2022 Volkl Blaze 86 W

The Blaze 86 W from Volkl is a new ski for 2021/22 and is now the narrowest ski in the lightweight Blaze collection. At 86 underfoot, it’s positioned more as an all-mountain ski than the widest Blaze 106, but it does share a lot of the same design elements. Volkl uses the same Hybrid Multilayer wood core, which is exceptionally lightweight, while still providing a snappy, responsive flex pattern. Volkl drops the metal underfoot, but keeps the rubber insert Suspension Tips and Tails. We also get similar shaping concepts, although they’re less pronounced in the Blaze 86 compared to the wider models. Camber underfoot is paired with tip and tail rocker, which is more subtle on the 86 than the 94 or especially the 106. Through our testing both on the men’s and women’s Blaze 86 (which share the same construction), it’s become clear that it works well for a variety of skiers. Intermediates enjoy its lightweight feel and easy-going nature, while more advanced skiers may opt to use it as a touring ski.

Nifer Hoehn actually decided to try the 172 cm length, which technically isn’t available in the women’s graphic, so keep that in mind if you’re similar to Nifer. She’s a tremendous skier, so we’re not surprised she wanted to try the longer length. Remember, the men��s and women’s Blaze 86 are identical in construction and shape, so no worries swapping between the two graphics. Really impressive scores from Nifer, especially when you consider her caliber of skier as well as the price of the Blaze 86 W, a mere $499. 5 out of 5 for stability, quickness/maneuverability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. None of her scores dropped below 4 out of 5. “This ski is marriage material. It's 86 underfoot, so it's versatile for those who are looking for something that can carve and also handle powder and off-piste. Rocker gives it nice floatation, but it's not flaccid, and there's no dead spot(s), like some rocker skis. This is energetic and playful and will fit in at a black-tie event as well as a creemee stand. They are easy to initiate, love to turn, are solid and stable throughout the turn, and ski like a heavier ski than they are. I didn't get a day to explore on these, but I'm pretty sure I could have taken them down anything and they would have been fun. I'm putting a ring on it.” For those who are confused, “creemee” is Vermonter for “soft serve ice cream.” Tremendous feedback from Nifer and it’s superb to know the Blaze 86 W can dress both up and down depending on the event.

Annie MacDonald opted for the 166 cm length, which is the longest available in the women’s graphic. If you want to go longer, you’ll have to pull a Nifer and go over to the other graphic. More impressive scores from Annie too, including 5 out of 5 for quickness/maneuverability, forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression. Both Nifer and Annie are extremely capable skiers, which makes their feedback on the Blaze 86 W extremely valuable. “Blown away by this ski! I don’t usually like a ski that narrow under foot but this ski was stable, playful and so fun!! Super forgiving and easy to turn short radius and also open up to big GS turns! Thumbs up... pleasantly surprised!” For all of our testers, both men and women, the playfulness and forgiveness of the Blaze 86 has really shined through. This makes it an excellent option for a developing skier. It’s not too demanding, which is great for someone who is still working on their technique, but based off the feedback from Nifer and Annie, can be enjoyed by high level experts as well.

Intermediate all-mountain ski, lightweight touring ski, a playful little weapon for an expert… there are a lot of different applications for the Blaze 86 W. At the $499 price, it won’t break the bank, which is nice for someone relatively new to the sport, but also means it’s not outrageous to pick up this ski to complement an existing quiver. We could see someone like Nifer choosing a pair to go alongside her collection of heavier, more aggressive skis.