2023 Volkl Blaze 106 W

Volkl’s Blaze 106W returns unchanged but for graphics in 2023. Bringing the same flotation and high-energy to the table, these skis are fantastic options for those looking for a wider stick in the quiver, or a one-ski option for snowier zones and touring. The lightweight construction makes these skis totally versatile from a 50/50 resort/touring perspective, as they’re just as comfortable with a touring binding on them as a regular alpine one. Built with a hybrid multi-layer wood core, the skis have poplar and beech stringers mixed in with a lighter synthetic material, leading to that lighter feel without jeopardizing energy and pop. Underfoot, a metal plate serves not only as a binding retention plate but also a structural damper. Rubber inserts in the tips and tails further reduce unwanted vibrations, so skiers get quite a quiet ski without the weight of full-metal laminates. With powder-specific rocker profiling and taper shaping, these skis are fantastic floaters, while their directional nature makes them pretty darn cohesive on-trail as well. Volkl’s 3D Radius sidecut only adds to the overall high-performance level and top-quality feel and finish.

Louise Lintilhac was on the 165 and noted that it was true to size. Her scores were as consistent as the skis, with 4’s right across the board from start to finish. She notes that “The Blaze 106 is a do it all shredder. Whether on groomers or in chop, these skis floated and played edge to edge with ease. The width was perfect for staying on top of variable but was at home carving turns and happy whether I wanted to slow down for slalom turns or speed up for larger arcs.” A lot of skiers and testers have this same experience on the 106, that they love to be opened up if necessary, that they’re not just floaty skis that need to be in powder. Pascale Connacher was also on the 165 and noted its trueness to size. She scored it 4’s out of 5 for flotation and playfulness, with 3’s for stability, quickness, maneuverability, versatility, and overall impression. She noted that while the Blaze 106W “was fun in the bumps, there was not much edge control otherwise. Probably a good one for the woods, but not my favorite for big mountain skiing.” Mirroring Pascale’s noting of the Blaze’s favorability in the woods, Ann MacDonald calls her 172 tester “Light and lively. Really easy turning for a wide ski so it would be great in the trees on a powder day! Tip can get a little “hooky” if not on edge. Really big shovel for its size but lots of float! I think a powder day off-piste would be the best for this ski but fun in the slush bumps because of its maneuverability. I like a heavier ski usually for crud but this had enough stiffness to handle it. Because of its lightness, it would be a good touring set-up too. Maybe a good one quiver if you were looking to travel!” That touring aspect should not go unnoticed as well, adding to the overall personality of the ski.

Kristi Brown had a slightly different feel and experience on her 172, noting that it’s perfect for her size and height. She scored the ski 5’s out of 5 all across the board, so she’s more in line with Lousie and the well-roundedness of the ski. Kristi states “I love the Volkl Blaze 106W! People always ask me what is my go-to ski and this season in mid-January, the Blaze 106 has been my daily driver!” Carly Monahan calls her 158 true to size, and a great length for tight terrain, but she’d opt for the 166 in softer conditions. “Consider me a Blaze fan. If I were adding a new ski to my quiver, I would probably opt for the Blaze 94 instead of the 106, since I'm not typically skiing super deep pow and would want a bit more frontside utility. But, that said, I was super impressed by how effortless and playful the Blaze 106W was! This is a LIGHT ski, but as anyone would expect of a Volkl, it's got great edge grip and dampness. For its width, it's super maneuverable and quick.”

Whether you’re looking to use the Blaze 106W as a resort-specific ski or as a touring option, there’s a lot of opportunity for skiers to get a wide range of performance attributes out of this product. Since it’s not only light, but also pretty stable and energetic, this floaty ski with a massive shovel will be best-suited for advanced and expert skiers looking to stay on top of fresh snow.