I have an older BMT 90, the one with essentially flat camber. Is the Rise Above more of that flat camber or more traditional positive camber?
Would you say these are stiffer or softer than a Black Crows Orb Freebird?
Of the two…recommendations for Haute Route?
Volkl Rise Above 88 Ski - Women
The Volkl Rise Above 88 W is for the woman who wants to go uphill fast, enjoy a euphoric downhill run, and experience unwavering confidence in slick conditions. Boasting the same responsive maneuverability as the Rise Above 88, the Rise Above 88 W has a triple-radius sidecut, allowing you to seamlessly change the arc of your turn from long and fast to short and nimble. The result is a ski that can conquer any objective and leave you thirsting for more. The Hybrid Tourlite Woodcore consists of lightweight paulownia and popular woods supplemented by beech underfoot, a not-uncommon formula in touring skis that offers time-tested stability and power without excess weight. The aforementioned sidecut also shores up the tip of the ski against deflection for better control in poor snow and helps the skier duck, dip, dive, and dodge any obstacle coming her way. With a wide, surfy, rockered tip, the Rise Above 88 W straddles the line between a technical mountaineering ski and an all-around playful touring ski - somehow meeting both categories perfectly well with little-to-no compromise. Whether you're seeking a tool or a toy, this ski is among the cream of the crop of versatile, women's touring skis.
- An immensely versatile ski that is as at home skiing powder as it is mountaineering.
- Volkl's 3D Radius Sidecut gives the ski impressive agility and maneuverability - especially in tight spots.
- Works with Volkl's pre-cut skins featuring Smart Skinclip attachments for easy transitions.
- Full-length sidewall for improved edging and transferring power into your turn.
- A veritable stand-in for much of your quiver, the Rise Above 88 W may cause your other skis to collect dust.
Update 2022/23: Same great ski, sweet new paint job.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 149, 156, 163, 170 |
|
Weight |
1050g [149] 1080g [156] 1140g [163] 1175g [170] |
| Weight (pair) | 2100g [149] 2160g [156] 2280g [163] 2350g [170] |
|
|
131-88-111 |
|
Turn |
19-11-16m [149] 20-12-17m [156] 22-14-19m [163] 25-15-22m [170] |
|
Skin |
Volkl's Smart Skinclip system (notched tail and a shallow recession to hold the tip clip) |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Tip rocker, underfoot camber, mostly flat tail |
|
|
Triple radius sidecut, angular tapered tip, moderate pintail |
|
|
Full sidewall, P-Tex 2100 base, beech-reinforced mounting area |
|
|
Hybrid Tourlite woodcore (paulownia, poplar, beech) |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | From casual touring to ambitious mountaineering |
| Notes | 3D Radius Sidecut means high maneuverability |
| Bottom Line | An amazing women's quiver-of-one ski that's as fast on the way up as it is fun on the way down |
| Compare to other Women's Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
1/1/2024
1/1/2024
Hi Whitney! The Rise Above 88 has positive camber underfoot. Continuing, they are stiffer throughout than the Orb Freebird. The Orb is a relatively soft ski. Although stiffer, the flex pattern of the Rise Above 88 isn't overly demanding. The profile remains forgiving when it's time for more relaxed skiing, but allows for precision when needed. With the Haute Route in mind, the Rise Above 88 would be an excellent choice. You'll likely come across a whole host of conditions along the way and the Rise Above 88's versatility will be sure to impress. Your legs will surely appreciate their lightweight construction too!
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9/12/2023
Can I mount my Kingpin binding to these?
9/12/2023
Hi Bekah - Yes, your kingpins will work fine on these skis as long as the brake width is within a reasonable tolerance!
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2/20/2023
Can I mount teli bindings (Lynx) on the Volkl Rise Above?
2/20/2023
Hi Mary, the Volkl skis have an interesting H pattern for mounting. I don't think the Lynx would fit inside the re-inforced area but we cannot verify that. That said, folks do mount these every which way and we have not seen any pullouts.
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11/1/2021
Aside from color is there any difference between Mens and Womens versions of the Volkl Rise Above or Beyond skis?
Either available in length we are looking at so color preference may dictate choice unless the mens are notably stiffer or something like that. Thanks
Either available in length we are looking at so color preference may dictate choice unless the mens are notably stiffer or something like that. Thanks
11/1/2021
Hey David,
There are no differences between the Men's and Women's versions other than ski length and top sheets!
There are no differences between the Men's and Women's versions other than ski length and top sheets!
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