2027 Volkl Blaze 94

For 2027, the Volkl Blaze 94 is a carryover model featuring the same construction, shape, profile, and graphics as last year. These skis continue to be an excellent complement to Volkl’s heavier skis like the M7 Mantra with more of a focus on quickness, maneuverability, soft snow, and technical terrain. While they might not have the carving chops of skis like the Mantra, their versatility and capabilities in variable snow conditions are very impressive. They’re also notably lightweight, that can be seen as a nod to their touring potential. Whether you choose to make it a resort all-mountain ski or you’re planning on taking it deep into the backcountry, there’s a lot to like in this lightweight ski.

Due to the sophistication and engineering, we see a lot of energy and pop in the construction. Volkl manages to keep the stability of the Blaze 94 at a high level without sacrificing its lightweight appeal. That construction carries forward to 2027 where we see a Hybrid Multilayer Wood Core, 3D Glass, Suspension Tips & Tails, and a titanal plate underfoot. In the 165 cm length, the Blaze 94 still comes in at an impressively low 1455 g. Tester John McLaughlin notes that "It's a very easy to turn. It was also stable in steep ice. This is a ski that can ski everything without a second thought."

While the build of the ski takes up a big part of the conversation, the shape and profile are quite unique as well. For a mid-90 all-mountain ski, the shape is largely derived from wider freeride skis. The Blaze 94 has long rocker lines, although not a tremendous amount of splay. You can maneuver it easily if you keep it to a flatter edge angle but tipping it on edge engages more of the ski, effectively increasing grip and stability the more you tip the ski on edge. We also see Volkl’s 4 Radius Drive shaping. There’s a difference between radii in different sections of the ski, notably just behind the tip and before the toe piece of your binding. In this area, the 179 cm length sees a massive 39.9 m radius, but then under your foot it’s 16.8 m. This allows you to let the ski drift and be a little looser in soft snow conditions without it feeling catchy, but if you gas pedal it and engage the middle portion of the ski, it starts to make rounder, more carved turns. It’s a fantastic design that allows for a seemingly endless amount of different turn shapes. For Greg Skelton, he notes that "The Blaze 94 is light but rails in firm snow. Even when aiming for blue ice, it had surprisingly little chatter. While the sturdy construction make this a good all around ski for the weight (~1500gm), the ski will be the most fun in softer snow."

This is an incredibly well-rounded and useful ski. When you put a touring potential here as well, it boosts the versatility even further from a value standpoint. While the Blaze 94 is still far from the most stable, powerful skis on the market, it excels in off-piste terrain and any situation where you need to make quick turns. Skiers who love bumps, trees, and short turns will truly enjoy the quickness and agility of the Blaze 94.