posted by smithby:
nasaguy, I'm no Inspector Gadget...
smithby,

I'm not sure, is your qualification a pat on the back [img]smile.gif[/img] or a slap in the face ?

IG
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post #17 of 24
4/3/03 at 8:17pm
Thanks Smithby and Inspector Gadget. It looks like I'll be retiring my old G31's in favor of 02/03 G3's then. Unfortunately, I probably won't get tp enjoy them until next season.
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post #18 of 24
4/4/03 at 8:46am
Inspector Gadget, I'm impressed by what you know and how much of a help you are to all of us. You must work in the business. I'm sure you have read some of my other post. I'm just a guy that likes to ski "alot". I just wish there was some easy way to help all the people on Shaped Skis, learn how to ski them correctly. It is such a joy to let the ski do the work.

We're getting dumped on again here in New England so I looks like another great weekend with fresh snow. I was skiing freshies last Sunday when I had to leave to come back to CT for the week. Tomorrow it looks like I'll have to pick up where I left off.

nasaguy, Glad to be of help.
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post #19 of 24
4/5/03 at 11:58am
Quote:
Originally posted by smithby:
Inspector Gadget, I'm impressed by what you know and how much of a help you are to all of us. You must work in the business. I'm sure you have read some of my other post. I'm just a guy that likes to ski "a lot". I just wish there was some easy way to help all the people on Shaped Skis, learn how to ski them correctly. It is such a joy to let the ski do the work.
smithby,

Thank you, that is very kind of you to say.

Actually, I no longer work in the ski business, though I did for a long time. Now I just moonlight, which explains why I regularly have Volkl, Technica and Marker equipment available to purchase - pro-form pricing to the non-pro - if you will.

In car and motorcycle racing vernacular "bench racing" is when people sit around talking about racing. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to say that participation in the fora found on the Epic site is a form of bench racing. When we can't ski, many of us Bears read about skiing. A yearly event, I recently skied with a group of my father-in-law's retired military comrades - a lot of colonels and a general. They all have new skis and yet, they continue to ski like they did on their old skis.

I knew I wouldn't likely get them to pop for a lesson, so I gave each of them some reading homework; I printed a copy for all eight of them and passed it out at dinner. You can find their assignment by typing "Out with the old, in with the new" in the search by keyword box at the Ski Magazine website: http://www.skimag.com/skimag/search/...13382,,00.html There you will find articles - parts I & II, each part contains seven steps - about skiing on modern equipment versus old equipment. I told the Brass that there would be a test... every time they put on their skis.

The reading was fun and easy and each tried to adapt their skiing to their new skis. Surprise, surprise, two of them signed up for a semi-private and voila - more fun and better skiing.

It's no substitute for skiing, but a little bench racing never hurts. As always, let me know how I can help.

IG
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post #20 of 24
4/7/03 at 5:51pm
Hey IG,

I've never tried the motion system but I used to have a pair of p40 sl's in 177 with the energy rail on them. I just loved that plate incredible feeling of power and when pushed hard gave you a feeling almost like a turbo charger. How does the motion compare? From what people are saying it doesn't sound all that great. Of course the rail was heavy, but you could put any binding on it.
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post #21 of 24
4/7/03 at 10:14pm
Tog,

You asked . . . .

First, the rails on your P40 SL's were the same as the rails on the new Motions, so if you still have the plates, you could slip them onto any new Motion ski and get the same feel.

Second, the plates would tend to inhibit the flex of a ski, creating a flat spot under foot, which could be the reason for the feeling of power. Motion system skis tend to flex a little more roundly under foot, letting the 3-D sidecut function more efficiently...tip to tail contact & grip.

Third, another great ride is the Marker World Cup Piston plate actually used on the World Cup. It delivers incredible power, but like the first plate, tends to flatten the ski. This one requires some punch from the operator.

The best of both worlds is the Piston Motion system. A flexible plate on Motion rails, with built in Piston Control. In 03/04 the Piston Motion is available on the following models:

</font>
  • P60 GC Race Carver</font>
  • P60 SC Race Carver</font>
  • Supersport 6 Star</font>
  • Supersport 5 Star</font>
  • 724 Pro</font>
IG
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post #22 of 24
4/8/03 at 6:22am
IG, thanks for the link I remember reading those articles, and improving as I practiced what I read. What really tied everything together was when I took a lesson. It was a two day clinque with A.S.I.A. that was the best thing I did for my skiing. In fact I got to ski again with the PSIA III A.S.I.A Insturctor this past saturday at Killington. It's nice to have friends in high places.
I printed the info from the link you gave me/us. I hope it will help some of my friends.

Thanks again for all your good information.

[ April 08, 2003, 06:23 AM: Message edited by: smithby ]
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post #23 of 24
7/28/03 at 10:35pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Inspector Gadget:
Tog,

You asked . . . .

First, the rails on your P40 SL's were the same as the rails on the new Motions, so if you still have the plates, you could slip them onto any new Motion ski and get the same feel.

Second, the plates would tend to inhibit the flex of a ski, creating a flat spot under foot, which could be the reason for the feeling of power. Motion system skis tend to flex a little more roundly under foot, letting the 3-D sidecut function more efficiently...tip to tail contact & grip.

Third, another great ride is the Marker World Cup Piston plate actually used on the World Cup. It delivers incredible power, but like the first plate, tends to flatten the ski. This one requires some punch from the operator.

The best of both worlds is the Piston Motion system. A flexible plate on Motion rails, with built in Piston Control. In 03/04 the Piston Motion is available on the following models:

</font>
  • P60 GC Race Carver</font>
  • P60 SC Race Carver</font>
  • Supersport 6 Star</font>
  • Supersport 5 Star</font>
  • 724 Pro</font>
IG
Inspector Gadget: Got a pair of Supersport 5 Star motion's with Marker 1200,not the Piston Motion system. I've read a few reviews much like yours, stating the best combination being the Piston Motion system. However have also heard that I can not change bindings to the Piston Motion system, unless you buy the planks again with it. ????????
:
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post #24 of 24
7/29/03 at 9:50pm
Quote:
Inspector Gadget: Got a pair of Supersport 5 Star motion's with Marker 1200,not the Piston Motion system. I've read a few reviews much like yours, stating the best combination being the Piston Motion system. However have also heard that I can not change bindings to the Piston Motion system, unless you buy the planks again with it. ????????
:
Moke,

All rails have had the same dimensions since the original models i.e. the green & black P40 F1 GS skis. So yes, you can slide the 1200 Motion off your Supersports, slide the Piston Motion plate on, and attach an EPS binding to the system.

Generally, it is not something dealers will stock for sale as an aftermarket add-on; but, I may have some available if you're interested. I'll have to check. As a guess, the 1200 Piston Motion ~ $150 and the 1400 Piston Motion ~ $180.

I hope that answers your question. Please let me know if you need anything else or if you're interested in upgrading to the Piston Motion set-up.

IG
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