2025 Volkl Blaze 104 W

Introducing a new build and shape, the Volkl Blaze 104 W is fresh on the scene for the 2025 season. Replacing the former Blaze 106, we are trending more towards resort and all-mountain skiing. With five options within the Blaze series, ranging from 82-114 mm underfoot, Volkl decided to keep the 114 as the dedicated powder ski and focus the new model on versatile use. While we are only dropping 2 mm of width, the change in construction and shape give way to a whole new feel. With equal parts playfulness and composure, the on-trail characteristics took a leap while maintaining the energetic, floaty feel that we all know and love. An appealing ski to just about everyone, with a whole new look and demeanor, those looking for all-mountain versatility with some freeride flair, the Blaze 104 W is a treat.

We see some construction elements from the 106 carry over to the 104 but with the addition of some new technology. While they used to use a simple hybrid wood core, we now see the use of the Green Core. This build approach sticks with the poplar and beech as the base but incorporates two central stringers of recycled PET plastic to create engagement while reducing pollution at the same time. A big win in our opinion, the use of plastic can be very beneficial as a structural component, especially given the fact that it is recycled. While this may be new for the narrower versions, we did see this used in the Blaze 114 last season and given its success, it makes sense to see it filter down into the rest of the line. The other major change in the build is seen in the use of metal-moving away from its role as half performance, half binding retention to structural and performance based. With the former metal featuring an indentation to act as flexion, the laminate is now full width. This really shifts the level of performance and gives the Blaze 104 more on-trail strengths and overall power. While we see the performance dial crank up, we also see the weight increase as a result. Not tipping the scale by any means, this new iteration feels sturdier and more commanding than before. As Tester Louise Lintilhac found, “this skis were up for any challenge. They nuked through the fresh pie with ease and were super stable at high speed through the chop. 10/10 would recommend for any and all conditions.”

With slight variations in the shape, the overall footprint remains the same more or less, keeping this ski squarely in the all-mountain freeride category. Aside from the 2 mm drop, the only other dimension change we see is in the tip. Losing 3 mm in the shovel, this tightens the forebody of the ski, enhancing its carving capabilities while maintaining plenty of soft snow performance. No changes made to the back of the ski, the low rocker profile and rounded shape invites energetic behavior and variation in turn styles. All in all, for a wider-bodied ski with minimal metal, the on-trail finesse is quite impressive. With 4 Radius Drive technology entering the chat, this is where you notice the new Blaze feel. The tip now features a 20/40/16.5/22-meter split between the 4 radii, allowing the ski to deliver varying degrees of performance depending on speed, direction, and edge angle. From being able to point it straight and fast with the 40 in the forebody to 16.5 in the tail for a more precise feel, this ski never feels out of place in a turn. A truly intuitive feel overall, the range of capabilities have drastically increased with this ski and we couldn’t be more of a fan.

Moving away from the lightweight, touring style ski and towards a more versatile, well-balanced feel, the Blaze 104 W now mixes on-trail power with floaty soft snow performance. While the 106 required slightly less thought and felt effortlessly smooth, the 104 puts more emphasis on edge grip, carving and finesse.