2023 Volkl Blaze 94

Supreme versatility, the Volkl Blaze 94 has a whole lot to offer a wide variety of skiers. Whether you’re looking for an all-mountain one-ski quiver for different snow surfaces or terrain variations, or a 50/50 touring ski that is equally at home on the uphills as on the downhills, the Volkl Blaze 94 was built for multi-purpose skiing. Built with a hybrid multi-layer wood core, the skis have a light and energetic foundation. On top of that core underfoot, a metal plate not only serves as binding retention, but also for dampness and edge grip. In the tips and tails, Volkl uses a rubber material to reduce vibrations, and that in conjunction with the metal plate makes for a smooth, solid, and stable ski at a relatively light weight.

Both Rick Randall and David Carter skied the 179, and both found it to be right for them. David had pretty consistent scores for this ski, with all 4’s except for a lone 3 for playfulness. Like most mid-90's all-mountain skis, we expect to see consistent scores like this as they’re designed and built for the purpose of versatility. David notes that the Blaze 94 “works great for medium radius turns. It’s nice and predictable.” Rick Randall had a pretty similar span of scores, with mostly 4’s dotting his card. He did give 3’s out of 5 for playfulness and overall impression, but with the rest of scores being 4’s, this is still a pretty good average. He notes that “It’s a lightweight and easy ski in variable conditions. Great for intermediate level skiers, and I don’t think it’s the best for advanced skiers, but it’s good for someone looking to progress their skiing.”

On the 186, Bob St.Pierre noted that the ski “felt perfect!” He gave top scores of 5’s out of 5 for versatility and overall impression, with 4’s going for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. Torsional stiffness, edge hold, and stability all got 3’s. “I really like skis that I can't find fault in. Sure, it's not a carver like the M6, but for its weight and range, it carves very clean and round turns. For most skiers looking for a one-ski quiver, this is about as complete and well-rounded as a ski is going to get, and that's a good thing. I got to ski this on a variable day, with some chunky snow at the top of the hill and pretty smooth groomers at the bottom. It went from one to the other condition seamlessly, and that’s a very good thing for a ski like this. The added bonus is the ski's ability to take a touring/hybrid binding and further explore the mountains, whether dawn patrol skin laps or true backcountry skiing, the Blaze 94 is a complete and fun ski, and that's what we're really looking for in skis of this zone. Lots of ability range here as well, from lower intermediates to top-level experts.” Bob is seeing a bigger range of skier ability than Rick or David, and that might have something to do with the longer length.

Skiers who are looking for one pair of lighter skis that can do quite literally anything and everything will gravitate to the Volkl Blaze 94. It’s got the shape, build, and profile to make it supremely versatile and well-rounded. This is one of those skis that you can buy without trying, click in, and never think about your skis again. They’re totally predictable and intuitive, and that’s a huge bonus when you’re looking for a true all-mountain ski.