MissySki
Angel Diva
I demoed the Volkl Blaze 86 in 159 and 166 lengths today and shockingly LOVED them! It’s shocking for me because I am not a Volkl fan at all. I seem to like these because they aren’t very Volkl like I guess?
Anyway, I just haven’t heard much about this ski, so wanted to shout it out for others who might have an upcoming demo day planned. They are worth taking a spin on.
It’s not the super burly metal bound Volkl that I usually dislike, so if that’s your jam you may want to look elsewhere. I tend to like more wood than metal, lighter than heavy, and very playful and forgiving of a ski. I ski with more finesse than power, and I don’t like a ski that I have to force into submission. I prefer off piste technical skiing to groomer zooming. This ski is extremely playful and energetic. Literally any sized or shaped turn I wanted to make happened with ease without my even having to think about it. Firm groomer, held a great edge. Soft smeary rain laden snow, plowed right through. Ungroomed big snowmaking whales with some stick, handled with total confidence, and stability no matter which way I turned on it. Color me impressed!
Yes, my quiver will likely be growing by 1 to welcome a pair soon!
Note that I usually like a ski in the mid-160s as a sweet spot, but I preferred the maneuverability of the 159 here. Given my tendency to want to play in bumps and trees, and my desire to get better there, I think the shorter length is the better plan for my intended use and I didn’t feel like I lost any stability between the two. The 166 definitely had a higher speed limit, but that’s not applicable in my bump skiing ambitions so I’m willing to make that trade off.
Anyway, I just haven’t heard much about this ski, so wanted to shout it out for others who might have an upcoming demo day planned. They are worth taking a spin on.
It’s not the super burly metal bound Volkl that I usually dislike, so if that’s your jam you may want to look elsewhere. I tend to like more wood than metal, lighter than heavy, and very playful and forgiving of a ski. I ski with more finesse than power, and I don’t like a ski that I have to force into submission. I prefer off piste technical skiing to groomer zooming. This ski is extremely playful and energetic. Literally any sized or shaped turn I wanted to make happened with ease without my even having to think about it. Firm groomer, held a great edge. Soft smeary rain laden snow, plowed right through. Ungroomed big snowmaking whales with some stick, handled with total confidence, and stability no matter which way I turned on it. Color me impressed!
Yes, my quiver will likely be growing by 1 to welcome a pair soon!
Note that I usually like a ski in the mid-160s as a sweet spot, but I preferred the maneuverability of the 159 here. Given my tendency to want to play in bumps and trees, and my desire to get better there, I think the shorter length is the better plan for my intended use and I didn’t feel like I lost any stability between the two. The 166 definitely had a higher speed limit, but that’s not applicable in my bump skiing ambitions so I’m willing to make that trade off.
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