Volkl continues to make some of the most amazing skis on the planet. The addition of Marker Wide Ride bindings really ups the performance of the new AC50 and Grizzly. If this binding looks familiar, it should. It’s the Duke/Jester binding built into a system without the Duke’s tour mode. This binding is a much more responsive than other Markers (and most other bindings), and is perfect for maximizing the carving performance of these wider but quite shapely skis. K2 is also using this technology in their Apache line, with similar benefit. The AC50 replaces the very popular AC40. It’s a touch wider, and more versatile than the 40, but is still an amazing carving crud buster. Volkl’s most exciting new ski is the Grizzly. Grizz combines an 89mm waist with adjustable flex to make a super versatile ski that has beef a plenty. The Tigersharks return unchanged. Tigershark 12 Foot Powerswitch is either a stiff speed demon or a nimble pussycat depending on if you turn the tail switch on or off. Turn it off while you ski backwards with your five year old, otherwise leave it on. The 10 Foot is a more nimble and slightly narrower ski. The Mantra sold out quick last year, and returns with new graphics for ’08-‘09. It’s still an incredibly versatile ski that can handle anything the mountain throws its way. The Mantra’s combination of width, metal and moderate shape, make it the perfect upper mountain ski. If Mantra is a little narrow for your needs check out the Gotama or maybe even the rockered Kuro. Volkl’s Attiva line of women’s skis gets a few new models. The Aurora is a beefy all mountain ski that combines the power of a GS with the versatility of a fat ski. It’s basically a female specific AC50. The Tierra is a carvey mid fat that goes anywhere. The Aura has cool new graphics, but is otherwise unchanged. It is a solid ski that rules up top and off piste.