Voile Objective Ski
We love the name almost as much as the ski. Voile designed this mountaineering tool to help you succeed in those alpine missions with a specific goal, AKA an Objective. While it can’t guarantee success, you can rest assured it won’t cause a failure. The impressive weight will let you take it far, on your feet or on your back. The easy-skiing nature of the construction won’t give you any hang-ups on the way down. The Objective has a rockered tip to keep you above the uglies, and also a curvy lifted tail so it releases easily at the end of turns. The neutral flex is designed to keep you centered on the ski and in control of your destiny. For ski mountaineers with lofty goals, acquiring the Objective should be the first objective.
- Paulownia wood core is strong with low density, perfect for this Objective.
- Medium radius with rockered tip inspires confidence in junk and on steeps.
- Two carbon & fiber glass layers wrap the core to enable powerful turns.
- 1.8mm of steel lets you edge on hard snow and won’t break on the first rock.
- Tough nylon topsheet is nick-resistant and painted with the Voile theme.
Update for 2017/18: The new Objective features black base material for lower friction and higher ski performance as well as an updated topsheet for the season with more vibrant colors, but the same hard-hitting durability and easy going personality that Voile is known for.
Update 2019/20: Other than a different coat of paint, this ski remained the same as in previous years.
Update 2023/24: Another fancy topsheet is coming in with the new snowfall for the '23 season!
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 164, 171, 178 |
|
Weight |
1020g [164] 1070g [171] 1150g [178] |
| Weight (pair) | 2040g [164] 2140g [171] 2300g [178] |
|
|
112-80-95 [164] 114-82-97 [171] 117-84-100 [178] |
|
Turn |
18.0m [164] 18.5m [171] 19.5m [178] |
|
Skin |
Race tip notch, flat tails |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Light tip and tail rocker, camber underneath |
|
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Smooth medium radius, rounded tip & tail |
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Double carbon cap |
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Paulownia wood |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Long distance mountaineering |
| Notes | Easy to ski, confidence inspiring |
| Bottom Line | Versatile mountaineering ski |
| Compare to other Low-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
4/17/2019
I’m 5’10” and 155lbs and an advanced skier. I have Scott super guide 88s in 178 for my winter ski and am looking for a light ski to hit steep lines on big mountains in the cascades in the spring. I have alpattacks (160) that I’ve been using for spring skiing and racing but want more beef than that. Would these perform well in steep hard pack (jump turn mandatory) terrain? What length should I look at? Leaning toward 164 as they’re light and would be quick to get around in jump turns. Thanks!
4/18/2019
Curly-The 164 would be easy to get around in steep terrain but this ski has a fair bit of rocker. So, with this ski I would suggest the 171 for your size. Maybe look at the Atomic UL 85 in the 163 if you want the shorter length.
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1/6/2019
Hello ,
Like others I am trying to figure out best voile objective ski length .
I am 160-165# without gear .
I Ski the back hills and small mountains of Vermont and might occasionally want to chaperone youngsters at a local ski area . Have been skiing Rossignol bc90 (180cm) with Garmont excursion boots for a decade and would like something to make turns easier in the woods ! I would describe myself as an intermediate skier who still has a lot to learn with improving turns . Will be keeping the skinnier skis also for times when I don't want a fatter ski .
171 or 178 ?? along with the voile size chart is driving me a little crazy ! What would you suggest ?
Like others I am trying to figure out best voile objective ski length .
I am 160-165# without gear .
I Ski the back hills and small mountains of Vermont and might occasionally want to chaperone youngsters at a local ski area . Have been skiing Rossignol bc90 (180cm) with Garmont excursion boots for a decade and would like something to make turns easier in the woods ! I would describe myself as an intermediate skier who still has a lot to learn with improving turns . Will be keeping the skinnier skis also for times when I don't want a fatter ski .
171 or 178 ?? along with the voile size chart is driving me a little crazy ! What would you suggest ?
1/6/2019
Hi Sebastian, I'm the same weight and have the 171 which is awesome. I would use the 178 on deeper days, but it sounds like you already have a ski for that, so...171!
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12/10/2018
Looking for a sizing recommendation. 6' .5", 175lbs, Type III skier looking for ability to turn easily in chunder and windswept as well as packed powder in PNW. Like to go fast and hard. Looking for a mountaineering and traverse ski that can handle that. Does this ski make sense or would another be preferable?
12/10/2018
Hey Casper! I'd probably go for the 171cm, maybe 178cm if you aren't planning on skiing steeps a lot or have a burlier boot. This ski makes a ton of sense for that usage though. The tip rocker helps it float well beyond what its waist width would suggest and the tail rocker + tail stiffness is an interesting and incredibly versatile combo.
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9/19/2018
Hello!
Looking for some new distance-touring skis. And have been eyeing the Objectives (more likely the BC version) since it came out. My concerns, I'm a powerful, aggressive skier, who tries to fill the slope with turns (maximum turns per inch), and 5'10", 190# + pack. I also will probably drill them with inserts for 22 Designs and a pin binding. Likelihood is that they'll see time all over the US Rockies, and PNW volcanoes.
Wanting to know A) length recommendation? B) is this the right ski or are there better options?
Current BC setups are 188 Carbon Megawatts, 184 4FRNT Ravens, 178 K2 Wayback 88s.
Thanks!
Looking for some new distance-touring skis. And have been eyeing the Objectives (more likely the BC version) since it came out. My concerns, I'm a powerful, aggressive skier, who tries to fill the slope with turns (maximum turns per inch), and 5'10", 190# + pack. I also will probably drill them with inserts for 22 Designs and a pin binding. Likelihood is that they'll see time all over the US Rockies, and PNW volcanoes.
Wanting to know A) length recommendation? B) is this the right ski or are there better options?
Current BC setups are 188 Carbon Megawatts, 184 4FRNT Ravens, 178 K2 Wayback 88s.
Thanks!
9/20/2018
Hey Chris! One of the guys here is almost exactly your dimensions and skis the 171cm in a pretty powerful fashion. There's enough camber that it likes to kind of pop from one turn to the other so it's good for the maximum turns per inch style (after looking back at my own turns on this ski, that's almost exactly how I ski the Objective the majority of the time) but with enough length you can definitely feel free to open up the throttle a bit more and really make use of the extra length.
Length recommendation: My vote is for 171cm. 178cm if you're only going to be using it on lower angle, faster terrain that's mostly soft snow based. If it's going to be a mountaineering/steep ski and you will also be using it in powder then the 171cm definitely is the winner there.
I can't really think of a poor application for this ski except for bumpy, icy 50° couloirs. Everything else besides that and it's amazing...it's just not the most confident steep ski when things get super firm.
Length recommendation: My vote is for 171cm. 178cm if you're only going to be using it on lower angle, faster terrain that's mostly soft snow based. If it's going to be a mountaineering/steep ski and you will also be using it in powder then the 171cm definitely is the winner there.
I can't really think of a poor application for this ski except for bumpy, icy 50° couloirs. Everything else besides that and it's amazing...it's just not the most confident steep ski when things get super firm.
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2/23/2018
Another sizing question, I'm 5.7, 155lbs and have been enjoying my Karhu Spire BC's 178cm (w/Atomic Backland Carbon) for the last couple of years of tours, ski mountaineering. My focus these days is more spring time ski mountaineering/summiting in the Can rockies. I'm used to the 178 length but see the logic of 171 in the objective. What size would you recommend? I've heard the objectives ski short.
Also, I have access to my wifes 163cm Hagan (around 8yrs old, no idea the model, green top sheet, around 1100g/ski, 65mm waist). Since she doesn't mind me using them, I'm thinking of saving some $$ and just using that for spring missions. Its a ripper on tight turns at the resort. Is 163 too short? I have little experience skiing a shorter length ski.
Also, I have access to my wifes 163cm Hagan (around 8yrs old, no idea the model, green top sheet, around 1100g/ski, 65mm waist). Since she doesn't mind me using them, I'm thinking of saving some $$ and just using that for spring missions. Its a ripper on tight turns at the resort. Is 163 too short? I have little experience skiing a shorter length ski.
2/23/2018
Hey Marc! Nice! The Objective is a fantastic ski for what you're talking about (definitely the most popular ski among the employees here, for what it's worth). I think you could go either way, the 171 or even 164. I am 5' 9" and ski the 164 as a mountaineering ski. It's a bit short when skiing really fast corn or deep powder and that's where the 171 would come into play but as a steep ski, the short length is really appealing.
Keep in mind that even if the 178cm skis short, you still have to carry, kick turn, and most importantly, jump turn the full 178cm of length, so make sure you factor that in. Also, race skis really shine in technical terrain. They don't have the brute force that some heavier, wider skis have but they really are amazing peak bagging tools. You can't go wrong.
Keep in mind that even if the 178cm skis short, you still have to carry, kick turn, and most importantly, jump turn the full 178cm of length, so make sure you factor that in. Also, race skis really shine in technical terrain. They don't have the brute force that some heavier, wider skis have but they really are amazing peak bagging tools. You can't go wrong.
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A ski mountaineering ski epitomized. Light, handles variable conditions from powder, to crud, to hardpack. Despite its light weight, it is stable and fairly damp compared to similar skis I have used. I like to tip notch for race style skins.
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9/17/2017
Hello, on Voile.com they recommend that no one over 140 lbs skis on the 171s. I was wondering if you could speak to that. I'm 6'3''/175 lbs is the 178 cm the right ski for me or could I get away with the 171?
Thanks
Thanks
9/17/2017
Hi Ian, sizing for length purely by height or weight oversimplifies things. It's okay to go shorter for specific purposes or preferences. It looks like Voile lists 150 lbs as the 171 max, and indeed they were perplexed when I went for the 171 at 6'1" 165. I don't regret it, I use them for spring skiing / mountaineering and love them. As a midwinter ski I would likely get the 178, but heck, the 171 is still fun then too.
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9/14/2017
I currently use the Dynafit Seven Summits 2.0 for spring backcountry skiing and for recreational rando racing. Would the Voile Objective be a better ski for these types of skiing? I've heard and read alot of good things about the Voile Objective. Also, since both skis have similar dimensions, with some minor trimming would the Seven Summit skins work on the Objectives?
9/14/2017
Hi Mark, there is some bias around here towards the Objectives as many of us ski them. They are noticeably lighter than the 7 Summits and more nimble at climbing...obviously good things for racing and pretty handy in the spring BC as well. I can't say I've had to hold back while skiing them, maybe not quite as damp as the 7s but lively and fun. The rocker helps a good deal in rough conditions. You can adapt the skins to the Objectives one way or another. Unfortunately I don't have a pair of those skins to try for you; you may need to re-rivet a new tail clip or go without tails. It would be sweet if they just fit though!
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I'm a science teacher, so a quick physics lesson. Work = force x distance, and force = mass x acceleration. If you want to decrease the amount of work you do in the backcountry, then the easiest thing to do is lose some mass. These accomplish that and are still super fun to ski.
Voile killed it with this ski. Their light weight is a boon while skinning and I hardly notice them on my back when putting in a booter. Ski performance is fantastic. The rockered tips keep me smiling in funky snow, they turn on demand, and they hold an edge better than an OCD gardener. I've skied everything from bullet proof to firm to corn to wind-affected to creamy wind buff and they've handled it all with gusto.
All the light, all the right, all the fun, and made in the USA!
Voile killed it with this ski. Their light weight is a boon while skinning and I hardly notice them on my back when putting in a booter. Ski performance is fantastic. The rockered tips keep me smiling in funky snow, they turn on demand, and they hold an edge better than an OCD gardener. I've skied everything from bullet proof to firm to corn to wind-affected to creamy wind buff and they've handled it all with gusto.
All the light, all the right, all the fun, and made in the USA!
Comment on this review:
The Objective's easy skiing and contradicting performance redefined what I previously considered a lightweight mountaineering ski to be capable of. If you are looking to get into the world of Skimo and have no idea where to start, all factors point to this. Whether you are a veteran skier looking to expand your horizons or a beginner looking to go explore, this is an excellent place to start.
The Objective carries the easy skiing, bulldozing, performance enhancing shape that "New-School" fat skis (AKA, everything from Voile and DPS) are known for, except in a lightweight package capable of cruising past your buddies on their fat skis. Tip rocker is plentiful, which helps in variable conditions that we encounter literally everywhere in the backcountry. The tail does turn up a fair amount which helps it release from turns quicker and makes challenging conditions less challenging.
Underfoot support is where the "contradicting performance" aspect of my review comes in to play. The tip and tail are soft, which helps it float, but underfoot it seems to be the perfect stiffness that other 80mm waisted skis are known for. Carving turns on hard snow is a breeze, holding a solid edge on steep ice is confidence inspiring, yet excessive flotation in soft snow or variable snow is where most 80mm mountaineering skis fall short. The Objective seems to be capable of it all, surprisingly. Voile hit the nail on the head with this one.
Bottom Line:
Tip notches, tip rocker, easy going price tag, durable top sheet, sturdy construction, and a very competitive weight place the Objective squarely at the top of the list for my favorite ski yet.
The Objective carries the easy skiing, bulldozing, performance enhancing shape that "New-School" fat skis (AKA, everything from Voile and DPS) are known for, except in a lightweight package capable of cruising past your buddies on their fat skis. Tip rocker is plentiful, which helps in variable conditions that we encounter literally everywhere in the backcountry. The tail does turn up a fair amount which helps it release from turns quicker and makes challenging conditions less challenging.
Underfoot support is where the "contradicting performance" aspect of my review comes in to play. The tip and tail are soft, which helps it float, but underfoot it seems to be the perfect stiffness that other 80mm waisted skis are known for. Carving turns on hard snow is a breeze, holding a solid edge on steep ice is confidence inspiring, yet excessive flotation in soft snow or variable snow is where most 80mm mountaineering skis fall short. The Objective seems to be capable of it all, surprisingly. Voile hit the nail on the head with this one.
Bottom Line:
Tip notches, tip rocker, easy going price tag, durable top sheet, sturdy construction, and a very competitive weight place the Objective squarely at the top of the list for my favorite ski yet.
Comment on this review:
2/20/2017
for easy skiing in the a wide variety of conditions except deep powder would you go with this, BD helio 88 or DPS Cassiar 87? If you had to pick one between the 3 what would it be?
2/20/2017
Hi Anthony,
Great question. The answer is actually all of them. It's going to be more a question of your preferred skiing style and features that you value the most.
For example, the Objective is the lightest of the three and the only one featuring a tip notch for skins. The Helio 88 is the only one with a sidewall construction. The DPS is, well, a DPS and everything that entails (easy skiing in most any condititon, profiled to excel in mixed snow conditions, etc).
I would make base my choice of the three on the characteristics and features that I preferred the most. You really can't go wrong, all three are awesome skis.
Great question. The answer is actually all of them. It's going to be more a question of your preferred skiing style and features that you value the most.
For example, the Objective is the lightest of the three and the only one featuring a tip notch for skins. The Helio 88 is the only one with a sidewall construction. The DPS is, well, a DPS and everything that entails (easy skiing in most any condititon, profiled to excel in mixed snow conditions, etc).
I would make base my choice of the three on the characteristics and features that I preferred the most. You really can't go wrong, all three are awesome skis.
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12/16/2016
Question from
Dan 
With a heavy pack, would you mount these a bit forward? Or just try to compensate with my stance? With my current pair of lightweight skis (Karhu Guide) I feel like I'm always back on the tails when the expedition sized pack goes on.
12/17/2016
Hey Dan, you can pretty much mount at boot center for any ski that has a stiffer and more supportive tail if you're carrying a large pack. The tail on that Karhu isn't particularly supportive or stiff, but this Objective isn't wildly stiff either. You could probably use a forward mounting position as a band-aid for a soft tail, but a ski like the Blizzard Zero G 85 and the Dynafit Carbonio 88 is stiffer and would likely handle the extra weight of a large pack better.
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11/9/2016
With the tip notch, what skins would you recommend for these skis? Something light and fast but most race skins are too narrow for these.
11/10/2016
Hi Travis, you can build a skin with some race tips and material off a roll. Several options for those are found in our skin parts section. Another option is to grab a discounted Dynafit skin and lop off the tail and trim the edges.
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10/24/2016
The Voile website shows these with a notch in the tip for skins but the pic here does not -- which is it?
10/24/2016
Hi Jeff, thanks for pointing that out. Voile decided over the summer to add a tip notch to the production version. Nice! I updated our photo.
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