2021 Blizzard Brahma 82
The Brahma 82 is back for another season as a narrower option to the Brahma 88, or a wider, more versatile option to a system carving ski like the Firebird HRC. We've seeing more and more of these low-80-underfoot, flat skis, and we like it. It's quicker edge to edge than the Brahma 88 and can rip turns on firm snow, but it's more versatile and more forgiving in un-groomed terrain and tricky conditions than dedicated system carvers. It's built with Blizzard's proven Carbon Flipcore Technology, which combines a woo core with two sheets of metal and bi-directional carbon. That's a recipe for a powerful ski, which is supported by the fact that we get mostly camber in the Brahma 82. There is tip and tail rocker, but not much of it, which makes sense in a ski this wide and when considering the intended application.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
Carbon Flipcore WSD
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers, All Mountain
Kagen Dewey called it "a great alternative to the Brahma 88, offering a shorter turn radius for the skier who loves the stability and stiffness, but wants to ski bouncier, shorter turns." The turn radius on the Brahma 82 is shorter than the 88, but only marginally shorter. We think a big reason why Kagen felt such a difference in turn quickness is that slightly shorter turn radius combined with the quicker edge to edge feel. Kagen was on the 180 cm length and gave the Brahma 82 some high scores, most notably for stability, quickness/maneuverability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. "Quicker transition from edge to edge makes the ski more nimble than its 88 counterpart, but slightly less capable when there are fresh powder turns to be had." David Wolfgang's feedback echoed Kagen's thoughts after he too tested the 180 cm length. "The ski was quick and nimble. You could let it rip with confidence in long arcing turns then transition to shorter radius turns with ease." Blizzard did a great job blending stability and power with quickness and a nimble feel in the Brahma 82, which makes it a lot of fun to ski.
Benny Wax skied the 173 cm length and his only score that fell below 4 out of 5 was for flotation, which wasn't terribly surprising given the 82 mm waist width. "Fun Fun Fun! A beefy and turny ski at the same time. Loved this on fast corduroy and un-groomed icy Liftline. Whether short quick turns or smooth long arcs, this ski was stable and quiet. Finishes a turn really well and sets you in motion for the next. Really a pleasure to ski on. Great frontside carving ski." Jeff Neagle opted for the 180 cm length for his testing, and while he was impressed by the frontside carving like Benny, he also noted how the versatility surpasses most skis in this width range. "Rips turns on firm snow, just like the Brahma 88, but more precise and quicker edge to edge. I was surprised and impressed by the playfulness and its ability off trail. I think the quicker edge to edge feel actually helps in tricky terrain like moguls and trees. The Brahma 88 handles softer snow a little better in terms of float, but the 82 is quicker and more nimble. Good choice for a high-level skier who wants a versatile all-mountain ski. I wouldn't tell an intermediate to go ski moguls on it, but an advanced/expert skier with good technique will really appreciate its ability off trail, especially considering what it achieves on trail."
Blurring the lines between carving ski and all mountain ski, the Brahma 82 has proven to be a valuable addition to the Blizzard all-mountain collection. Like its bigger brothers the Brahma 88 and Bonafide 97, it's not really a good ski for an intermediate or a timid skier, but it's an absolute blast to ski for anyone in the advanced/expert realm. Certainly a resort ski through and through, and realistically if you're considering it, you should be the type of skier who spends most of your time on groomed slopes. That said, its ability off-trail and in ungroomed terrain is impressive for such a high performing on-piste ski.
Hey guys, West Coast ski instructor here. Looking for a good ski for day to day teaching but lets me take laps in the trees in between. Have loved my Brahma 88s the last few years but not for teaching, too much power and speed needed to ski them right. Need something more forgiving when teaching beginners and intermediates and demoing drills and tasks. But next day teaching a advanced moguls lessons! Of course priority to short to medium high performance carving but needs that all mountain versatility. Also have been looking also at Navigator 85, Experience 88, Liberty V82. Sticking in the 80s seems like the right width but need your help. Thanks!
Hi Derek!
In response to your follow up as well, the Enforcer 88 has a similar power level in terms of construction to the Brahma, but the shaping is more freeride-oriented, so the skis do have some slower speed compliance that I do not find in the Brahma. If you like the overall character of the 104 Free, chances are you’re also going to dig the 88, perhaps on the stiff side for a teaching ski, but not out of the question. The Experience has a shorter turn radius, and I think that should be at the top of the list. Navigator is a sleeper ski for sure, with a huge range of performance characteristics. The V82, even though on the narrow side, has such minimal taper and rocker that it makes it a bit more one-dimensional. Not sure I’d want that one for a bump clinic. The Enforcer 88 has the highest upside while the Experience probably is your best overall/versatile choice. For a little out of the box thinking, also check out the Volkl Kanjo 84, redesigned for 2021, it has an interesting blend of attributes. Have fun!
SE
Thanks guys! Wish there was some more folks out on this new Kanjo because I agree it is interesting and I am intrigued. Love Volkl’s quote on the Kanjo “it’s the perfect on-piste ski for off-piste skiers who dig on-piste skiing but never want to be considered as on-piste skiers.” Thats me haha, and kinda the reason I am not personally excited about the Rossi experience even though I know it is a good ski and probably would fit my needs. One more ski that really is gaining my interest is the new Armada declivity 82ti. Any thoughts on where that ski might fit in with these other skis?
Hi Derek!
Right, well-rounded is a great way to describe the Kanjo for sure. The Armada has a lot of the same characteristics, but I felt like it finished a turn stronger, and had more power overall, due to the slightly burlier build. But, I think for a lot of skiers, looking for that one tool for front side and back side, without compromise, the Kanjo is a better, lighter option versus the Declivity. Hope that helps!
SE
Also my daily driver now when not teaching is the Nordica Enforcer 104 free and I am in love. Could be my favorite ski ever for I like to ride when out of uniform. so the enforcer 88 was also on my list but wonder if it is as powerful as the brahma series and could keep the throttle back when lapping the bunny slope. Thanks guys you rock
Hi to all,
I am 44yr old 6’1″ 240lb east coast (northern VT, south QC) intermediate skier. I ski mostly groomed runs with icy, curdy and generally unfriendly snow conditions. Ocasionally I’ll wander off trail but not too often.
My current skis are Volkl Sensor r2 with 69 sidecut, great for perfectly groomed blues but they fall apart as the day goes by and trails worsen.
I think I am due for an upgrade and thinking about either Brahma 82 (173) , Deacon 80 (177) or Navigator 85 (172).
What would you reccomend ? Any of these 3 or you have something else in mind…
Thanks,
HI Sasha!
I’d stick to either the Brahma or the Navigator, as you might find the Deacon 80 to be on the light and flexible side. The Brahma is a stronger, burlier ski while the Navigator is a bit more energetic and playful. I’m 6/2 220 and I got along really well with the Navigator, while I found the Brahma to be on the dull side. I’d lean to the Navigator if you’re looking for a bit more energy and snap out of the turn. Have fun!
SE
Hey all,
I am 6’1″ and 165 lb advanced east coast skier that takes a trip out west every couple years. I currently have a pair of 180 cm Rustler 9’s that I love, but find them somewhat lacking on hard snow front side days and when I want to really work on carving. I am thinking of picking up a pair of Brahma 82’s for next season. Do you think that these skis would complement the Rustler 9’s for what I am looking for? And if so what length would you recommend?
Thanks,
Jim
HI Jim!
I’m a fan of staying within brand, especially if you like the Rustlers, the Brahma 82 will be an awesome front side complement. I’d go with the same length in that ski. Have fun!
SE
@Jim, what did you end up buying? I have the exact same question: I mostly ski in Colorado and have Rustler 9’s and was thinking of picking up Brahma 88 or 82’s for front side skiing and carving. I tried the 2019-2020 88’s and really liked them (and think they would complement the Rustlers). It haven’t yet tried the new 2020-2021 skis or the 88s.
I’ve been skiing the 82’s for two seasons now: about 70 days. Used to teach and am very aggressive skier. They skied everything well: ice, steeps, crud, bumps (zipperline bumps), powder – you name it. This ski does everything. I’m 5’9, 155-160 and have 180’s.
I loved them so much, I bought a second pair in case I break them, which I have done with other skis. I don’t want to go finding another ski.
Hi, I’m looking for an all mountain ski for my 15 yo daughter who is 178cm and 57kg. She is a racer and to date has been skiing the mountain – powder, trees etc – on her race skis. Now she’s hopefully stopped growing we are looking at getting her a more fun all mountain ski, whilst still keeping the waist width on the narrower side. We looked at the black pearle 82 but she prefers the look of the Brahma and being a 15yo girl this is perhaps more important that it should be! Do you think this would be a suitable option and if so, what length would you recommend? Do you have any other recommendations that might fit our needs. Thanks!
HI Cathy!
Lots of racers gravitate to these Brahma skis as their all-mountain option, and it’s a good one. I’d say either the 166 or 173 for length, depending on how she feels about length. Elan Wingman 82 or 86 CTi also come to mind, as more of a front-side option but still a lot of fun.
SE
Hi skiers!
I have a pair of Fischer RC4 Curv GT 168cm, 78mm waist and I really enjoy his performance on piste and on firm spring snow. I suppose Brahma 82 is similarly demanding as it has similar constraction but makes life eaysiest in case you want to go away from crowd (for fresh deep snow there are other tools :). Also Brahma’s behavior is closer to Fischer than the softer Navigator 85. Am I right?
I am 5’8” 165lbs and I see the 172.
HI Pan!
True, the Brahma 82 has more all-mountain/freeride DNA versus the Curv (and the Nav), and the build does take it to the burlier side of the spectrum while the Nav is kind of in the middle with a partial metal laminate. If you’re looking for versatility, I’d go Brahma in 172. Have fun!
SE
Hi guys!
First of all I have to say I love your tests and reviews!
I’m 34 years old, 140lbs and 5’11” and have been skiing all my life. Currently I’m riding a Fischer RC4 Superior (175, 72 waist, R16) but it’s just too heavy and off-piste it digs itself into the ground instead of floating on top. So I thought about the Brahma 82 in 180, the Atomic Vantage 79TI in 179, the Nordica Navigator 80 in 175 and the Elan Wingman 82 in 178.
I ski 80% on-piste in all conditions, but also trees or non-groomed slopes.
I’d be really interested in your opinion (also on the length)!
Thanks, Jay!
For performance purposes, I’d narrow focus to the Brahma and the Wingman. I don’t quite think the Nav and the Vantage are what you’re looking for. Between the other two, the Wingman has more of an on-trail focus to it while the Brahma still has a fair amount of freeride DNA from the wider skis in the line. For more versatility, go Brahma, but for better carving performance the Wingman is pretty sweet. Have fun!
SE
Hi again!
I now bought the Brahma 82 in 180cm and all I can say is: You were right!
It is better than I expected in my wildest dreams. It is so predictable and easy to turn and it still holds the edge almost like a race-carver. Every single turn on this thing is pure joy. And other than I expected, 180cm does’t feel to long for me at all.
Thanks for your advice!
Hi jay,
You are welcome! We don’s mess around here at SE!
Hi:) question from Germany.. is there a big Difference between brama 82 19/20 ..and 21/22.. wegen did they Change the woodcore?
I will buy a 187cm i’m 183cm 90 kg .old but still powerful skier. With a lot of different Skis and experience. ..use it beside head Monster 78(Most Favorite one) and Monster 88
Happy to become your Opinion
Hello Alfred,
Yes, there is a difference from 19/20 version of the Brahma compared to the 21/22 version. The 21-22 version features new technology with dense stringers placed in the wood core to alter the stiffnesss of the ski. This makes the new model more damp and stable at speeds than previous models. A great precise carver with all-mountain front side versatility thrown in.
Have fun!
SE
Thanks. U Tested both. Is there a big Difference?
Hi Alfred,
Yes, tested both. We always lean towards a newer model with even better technology and performance capabilities.
SE
Hello,
great review…How does this Brahma 82 compare to the Rossignol experience 84 and the React R10 ti ?
thanks
Hi Christos,
The Brahma and Experience 84 is a great all mountain skis, while the Reaact R10Ti is more of front side carving ski.
SE