Gear Review: Blizzard Phoenix R13 TI

[ski diva]

Not that long ago I posted that I got a great price on a pair of 23-24 but new-and-still-in-their-wrapper Blizzard Phoenix R13 Ti's. I had demoed a pair last season and really liked them, but still, I I was a bit wary. I mean, even though I bought them, enough time had gone by that I wasn't especially sure I'd made the right choice. Nonetheless, the price was right, so I pulled the trigger.

I'm happy to report that I'm glad I did.

Took them out today for the first time, and wow! The waist on these babies is 73 cm, and for hard pack, icy, front side conditions like we get in early season Vermont, these things rock! The turning radius is only 13 meters, so you can have some fun making some nice turns. Damp enough but lively without being punishing, bites nicely into the ice.

For groomers and hard to icy conditions, highly recommend.

 

[SnowHot]

@ski diva That really is a great ski. I think I skied it in New Hampshire in 2021 when they introduced the line and was immediately impressed by it.
I think that is a pair I sold to @WaterGirl

 

[MissySki]

@ski diva what size did you go with?

 

[ski diva]

@ski diva what size did you go with?

156.

 

[JBM]

So I was set on getting a pair of Fischer Curv GT 76. But then after reading your review, I am wondering how Fischer curv gt 76 are different from Blizzard Phoenix R13 Ti. Any ideas by any chance?

 

[ski diva]

So I was set on getting a pair of Fischer Curv GT 76. But then after reading your review, I am wondering how Fischer curv gt 76 are different from Blizzard Phoenix R13 Ti. Any ideas by any chance?

Wish I could tell you, but I’ve never tried the Fischers. I’ve heard good things about it, though.

 

[Divegirl]

Thank you for the review. I also picked up a pair last spring and can't wait to take mine out.

 

[Peppermint]

I would very much like to try a pair. I'm hoping they have them at their tent at the Ken Jones demo day at Waterville next week.

 

[diymom]

I would very much like to try a pair. I'm hoping they have them at their tent at the Ken Jones demo day at Waterville next week.

I somehow missed that email.

 

[Peppermint]

I didn't get an email either. I had to look for it online.

 

[WaterGirl]

@ski diva That really is a great ski. I think I skied it in New Hampshire in 2021 when they introduced the line and was immediately impressed by it.
I think that is a pair I sold to @WaterGirl

I do have these and love them! not a one trick pony by any means.
Great for spring skiing, while everyone is "waiting for the top to soften" I enjoy empty frozen laps.
The negative delta on the binding also works for me. So glad @SnowHot sold this exact pair to me!

 

[SnowHot]

So I was set on getting a pair of Fischer Curv GT 76. But then after reading your review, I am wondering how Fischer curv gt 76 are different from Blizzard Phoenix R13 Ti. Any ideas by any chance?

The Curv GT 76 is slightly damper.
Blizzard Phoenix R13Ti is snappier, and quite quick to come around.

 

[JBM]

The Curv GT 76 is slightly damper.
Blizzard Phoenix R13Ti is snappier, and quite quick to come around.

Thank you! This helps a lot.

 

[SnowHot]

Thank you! This helps a lot.

Glad it was helpful.
I try to differentiate the ski's attributes so people can figure out what they like and not praise one ski over another in general.

Most skis are good for "someone". Lets figure out which someone it is good for.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

Glad it was helpful.
I try to differentiate the ski's attributes so people can figure out what they like and not praise one ski over another in general.

Most skis are good for "someone". Lets figure out which someone it is good for.

So true. I love snappy, poppy, lightweight skis and I'll put up with a bit of difficulty in negotiating crud and crust if I can have the liveliness I really like.

Speaking of that, @SnowHot, have you ever demo'd the Atomic Bent line? I've always liked the description of how they ski, but haven't ever had the chance to get on a pair. I'm wondering how they'd compare to the Vertis Birdie or the Blaze 86.

 

[SnowHot]

So true. I love snappy, poppy, lightweight skis and I'll put up with a bit of difficulty in negotiating crud and crust if I can have the liveliness I really like.

Exactly, and someone else may like a damp ski that stays connected to the snow.

I just got back from Vail Ski Media week where we got on a lot of 2027 skis and I recall one ski from Kästle that my initial thought was...wow, this ski is connected.
I got on another ski and thought....This is poppy and playful.

I liked both skis for different reasons.

This is almost a great stand alone discussion.

 

[Rainbow Jenny]

@SnowHot, appreciate learning about Total Joy vs. Kore 87TI in person Saturday and tips on edge work from Phil. I aspire to learn more about women skis in general and perhaps demo more skis this season.

Will you comment on how SuperJoy has evolved over the past 5-8 years?

I use my old SuperJoy when I need to skate uphill next to the magic carpet, they’re the best for being so lightweight. Phoenix R14, as you describe like R13, is damp and on firm condition, I just trust them to do the job.

 

[SnowHot]

@SnowHot, appreciate learning about Total Joy vs. Kore 87TI in person Saturday and tips on edge work from Phil. I aspire to learn more about women skis in general and perhaps demo more skis this season.

Will you comment on how SuperJoy has evolved over the past 5-8 years?

I use my old SuperJoy when I need to skate uphill next to the magic carpet, they’re the best for being so lightweight. Phoenix R14, as you describe like R13, is damp and on firm condition, I just trust them to do the job.

The more recent Super Joy is a bit damper and slightly heavier but not terribly heavy.
It stays a bit calmer and more connected to the snow.

 

[pinto]

Just saw this thread title -- I am in CO and don't typically bother with groomer-only skis, but ... it's 2025. Evo has some crazy deals on skinny Blizzard skis, and I just popped for the Phoenix R14 Pro. $319 includes bindings. My main thought is that usually it starts snowing once I buy a skinny ski :-)

 

[contesstant]

Just saw this thread title -- I am in CO and don't typically bother with groomer-only skis, but ... it's 2025. Evo has some crazy deals on skinny Blizzard skis, and I just popped for the Phoenix R14 Pro. $319 includes bindings. My main thought is that usually it starts snowing once I buy a skinny ski :-)

We can only hope! It is so sad right now! I have some Atomic Cloud Q 12s I haven't skied yet. They need a tune (too aggressive for me) so I'll get that done so it will snow.