When the conversation about a “quiver of one” ski gets brought up in backcountry skiing circles, inevitably the Voile V6 is discussed as a contender. It’s well-balanced underfoot width, just the right amount of rocker for soft conditions, and ample camber for confident edge grip leave little to be desired in just about any snow condition. The only way it could really improve in our eyes is if it could lose some weight.
Enter the Hyper V6. Combining the sublime performance of the V6 with Voile’s buttery paulownia + carbon core construction, the HV6 has raised the bar. The Hyper series gives up precious little in terms of backcountry ski performance but loses significant grams, perhaps narrowing the discussion about the ultimate quiver of one.
Round flex pattern is confidence inspiring and buttery smooth.
Tip-to-tail edges are 2mm thick and aren’t afraid of a little abuse.
Polyamide top sheet is abrasion and scratch resistant.
Black p-tex bases are hardy, fast, and hold wax well.
Update 2022/23: Slight yet well thought out adjustments to the top sheet will really help this ski stand out on the skin track.
Looking at maybe picking up these skis, torn on the size, 178 vs 183. They would be a lightweight pow hunting ski in my quiver.
I'm 5'10" 180 lbs. I ski the Blizzard Zero Gs (95 in spring and 108 in mixed winter conditions) in a 178 and like the size. Pow skis are Backland 107s in a 182. Longest ski I own is a 186 resort pow ski.
Will 178 have enough support/float at my size? I'm thinking yes based on your prior comments.
Hi Michael, as a powder-specific ski in your quiver it might make sense to get the longer version, but I think it would only be the very deepest days where you would miss those 5cms. All the other days you'll likely enjoy easier kick turns on the 178.
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1/2/2020
Question from
Lisa
I have Voile Charger 154cm with Dynafit bindings and Scarpa Gea boots for my backcountry set up. I love this ski as I find it performs well uphill, in powder, and even in variable east coast conditions. I also have a pair of Voile Super Chargers 154cm mounted with Atomic Wardens and use the same boot for in-bounds primarily in East Coast conditions (read....ice and hard pack.) I am looking at the Hyper V6 as a new backcountry ski but the shortest they make is 163cm. My question is...with the tapered shape and hybrid profile would I notice the extra length? My suspicion is no but I was wondering others' opinions. Thanks!
Hey Lisa, thanks for reaching out! The V6s do ski a bit "short" compared to the Charger family, but 10cm is still a lot of length to graft on, especially for a backcountry-specific setup. I'd only really recommend going that long if you were using the V6s as a pure soft-snow-hunting ski. Fortunately, Voile does make shorter lengths of both the Hyper Vector and Hyper Charger, so you may do well to look at those two skis for more all-around backcoutnry usage.
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11/20/2019
Question from
Emily
Sort of waffling between the Hypervector and the HyperV6 for an all-around touring ski for variable conditions, ski mountaineering, and potentially steep terrain. I understand that the Vector is likely better-performing in hardpack conditions, but slightly less forgiving to ski. any more input between the two?
Hey Emily, thanks for reaching out! Understanding that the Voile line has certain commonalities across the models (cap construction, rounder flex, fairly damp wood core), the difference between the two can basically boil down to whether you are mostly hunting for soft snow, or if your skiing has more of a mountaineering emphasis. The V6 punches above its width, so to speak, in deep fluff, while the Vector outperforms other skis of the same dimensions when jump-turning or side-slipping on firm terrain. As soon as the term "ski mountaineering" comes into the equation, I immediately think Hyper Vector. Also check out Trace Leches' answer, further down the page, for more info!
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5/29/2019
Cal (downright abused product)
I have a large quiver of skis, but the Voile V6 is my all-time favorite! I have both the Hyper and standard version, some with flat bases and the BC version with traction base. I ski on 183cm which seems to yield ample flotation in powder for my 200 lbs + pack. I have 173's for my wife and another set for a buddy rig. I enjoy riding on my Voile V8's also, but most times the extra width is not needed - V6 fits the skin track better. Also have the Voile Vector, but I like the V6 better because it's not as stiff and has more rocker. Perfect go-to ski for all kinds of soft snow.
Hi Shane, the 178cm length would be more than enough ski for a 145lb skier! We'd likely recommend the sub-170cm lengths of the V6 for someone in that weight class, or the 173cm length if you were using it as a pure powder ski.
I ski on the Nordica Patron 113mm in a 177cm length and love it, it's just a bit heavy. I want to stay in a similar length. I have just been having a hard time trying to decide between the Voile V6 the V8 or the Hyper Charger.
Shane, while unfortunately none of those skis are named for a tequila as your Nordicas are, I think you'd find them all excellent choices. The Hyper V6 and V8 utilize Voile's powder-specific chassis with generous rocker at the tips and tails and a relatively forward mount point that encourages a modern turning style and is lots of fun in deep snow. They are also fabulous trail-breakers and kick-turn nicely for their girth. The Hyper Charger is, as the name suggests, more prone to going straight and finding the fall line, with more traditional profile and rearward mount point. Coming off the big gun Patrón you may find the Hyper Charger's higher speed limit more to your liking. Feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co for a more detailed comparison, or to discuss the relative merits of Silver vs. Reposado!
I have the V6 and V8, they are very similar in handling - the V8 is just wider making it more floaty. Both have similar flex, camber and rocker. I don't have the Charger, but I have Vector's, which are made from the stiffer, flatter (less rocker) platform of the Charger. I like the softer flex and more rocker of the V6 and V8. If you like stiffer, go with Vector (more narrow) or Charger (more wide). But if you have to follow a skin track, both the V8 and Charger will probably be too wide, meaning you have to break your own trail.
Comment on this review:
3/11/2019
Question from
Roy
Would I use the Pomoca straight tail clips on the V6 or do I need to use a twin tip adapter? As far as I know, nobody in Canada sells the Hyper V6. Plenty of V8, Vector and Chargers up here. Would you be able to ship Voile skis up to Canada?
Hi Roy, the straight clips seem to hang on well enough, but the twin tip might be more secure. No problem on shipping!
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1/7/2019
Question from
Oakley
I've been riding my wife's 163cm original V6s temporarily and have been impressed with their performance in varying conditions. The only issue I have is that they wash out in the rear both in the steeps and in arching turns. Sizing up should solve that problem, but now I'm torn between the Hyper V6 and the original. Voile's marketing wants me to believe I won't be sacrificing much (if any) performance by choosing their new model, but I'm skeptical of any ski shedding 15% of it's mass and maintaining dampness and forgiveness. Anyone around the shop ridden both in the same size that could give a comparison?
Hi Oakley, the verdict around the shop between those of us who have skied the original and the Hyper models is that if anything was lost, it's very difficult to discern. I would say that the universal opinion around here is that the Hyper V6 is a great ski and the lighter weight is totally worth it.
Hey John! The V6 is a little bit more buttery, better in soft snow, and more forgiving in general. The Vector is a touch narrower, slightly straighter, and has a stiffer tail so it takes more skier input to really get the most out of it, but it'll also finish turns on hard snow a bit better. The V6 is a great all around ski with a soft snow emphasis and the Vector is in a similar category, but with better hard snow prowess and power.
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10/27/2018
Question from
alan
How well will the Hyper V6 perform with a tele binding?
Hey Alan! Structurally, probably fine. I haven't heard anything that says you can't use the Hyper series with a tele binding. I am not a tele skier though so I can't comment exactly on how well it'd handle in that regard, but based on everything that I've heard from our staff that has skied the V6, these guys are FUN!
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10/6/2018
Question from
John Raich
I am looking for a reasonably light weight backcountry ski primarily for soft snow/powder. I mostly do 1-day tours on moderate terrain (25 to 35 degrees), below and above treeline. I would probably prefer a reasonably mellow ski over one that requires an aggressive style. I am considering the following skis: Movement Alp Tracks 100 LT Voile Hyper V6 DPD Wailer 99 Tour 1 Could you comment on the suitability of the skis for this type of skiing and ant pros and cons?
Hey John! All of those skis will do really well in that style of terrain with the Alp Tracks 100 rewarding the most aggressive skier, Wailer being the most forgiving, and the V6 is somewhere in the middle. I'd say it has more to do with the boot you'll be skiing in than anything. The lighter the boot the more forgiving you'll want it to be when you're dealing with skis this wide.