Ski: 2024-2025 WNDR Alpine Vital 98, cambered, 183 cm
Available Lengths: 159, 165, 171, 177, 183, 189 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length (straight-tape pull): 182.0 cm
Stated Weight per Ski (183 cm): 1750 grams
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski (183 cm): 1780 & 1782 grams
Stated Dimensions: 126-98-117 mm
Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 126-98-117 mm
Stated Sidecut Radius (183 cm): 19.5 meters
Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 52.5 mm / 31.5 mm
Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 8.5 mm
Core Materials: aspen + algal-PU stringers + algal-PU sidewalls + “Spiral Plate” binding reinforcement + fiberglass laminate
Base Material: sintered
Factory Recommended Mount Point: -6.8 cm from center / 84.1 cm from tail
[Editor’s Note: Our “First Looks” are our way of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, including our measured specs and the details from the manufacturer. Once we’ve started testing a given product, we detail our on-snow impressions in our Flash Reviews and our annual Winter Buyer’s Guide. When we’re able to spend extensive time testing a given product, we publish our in-depth Full Reviews and Deep Dive comparisons.]
What WNDR Alpine says about the Vital 98
“DEPENDABLE | PRECISE
The award-winning Vital 98 pays homage to its predecessor by improving upon its precise and stable platform. We further optimized its strength-to-weight ratio and tightened the turn radius for added engagement when you need it most. By slightly increasing the Vital’s tip stiffness and extending the running surface, stability at speed has been improved. The inclusion of our updated Spiral Plate creates a more even flex from tip to tail, while the Algal Core and Algal Wall reduce weight and vibration. A all-new aluminum tail block improves tail clip retention and easily punches through stubborn layers in the snowpack – a massive benefit to anchor building or tail jab kick turns in steep terrain.”
More About the Vital 98:
To learn more about the backstory of this ski and how it slots into WNDR’s lineup, check out our video with WNDR Alpine founder, Matt Sterbenz, from Blister Summit 2023:
Flex Pattern
Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Vital 98:
Tips: 6.5
Shovels: 7-8
In Front of Toe Piece: 8.5-10
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 10-9
Tails: 8.5-6
This ski is very stiff overall. It’s only soft near the ends of the rockered sections.
