Volkl Secret 96 2025 Review

The Secret series has a lot in common with Völkl's Mantra line, known for being stiff, hard-charging skis that allow ex-racers to go beyond the water-injected courses and charge around while still holding that edge... and making those that never raced feel like they did.

Groomers & Resort Skiing:
The Secret 96’s shine pretty much exactly where you think they will. Put these babies on edge, let ‘em rip and you’ll feel like you’re Mikaela Shiffrin. The 2025 Völkl Secret 96 features their new 4-Radius Drive technology not found in any of Völkl’s other skis (except its brother, the M7 Mantra). Although the exact numbers change, there is a shorter radius in the tip of the ski, to provide quicker turn initiation, a longer radius in front of the binding to allow the ski to blast through all conditions, with radii tightening again underfoot and in the tail to provide that in-turn boost. So does it work? Well, we aren't going to claim we can feel the different radii but the skis are both engaging on edge and capable of blasting through crud, so in that sense, yes.

“I could go over bumps basically without feeling them. If you go fast and you are aggressive with the ski, you can get some really nice carves.” - Coralie Ogez

Skier: Coralie Ogez. P: Hanne Lundin Wallengren

Powder & Mixed Conditions:
The Secret 96 boasts a very wide tip width of 139mm giving it a lot more capability in fresh snow than one might think for a 96 mm underfoot charger. But this is a ski that blasts through softer/3d snow rather than floating to the surface. Hit some more variable snow going top speed? No worries, the Secret 96’s will hang on tight for you and dampen any of those weird chunks and crud you might find between storms. It's able to maneuver fairly quickly with that short middle-of-the-ski turn radius and really hang on that edge, these skis will do just as well off-piste as on. For what comes across as just another stiff Völkl carving ski, the Secret 96 is a much more all-mountain friendly option for those who really know how to drive it.

Skier: Lisa Cormier. P: Carter Edwards

Park & Jibbing:
Just no. Sure you can send some straight airs and stomp but these skis are about as playful as a funeral. For skiers looking to pop off features, engage any part of the ski that’s not an edge, or spend time in the park, the Secret 96 is likely going to feel a bit monotonous.

“It felt like I was just riding 2x4s. Really, really stiff and no shape to the ski so you really have to be aggressive with it if you want to have control.” - Coralie Ogez

Skier: Haley Potter. P: Hanne Lundin Wallengren

Who's it for?
Wide tips and surprisingly floaty enough to hold its own in fresh snow while still narrow enough to drop a hip nice and low on groomers, the Secret 96 is a ski you can trust to get you down any way you choose to go and in most conditions. The Secret 96 is essentially made to do one thing–hang on at high speeds for aggressive skiers in most conditions. Which is a great thing for a ski to do, and for those looking to carve groomers and ski really aggressively, it’s a fantastic ski. It would be at home anywhere in the world if you're the right kind of skier.

Take a pinch of the powder-loving Secrets 102, add a little of the Secret 88’s piste expertise, and you get the deliciously versatile combination of the Secret 96. These next-generation skis are characterised by increased stability, liveliness and maneuverability and offer even more versatility for an exciting experience on and off the groomers.