The Blizzard Quattro 8.0 Ti is a performance oriented carving ski that sits right in the middle of the Quattro collection. While it doesn’t use the carbon or extended binding plate that we see in the RS and RX, it does use full titanal metal laminates and offers and impressive level of performance considering the price. It’s arguably the smoothest and most relaxed Quattro thanks to the vibration dampening of the metal and lack of carbon. We’ve always thought it was a great choice for skiers looking to cruise groomed slopes, even if they like to ski at relatively high speeds. While we’ve done a full review of the Quattro 8.0 Ti in the past, it was nice to get it on the feet of a few more testers to really confirm our thoughts on the ski.
Mike Aidala certainly seemed to agree. He scored the Quattro 8.0 Ti 5 out of 5 for stability and torsional stiffness as well as overall impression. Mike tested the 180 cm length and was impressed by the skis smooth, powerful performance on groomed slopes. He commented that they feel like a “perfect high performance cruiser for the on-piste fast skier that wants to make more long radius turns than short radius turns.” This really describes the ski nicely. It loves to make smooth, medium to long radius carving turns on groomed slopes. While the carbon found in the Quattro RS, RX, 8.4 Ti, and 7.2 Ti give them incredible energy and snap from one turn to the next, the Quattro 8.0 Ti has a much quieter, more reserved feel. You can relax on it much more than you can on the RS and RX, for example, which both require consistent skier input. The Quattro 8.0 Ti allows you to “ride” the ski when you want to, instead of needing to drive the tips into every turn.
Steve Brown agreed 100% with this idea, giving the ski 5 out of 5 for stability as well as forgiveness. These are two performance characteristics that often don’t go hand in hand. A stable ski usually is quite stiff, which often means unforgiving. Being both stable and forgiving accurately describes the Quattro 8.0 and goes back to why we refer to this ski as a cruiser. Although he found it forgiving, Steve didn’t think it lacked any performance as a carving ski, commenting that “Blizzard holds true to its Austrian race heritage in creating a great frontside carving ski.” He also mentioned that the Quattro technology stays true to its name and feels much like an Audi: smooth, luxurious, and of high quality. Steve tested the longest length, the 180 cm, which is easily the most appropriate for his size and ability.
Benny Wax tested the 168 cm length and his opinion of the Quattro 8.0 Ti was short and sweet, but hit the nail on the head. He refers to it as a “strong frontside ski” that it’s best for “strong intermediates to advanced skiers for groomers.” He emphasizes the use on groomers part by mentioning that he doesn’t think they’re a good choice for “diverse terrain”, and we would have to agree. There are plenty of other skis, even plenty of other skis within the Blizzard collection, that are more versatile and will handle more variable terrain better. However, if groomers are your thing and you love a relaxed cruiser that still has a respectable amount of power, edge hold, and stability, the Quattro 8.0 Ti could be a fantastic choice.
