Völkl Blaze 106
The brand spankin’ Völkl Blaze 106 W is the lightest of our Editors Choice fat skis making it a great option for those looking for a wider platform that still feels agile and lively.
Surprisingly pingy for a chunky ski, the new Blaze 106 W is super broad across the nose and tail, but the full wood core construction and lack of titanal across the length of the ski ensures it delivers a bendy, responsive and accessible big mountain ride.
The short titanal binding platform underneath the foot retains good power transmission through the drive phase of the turn, but the central radius of the ski’s 3D radius sidecut is just 14m, meaning shorter turns are easiest to initiate.
It all adds up to a super-surfy yet nippy ski, with a particularly lively tail that boosts you out through the end of your turns.
The relatively muted top sheet means the ski lacks the instant wow factor and some testers found it a little unnerving at high speeds, suggesting it needs a strong skier to stay on top and keep in control.
Lighter and more manoeuvrable than the big blasting Mantras that lie at the heart of Völkl’s freeski family, all the skis in the new Blaze range have the added bonus of being able to double up as hike and ride skis with skins available pre-cut and a lip on the tip and tail for fitting.
If you’re looking for an out and out touring ski then the new Rise range are where it’s at, but for occasional short day tours when powder hunting is the order of the day, the Blaze 106 W will get you to the goods.
Verdict
A super-surfy yet nippy ski, with a particularly lively tail. Perfect for occasional short day tours when powder hunting is the order of the day.
- Brand:
- Volkl
- Model:
- Völkl Blaze 106
- RRP:
- £625
- Width:
- 106mm
- Lengths
- 158, 165, 172
- Radius
- 14m @ 165
- Dimensions
- 146-106-128
- Weight per ski
- 1600g @ 165
