board technology

Technical Data

Contact Length

The length which the board is in contact with the snow when it is lying flat on the ground (The contact points at the front of the nose to the rear of the tail)

Effective Edge Length

The length of the edge which is effectively contacting the snow when the board is on edge (widest point of the nose to widest point of the tail).

Setback

The entire board shape, waist and binding insert positions have been shifted from the centre towards the rear of the board. Freestyle boards have a minimal setback or none at all (e. g. Squad Line: 0 mm).  When the binding position is centered, the nose and tail are of the same length and flex. Freeride boards feature a greater setback (e. g. Selecta 175: 50 mm). More setback enhances board control and powers edge grip at maximum speed. A longer nose also provides for more flotation in powder.

Stance

By having different binding insert positions, the rider may fine-tune the board's riding characteristics. Freestylers usually prefer a flatter stance angle of +15° to +21° on the front foot and -3° to -18° on the back foot. Freeriders tend to ride with a +15° to +30° angle on the front foot and a -6° to +10° angle on the back foot.

Sidecuts

Our boards feature different sidecuts depending on the terrain they are designed for. What is special is that contrary to a radial sidecut, a Völkl sidecut consists of several different harmonised sidecuts (therefore the indicated radial sidecut is just reference value!) Benefits compared to a simple radial sidecut are:

• Edge pressure is perfectly distributed along the entire edge length in carving turns.
• It is easy to actively determine the turning radius by a minimal shifting of weight (a conventional radial sidecut determines the radius of the turn).
• The nose is easy to control and does not dig in the snow. This is why all Völkl snowboards are flexible and easy-to-ride while offering great precision and control.

Twin-Tip Freestyle Sidecut

This shape is known for a narrower radius and less contact length. A symmetrical sidecut with identical nose and tail flex delivers perfect and safe riding characteristics both regular and switch. Boards with a twin-tip sidecut are extremely forgiving and also very lively. Whether it's backcountry, park or pipe – these boards provide the ultimate freestyle performance!

> Squad Prime / Squad / Vice SQD / Impress SQD / Riot SQD / Jibster SQD / Prime JR. / Prime Kids

Directional Freestyle Sidecut

The idea behind the Directional Freestyle Sidecut is to combine the freestyle advantages of a twin-tip shape with the characteristics of an all-mountain board. With no setback these boards become purebred freestyle machines for perfect park performance. With a more moderate setback of 20 mm they become directional all-mountain boards. It's a universal shape for riding in any terrain.

> Cashew / Spark / Flavor / Dice / Spade / Melody / Dash / Future

Directional Freeride Sidecut

Directional boards have more setback and thus a longer nose. A different nose and tail flex combined with an asymmetrical sidecut radius provides for more edge pressure and control at high speeds. The nose is not only wider but also has a different concave radius and raise compared to the tail. It's perfect for more flotation in powder snow and fast edge-to-edge turns on the groomers.

Selecta / Coal / Zenit

Directional Race Sidecut

To cater for the Renntiger model, Völkl's race lab developed a special sidecut concept. A directional sidecut radius has been tuned to harmonise with the integrated Power Profiles and titanal inlays resulting in bullet-proof edge hold and perfect control at maximum speed.

> RT SL / RT GS

Pin-Tail Shape

This Directional Freeride Sidecut incorporates even more setback with the nose being up to 25 mm wider than the tail. This flex modification, as well as the different concave radius of the nose and tail are among the characteristics of this shape. It makes for a unique surf feel in the snow with extra benefits in the powder: the nose floats perfectly while the tail sinks in. On the groomers, this shape allows for quick edge-to-edge turning and increased edge pressure along the tail.

> Selecta

ROCKER SHAPE CONCEPT / REVERSE CAMBER

„Rocker" is a well-established term among surfers, snowboarders and wakeboarders. It describes a board shape that incorporates a negative/reverse camber. Boards with a "conventional" camber feature two contact points when the board is lying flat on the ground, one in the nose and the other one in the tail. Due to the Rocker Shape's "negative" camber the board touches the ground at one point only, which is in the middle of the board. Nose and tail are "floating" in the air. The length of this flat section between the bindings of freestyle and freeride boards varies according to the rest of the shape profile and intended use.

Theoretically, such shapes provide better flotation in powder snow and are generally easy-to-turn and playful. However if you just try to "re-curve" a conventional board shape, the board loses its dampening properties and edge hold. This is why all other parameters have to be re-adjusted too. Form follows function – this is how the Völkl Rocker Concept evolved.

As early as in the 80s the ski and snowboard industry had come up with the first construction attempts of such a shape. 2009/10 is when Völkl Snowboards deliver an entire concept behind the current trend; a concept that is based on state-of-the-art laboratory tests and years of experience and know-how.

> Selecta / Squad / Cashew / Impress SQD / Jibster SQD

Consistent Round Flex

The Völkl Rocker models feature a consistent round flex without "breaks" for the ultimate in edge hold. This provides a balanced power transmission and precise control for high-speed runs.

Adapted Flex

The 3-Section-Flex means a stiffer flex along the nose, softer in the middle and a stiffer flex along the tail of the board. There is no need for the board to flex a lot in the nose section – the Rocker Shape is enough, it enhances the board's gliding characteristics in powder snow. This special construction prevents the board from "over-flexing". It'll excel anywhere even in difficult snow conditions providing precise control. The flex pattern and distribution of flex intensity is tuned individually for every board with Rocker Shape.

Rocker-specific Sidecuts

Depending on the range of use, the specific adaptation of sidecuts emphasise the board's individual riding characteristics:

• Powder all-mountain characteristics for the Selecta
• Backcountry freestyle setup for the Cashew
• Freestyle and park-specific tuning for the Squad / Impress SQD / Jibster SQD.

Low Tip Shape

The stronger the Rocker - the flatter the nose.

In order to avoid the nose of the board catching into deep snow, our powder masterpieces don't need a nose with a strong concave radius. The Rocker Shape is enough to prevent the board from digging in the snow. The Selecta's and Cashew's flat concave radius of the nose makes for considerably less snow resistance but a lot more speed in the powder. Freestyle weapons like the Squad, Jibster SQD and Impress SQD also benefit from the new Rocker Shape for powder landings.

Flex

Multiple components determine a board's flex:

Initial tension, height and sidecut of the core, torsion (depending on material used in the upper and lower belt weaves), setback and stance. Building hard, stiff boards is not a real challenge for a snowboard manufacturer. Stiff boards do not automatically make for a smoother ride and better control! In reality, stiff boards are unforgiving and need to be ridden very aggressively. This becomes most evident on challenging terrain and in the park. Völkl snowboards are different! Our know-how is reflected in a softer flex pattern which guarantees optimal torsional rigidity and ultimate stability. All of these put together make for more playful boards offering agile riding performance and maximum reflex power. In addition to this, we have reduced the wood core's thickness and reinforced it with ultra-light materials such as carbon, aramid or titanium.

Construction

Sandwich Construction

Located between the upper and lower weaves is an ABS synthetic sidewall which has been integrated to directly transmit pressure from the binding onto the edge without a loss of power. The board gives a very responsive feel, providing maximum edge grip and the smoothest ride possible.

> all Boards except the Future

Fullcap Construction

In a Fullcap Construction, the upper weave and the topsheet material are moved down as far as the steel edge. It's perfect for kids and beginners as the indirect power transmission involves some benefits, among them a playful riding behavior, liveliness and no more edge-catching slams! Fast progress guaranteed!

> Future

Slim-Tip Construction

Unlike a conventional sandwich construction, the Slim-Tip Construction incorporates a solid and shock-absorbing urethane inlay in the nose and tail sections instead of ABS sidewall material. Benefits include a stylish slimmer nose, reduced swing weight and overall weight for better board control – perfect for all riders, not just for high speed rotations in the park!

> Coal / Squad Prime / Squad / Zenit / Cashew / Spark / Vice SQD / Impress SQD / Flavor / Riot SQD / Dice / Spade / Melody / Dash / Prime JR. / Prime Kids

Bevel-Tip Construction

Presenting the one and only Sandwich Construction with a skate deck look! Continuous ABS sidewalls around the entire board outline are bevelled towards the top. It looks cool and it also protects the topsheet from scratches, cuts and chippings!

> RT SL / RT GS / Jibster SQD

Topsheets

Engraved Wood Inlay

The Völkl R&D department proudly presents a combination of precious wood veneer and aluminium inlays. The original wood grain of the inlays is positioned just underneath the topsheet and an eco-friendly oil varnish provides 100% water resistance. Smooth style and the ultimate in board know-how!

> Zenit

High-gloss Lacquered Topsheet with Partial Grip-Lacquer

The application of a clear varnish coating on a board's topsheet makes it even more durable and sleek. The varnish also prevents the snow from clinging to the board. The already lacquered board receives an additional partial grip-lacquer topside. This 3D effect results in great visual depth and stunning light reflections. Reducing topsheet thickness from 0.5 mm to 0.4 mm eliminating unnecessary weight.

> Selecta / Squad Prime / Squad / Flavor / Dash

Softtouch Topsheet

The matte soft-touch lacquer silk-screening finish makes the topsheet feel like suede, with the benefit of additional topsheet grip. The combination of matte and glossy lacquer offers visual depth and a stylish 3D look.

> Selecta / Coal / RT SL / RT GS / Zenit / Spark / Vice SQD / Riot SQD / Impress SQD / Dice / Spade / Melody / Future

Grip-Lacquer Topsheet

The paraffin molecular structure in the grip-lacquer topsheet prevents snow from clinging to the board despite its rough structure. You'll hold every single grab, even one-footed tricks have never been easier! The grip-lacquer's coarse-grained structure is individually applied to every single board by hand.

> Squad Prime / Squad / Jibster SQD / Prime JR. / Prime Kids

Partial Grip-Lacquer

It's both a design feature and integrated stomp pad! Benefit from a unique look and bullet-proof grip!

> Selecta / Cashew / Spark / Vice SQD / Impress SQD / Riot SQD / Dice / Spade / Dash / Dash Rental

Triax-Lite-Construction

Not all topsheets are the same! Unlike the topsheets of conventional snowboards the Triax-Lite Construction consists of a triaxial weave. Graphics are silk-screened "from the top" via a special application method and super resistant UV lacquer seals the topsheet to protect it from scratches which in turn reduces weight. All other boards incorporate a transparent topsheet which is back-screened via silk-screening.

> Selecta / Squad Prime / Squad

Linen Top Construction

For the Cashew's topsheet Völkl used a natural hemp/linen weave with topside print sealing instead of a conventional plastic topsheet. It's a technical material with excellent durability and tear-proof characteristics. A topsheet made from renewable resources!

> Cashew

Fineline Topsheet Construction

This new linear structure on the topsheet feels like a fine rib fabric and provides for an interesting hologram-like effect with a nice depth of vision.

> Coal

Topsheet Component

Some of Völkl boards' topsheets are made up of several components, the shapes of which are cut out using the Die-Cut procedure. Afterwards engraved aluminum inlays are embedded in the board. The result is a striking look and more torsional stiffness.

> Coal / Zenit

Smart Torsion Inlay

High-tech tuning straight out of the Völkl race lab! Thanks to the special shape and positioning of the aluminium inlays these boards receive more torsional stiffness. Pressure and forces are distributed harmonically along the whole board and transferred onto the edges. Benefits include enhanced control and maximum edge pressure for high speed runs!

> Coal

AVS (Anti-Vibrations-System)

The new Anti-Vibrations-System noticeably absorbs all kinds of bumps and shocks. Special rubber and gel layers are directly integrated into the topsheet so the bindings can stay put without having to be raised. The AVS unfurls its maximum potential especially when a board is on edge, providing tremendous dampening.

> Coal

360° Titanal Topsheet Protector

Titanal is a titanium aluminum alloy with excellent dampening properties. The integrated Titanal Topsheet Protector provides a soft flex curve and great responsiveness. Additionally, this feature renders the board extremely resistant to lateral blows (rocks, ski edges, etc.). This year the protector comes with a new anchor point in the tail.

> Selecta

Power Profiles

This racing technology guarantees stability and utmost control for extremely high speeds. The position of the Power Profiles is specifically selected to harmonise with the board's flex and integrated titanal inlays. Afterwards the depressions and elevations are worked into the wood core. This process ensures a balanced distribution of forces and stress throughout the entire board. The result is improved reflex and better 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. The choice of weave (direction of individual fibers in relation to one another) and its thickness, is taken individually for each length of board. Another decisive factor in the degree of flex and torsion 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.

> Dash / Prime JR. / Prime Kids / Future

Upper and Lower Triaxial Fiberglass Weave

This special fiberglass weave has fibers which have been positioned at a 45° angle (+45°/-45°) in addition to running nose to tail. Depending density on weave fiber, torsion and flex are enhanced without influencing the wood core's thickness. This

reduces weight which delivers responsiveness and better edge grip.

> Selecta / RT SL / Squad Prime / Coal / RT GS / Squad / Zenit / Cashew / Jibster SQD / Destiny / Impress SQD / Vice SQD / Riot SQD / Spark / Dice / Spade / Flavor / Melody

V-Flex Fiberglass Weave Inlay

The V-Flex weave is a triaxial fiberglass weave with increased fiber density. The special V-form reinforces the area around the bindings, producing better flex and torsion properties. It also provides optimal distribution of forces to the edge of the board. This provides better stability when strain and forces are strong.

> Squad Prime / Squad / Cashew / Spark / Vice SQD / Impress SQD / Riot SQD / Jibster SQD / Dice / Spade / Prime Junior

Aramid Weave

Tension and pressure resistant aramid fibers in the upper and lower weave dampen vibrations in the board which increases shock absorption, especially at higher speeds.

> Selecta / Squad Prime / Coal / Squad / Impress SQD

Carbon Weave

Carbon fibers in the lower weave make the board stronger and more lively. The carbon fibers' tensile strength allows very short reflex times. High-quality Völkl Carbon also incorporates lengthwise fiberglass strips. This weave considerably enhances the board's pop and liveliness.

Völkl Premium Carbon: > > Selecta / Squad Prime / Coal / Squad / Zenit / Spark / Vice SQD

Carbon weave: > RT GS / RT SL / Impress SQD / Riot SQD / Jibster SQD / Flavor / Dice

Upper and Lower Titanal Weave

Titanal is a titanium aluminum alloy with excellent dampening properties. The titanal inlays deliver responsiveness and a controlled ride.

> RT GS

Core Materials

Tip-to-Tail Classic Woodcore

All Völkl boards are constructed using tip-to-tail and side-to-side Aspen poplar wood strips. Our kids' boards are also equipped with our Tip-to-Tail Classic Woodcore with an extra soft flex and minimal weight.

> RT SL / RT GS / Dash / Prime JR. / Prime Kids / Future

Tip-to-Tail Supreme Woodcore

Our Tip-to-Tail Supreme Wood Core is made of strips of Aspen-Falcatta wood with four strips of Falcatta being integrated in the Aspen core. Combining these gives the core the best dampening and flex properties providing outstanding performance.

> Squad / Zenit / Cashew / Destiny / Spark / Impress SQD / Vice SQD / Riot SQD / Jibster SQD / Flavor / Dice / Spade / Melody

Tip-to-Tail Ultra-Light Woodcore

For our light wood core, we use ultra-light poplar with its low density reducing weight by 20% without sacrificing stability. The combination of carbon in the lower and triaxial weaves, as well as aramid inlays produce an exceptionally smooth board flex with unprecedented stability in a new lightweight dimension.

> Selecta / Squad Prime

Supreme Woodcore with Cellcore Inlays

Straight from aerospace technology! The unique Cellcore is composed of a high-tech rigid foamed synthetic material with integrated wood stringers. It is used in a Supreme Woodcore between the bindings and in the nose and tail sections. Combined with a higher percentage of solid wood in the insert area this core receives extraordinary mechanical properties and utmost stability. Minimal weight and unbelievably inspiring riding behavior thanks to extremely short reflex times are among the benefits.

> Coal

Shock Absorber

The Völkl Shock Absorber is made of a special high-density hard wood that absorbs the forces that occur during a landing right at the binding's edge.

„Horror-Shock Absorber"

The shape and construction of the two hard wood inlays has been re-designed for 2009/10! The Horror-Shock Absorber will now withstand the weight of a compact car and makes the Squad boards extremely strong and durable. It is milled into the core in the binding area towards the nose and tail. The H-shaped inlay absorbs all shocks and blows of hard landings and huge jumps.

> Squad Prime / Squad

Traditional „Shock Absorber"

This consists of one single hard wood layer. It is not milled into the core but inserted in the core's taper. Together with a V-Flex inlay the Shock Absorber makes the board stronger with better torsion properties.

> Cashew / Spark / Vice SQD / Impress SQD / Riot SQD / Dice / Spade

Insert Systems

Generally you're dealing with one of three insert systems: 4x4, 5x2 or 6x2. With a 4x4 system, the inserts are 4 cm apart. With the 5x2 and 6x2 Insert Systems, the insert rows are separated by 2 cm only. This way the stance can be set exactly; down to the precise centimetre. The 6x2 Insert System is specifically employed in our top freestyle boards to offer individual binding placement. Adjustments on binding discs will be limited to the centering of bindings.

6x2: > Squad > Selecta / Squad Prime / Squad / Zenit / Cashew / Spark / Impress SQD

5x2: > > Coal / Vice SQD / Riot SQD / Jibster SQD / Flavor / Dice / Melody / Spade / Dash

Powder Channel

Like on a normal swallow tail the wood core has a distinct split tail. Special flex properties in the tail allow for a unique feeling during 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 material that bolsters the swallowtail's flex performance making switch riding in powder as well as the groomers super fun! The channel's special scoop alters the way the snow flows under the board. Like a surfboard fin, it provides extreme stability and an incomparable surf feeling in powder.

> Selecta

Sidewalls

Wood Sidewalls

A stunning visual feature! Völkl's wood sidewalls consist of several connected layers. Lab tests showed that wood sidewalls have a more balanced flex curve than conventional ABS sidewalls without sacrificing stability! A complex special impregnation process protects the wood against moisture and the effects of Mother Nature.

> Selecta / Squad / Cashew

Sidewall Dampening

All wood sidewalls feature additional urethane sidewall dampening on both top and bottom to make them more robust and durable.

> Selecta / Squad / Cashew

Reinforced Sidewalls

ABS sidewalls are coated with high-quality fiberglass and therefore become even more impact-proof and shock-resistant – it's great for grinds and slides.

> Jibster SQD

Transparent Sidewalls in Metal and Wood Look

Transparent sidewalls are an unusual eye catcher; you can look through them and see what's behind. This year's Coal has a perforated metal plate while the Zenit features precious wood inlays.

> Zenit (wood look)

Multilayer Sidewalls

Designed to match the board's graphics, several multi-coloured ABS sidewalls are compressed. It's a pure design feature!

> Squad Prime / Spark / Vice SQD / Jibster SQD

Edges

Steel Edges with Rubber Inlays

HRC 48 is the best compromise between durability and friendly maintenance. The steel edges on all Völkl boards feature a stronger edge profile and additional shock-absorbent rubber inlays to improve edge grip.

> All boards

Diamond Finish

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 not only makes the edges more durable but also provides manoeverability and great edge hold in icy conditions.

> All boards except for Cashew / Jibster SQD / Prime Kids / Future

Tip Protector

The stylish aluminium or brass Tip Protector protects the nose from rocks or other obstacles.

Brass Tip Protector: > Selecta

Aluminium Tip and Tail Protector: > RT GS / RT SL / Squad

Tip and Tail Inlay: > Zenit / Prime

Bases

The VRL Base

VRL is the short form for Völkl Race Laboratory. Darren Powell reached more than 202 km/h on a Völkl Renntiger snowboard a few years ago! Our renowned race laboratory know how to create the fastest snowboards around, that's why our VRL board bases are not ready-made. We know that a base composite made from the best materials is the secret behind the fastest and easiest-to-maintain base. What's in there? As mentioned above, this is our secret… We will tell you one thing: the extraordinarily abrasion-resistant side strips are made of P-Tex 20188.

> RT GS / Coal / RT SL

Sintered P-Tex 20188 Base

P-Tex 20188 is a sintered, ultra-high-molecular low-pressure polyethylene with a unique grain structure and a high carbon percentage. 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 boards. We've increased the base's thickness by 20% compared to other boards. All those stones hiding in the snow have even less of a chance!

> Selecta

Sintered Base

This base is produced by sintering the formed pores to readily absorb wax. The sintered base is very soft, yet exceptionally damage-resistant. Regular care ensures excellent gliding properties.

> Squad Prime / Squad / Zenit / Cashew / Spark

Highly Transparent, Extruded "Super-Clear" Base

For brilliant colours and almost total transparency! The "Super-Clear" Base is used for all silk-screened base graphics. In addition to this the base is low-maintenance and very durable.

> Vice SQD / Flavor / Jibster SQD / Dice / Spade / Melody / Prime JR. / Prime Kids / Future

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. By comparison the best unwaxed sintered base's gliding properties are not as good as the ones of an unwaxed extruded base.

> Vice SQD / Impress SQD / Jibster SQD / Riot SQD / Flavor / Dice / Spade / Melody / Dash / Prime JR. / Prime Kids / Future

Die-Cut

Our ultrasound cutting machine cuts out differently colored pieces of the base, which are then manually put together like a puzzle. A combination of multi-coloured base components gives the design individuality and character.

> all Boards except Future / Jibster SQD / Melody / Prime Junior / Prime Kids

Back-Screening and Die-Cut

The combination of Die-Cut and silk-screened bases enables us to achieve awesome graphics. By composing colourful and silk-screened bases via Die-Cut we achieve stunning 3D effects.

> Squad Prime / Squad / Zenit / Vice SQD / Spark / Flavor / Dice / Prime JR. / Spade / Melody

Stone Finish

A good stone finish is the best base structure for almost all snow conditions. A stone finish base perfectly absorbs wax and makes the board ride fast. The Völkl race lab selects the perfect stone finish for all of our boards!

> Selecta / Squad Prime / Coal / Squad / Zenit / Spark

Structural Finish

In addition to the stone finish our top boards also acquire a structural finish. The structure's special flat pound pattern accelerates the board within the first few feet. For maximum speeds don't forget to brush the base structure after waxing! It's done best with continuous strokes from tip to tail applying light, constant pressure.

> Coal