The new Flair 81 purloins Völkl’s latest Frontside technology, 3D.Ridge, in the service of the female skier population.   The 3D.Ridge design is particularly well suited for women as it’s intrinsically lighter weight and geared to respond to lighter pressure. This allows the Flair 81 to bow easily under a woman’s weight, loading the carbon laminate in its central channel. The coiled energy gives the Flair 81 a zip off the edge that sends the skier across the fall line and into the next turn in one swoop.

Völkl’s new Flair collection is aimed squarely at the Frontside skier, but at 81mm across its midriff, the Flair 81 has enough flotation to serve as an all-terrain tool for a lot of women. “Lighter, snappier and more playful than I expected,” pens Stephanie from Jan’s. “Super easy to manage, it’s a nice improvement over the old Essenza line,” she concludes.