The 2027 Volkl Blaze 86 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings is the do-it-all middleweight of the lightweight Blaze line, an all-mountain ski that keeps things easy and versatile across the whole hill. A light, full tip-to-tail wood core and a multi-radius shape give it a maneuverable, forgiving personality that works just as well on groomers as it does drifting through soft snow. We paired the Blaze 86 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

Leaving titanal out of the build is the move here, because it makes the Blaze noticeably sprightlier and lighter, the kind of ski that never fights you. The three-radius sidecut keeps turn initiation effortless whether you want short, tight turns or longer, drawn-out arcs.

Who it's for:

Intermediate to advanced skiers who want one easygoing ski for the entire mountain. Well suited to skiers who prioritize versatility and a low-effort ride over outright power and high-speed stability.

Highlights:

Volkl keeps this ski light and friendly with a high-performance, full tip-to-tail wood core and no titanal at all, which is exactly what makes it so agile and easy to steer. The 3D Radius sidecut layers a long tip radius for stability, a short center radius for quick turns, and an open tail for a clean release, so it is equally comfortable carving a groomer or pivoting through soft snow. Suspension tips and tails damp vibration, add a touch of flotation, and protect the ski off-trail, while an 86 mm waist hits a true all-mountain balance. It is even light enough to double as a backcountry touring option for skiers who do not mind a little extra weight for a better descent. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

Lightweight, metal-free construction keeps this ski easy and forgiving, but it gives up the damping and high-speed composure of a heavier ski carrying titanal. Aggressive skiers who like to charge will likely want something stouter underfoot.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The Blaze sizes true to length, so stick with your usual size, or go slightly shorter for the easiest handling.