Blizzard vs Volkl SL Race Skis

[volklgirl]

Today SnowHot and I did a little ski swapping. She was on her 08 Blizzard World Cup SL Magnesium (155cm) and I was on my 04 Volkl P60 SC Race Stock (also 155cm). Both skis are designed for the demands of the FIS/World Cup racer and meet the FIS dimensional and construction regulations. Hers are a published turn radius of 13.5m and mine have listed dimension of 113-64-97 at 155cm (an approximate radius of 12.1m =/-). The reason for this discrepancy, I believe is that the FIS regulations have changed in the last year and all FIS legal skis now have a larger minimum turn radius.

• 
  Conditions: 38 deg rising to 42 deg. Medium to dense fog and increasing mist. Top and bottom of hill beginning to mush-up, while the middle remained firm and crusty with a light sheet of water making for a very slick surface.
• Test Runs: Top to bottom high speed runs making tiny, to medium radius turns (they ARE slalom race skis, after all ) on blue and black slopes.
• Impressions: Very similar in turn size and shape and preference for firm snow. Both reacted best when on edge and carving at high speeds.
  - The Blizzard was buttery smooth and incredibly confidence inspiring no matter how hard it was pushed. It was very much like driving a Cadillac...it was so solid and smooth, you just didn't quite realize how fast you were really going. I found myself able to really relax and just go along for the ride.
  - The Volkl was much more lively and had tons of feedback underfoot. You always knew what type of surface you were on and just how fast you were going. It was much more demanding about being on edge and carving and got a little squiggly in protest when it wasn't fully engaged. It was more like a high strung race car that required constant attention.

In a Nut Shell: Both were high speed powerhouses for quick turns. While completely equal in abilities, each had a distinctly different personality.

This little experiment just proved to me that there are lots of skis that may work equally well, but some may fit your style, technique, fitness level and personality better than others.
(I think we both decided we already have "the ski" for us ).

 

[SnowHot]

First of all, I'd like to say, it was a ton of fun skiing with you first thing this morning.

I can't add much to this review other than this:
I have always liked a ski with some feedback, and hence have always liked Volkls. I've skied on Racetigers many times, and actually own a consumer (not race stock) RaceTiger RC that still gives me grins when I get on it.

The Blizzard SL was an impulse buy when I was buying my Titan Eos, and my husband's Titan Cronus.(I know, its a shock that I'd make an impulsive gear purchase)

I first took the SL's out a week ago when we had some serious icy conditions. These things were amazing for downhill ice skating.

I could easily be happy on either of these SL's if performance in short turns were all I was asking from this ski. However, the buttery smooth feel of the Blizzard MagSL, and the extra bit of confidence that its rigid feel offers when its plowing through a soft pile of snow, makes me happy I made this impulse buy.

 

[volklgirl]

I too had a great time!! You're always so much fun to ski with!

If I wasn't so totally addicted to the Thoroughbred racehorse feeling of the Volkls, I could be perfectly happy on those Blizzards. They were just sooooo rock solid. That stability makes them much more versatile as an all-around ski than the Volkl.

Let me know when you're ready to sell them.....I could possibly find a space in my quiver (mine are 4 years old now, after all!)

 

[SnowHot]

Let me know when you're ready to sell them.....I could possibly find a space in my quiver (mine are 4 years old now, after all!)

Me?
Sell a ski?
Unheard of!!

 

[skidaup]

I heard the Blizzard GS ski is sold out, not sure if the guy at the shop was pulling my let or not. I think he was serious, he said there are none left to buy for this year.

 

[SnowHot]

I talked to the local guy a few days ago too. He said he'd double check but that he may be selling his 08 pair to a customer if he can't get any more 09's
Blizzard is rockin' this year!

 

[skidaup]

I am going to Nubs next weekend for the Dorie Sarns race on Sun. I will give a Blizzard report after that. Have been in Ann Arbor all week with the fam, should get out on them Sat & Sun this weekend.