Volkl has hit a chord with testers with the Katana. Want to go fast? Check. Float in powder? Check. Rip through crud? Check. Volkl’s celebrated Sensorwood core gives this stick equal amounts of snap and stability, while two titanium sheets add greater rigidity to hold you steady while you fly down the mountain. The slightly rockered tip is enough to get you on top of the powder and keep you there all day long. “The Katana is one of my favorites,” quipped one tester.”It cuts through pow, chunder and heinous conditions with the finesse of a samurai.”

Scores
Carving: 4.3
Playfulness: 4.6
Stability: 4.6
Float: 4.9
OVERALL: 18.4