SKI REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST
Reviewers' score
14.7

Head V-Shape 4 XL review 2020

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

Head calls their V-Shape line an all-mountain range, but it is really more a frontside/all-round range (like the Speed Zone 4 x 4). The V-Shape gets its name from the shape of the skis, which is wider in the tip. The range consists of five models with increasing levels of performance: V2, V4, V6, V8, V10.

The V-Shape V4 comes in an XL version, which is a lot wider, with 11 mm extra in the waist. This was the model evaluated by the Proskilab testers.

Overall performance is good. In particular, the ski is very easy to pivot, which will give confidence to lower level skiers. The ski does what you ask, is “stable and confidence-inspiring,” and always predictable. Its width (84 mm in the waist) gives it an advantage in variable snow and will allow more adventurous skiers to dip off the side of the groomers.

The ski is more at ease in carved turns than skidded turns at low speed. According to the testers, “it pushes you to carve,” which will appeal to some skiers who want to learn to carve and create huge edge angles. The ski allows “loads of room for improvement,” according to the testers.

One tester wrote, "This Head ski is a great surprise!" We recommend the V-Shape V4 XL to a wide range of skiers from intermediate to advanced, especially to skiers who want to discover the joys of carving.

Review: Pros

  • Great at carving
  • Accessible
  • Easy to pivot and initiate turn
  • Uniform
  • Can ski in any type of snow

Review: Cons

  • Weaker performance in skidded turns at low speed.

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
16.4
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
15.0
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
14.5
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
14.7
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
14.7
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
14.2
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
14.0
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
14.8
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
14.7
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
14.2
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
13.8

Who's it for?

Basic+ → Very good

Manufacturer's remarks

Fun and easy to ski on all day long. This ski will help you to refine your technique. It features a larger waist for more versatility so you can easily go off-piste and feel secure. Pure bliss. Skiing was never so easy.

Features of the V-Shape 4 XL

Brand : Head
Model : V-Shape 4 XL
Year : 2020
Family : Easy Cruisers
Size tested : 170 cm
Tip size : 135 mm
Waist size : 84 mm
Tail size : 116 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : 14 m

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Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2019