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Blog / Hardware / Ski Test - Van Deer Red Bull Freeride 98: the all-round gun

Ski Test - Van Deer Red Bull Freeride 98: the all-round gun

Model tested in size 180 cm.
Test site: Espace Killy

Van Deer and Freeride 98

van-deer

The Van Deer Freeride 98 is presented as a versatile, high-performance alpine ski, ideal for skiers looking to explore different terrain, from groomed pistes to deep powder, while benefiting from the expertise of Marcel Hirscher. This Austrian skiing legend, winner of seven Grand Globes de Cristal, has brought his experience to bear on the design of this pair of Van Deer Red Bull skis, to meet the needs of the most demanding skiers. A recent addition to the ski brand landscape, Van Deer manufactures its products by hand in Austria, in the former Augment factory in Mittersill. What do we particularly appreciate? The excellent preparation and care taken in finishing the products! In fact, the new skis are ready to slide and show off their power as soon as they leave the factory!

See the Van Deer brand

Skiing with the Freeride 98

We tested this Van Deer Freeride 98 in 180 cm just after a good snowfall, but also on groomed and relatively hard pistes.
With 98 mm at the base, this is a ski with just the right balance between freeride lift capacity and good on-piste handling.

Its wide, supple tip enables the ski to absorb irregularities in the terrain. You can get off the ground quite easily in powder snow.

On piste, you can immediately feel Marcel Hirscher 's touch in the ski's tuning. You'll find yourself taking angles and carving giant curves at unreasonable speeds. The core's double Titanal plate construction provides excellent lateral rigidity and a dynamic skate and tail. However, the feeling isn't at all the same as with a more demanding pair of Völkl Mantra skis. Here, the feeling is more like that of a Stöckli SR 95.

The 18m radius means you need a certain rhythm to get the ski into the curve. It doesn't turn in a handkerchief, but it's not made for that. Nevertheless, the Freeride 98's double rocker makes it easy to put the ski in a skid and to pivot when you need to manage your trajectory.

In conclusion, the Van Deer Freeride 98 is the ideal ski for those who only want one pair of skis. At ease both on and off the slopes, it delivers high performance without being physically demanding. It's not a ski for beginners, but it's still technically very accessible.

Priced at €899 without bindings, but compatible with bindings such as Marker Griffon or Jester, Salomon Strive or Warden and Atomic Warden, this is clearly a high-end ski. Nevertheless, the ski's construction, preparation and performance are well worth the investment.

See the Freeride 98 ski

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