Backcountry magazine: "A softer version of the Havoc, the Velvet is, BD claims a more nimble ski than the bigger Joule, with a lighter swing weight. It shares the computer-cut poplar core, now common to all BD's skis, but it has a Dual Torsion Bow construction rather than the Joule's central-ribbed Formula configuration. It's stiffer in the tail than its sister, and markedly narrower underfoot. We tested it in its longest length, a 175, and again, a number of men strayed to it. Tester response was all over the place, though most noted its proclivity for soft snow and crud: 'Luxury soft ski. not versatile,' one male said. another same-gender opinion held that is was 'a pleasure to ski ...a great mid-fat that rips anywhere, floats well, and turns easy.' Women didn't necessarily agree. One found it 'sluggish. Unsnappy.' Another, though, found it simply 'a pretty good all-mountain ski.' If there's a common thread in the Velvet, we haven't' found it."