2022 Volkl Blaze 94

The Volkl Blaze 94 was developed to complement their stiffer, heavier skis like the Kendo 88, M6 Mantra, etc. It’s back for its 2nd season with no changes other than a snazzy new black topsheet graphic. Volkl uses their Hybrid Multilayer wood core on the Blaze 94, which is supported and enhanced by a Titanal Binding Platform that not only helps with binding retention, but also gives the ski a more solid, grippy feel underfoot. The 165 cm length weighs just 1455 g, so the Blaze 94 is certainly on the lighter side of things. In fact, among “resort” skis (non touring-specific), it’s one of the lightest in its width range. It doesn’t have as much rocker as its wider 106 counterpart, but there’s still ample tip and tail rocker. That’s combined with Volkl’s 3D.Radius sidecut design, which results in a ski that can make a wide variety of shapes and styles, all with a lightweight, maneuverable feel.

JT Vize hopped on the 179 cm length in the Blaze 94 during one of our warm, spring test days. We were lucky to get a nice range of conditions for testing these this year, although it sounds like JT hit the sweet spot. “Wanna relax on a warm spring day? The Blaze 94 is the ski for you. This ski is perfect for the intermediate or advanced skier who wants to enjoy some groomers and slide out in the bottom of the turn. Making for a really fun enjoyable experience.” JT’s spot on in the sense that the Blaze 94 is a little easier to ski than some, and is more willing to release its tail edge than Volkl’s stiffer, heavier skis. We’d add that the Blaze 94 certainly isn’t segmented to just groomers, however, as its width and rocker profile gives it a nice feel off-piste as well. Brad Schauerman also skied the 179 cm length and thought it was a “Good all mountain ski. Shovel seemed a bit long and flappy but all and all a fun ski for jumping around in some slop. Not sure how it would hold on hard snow but fun in the corn”. Brad and JT both gave the Blaze 94 some solid numerical scores, with forgiveness, quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, and versatility earning the highest marks.

Jeff Neagle also skied that 179 cm length and described the Blaze 94 as both “light and precise.” Jeff awarded the Blaze 94 5 out of 5 scores for quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. “Fantastic east coast tree ski or one-ski-quiver for anyone who doesn’t need a ton of stability on firm snow. Light, snappy, and fun. They make short turns exceptionally well both as short radius carves and slip, skid turns. I personally like the 106 more, but I think this is the better ski for most skiers. More appropriate on trail and as your typical “resort” ski. Jeff also mentioned that it has “basically the opposite feel” compared to the Kendo and M6 Mantra. Those skis are heavier with more power and more vibration damping, while the Blaze 94 is light, quick, and agile. John McIntosh also tested the 179 cm length, and this would be a good time to note that all our testers thought the length they tested worked well for their size. John thought it was a “Great all mountain ski for advanced to expert skiers. Plenty of control and stability for frontside skiing while still being surfy and playful in softer conditions.”

All of our testers both this year and last really enjoyed their experience on the Blaze 94. It won’t satisfy a skier looking for the ultimate in edge grip and firm snow precision, but what it lacks in that department it more than makes up for with its versatility and quickness. It’s incredibly nimble in tight terrain, and has an energetic, responsive feel that’s refreshing and fun. It’s also certainly light enough to pair with an AT binding for some backcountry touring adventures, although we’d likely recommend it more for an AT skier located on the east, while the Blaze 106 feels like the better touring option for western skiers.