Volkl Katana 2008

Superb looking big mountatin freeride skis for the hard core. With the latest technical innovations from Volkl the Katana features a swallow tail finish with a "powder channel" that gives you the smoothness and control of a regular swallow tail but with the casing of the "powder channel" you can still ride switch.
Along with its negative camber construction the Katana is up there with the new breed of big mountain powder skis. Best suited to the higher speed, higher performing powder skier the core is also beefed-up to give you more stability, power and control. They should be an interesting pair of skis to try when the conditions suit.

The manufacturer says this about the Volkl Katana 2008:

The Katana is the most recent result of close co-operation with international professionals from various Volkl freeride teams. The result is a totally new big mountain ski with numerous technical innovations. The most striking feature is the powder channel in the swallow tail shaped end. This special construction which is seen in snowboard construction, improves aerodynamics and allows the freerider to ride waves in deep snow. Its also easier to maneouvre because with the swallow tail constrcution means its basically driven with four edges.