The “narrowest” Blaze (86 mm under the boot) is available in four lengths and offers an ideal combination of smooth “surfing” and light weight. As well as featuring a 3D radius sidecut, the Blaze 86 is built with a full tip-to-tail wood core. This not only trims the weight and makes the ski more lively, it also eliminates the need for plastic panels – a small but positive environmental aspect. The 86 model also comes with elasticated, rubbery suspension elements around the edges of its tip and the tail, which act like bumpers in wind-blown, unfavourable snow conditions, making the ski more settled and delivering great flotation.
The Blaze series is designed for fast, short turns. But its three different radii, especially in combination with a full hybrid multi-layer wood core, mean it is suited to every riding style and can handle even the most ambitious use. The Blaze 86 is ideal for sporty all-mountain skiers who want to go off-piste, and for classic freeriders and ski tourers who are happy to put up with an extra 100 g in exchange for significantly improved performance.
The Blaze is also used as a freeride touring ski, thanks to its light weight. That’s why Völkl also offers Smart Glue skins tailored to each Blaze model.
Specifications
Geometry: 129_86_111mm
Turn radius: 15m
Bindings: NOT Included. This ski is adept with either an alpine or freetouring ski binding due to its lighter weight
Ski Buyers Guide
Buying a pair of skis doesn't need to be a daunting experience. When buying a pair of skis, there are a few simple pieces of information that will help you to find your perfect match. With the introduction of carving skis and new technology, ski length is based more on the user’s weight than the tradition of using your height. Combine this with your ski level and your aspirations and this will help narrow your choice very quickly. Follow these simple steps:
STEP 1 - ABILITY
Firstly choose your current skiing level from the list below:
1 - Never skied before
2 - I can stop with a snowplough
3 - I am doing snowplough turns, and the odd blue run
4 - I am starting to parallel ski and onto blue runs
5 - I am venturing onto reds, and starting to make step turns
6 - I am getting confident on reds, and maybe doing the odd black
7 - I am comfortable skiing most black runs
8 - I am confortable on ice, and venturing off-piste
9 - I am skiing off-piste aggresively, and carving across all pistes
10 - I am a professional experienced ski instructor or racer
Here at The Skiers Lounge we then brake this down into 4 groups:
- NOVICE (Level 1 to 4)
- INTERMEDIATE (Level 4-6)
- ADVANCED (Level 6-8)
- EXPERT (Level 8-9)
- PROFESSIONAL (Level 10)
STEP 2 - TERRAINNow you know your skier level, you can decide where you will mainly be using your new skis:
- - Groomed Piste Runs
- - All snow conditions (From ice to slush)
- - All mountain skiing conditions (piste and off-piste)
- - Off-piste skiing (powder)
- - Ski touring
STEP 3 - SKI LENGTH
For selecting the correct ski length, we take your ability, weight and where you will use the skis, and can calculate an approximate length:
STEP 3 - FINAL ADJUSTMENT FOR SKILL LEVELThe final calculation- For
NOVICE skiers, this is your recommended length. For
INTERMEDIATE and
ADVANCED skiers we recommend adding 5cm to the above measurement, and for
EXPERT and
PROFESSIONAL skiers you would normally add 10cm to the above length and a little more for freeride skis.