The Blizzard Quattro 8.4 Ti is almost identical to the top of the line Quattro RX, but removes the extended binding plate making it slightly less aggressive. Slightly less aggressive in this case is certainly not synonymous with a lack of performance, as the Quattro 8.4 Ti delivers a responsive, distinctly high end feel. The Quattro 8.4 Ti uses both titanal laminates and carbon in its construction, which give the ski excellent stability, vibration dampening, responsiveness, and energy. Blizzard has given the ski a little more versatility thanks to the 2 mm of tip and tail rocker when compared to traditional carving skis.
Jamie Bisbee tested the 174 cm length and gave the Quattro 8.4 Ti high scores for stability, quickness, and torsional stiffness. He felt it performed best on firm snow, despite the skis 84 mm waist width, which is slightly wider than most carving skis. Because it is relatively stiff and very responsive it prefers to be on firm snow. Jamie referred to the Quattro 8.4 Ti as “a good carving ski for technical skiers” and described it as “quick edge to edge.”
Michael Rooney, who also skied the 174 cm ski, focused mostly on the skis responsiveness and its preferred terrain. He commented that they “respond well in hard snow when you really push them.” He felt that they were ideal for “wide groomers”, although did mention that he found them easy to turn on soft, small bumps and varied terrain thanks to the tip and tail rocker. While Jamie commented that they prefer being on soft snow, this was much in reference to carving performance. As Michael points out you are able to release the tail edge and pivot the ski relatively easily for such an energetic, powerful carving ski.
Joe Cutts found the ski relatively approachable and manageable considering the skis intended use, but did comment that it “still favors a strong, skilled pilot who likes to tip and rip on firm snow.” He followed that up by touching on the idea that you can relax just a little bit and the ski won’t punish you. “It lets you be in charge and also lets you take a few turns off if you want.” What he means is the ski doesn’t need to be driven at all times. Where a lot of our testers commented that the Quattro RX will buck you if you have a lapse in concentration, the same is not entirely true for the Quattro 8.4 Ti, there is marginally more forgiveness.
Matt McGinnis, another tester who skied the 174 cm length, gave the Quattro 8.4 Ti a glowing review and we think it’s worth providing you with his entire response: “At this point I’m certain: Blizzard can do no wrong. The Quattro 8.4 Ti is an incredibly fun, versatile frontside ski that’s capable of handling whatever task you throw at it. Sometimes a ski with this much metal can feel uncomfortable as slower speeds. The Quattro 8.4 Ti, however, had no trouble at all waiting for the pace to pick up. I’d describe them as patient; or maybe like a pitbull on a leash. They’re with you waiting patiently, but once you let them off the leash they’re capable of incredible aggression. These are probably best suited for aggressive skiers. While mellower skiers could handle these, there are certainly better options out there. Overall, these were one of my favorite skis.”
We agree with Matt that there are more suitable options for less aggressive skiers. The Quattro 8.0 Ti is a perfect example as dropping carbon from its construction gives it increase forgiveness. Matt scored the Quattro 8.4 Ti 5 out of 5 for stability, quickness, playfulness, torsional stiffness, versatility, and of course overall impression.
