Völkl Blaze 88 tested by The Pill

For all-mountain skiers who want to push into the off-piste, for freeriders and for those willing to sacrifice a little weight gain to enjoy downhill lines to the fullest.

The Blaze 86 model, with the width under the boot suggested by its name, offers an exceptional choice with four different lengths available. This ski is designed to offer an optimal combination of smooth skiing in powder and lightness on the slope. One of the features that impressed us about the Blaze 86 is its 3D radius sidecut that provides handling, smoothness, and versatility unique to this genre. But what makes it even more special is its construction with a wooden core that extends from the tip to the tail. A solution that not only reduces the overall weight of the ski by giving it more vibrancy, but also contributes to a positive environmental impact by eliminating the need for plastic panels. In the off-piste tests it performed like a gentleman, from the pristine powder slopes to those already touched by wind, where the snow was beginning to feel crusty, it appeared extremely stable and structured. Uphill, it adhered adequately to the terrain, proving adequate for even the roughest terrain where there is a likelihood of finding ice or wet snow. We feel like recommending it to experienced skiers with a good technical level, good control and love to pull good turns at speed.

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