2015 Volkl Gotama Review
--Product Information--
Product Name: Gotama
Product Brand: Volkl
Best Use: Big Mountain/Freeride
Sizes Available / Specs:
- Sizes: 170, 178, 186, 194
- Full Woodcore; ash under foot & poplar tip and tail; Full Rocker
- MSRP: $825 Next Adventure Price: $699.99
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Timberline, Oregon
Duration: 4 hours
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 7
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: I had a great time on a recent trip to Timberline, OR, skiing the 2014/15 Volkl Gotama in a 186 cm. We had about five inches of fresh powder with cold temps alternating between snow and sunshine throughout the day. At 107 mm under foot, the Gotama perfectly bridges the gap between an All-Mountain and Pow ski.
I found the fresh stuff in and along the trees, and in a few untouched open pitches. This is one place where the ski really excels! It floats cleanly atop the soft stuff with power and a responsive spirit. While the Gotama undeniably requires a decent rate speed to carve and float at its best, it does so effortlessly and with a surprisingly graceful edge while tracing an impressively strong and precise line.
Moving back onto the hardpack and groomed runs in the shadow of the historic Timberline Lodge (site of many exterior shots in movie The Shining), I found the ski to be fast and formidable! You definitely need a bit of muscle, speed or weight to effectively carve this set of long range missiles with a big turning radius of 27.4 m (in the 186 cm. length). I had fun trying to tempt the Gotama into tighter turns but am quickly reminded that's not what they're designed for...
Construction of the new Gotama is unchanged from the previous year, but it's graphics have been updated and are clean and crisp. This fully rockered, full wood core, box construction ski screams for vengence when opened up and driven. It crushes crud and variable conditions and is so solid and damp, it holds an edge with the best I've ever skied.
The Gotama is like an electric bass guitar is to a traditional electric guitar; it does everything the traditional instrument can, just deeper, softer and with a little more soul...
The Good List: This "supercharger" is a true speed machine and puts out everything you put in! Go get Got!
The Not so Good List: As to be expected given the Gotama's dimensions, you need to plan to have enough speed to lay down an edge on the cat track/traverse or the ski will act a little squirrelly...
The Bottom Line: An excellent ski for anyone who is looking for a strong, versatile one ski quiver that favors off the beaten track stashes, but still performs very well on groomed runs.