2021 Volkl Blaze 94

Volkl's got a few new tricks up their boot cuffs this year, and one of the models we're looking forward to the most is the Blaze 94. The 94 and the 106 are replacing the 90Eight and 100Eight models and with a new design, build, and shape, the new Blaze skis are set to make a pretty nice mark on the lighter side of the freeride world. The 94 is obviously the narrower of the two models, and as such, will have a quicker and more all-mountain personality versus the floatier 106. From a build perspective, the Blaze 94 starts with a hybrid multi-layer wood core which is ideal for that in and out of bounds character. It's light but it also has some great energy and snap. In addition to that core, Volkl adds the Titanal Power Plate that is primarily found underfoot. It doesn't extend much farther than the mounting zone, but it does go from edge to edge, so the grip underfoot is all there. When that's functioning in conjunction with the 3D Radius Sidecut, the shorter turn radius that is found underfoot gets a lot more energy and grip than the longer radii found in the forebody and through the tail. It's a very intuitive feeling, that multiple radius sidecut, and it helps skiers make a variety of turn shapes and styles no matter the terrain or snow conditions. At first glance (or when you first pick them up), the initial impression is how light they are. Coming in at 1546 grams per ski in the 179 cm length, the numbers back up the feeling. As a result, the Blaze 94 makes an excellent dual-purpose ski, so if you're interested in using it for both resort and touring applications, you'll get the performance and the light weight that is necessary to make the ski an effective quiver killer. Our contributors were pretty impressed with how well the ski performed for its weight, as it's not going to plow or charge as well as some competitors with one or two sheets of metal but that's not its intended use. For advanced skiers looking for a versatile ski with a feather-like feel. The all-new Blaze 94 should be at the top of your list.

Let's talk about how light these skis feel on your feet in an alpine application. Jeff Neagle, probably about 150 pounds, can certainly bend an expert ski but that doesn't mean that he has to all the time. In fact, he can be found skiing around on his twin-tips most of the time, and is perfectly happy to do so. The Blaze 94 seems like a good fit for a skier like him, who values versatility without sacrificing performance. His top marks of 5 out of 5 were given for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and versatility. His overall impression of the ski was a shade lower at 4.5 out of 5 but that's still pretty darn high. Starting his comments off with "light and precise," he notes that the light feeling of the ski will make it a "fantastic east coast tree ski or one-ski quiver for anyone who doesn't need a ton of stability and a race-like feel." Certainly a valid point here, that nobody's going to hop on these and expect the Volkl race room experience. They're going to get the fun and playfulness that an all-mountain/freeride ski is going to deliver on a day in and day out basis. Both Jeff and our next contributor, Mike Aidala were on the 179 cm length.

Mike made good notes about the different types of turns that the Blaze 94 is capable of. His high scores were 4's out of 5 and they were given for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. This is what Volkl has set out to achieve, and it looks like they've done it in MIke's eyes. "The new Blaze 94 makes a variety of different turns easily and effectively. The 3D radius really works; the combination of three different turn radii throughout the ski allows for a mixed bag of turns. You can make short, rounded turns at slow speeds or open it up for a high-speed wide turn across the fall line without questioning the ski's ability to hold an edge." Skiers like Mike who mix up their turn shapes and styles depending on snow quality and terrain will certainly appreciate the top-level ability of the Blaze 94 to adapt its personality quickly and naturally.

Advanced skiers looking for the ultimate in light weight performance and versatility will find themselves quickly and efficiently enamored with the all-new Volkl Blaze 94. From an everyday resort ski to a backcountry stick and beyond, the Blaze 94 will certainly forge new pathways across and around the mountains that you love to ski the most.