AMA: this year's skis (and some from next year)

[Verve]

@Ms Mia oh great! Maybe I can help but I think @BlizzardBabe ’s input will be most helpful as like you’re most interested in those two options. Have you had the opportunity to demo any other skis, and if so, what did you like/dislike?

I’m familiar with the Flair, and it makes a lot of sense to me that you’d want something more versatile for the next stage of your progression.

 

[Jilly]

@Ms Mia - if your still thinking about your L1, stick with your Flairs 79. I just finished a 4 day camp at MSA and everyone is on narrow skis. I skied my Forza 70's (78 underfoot) in 6" of fluff with no issues. Some of these wider skis do not carve well and that's what they will be looking for on your L1.

And between my friend K and I, we talked a newly minted L1 into moving to a ladies ski, Rossi Nova 14 from the crap her husband bought her. Some old Volkl that she could not bend.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

I’m loving my narrow skis (Stockli Montero AS (78)) this year too, @Jilly , and I feel that they are teaching me more when using CARV and in my private lessons. We rarely have anything fluffier than 4 inches and there is no legit off piste at my humble home hill in central Virginia.

That said, they are considerably heavier and less forgiving than my Blaze 86. I take the Blaze when heading west, though with this newly wonky knee, I’ll probably opt for them at home for a while because of the reduced weight and stiffness . They have a turn radius that is actually slightly tighter than the Stocklis, despite being wider, so short radius turns (a CARV option I’m working through) shouldn’t be an issue.

 

[MrsPlow]

@Verve - my current daily driver is the original Rustler 10, 2018 or 2019 i think. It's getting a bit battered now and I'm thinking to replace it with the new version that came out last year. My understanding is that the original Sheeva was the same ski but it's now softer than the Rustler. Is that correct? Have you skied both and if so, how do they compare to each other (and to the original Rustler/Sheeva)?

Also curious if you've tried the new Canvas?

Thank you!

 

[Ms Mia]

Have you had the opportunity to demo any other skis, and if so, what did you like/dislike?

I have! I recently tried the Volkl Mantra 86, found it to be super noisy (I've been told here in the forum that it's the titanium) and chattery on hard pack. I did like how it felt nimble and absorbed changes in terrain, but the noise really bothered me! Also I could feel it was a very metal ski and I think I like the feel of more wood. I tried the Blaze 94, but it was too wide under foot for what I'm after and I was basically underwhelmed by it overall. I've also demoed the Kenja last year, but that's basically the Mantra now. And I tried Head Super Joy last year - loved how light they are but I think they had just been waxed and I was slipping all over the place, had trouble gaining any control. Also I've progressed since I demoed them so maybe I'd feel more in charge now than I did then.

I'm after a ski that is lighter and more nimble than my Flair - which I believe will remain my daily driver (and thank you @Jilly for the note about going for L1. Still undecided for this season, but if I do it will be on my tried and tested Flairs!). Something with a bit more pop, very much for bumps and trees. But I'm not a very aggressive skier in general, I like to take in my surroundings. Occasionally I like to let it rip, but I'm more of a dancer than a racer!

I turn 50 this year, still in good shape but conscious that I need to take good care of my body. So I'm up for expanding what's possible but I'm not competitive or about to go nuts ;-)

@BlizzardBabe when do you like taking out your Fischer Rangers and when do you choose your Blaze 86? I know nothing about BCs, but if you have thoughts about how they fit in I'd be curious too.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

@Ms Mia , I have had the Blaze 86 since 2021 or 2022. I just replaced them w/the 2025 b/c they were my daily drivers and were beat to hell. This is the long way of saying that b/c I have skied them for multiple years I have total confidence on them and I will take them anywhere as my default ski. I've had them on eastern ice, eastern manmade chop, western hardpack, and western powder up to 10 inches. They've performed admirably in all. While individual skis may perform better in each category, I've found that I can rely on the Blazes to give me good to great performance no matter what the conditions. Like you, I'm not aggressive and I like to play in soft bumps and well-spaced trees. The Blazes are my favorite bump ski (and I temper this by saying that I am NOT a good bump skier). I also have complete confidence that the Blazes will hold an edge in icy/hardpack conditions in the east.

I got the Rangers last year b/c of all the great reviews here and elsewhere. At that point I hadn't yet replaced my well-worn Blazes and I was skiing primarily on my Black Crows Vertis Birdie (which, btw, I won in a raffle). I like the Rangers almost as much as the Blazes. This is probably b/c I just haven't skied them as much. The feel (to me) is very similar, but the Blaze has a bit of a tighter turn radius and I think is slightly more accepting of different turn shapes and radii. One of the selling points you'll see for the Blaze if you research it is its three distinct radii for varied turn shapes. It is intended to be versatile and lightweight and is probably why it is favored by folks who do a lot of backcountry skiing.

All that said, I don't think you could go wrong w/the Ranger either. It may come down to personal taste. I'm betting that @SnowHot could lend further insight re the positive attributes of the Ranger. It is a terrific ski.

Re the Black Crows Vertis Birdie (the successor is the Octo Birdie, which I have not skied) -- man o' man, if you have softish conditions that aren't too deep and like a lively, poppy ski, this is it. My Blazes make me giggle in these conditions, but the BCs make me shriek "wheeeeee!" like a little kid on a roller coaster. They are fun, bouncy, maneuverable, and energetic. Where they fall short (at least the Vertis Birdie does -- BC may have changed this with the new construction of the Octo) is in really icy, firm conditions in the east. I've never taken them out west.

You've got some great choices out there!!

 

[Verve]

@Verve - my current daily driver is the original Rustler 10, 2018 or 2019 i think. It's getting a bit battered now and I'm thinking to replace it with the new version that came out last year. My understanding is that the original Sheeva was the same ski but it's now softer than the Rustler. Is that correct? Have you skied both and if so, how do they compare to each other (and to the original Rustler/Sheeva)?

Also curious if you've tried the new Canvas?

Thank you!

@MrsPlow love this line of inquiry!

The updates that the Rustler/Sheeva line got a couple years ago has gotten pretty unanimous positive feedback from our clients who ski the older version - ie. when someone comes in with the old one and tries the new one, they usually buy it, haha. You might know what the changes are but I think it basically boils down to a really cool way they layer the wood stringers in the core of the ski itself so that the ski flexes the same at every length. And they moved the metal to a three piece construction around the ski and underfoot (like an H) - whereas your Rustlers have a sort of diamond shaped piece underfoot.

The difference in the new Rustler vs the new Sheeva is that the Sheeva has the same H of metal *except* they put a fiberglass laminate underfoot - so a little softer, as you say. I can't say for sure that they're softer than your current Rustlers, if that makes sense. I haven't been able to ski the Sheeva in my length, sadly but would blind buy it based on how much I liked the Rustler 10 if I preferred the pink top sheet. I don't believe the difference is all too significant. The same goes for the "women specific mount point" that the Sheeva is designed around - people's weight distribution and ski styles vary almost as much within genders as across genders, if that makes sense - so I don't think you *need* the Sheeva just because it comes in your preferred length. I think you'd enjoy either!

I *did* ski the Canvas in a 108 underfoot because we brought one size run in this season - fun ski! Softer than your Rustlers and I opted for the 180 length over the 174. Unsurprisingly, because it it more forward mounted and designed around a freeski feel, they're fun to ski back on the tails a bit and are very pivot-y - so you can basically zipper down the fall line making slarvy turns like the freeride pros, haha. I didn't get to take them into the trees but imagine they would be very fun in that context. Not my choice for a daily driver but we're in the East. I would recommend demoing these just because they are so specific.

 

[Verve]

I recently tried the Volkl Mantra 86, found it to be super noisy (I've been told here in the forum that it's the titanium) and chattery on hard pack. I did like how it felt nimble and absorbed changes in terrain, but the noise really bothered me! Also I could feel it was a very metal ski and I think I like the feel of more wood. I tried the Blaze 94, but it was too wide under foot for what I'm after and I was basically underwhelmed by it overall.

Makes sense! I think the carbon stringers in the tips sort of sing in some conditions - totally fair to eliminate the mantra line then.

Sounds like the Ranger or the Blaze 86 is in the lead for what you're looking for and I love all of @BlizzardBabe 's specific input. From a construction standpoint, I'd expect the Fischer to have a little more edge hold because of the camber profile (could also be what takes a little getting used to in the bumps) and be a little stiffer because there is basically one solid wood core (albeit a light one) whereas the Volkl has these thin wood strips. Let us know what you end up going with.

If you were demoing at my shop, I'd want you to try a Black Pearl 88, fwiw

 

[Ms Mia]

If you were demoing at my shop, I'd want you to try a Black Pearl 88, fwiw

Thank you so much, all that construction insight is actually really useful. As for BP88, they are the ski of choice for so many older women skiers on my mountain. I see them everywhere, and as I wrote elsewhere on this forum, I once saw four women skiing together who all had them! I will definitely try to demo them, but I read extremely mixed reviews. People seem to either love or hate them. Whereas I only read love for Blaze 86 and Ranger 84!

Really grateful for all your thoughts and feedback, thank you!

 

[Ms Mia]

@Ms Mia , I have had the Blaze 86 since 2021 or 2022. I just replaced them w/the 2025 b/c they were my daily drivers and were beat to hell. This is the long way of saying that b/c I have skied them for multiple years I have total confidence on them and I will take them anywhere as my default ski. ...

I got the Rangers last year b/c of all the great reviews here and elsewhere. At that point I hadn't yet replaced my well-worn Blazes and I was skiing primarily on my Black Crows Vertis Birdie (which, btw, I won in a raffle). I like the Rangers almost as much as the Blazes. This is probably b/c I just haven't skied them as much. The feel (to me) is very similar, but the Blaze has a bit of a tighter turn radius and I think is slightly more accepting of different turn shapes and radii.

Ok, absolute envy that you won a pair of awesome skis in a raffle!!

I am actually totally sold on what you write here about the Blaze 86 and why you love it so much. You also wrote about the 3D radius side cut, which I have tried to understand in my research, but what I get in the end is basically what you said here: it has different radii depending on the turn shapes. That seems to me like a great thing for bumps!

One more question for you (since it does sound like you're a similar skier to me) did you size down from your usual preferred length for the Blaze 86? Since I can't seem to demo them anywhere, I'm going to look for some on sale in spring/ summer, and will be buying without trying! I've read here on the forum that some women size down for this ski.

Huge thanks for everything you're sharing here!

 

[Aerlind]

I wanted to provide a quick update from a few demo runs this past weekend.

Conditions at Jackson Hole were firm, groomers were a little chalky and anything off-piste was firm and slightly cruddy depending on aspect. Not “bad” for this season, but not ideal Western conditions either.

I skied the Mantra M7W 96 and the Sheeva 9. The Mantra was definitely A Ski. Burly, but rewarding of good technique. Stable at speed, held an edge decently (with the aside that I’m not a carver, so I’m still learning to truly set a ski on edge, but I don’t smear my way through turns either), and blasted through the off piste crud like it wasn’t there. Not as nimble as other skis, but I didn’t feel it held me back. It was definitely work to ski, but I didn’t hate it. Not rushing out to buy a pair either though.

Sheeva9: I only had it for a run, and mostly to see if I loved it as much as I remembered from demoing it a few years ago. I did, it was nimble, maneuverable, and aside from that *particular* pair being in serious need of edge sharpening, overall a lot of fun. You could steal my Santa Anas (which I love) and leave a Sheeva 9 in their place and I’d be a happy girl.

My SO skied a couple of things too, on Verve’s recommendation. Context: He’s 6’, 170ish lbs, and an ex-mogul skier: so he can RIP down a bump run but also set an edge and lay down a mean carve. No, I’m not envious of his ability at all, LOL! I mention the below because he’s not exactly your average 6’ tall dude when it comes to skis, and since he’s similar in size to Verve I had asked for her recommendations.

He skied the Anomaly 102 (or 104? Whatever that width is) and the Black Crows Camox.
Anomaly: He reported it was “meh”. He thought it would be a good ski for an intermediate or advanced skier, but he found himself wanting a little more. It wasn’t super nimble off piste, it held an edge alright but not as well as the Liberty Origins he skis on normally, and he said “It was almost too springy so it got chattery at high speed”. He did say if he were on ski patrol, he’s probably like it for that, because it was decent at lower speeds and didn’t require a lot of work so he wouldn’t tire from skiing all day, but overall he thought it lacked some “pizazz” that he looks for in a ski.

He then skied the Camox for a run. He was surprised: he said it was nimble and fun off-piste while still busting through the cruddy conditions. He said it wasn’t stiff enough to edge into a good carve on groomers, but that he quite enjoyed it off piste. His quote: “Not a groomer ski, but plenty enjoyable off piste and would also probably be fun in the backcountry or side country.” I don’t think he’s going to rush out and buy one, but I think if a pair appeared in his quiver he’d ski them more often than not, given we prefer off-piste skiing (in normal years).

 

[Verve]

Love the update @Aerlind ! Your reaction to the Volkl Mantra 96 W is spot on what I’d expect - glad you tried them! Very demanding / rewarding. I also love the Sheeva/Rustler and wouldn’t mind one just *appeared* haha.

Great to hear your SO’s take! We don’t carry anything wider than the Anomaly 94 so I’m not sure if those get way softer to be more soft snow focused.

 

[MrsPlow]

@MrsPlow love this line of inquiry!

The updates that the Rustler/Sheeva line got a couple years ago has gotten pretty unanimous positive feedback from our clients who ski the older version - ie. when someone comes in with the old one and tries the new one, they usually buy it, haha. You might know what the changes are but I think it basically boils down to a really cool way they layer the wood stringers in the core of the ski itself so that the ski flexes the same at every length. And they moved the metal to a three piece construction around the ski and underfoot (like an H) - whereas your Rustlers have a sort of diamond shaped piece underfoot.

The difference in the new Rustler vs the new Sheeva is that the Sheeva has the same H of metal *except* they put a fiberglass laminate underfoot - so a little softer, as you say. I can't say for sure that they're softer than your current Rustlers, if that makes sense. I haven't been able to ski the Sheeva in my length, sadly but would blind buy it based on how much I liked the Rustler 10 if I preferred the pink top sheet. I don't believe the difference is all too significant. The same goes for the "women specific mount point" that the Sheeva is designed around - people's weight distribution and ski styles vary almost as much within genders as across genders, if that makes sense - so I don't think you *need* the Sheeva just because it comes in your preferred length. I think you'd enjoy either!

I *did* ski the Canvas in a 108 underfoot because we brought one size run in this season - fun ski! Softer than your Rustlers and I opted for the 180 length over the 174. Unsurprisingly, because it it more forward mounted and designed around a freeski feel, they're fun to ski back on the tails a bit and are very pivot-y - so you can basically zipper down the fall line making slarvy turns like the freeride pros, haha. I didn't get to take them into the trees but imagine they would be very fun in that context. Not my choice for a daily driver but we're in the East. I would recommend demoing these just because they are so specific.

Thanks, very useful to know. I'm hoping to demo both but may jump on a deal if i see one in either ski.

The Canvas sounds interesting, just not sure I could justify it's place in my quiver but very keen to try it. Sounds a little like the JJ from your description, as you can also steer that from the tail and it's hugely nimble.

 

[echo_VT]

@Verve i am a shorty at 5’4” and 130 lbs — I’m currently on slalom skis the volkl racetiger 150 and previously on Fischer RC4SL. I also have Santa Ana’s 161 93 underfoot.

I told you this last year at dinner but I haven’t gotten another ski. Tried a colleagues cheater head ski and didn’t love it (too soft). But I was looking at Kastle MX 83 for carves and bumps. The slalom skis excel at carves but are sometimes tough to navigate in black bumps.

Thanks if you have recommendations!

 

[BlizzardBabe]

One more question for you (since it does sound like you're a similar skier to me) did you size down from your usual preferred length for the Blaze 86? Since I can't seem to demo them anywhere, I'm going to look for some on sale in spring/ summer, and will be buying without trying! I've read here on the forum that some women size down for this ski.

I kept my usual length. I tend to ski short b/c I prefer maneuverability over stability at speed (I no longer am a speed demon).

 

[Verve]

@Verve i am a shorty at 5’4” and 130 lbs — I’m currently on slalom skis the volkl racetiger 150 and previously on Fischer RC4SL. I also have Santa Ana’s 161 93 underfoot.

I told you this last year at dinner but I haven’t gotten another ski. Tried a colleagues cheater head ski and didn’t love it (too soft). But I was looking at Kastle MX 83 for carves and bumps. The slalom skis excel at carves but are sometimes tough to navigate in black bumps.

Thanks if you have recommendations!

@echo_VT hi! Hope your VT season has been awesome so far. I wish I knew more about the various detuned carving options. My team skied the MX line at Pico demo day to mixed reviews. I was focused on their lower price point skis bc we might bring them in next year! My sense was that the most technically proficient skiers got the most out of the MX skis so they might be right up your alley for this use. My mad river coach is on a pair of Volkl Mantra 84W and seems really into them for icy bumps. I haven’t taken any of our full metal carvers into the bumps yet this year bc I like my cheater skis like Rustlers and QSTs bc I’m not that good

 

[SnowHot]

All that said, I don't think you could go wrong w/the Ranger either. It may come down to personal taste. I'm betting that @SnowHot could lend further insight re the positive attributes of the Ranger. It is a terrific ski.

Happy to help but honestly there are a handful of us who loved the Ranger 84 during testing and beyond.
Such a fun ski, especially for a lighter skier.

 

[Knitjenious]

@Verve (and anyone else) wanna spitball recommendations for my husband? I told him to stop asking AI and go ask SkiTalk, but he is not a social creature at heart. LOL.

6'0", 200 lbs, I would put him at low advanced skier. He grew up skiing, so he has more confidence than me in a wider range of conditions and skis anything locally, but we still mostly ski small, groomed ski areas in WNY.

Right now, he is on a Rossignol Experience 80 CI in 172 cm, which he has found fine-ish for the last few years. But I think he is really a strong enough skier that he would really enjoy something with more oomph or pizzaz. (And 172 seems short for him to me?)

Things he has demoed:
-Blizzard Anomaly-- did not like
-Elan Ripstick 88 -- did not like the chatter
-Volkl Mantra 88 -- really did not like
-Atomic Bent 100 -- he really, really loved these, but they are pretty impractical for our typical conditions
-Fischer the Curv 80 -- liked ok but wanted something more all mountain/less have to drive it all the time
-Season Kin 97 - these are actually mine, an all mountain twin tip in 175 cm, but he loved playing on little jumps with them. Also not really daily drivers.

Things AI told him to try:
-Atomic Maverick 88ti
-Nordica Enforcer (which feels like the ubiquitous men's ski, just as the Black Pearl is to women!)
-Salomon Stance 84
-Head Kore 87

I also told him he could try my Fischer Ranger 90s (short for him at 170 cm, but might give him a feel) since they have demo bindings.

Of course he can't really describe what he did or didn't like about what he tried. Lol

Anything else anyone would add to the list? Or that you'd say "if you didn't like X, you probably wouldn't like Y?"

 

[Jilly]

Maybe add the Rossi Forza 80's to that mix. If he likes his experience, then the Forza is a step up in stiffness.

 

[SnowHot]

Hi all,

I meant to do a write up of the skis demoed so far this year but, because I’m heavier & taller than average, I’m often in the “unisex” ie. dude version of skis when I’m personally skiing them so maybe an in depth reviews is of limited utility to this forum (but hit me up, 6’ tall, 180 lb friends ).

I do, however, work at a shop in VT that demos a bunch of the beloved women’s skis (or shorter skis, however you want to look at it). I get feedback from all types of female skiers about how these perform and we’ve had a great range of conditions to test in. I also love the nerdy minutiae of ski construction and will happily do the research and filter out the marketing noise.

So, in case anyone is thinking of a ski purchase this spring as things come on sale, I wanted to offer myself as a resource (and the combined wisdom of this forum, which is much greater).

I’m very familiar with: blizzard, Volkl, Nordica, black crows and Salomon/Atomic. Passingly familiar with Kastle, Rossignol and Armada from testing days.

Let me know if I can answer any questions!

FWIW, we find that every skier who can discern the attributes of a ski and put it in words is a valued ski reviewer because there are so many who can relate to you.
On SkiTalk we have reviewers who are intermediate, advanced, expert, some are timid, some are bold and some are hard chargers. We even have two race coaches who review race skis and hyper carving skis.

We get compliments all the time because we have an intermediate reviewer, because nobody else does that.

What if a woman of your size tested skis and wrote about it? There are plenty of other women out there who may be feeling lost because they don't know others and then they find you!!

So, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the skis you've demo'd. Keep it up.