Technical Specifications
> Contact Length
The length that contacts the snow when the board is lying (first point of nose contact to last point of tail contact).
> Effective Edge Length
The length of the edge contacting the snow when the board is on edge
(widest point of nose to widest point of tail).
> Setback
The sidecut and board shape have been shifted from the center toward the rear. Freestyle boards have a slight setback or none at all (Squad Line: 0 mm), freeride boards a greater setback (Selecta 175: 50 mm).
> Stance
By having different insert positions, the rider can fine-tune the board’s riding characteristics. Stance width is related to both the rider’s height and what kind of riding you’re doing (wider for jibbing and freestyle, narrower for freeriding and speed). The degree to which the bindings are set back will affect the board’s freestyle/freeride/speed capabilities. A more centered stance results in better freestyle performance; more setback improves riding in powder and at speed. Binding angles also influence how a board performs with different styles of riding. For example, it’s common for freestyle boards to be ridden with a negative angle (-3° to -18°) on the back foot and positive angles on the front (+15° to +21°). For backcountry riding and groomed runs, greater bindings angles are often used on the front foot (+15° to +30°) front, with -6° to +10° on the rear.
Sidecut
Our boards feature different sidecuts, depending on what ranges of use they were designed for. Here’s what’s behind the various types of sidecuts:
> DDD Sidecut
In developing a DDD Sidecut, the goal is to equally distribute edge pressure along the entire length of an edge. Multiple harmonized radii simultaneously provide a fully flexed board in a hard turn with even power transmission. The DDD Sidecut gives the rider more freedom! Whether tight or wide turns, slight shifts of weight can actively determine the radius of your turn. The DDD Sidecut ensures optimal edge pressure along the entire edge length. The edge of a conventional radial sidecut often exerts pressure on the snow that varies greatly along the length of the board. You can often only get good pressure on your edge by shifting your weight way back toward the tail. More weight on your front foot causes the nose to break away or dig in. This is definitely a disadvantage on icy runs, but what’s even more important is that your board determines the radius of your turn.
> How does DDD Sidecut Technology work?
First, we determine the board’s exact flex curve in the race lab. We mathematically apply this flex curve to the sidecut using a CAD computer program. We adjust the combination of multiple radii and the flex curve of the board so that when fully on edge in a hard turn, the board depicts the arc of a circle and not the ellipse of a conventional sidecut. This guarantees even pressure on the edge along the entire effective board length.
// RT SL / RT GS / Shine / Stroke //
> Squad/SQD Twin-Tip
With the twin-tip DDD the Squad team riders’ requirements were made clear: “We want a board that makes sticking switch tricks easy!” Reducing the setback to zero and making the nose and tail geometries identical gives the board a twin-tip shape. Accordingly the DDD Sidecut is adapted to the necessary flex modification (identical nose and tail flex). This guarantees optimized riding attributes and constant edge pressure, both regular and switch. Völkl offers two different twin-tip shapes:
> Superior Squad twin-tip: // Squad Prime / Squad //
> Classic SQD twin-tip: // Jibster SQD / Impress SQD / Vice SQD / Riot SQD //
> Twin-Tuned DDD
Our team riders’ idea behind the Twin-Tuned DDD Sidecut is to combine the freestyle advantages of a twin shape with the characteristics of an all-mountain board. Countless tests resulted in finding the optimal shape and required tuning. Now we’ve got boards with zero setback that go like purebred freestyle boards in the park. In the backcountry, a moderate setback of 20 mm gives them all the characteristics of all-mountain boards.
// Wall Pro / Destiny / Pulse / Wall Am / Pro Attack //
> 4D Sidecut
The 4D Sidecut represents continued development based on the DDD Sidecut. You can feel the 4D Sidecut’s main difference in the playful tail. That’s why directionally shaped boards excel riding fakie.
// Selecta / Coal / Sting / Summit / Search //
> Radius
Kids’ and junior boards feature a radial sidecut. You can picture this radius as an arc of a large circle. A board on edge depicts an ellipse. That means the radius with which you start your turn is the same size as the radius with which you end your turn. Most importantly, this gives our little ones just the confidence they need to go from edge to edge. // Excell / Future //
Flex
Multiple components determine a board’s flex: initial tension, height and sidecut of the core, torsion (depending on material used in upper and lower belt weaves), setback, and stance. Building hard, stiff boards is generally not a challenge for any manufacturer. And then there’s the popular misconceived notion that stiff boards make for a smoother ride. In reality, stiff boards are unforgiving and have to be ridden very actively. This is most evident in challenging terrain and in the park. It’s much more of an art to find a softer flex pattern, while still guaranteeing torsion stiffness and stability. With tons of testing on the mountain and in the lab, we have achieved maximum reflex power without sacrificing a playful performance. We additionally reduced the wood core’s thickness and reinforced it with ultra-light materials like carbon, aramid, or Titanal. The enormous weight reduction is of course yet another advantage. We are proud to present lively snowboards with relatively soft flex patterns that still provide a smooth ride, even at high speeds.
Construction
Sandwich Construction
Located between upper and lower weaves is an ABS-synthetic sidewall whose job it is to directly transmit pressure from the binding to the edge without a loss of power. The board rides very directly, providing maximum edge grip and the smoothest ride possible.
// all BOARDS except Excell and Future //
Fullcap Construction
In a fullcap construction, the upper weave and the topsheet material are pulled down until they reach the steel edge. The sharper the angle, the better the board turns, but the weaker the edge grip becomes. However, these boards ride very playfully and are therefore especially suitable for kids.
// Excell / Future //
Topsheets
As a result of intensive research Völkl presents several innovations: The Triax-Lite construction, and a backscreened soft-touch surface with aluminum inlays. The Triax-Lite construction consists of a special backscreening procedure applied to the top layer of the board’s fiberglass. Additionally, a robust UV lacquer guards the surface from scratches. All other Völkl boards’ topsheets stand out, too: whether it’s the glossy silk-screening, grip-lacquer, partial grip-lacquer, soft-touch lacquer, matte backscreening or glitter effects that’s used. When fabricating all topsheets, all our silkscreened graphics have been backscreened, meaning the graphic is on the underside of the transparent, hardwearing topsheet.
Color-Stained Ash Veneer
Völkl R&D has set new design standards by color-staining ash veneer! Its combination of color gradients and original wood grain with a high-gloss lacquered topsheet is simply stunning.
// Squad Prime //
Lacquered Topsheet
High-end models attain their even more resistant and optically especially smooth board surface with the application of a clear varnish coat. This varnish has the advantage of preventing snow from clinging to the topsheet. Reducing topsheet thickness from .5 mm to .4 mm eliminates unnecessary weight on lacquered boards. // Wall Pro / Search / Pulse / Wall Am / Shine / Stroke //
Lacquered Topsheet with Topside Matte Silk-Screening
The already lacquered board gets an additional silk-screening topside you can really feel, producing an appearance of depth and varied light reflection. The matte screen print reaching all the way down the sidewalls gives the Stroke, for example, its final touch.
// Search / Wall Am / Stroke //
Soft-Touch Topsheet with Highlighted Screen Print
The soft touch lacquer finish makes the topsheet feel like suede, with the added bonus of gaining more grip. The soft touch lacquer is added using a screen print procedure. In this way, the design gets a more 3D-like feel and the topsheet becomes even more stylish. The Destiny’s screen print is bolstered with gold glitter to add an impressive sparkle.
// Coal / Sting / Destiny / Vice SQD / Summit / Riot SQD / RT SL / RT GS //
Grip-lacquer Topsheets
Thanks to the molecular structure of the paraffin wax contained in the grip-lacquer topsheet, we’ve created something sensational: despite the rough structure, snow doesn’t easily stick to the boards. But most of all you’ll stick every grab and even one-footed tricks have never been easier. Due to grip-lacquer’s course grained structure, it cannot be applied using a standard spraying system. Instead, the boards are individually sprayed by hand.
// Selecta / Squad Prime / Squad / Jibster SQD / Impress SQD / Pro Attack //
The partial use of grip-lacquer gives our boards an individual look. Unstylish stomp pads and shaky lift rides are a thing of the past! On grip, you’ve always got solid hold!
// Wall Pro / Vice SQD / Search / Wall Am //
NEW! Triax-Lite Construction
Consists of triaxial weave glass on the upper layer that is glued together with a thin combination of urethane film. In this way the conventional topsheet is no longer needed, hence the boards become lighter.
// Squad Prime //
NEW! Topsheet Component
The topsheet component is cut out using the die-cut procedure. Afterwards, engraved aluminum inlays will be embedded. We are the first to do this!
// Coal / Sting //
AVS (Anti-Vibration System)
The newly developed Anti-Vibration System noticeably absorbs all kinds of bumps. Top riding comfort, while at the same time sportive and lively. Special rubber/gel-mix layers are directly integrated into the topsheet, so the bindings can stay put without having to be raised. Especially when a board is on edge, the AVS unfurls its maximum potential, providing tremendous dampening.
// Coal //
360° Titanal Topsheet Protector
Titanal is a titanium aluminum alloy with excellent dampening properties. The Selecta’s soft flex curve and quick reaction also benefit from the use of Titanal. The 360° Topsheet Protector between sidewall and topsheet additionally renders the board extremely resistant against lateral blows (rocks, ski edges...). This year the protector is presented in an exquisite silver look.
// Selecta //
Power Profiles
This technology brings stability along with it at the extremely high speeds in racing. In designing the Power Profiles, exact research and tests on a board’s dampening and flex are done in advance. Positioning of the Power Profiles in relation to Titanal layers, etc. is determined and the depressions/elevations are worked into the wood core. This process makes it possible to more evenly distribute force and stress throughout the board. The result: improved reflex and dampening properties.
// RT SL / RT GS //
Upper and Lower Weave
Fiberglass Weave
The fiberglass weave leaves its mark on the board’s flex and torsion properties. By varying the type of weave (direction of individual fibers in relation to one another) and its thickness, the behavior and characteristics of the board can be individually tailored to suit target groups of riders and different ability levels. Another decisive factor in the degree of flex and torsion in a board is the distance between the upper and lower belts (height and progression of thickness throughout the board). The thicker the board and the more layers it has, the stiffer the flex.
Upper and Lower Biaxial Fiberglass Weave
Glass fibers are woven in 90° angles lengthwise and transversely to another. This results in relatively low torsion stiffness and a board with good-natured temperament. // Wall Pro / Summit / Pulse / Wall Am / Pro Attack / Shine / Stroke / Excell / Future //
Upper and Lower Triaxial Fiberglass Weave
In this special fiberglass weave, in addition to lengthwise, fibers are also added at a 45° angle (lengthwise/ + 45°/-45°). They can simultaneously accommodate torsion and flex forces. The board becomes more aggressive and edge grip improves. A weave’s fiber density and thickness decisively influence a board’s flex (triaxial weave with lower fiber density results in softer flex).
// Selecta / RT SL / Squad Prime / Coal / RT GS / Squad / Sting / Jibster SQD / Destiny / Impress SQD / Vice SQD / Riot SQD / Search //
V-Flex Fiberglass Weave Inlay
The V-Flex weave is a triaxial fiberglass weave with higher fiber density. The special V-form reinforces the area around the bindings, producing better flex and torsion properties and optimally distributing forces right to the edge. This provides increased stability under extreme stress.
// Squad Prime / Squad / Jibster SQD /Vice SQD / Riot SQD //
Aramid Weave
Very tension and pressure resistant aramid fibers dampen the board. They increase shock absorption, especially at higher speeds. Because aramid fibers are very tough, they also increase stability. These elements are found in both the upper and lower weaves.
// Selecta / Squad Prime / Coal / Squad / Destiny / Impress SQD //
Carbon Weave
Makes the board extremely lively: the carbon fibers’ tensile strength is responsible for a very short reflex time. The fibers are integrated in the lower belt and also reduce the board’s weight.
// Selecta / RT SL / Squad Prime / Coal / RT GS / Squad / Sting / Jibster SQD / Wall Pro / Destiny / Impress SQD / Vice SQD / Summit / Search //
Titanal Weave
Titanal is a titanium aluminum alloy with excellent dampening properties. The Titanal inlays make the board lively, provide it with extremely good edge grip, and make for an unbelievably smooth ride.
// RT GS //
Core Materials
Tip-to-Tail Classic Wood Core
All Völkl boards are constructed using tip-to-tail and side-to-side Aspen Falcatta poplar wood strips. Our kids’ boards are also equipped with our tip-to-tail Classic wood core with an extra soft flex and minimal weight.
// RT SL / RT GS / Pro Attack / Shine / Stroke / Excell / Future //
Tip-to-Tail Supreme Wood Core
Tip-to-tail Supreme wood core is made of strips of Aspen and Falcatta wood.Depending on board length and width, four to six strips of Falcatta are integrated in the Aspen core. Combining these gives the core the best dampening and flex properties of each wood. It’s long lasting, lightweight and plays a big part in the board’s outstanding performance.
// Squad / Sting / Jibster SQD / Wall Pro / Destiny / Impress SQD / Vice SQD / Summit / Riot SQD / Search / Pluse / Wall Am //
Tip-to-Tail Ultra-Light Wood Core
For our lightwood core, we use ultra-light poplar especially selected according to its weight. The low density of this special wood reduces weight by 20% – without sacrificing stability! The combination of carbon in the lower weave, triaxial weave, and aramid inlays produces an exceptionally smooth board flex with unprecedented stability in a new lightweight dimension. // Selecta / Squad Prime //
Supreme Wood Core with Aircore
The Aircore is a natural fiber, lamella construction with wood stringers. By rounding off the Aircore zones, the board’s flex becomes more harmonious and the higher percentage of solid wood results in a high level of stability surrounding the inserts. An extremely short reflex time results in a sensational riding performance. This core material is also characterized by its liveliness, high level of shock absorption, and low weight.
// Coal //
Shock Absorber
The newly developed shock absorber is made of a special hard wood that absorbs the forces that occur during a landing. A groove just for the H-shaped inlays is cut into the core in order to intercept blows right at the binding’s edge. The boards of the Völkl Squad line are equipped with the new shock absorber, which makes the boards extremely agile and durable. // Squad Prime / Squad //
Powder Channel
Like on a normal swallow tail, the wood core has a distinct spilt tail. Special flex properties in the tail provide a unique feeling in quick turns on groomed runs. The Powder Channel itself compensates the drawbacks of a normal swallow tail construction! The Channel closes the gap in the wood core. It is comprised of a very flexible, yet resistant synthetic that bolsters the swallowtail’s flex performance, making switch in powder and everything else on runs possible! The channel’s special scoop alters the way the snow flows under the board. Like with a surfboard fin, it provides extreme stability and an incomparable surf feeling in powder. Our freeriders have further optimized the Powder Channel’s shape for the coming season. New this year: blue colored channel.
// Selecta //
Insert Systems
Generally you’re dealing with one of three insert systems: 4x4, 5x2, or 6x2. With the 4x4 system, the inserts are 4 cm apart. With the 5x2 and 6x2 systems, the insert rows are only separated by 2 cm. The 6x2 insert system was specifically employed in our top freestyle boards to offer individual binding positioning. That way, the stance can be exactly set down to the centimeter and adjustments on bindings discs will be limited to the centering of bindings.
6x2: // Squad Prime / Squad / Destiny / Impress SQD //
5x2: // Coal / Sting / Jibster SQD / Wall Pro / Destiny / Vice SQD / Summit / Riot SQD / Search / Pulse //
Sidewalls
Wood Sidewalls
Our development team’s lengthy research has paid off with the appearance of a new wood sidewall that’s more than impressive! An extremely complex and high-grade special impregnation process protects the wood against moisture and the influences of Mother Nature.
// Squad Prime / Squad //
Sidewall Dampening
From now on, all wood sidewalls feature additional urethane sidewall dampening on both top and bottom to make them more robust.
// Squad Prime / Squad //
NEW! Reinforced Sidewalls
The ABS sidewalls are coated with fiberglass and become even more impact- and shock-resistant when grinding and sliding.
// Jibster SQD //
NEW! Transparent Sidewalls in Metal and Wood Look
Transparent sidewalls are an unusual eye catcher. This year’s highlight, the Coal, has its sidewalls backed with a light alloy, perforated metal plate; on the Selecta and the Sting they allow the pickled wood core to be viewed.
// Coal (Metal Look) / Selecta / Sting (Wood Look) //
Edges
Steel Edges with Rubber Inlays
HRC 48 is the best compromise between durability and maintenance friendliness. The steel edges on all Völkl boards are additionally equipped with shock absorbent rubber inlays to improve edge grip. This year we’re using a stronger edge profile on all boards. This increases a board’s life – and we’re not only talking about hard use in the park.
// all Boards //
NEW! Völkl Steel Edge
Brand new within the snowboarding scene is the Völkl steel edge. We developed a special tool to punch the Völkl writing out of the steel flap. This creates an absolute unique design feature.
// Stroke //
Diamantfinish
A diamond finish is now standard on all our boards. The edges are ground so that they extend 1° down from the base and 1° out from the sides. The diamond finish doesn’t only make edges more durable, but also provides maneuverability and great grip in icy conditions.
// alL EXCEPT Jibster SQD / Excell / Future //
Aluminum Tip Protector
Nothing protects a board better than an aluminum protector. And the look of our boards shows how damn attractive aluminum protectors can be. // Selecta / Coal //
Bases
NEW! Multisint Base
The multisint base is a sintered base, which is produced by grouting. By adding color pigments the base gains its unique color streak optic. No board looks like another!
// Coal / Squad / Wall Pro //
NEW! The VRL Base
VRL is the short form for Völkl Race Laboratory. Full throttle at the Skiing World Cup where the highest speeds are measured. Darren Powell reached more than 202 km/h on a Völkl Renntiger! Our renowned forge’s race laboratory knows how to built faster snowboards than anyone else. That’s why our VRL board bases are not ready-made. A base composite made of the best-known materials is the secret behind the fastest and easiest to maintain base. What’s in there? As said above, it’s our secret – one that already lifted several rising stars onto the podium.
// RT SL / RT GS //
Sintered P-Tex 20188 Base
P-Tex 20188 is a sintered, ultra-high-molecular low-pressure polyethylene with a unique special grain structure and a high percentage of carbon. Its high rate of electrical and thermal conductivity was especially developed for racing. This base is not only extremely fast, but also very robust and consequently the best choice for our top freeride board. We’ve additionally increased the base’s thickness by 20% compared with other boards. Now the stones hiding in the snow have even less of a chance!
// Selecta //
Sintered Base
Produced by sintering, the formed pores readily absorb wax. The sintered base is very soft, yet exceptionally damage resistant. Regular care ensures excellent gliding properties.
// Squad Prime / Coal / Squad / Sting / Destiny//
Highly Transparent, Extruded Base
Our base is the most transparent on the market. Therefore we use it for all silkscreened base graphics. In addition to the vivid colors, the base is low maintenance and very durable.
// Vice SQD / Impress SQD / Jibster SQD / Riot SQD / Search / Pro Attack / Shine / Stroke //
Extruded Base
Produced by fusion, it is very hard and even more damage-resistant. It’s also the best choice for riders who don’t regularly hot wax their boards. Under those circumstances, this base demonstrates better gliding properties than the best unwaxed sintered base.
// Vice SQD / Summit / Impress SQD / Jibster SQD / Riot SQD / Search / Pulse / Wall Am / Shine / Pro Attack / Stroke / Excell / Future //
Die-Cut
Because a base’s design is just as important to a rider as that on the topsheet, continuous advancement is to be found on this front. Our ultrasound cutting machine cuts out differently colored pieces of bases, which are then manually put together like a puzzle. The higher quality the board, the more pieces that make up the puzzle. A perfect example of our competence in fusing conscientious handicraft with highly technical machinery.
// all except Search / Shine //
Backscreening and Die-Cut
The combination of Die-Cut and silkscreened bases enables us to achieve brilliant graphical effects. With this exclusive and elaborate method, we distinguish ourselves by creating unusual effects in base and top design.
// Selecta / Squad Prime / Coal / Squad / Sting / Jibster SQD / Destiny / Impress SQD / Vice SQD / Riot SQD / Pro Attack / Stroke //
Stone Finish
A good stone finish is the best, most universal base structure for almost all snow conditions. Völkl Race Services’ years of experience have made it possible for us to give all our boards an optimal structural finish. A ground base is also very wax absorbent.
// Selecta / Squad Prime / Coal / Squad / Sting / Wall Pro / Destiny //
Structural Finish
In addition to the stone finish, our top boards also acquire a structural finish. The structure’s special flat pound pattern already accelerates the board within the first few feet. The boards become even faster and more maneuverable. For maximum speeds – don’t forget to brush after waxing! Best are long, continuous strokes from tip to tail, with light, constant pressure.
// Selecta / Coal //