2023 Volkl Blaze 86 W

The Volkl Blaze 86W gets a new topsheet for 2023, but remains the same light weight, versatile ski that makes a lot of sense for a wide variety of skiers. The Blaze category has developed a reputation as being a fantastic zone for true 50/50 skis, both in and out of bounds, as well as uphill/downhill capable. Feel free to put a touring binding on this ski, as it is quite light, or put a regular alpine binding on it and exclusively ride the lifts. Either way, intermediate all-mountain skiers will love the energy and ease of use of the Volkl Blaze 86W. Built with a hybrid multi-layer wood core, we get that light and snappy feeling from the ski without making it too flimsy. Adding their suspension tips and tails to the mix makes for a smoother and stabler ride, much to the delight of advancing and progressing skiers looking for something confidence-inspiring and just plain fun.

Abby Maurice skied the 159, and while she liked this length, she “could have pushed it into the 160’s if they had that option.” If you’re more of an advanced skier like Abby, it’s okay to size up in order to get some more stability if desired. She scored the Blaze 86W 5’s out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, forgiveness, and versatility. 4’s completed her scorecard, giving a high baseline and average score for this ski. She notes that “This ski has the ability to transform to whatever you need it to be. It can mold to your performance and personality with ease and excitement. The Blaze is quick for those split-second decisions, grippy when you're hugging tight on edge, and poppy when you're looking to cruise over side hits and bumps. It could make any level skier happy... which, in my opinion, is what Volkl does best. I was absolutely impressed by the versatility of this ski, feeding my desire to bounce and flex within all turn shapes on variable conditions.” We’ve been hearing that about the Blaze skis for the past few years now, and it’s great to see that those opinions and experiences haven’t changed a whole lot.

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 its 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 underfoot 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 on the feedback from Nifer and Annie, can be enjoyed by high level experts as well.

That’s kind of the point of these Blaze skis—they're able to do a whole lot for a wide variety of skiers, from emerging beginners all the way to collegiate racers and experts. The implementation of the backcountry and touring aspect makes it all the more attractive to higher-end skiers as it gives a lighter uphill option that still has a lot of downhill poise.