just rode the new brahma in snowbird. I think it is my new favorite all mountain ski for ski'd out bumps, hardpack groomers and non powder tree runs.. Amazing ski, so much control, edge hold and agility that does really well in the bumps too. I'd say don't ski it too big to not lose that race carver feel. ok now back to the atomic vantage to give my legs some rest. Great review by the way!
Thank you for all of your comprehensive reviews! After much consideration I am still torn between 180 Brahma and 180 Rustler 9. 42 yo, 180 lbs, expert skier. I ski in Midwest and West. One of the above two skis would be my main ski for local skiing, and would accompany 188 Black Crow Atris for trips West. At home resort, usually on groomers a little off piste, and trees basically because off piste is limited, often not enough snow pack for tree skiing. Any advice between the Brahma and Rustler 9? THANKS
Hey Kenan! That's a tough one as typically we're focusing on a fairly lightweight setup for touring. Tough to match the "burly-ness" of the Brahma in a ski that's light enough to be fun to tour on. My first thought is the Rustler 10. With the metal underfoot it definitely retains some of the stability of the Brahma, but the tips and tails are softer, more rockered, and lighter weight, so more playful in soft snow and a little easier on the uphill.
The Brahma is not so demanding in the traditional sense as it will initiate a turn relatively easily due to tip and tail rocker. where it is demanding I feel is in the 3d shape ie. tip and tail rocker flipcore construction with minimal camber. This makes fore and aft balance more critical and makes this relatively stiff ski extremely versatile and un plank like but it requires a degree of finesse to get the most out of it and is unique in this class of ski where you traditionally had power or finesse -this has both.
I ski East coast mostly but like to go off piste too. 5'11'' 225. Advanced skier. Currently on the Outland 80 XT's. and love them. Does the Brahma demand that you're forward and engaged all the time or can you relax as well?
You need to be pretty darn engaged on it. Not really a ski that lets you relax. Nordica Enforcer have a bit more forgiveness and a similar level of power and stability.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks, I definitively want to try the Brahma, it's just that Demo days are few and far between now-a-days. I need a carver for the east but want to explore too so the Rustler 9 as well is one I wanna try and I'l try your suggestion of the Enforcer if I can fin a demo day.
they need to do something about the carbon top sheet in the tip area. my tips on the 2018 model were totally trashed after 5 days of skiing bumps. That being said I like the ski it is so fast with no limit.
I'm looking for a new pair of skis... what do you think? I'm 34 yrs old, 6'0, about 185lbs. Advanced Intermediate on the East Coast. I ski 90% on trail, but will head into the woods occasionally. I have a pair of Volkl Kendos 184cm. I think they're a bit too much ski for me, as I fatigue pretty easily on them and they feel a bit too big. I wanted the 177cm's, but I got them at a shop that was going out of business for 85% off, so couldn't resist. Do you think the Brahma would be easier to ski? If so... which size - 180s or down to 173? Or, should I stick with the Kendos and maybe they'll make me a better skier? Thanks!
Great review. I’m just trying to decide between the Rustler 9 and Bushwacker but I’m wondering if you could help with the best ski size for me. I’m 180cm about 84kg and not an over aggressive skier. Could you tell me what size you rode and your height to give me some a reference point. There are limited options to demo these skis in Australia but they have got my interest to buy a set. Keep up the good reviews.
Hi Jay Cee! I am 5'10" and 150 lbs (178 cm, 68 kg) and typically ski the 180 cm Brahma when I have a chance to get on it. I'm fairly aggressive and like to ski pretty fast sometimes, so like having the stability of the 180 cm. In the Rustler 9 and Bushwacker I would also ski the 180 cm. For yourself I think you can go 180 cm in the Rustler 9 or Bushwacker. The Brahma in that length might be a bit much if you don't consider yourself aggressive, but with the Rustler 9 and Bush I think you'll be just fine on that 180 cm.
@@SkiEssentials Hi Jeff ... I'm 34 years old 185cm tall and 82kg I'm an intermediate skier ... I'm wondering between: qst 92 2019 177, blizzard bushwacker 180 and rustler 9 180 ... will these lengths be good for me and which pair of skis will be the best choice for me...70/30 groomers and offpiste...
@@krzysztofszewczyk650 They're all great! I'd go either QST 92 or Rustler 9 considering you're spending 30% of your time off-piste. The Rustler 9 is a little more stable at speed, but more demanding. The QST is lighter, and more maneuverable, but not quite the same vibration damping. More forgiving too.
@@SkiEssentials I wonder more about between qst 92 and bushwacker ... because I already have one pair of skis that require head supershape i.titan ... so I'm looking for more all mountain skis for all conditions...
Love the videos!! Can anyone help me choose a ski for the upcoming Canadian season. I’m an advanced skier (ex GS/Slalom racer at school and university, but 40yrs old now), I love hard and fast carve turns. Occasionally I’ll spy a bump track or some trees and go play, but mostly long groomer runs. I’m stuck between choosing the Brahma or the Enforcer 93 and cannot decide. There also seem to be a couple of Brahma options. Can anyone help? I’m wondering if the Brahma will be too unforgiving off the groomers.
That would be awesome! I've never skied Bachelor. It's on my list! Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) I'm pretty busy through the winter.
I’ve been watching and reading reviews trying to find a new east coast ski. I am currently skiing PA/NY most weekends with a few weekend trips in to Vermont or CO whenever possible. I currently have NRGY 100’s in 177. I like them, they seem to handle everything decently, but being new to the east coast, I realized I need something with more edge. I have a harder time holding edges on some of the poorer snow condition days with turns on the steeps and just carving turns in general. In PA there is very little off piste skiing, but I enjoy getting in the trees, moguls, and hitting a few side hits on the way down the hill whenever possible. I am currently looking at the Blizzard Brahma and the Nordica Enforcer 93, but am open to more ideas. I’m 5’9 and weigh in around 190. I appreciate your advice!
I picked up the NRGY 100 for a fantastic price on EVO 2 seasons ago to be my "when I go out west" ski and I LOVE it. I just picked up Backland FR 109 skis for if I get to got out west when they are expecting lots of fresh new snow. And I got the Brahma as my Vermont ski - I hope it's not too stiff. If it is I'll just fall back on my Rocker 2 90's that I love and sell the Brahmas and never buy Blizzard skis again! (I previously bought skis by Blizzard that were too much for me...my fault but will leave a bad taste in my mouth if this happens a second time!)
On the Blizzard website it says that the Brahma comes in two different versions. The Brahma anthracite and the Brahma Black. Is it just the color that is different or are there also structural differences?
Hmm... which version of the Blizzard site are you looking at? US or Europe? There's only one version of the Brahma, as far as I know. The Brahma Ca is now the Bushwacker. For 2020 there is a Brahma 82, of course, and this is now the Brahma 88. I wonder if you're seeing an updated site with the 88 and 82?
So I have Nordica 93 and like them a lot. Want something more playful and some bumps. I ski out here in Colorado. Sounds like the Rustler no metal will work? Any others you can recommend?
Hi Dan! So, to clarify, all of the Rustlers have metal in their construction. They just have less metal than the Brahma, and the wider the ski in the Rustler line the shorter the metal is. I might focus on something that really does have no metal in its construction to compliment your Enforcer 93. Do you want to go wider? Or stay in the same width? The new Atomic Bent Chetler comes to mind, or if you wanted to go narrower you could even consider some twin tip all mountain skis like the Nordica Soul Rider 87. Does that make sense? Let me know what you think! SE
That will give you the easiest time in moguls, at least in most snow conditions. Maybe even something with some metal, but not a lot, like the K2 Pinnacle 88, could work well. Ideally a narrower, lighter, slightly softer flexing ski is the way you want to go if you're looking for easier performance in moguls.
The Brahma can be tough in deep snow. Not much rocker, and a fairly stiff ski, so it's pretty demanding and unforgiving in deep snow. Rustler 9 is a better all mountain ski for deep, soft snow.
I have been a Flipcore cultist since Arnie Backstrom won my loyalty. 2 worn out Bonafide, 1 Bodacious and in current use the LatiGo and Brahma should qualify my comment. They're fine in deep consistent snow. Yes they're burly, and maybe not as versatile off piste as the Bonafide but 88mm is a great width and hitting the chop at 45 in a super g arc, there is no substitute. Well, Kastle might eclipse the Brahma and that's good company indeed.
Thanks! We don't currently have a 180 cm in all those models, but I was able to weight each in the 173 cm length: Brahma: 8.5 lbs Rustler 9: 7.75 lbs Bushwacker: 7.0 lbs Pretty cool how it breaks down, huh?
Yessir! 2018 Brahma Ca = 2019 Bushwacker. They basically just brought the name back, but kept the improvements they made to the ski when they changed it to Brahma Ca.
Brahma is way more powerful. It's also heavier, less forgiving, requires more skier input, and is more fatiguing. Requires a pretty high level of skier, and prefers to be on firm snow most of the time.
Hey Markus! Happy to help. Overall, the Brahma is a little more precise and feels a little stiffer. The Enforcer 88 is a touch smoother and a little more versatile overall. Not quite as stiff or precise as the Brahma, but pretty close.
I'm not a particularly big guy but I'm a bit of a fat ass at 5'9" and 190 pounds! 51, hate going to the gym, can't handle doing anything outdoors in the summertime heat and humidity. I'm going to try to do more walking and hiking now that it has cooled off.
I'm 6'2" and 190lbs, more advanced that intermediate, but would recommend these for a strong intermediate, who likes to stay active on the skis. Although they look good on the slope side cafe racks, they like to be skied..
Now I'm so *ucking pissed. I bought the Brahma because I read that it WAS a great ski that was made to be more forgiving than prior models. I'm a strong intermediate but I'm not an expert and if the fucking thing won't bend for me then it will be yet another pair of skis that I use 2 or 3 times and then sell at a loss over what I paid for them.
Whoa! It's okay. The Brahma is a great ski, and the changes did make it more forgiving than prior versions. You should be okay as a strong intermediate, as long as you're a fairly athletic guy. Still a stiff ski, but you'll be alright.
I demoed the Brahma last winter and really liked it! It's not the ski for the occasional skier, looking for easy and playful. It needs to be pushed, but that brings out the nimbleness. Swings quite easily in the steeps, and gives a nice pop out of the turn when carving. Rides like a wide GS ski. Definitely a good pick as a single-quiver ski, that could be skied all day long. If I didn't ride the 2016 Bonafide currently, the new Brahma would have been my choice in a heartbeat! Talking about Bonafide, the 2018/2019 was a bit of a disappointment for me. It did feel like a Bonafide, sure - but I was expecting a bit more change to the previous shape. Admittedly, the Southern Finland slopes are not the best for test riding them Bones, but even so, I felt that the older one is actually easier to edge at intermediate speeds. Maybe different story when ridden hard.. But, as said, it did feel like a Bonafide, so in case I needed to shop a new pair of Bonafides, the 2018/2019 felt right at home.
@@lassivaatamoinen5468 I'm thinking about selling the Brahmas since they are still brand new and I haven't put bindings on them - I got them for a good deal at the end of last season so I think I can sell them for what I paid for them now that they are selling for $649 everywhere. I'm looking at going to Nordica Navigator 90 instead. I want a less demanding more fun more playful all conditions east coast ski.
I’m still skiing this ski well over 150 days on it and still love love love it. CSIA 3, CSCF 2
Nice! Built like a rock, those skis!
just rode the new brahma in snowbird. I think it is my new favorite all mountain ski for ski'd out bumps, hardpack groomers and non powder tree runs.. Amazing ski, so much control, edge hold and agility that does really well in the bumps too. I'd say don't ski it too big to not lose that race carver feel. ok now back to the atomic vantage to give my legs some rest. Great review by the way!
I super appreciate your honest review regarding the Brahma. Really great video. Cheers!
Thanks Scott!
Thank you for all of your comprehensive reviews! After much consideration I am still torn between 180 Brahma and 180 Rustler 9. 42 yo, 180 lbs, expert skier. I ski in Midwest and West. One of the above two skis would be my main ski for local skiing, and would accompany 188 Black Crow Atris for trips West. At home resort, usually on groomers a little off piste, and trees basically because off piste is limited, often not enough snow pack for tree skiing. Any advice between the Brahma and Rustler 9? THANKS
brama for sure
love the brahma, looking for a fatter touring ski that feels as burly as these sticks. Any suggestions?
Hey Kenan! That's a tough one as typically we're focusing on a fairly lightweight setup for touring. Tough to match the "burly-ness" of the Brahma in a ski that's light enough to be fun to tour on. My first thought is the Rustler 10. With the metal underfoot it definitely retains some of the stability of the Brahma, but the tips and tails are softer, more rockered, and lighter weight, so more playful in soft snow and a little easier on the uphill.
The Brahma is not so demanding in the traditional sense as it will initiate a turn relatively easily due to tip and tail rocker.
where it is demanding I feel is in the 3d shape ie. tip and tail rocker flipcore construction with minimal camber.
This makes fore and aft balance more critical and makes this relatively stiff ski extremely versatile and un plank like but it requires a degree of finesse to get the most out of it and is unique in this class of ski where you traditionally had power or finesse -this has both.
I ski East coast mostly but like to go off piste too. 5'11'' 225. Advanced skier.
Currently on the Outland 80 XT's. and love them.
Does the Brahma demand that you're forward and engaged all the time or can you relax as well?
You need to be pretty darn engaged on it. Not really a ski that lets you relax. Nordica Enforcer have a bit more forgiveness and a similar level of power and stability.
@@SkiEssentials
Thanks, I definitively want to try the Brahma, it's just that Demo days are few and far between now-a-days. I need a carver for the east but want to explore too so the Rustler 9 as well is one I wanna try and I'l try your suggestion of the Enforcer if I can fin a demo day.
they need to do something about the carbon top sheet in the tip area. my tips on the 2018 model were totally trashed after 5 days of skiing bumps. That being said I like the ski it is so fast with no limit.
That's true. The carbon just peels after a few weeks
I'm looking for a new pair of skis... what do you think?
I'm 34 yrs old, 6'0, about 185lbs. Advanced Intermediate on the East Coast. I ski 90% on trail, but will head into the woods occasionally. I have a pair of Volkl Kendos 184cm. I think they're a bit too much ski for me, as I fatigue pretty easily on them and they feel a bit too big. I wanted the 177cm's, but I got them at a shop that was going out of business for 85% off, so couldn't resist. Do you think the Brahma would be easier to ski? If so... which size - 180s or down to 173? Or, should I stick with the Kendos and maybe they'll make me a better skier? Thanks!
Great review.
I’m just trying to decide between the Rustler 9 and Bushwacker but I’m wondering if you could help with the best ski size for me. I’m 180cm about 84kg and not an over aggressive skier. Could you tell me what size you rode and your height to give me some a reference point. There are limited options to demo these skis in Australia but they have got my interest to buy a set. Keep up the good reviews.
Hi Jay Cee! I am 5'10" and 150 lbs (178 cm, 68 kg) and typically ski the 180 cm Brahma when I have a chance to get on it. I'm fairly aggressive and like to ski pretty fast sometimes, so like having the stability of the 180 cm. In the Rustler 9 and Bushwacker I would also ski the 180 cm. For yourself I think you can go 180 cm in the Rustler 9 or Bushwacker. The Brahma in that length might be a bit much if you don't consider yourself aggressive, but with the Rustler 9 and Bush I think you'll be just fine on that 180 cm.
@@SkiEssentials Hi Jeff ... I'm 34 years old 185cm tall and 82kg I'm an intermediate skier ... I'm wondering between: qst 92 2019 177, blizzard bushwacker 180 and rustler 9 180 ... will these lengths be good for me and which pair of skis will be the best choice for me...70/30 groomers and offpiste...
@@krzysztofszewczyk650 They're all great! I'd go either QST 92 or Rustler 9 considering you're spending 30% of your time off-piste. The Rustler 9 is a little more stable at speed, but more demanding. The QST is lighter, and more maneuverable, but not quite the same vibration damping. More forgiving too.
@@SkiEssentials I wonder more about between qst 92 and bushwacker ... because I already have one pair of skis that require head supershape i.titan ... so I'm looking for more all mountain skis for all conditions...
Love the videos!!
Can anyone help me choose a ski for the upcoming Canadian season. I’m an advanced skier (ex GS/Slalom racer at school and university, but 40yrs old now), I love hard and fast carve turns. Occasionally I’ll spy a bump track or some trees and go play, but mostly long groomer runs.
I’m stuck between choosing the Brahma or the Enforcer 93 and cannot decide. There also seem to be a couple of Brahma options. Can anyone help?
I’m wondering if the Brahma will be too unforgiving off the groomers.
Always enjoy your analysis Jeff! Come visit us at Mt. Bachelor this winter if you're able to! 👍✌️🖖🕊️🦋☃️❄️
That would be awesome! I've never skied Bachelor. It's on my list! Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) I'm pretty busy through the winter.
I’ve been watching and reading reviews trying to find a new east coast ski. I am currently skiing PA/NY most weekends with a few weekend trips in to Vermont or CO whenever possible. I currently have NRGY 100’s in 177. I like them, they seem to handle everything decently, but being new to the east coast, I realized I need something with more edge. I have a harder time holding edges on some of the poorer snow condition days with turns on the steeps and just carving turns in general. In PA there is very little off piste skiing, but I enjoy getting in the trees, moguls, and hitting a few side hits on the way down the hill whenever possible. I am currently looking at the Blizzard Brahma and the Nordica Enforcer 93, but am open to more ideas. I’m 5’9 and weigh in around 190. I appreciate your advice!
I picked up the NRGY 100 for a fantastic price on EVO 2 seasons ago to be my "when I go out west" ski and I LOVE it. I just picked up Backland FR 109 skis for if I get to got out west when they are expecting lots of fresh new snow. And I got the Brahma as my Vermont ski - I hope it's not too stiff. If it is I'll just fall back on my Rocker 2 90's that I love and sell the Brahmas and never buy Blizzard skis again! (I previously bought skis by Blizzard that were too much for me...my fault but will leave a bad taste in my mouth if this happens a second time!)
When it comes to carving performance, how would you say the Bushwacker compares to the Nordica Navigator 90?
On the Blizzard website it says that the Brahma comes in two different versions. The Brahma anthracite and the Brahma Black. Is it just the color that is different or are there also structural differences?
Hmm... which version of the Blizzard site are you looking at? US or Europe? There's only one version of the Brahma, as far as I know. The Brahma Ca is now the Bushwacker. For 2020 there is a Brahma 82, of course, and this is now the Brahma 88. I wonder if you're seeing an updated site with the 88 and 82?
I’m advanced in ability. Ski 69 mm waist now 168 length. 5’5” 240#. What do you recommend ?
So I have Nordica 93 and like them a lot. Want something more playful and some bumps. I ski out here in Colorado. Sounds like the Rustler no metal will work? Any others you can recommend?
Hi Dan!
So, to clarify, all of the Rustlers have metal in their construction. They just have less metal than the Brahma, and the wider the ski in the Rustler line the shorter the metal is. I might focus on something that really does have no metal in its construction to compliment your Enforcer 93. Do you want to go wider? Or stay in the same width? The new Atomic Bent Chetler comes to mind, or if you wanted to go narrower you could even consider some twin tip all mountain skis like the Nordica Soul Rider 87.
Does that make sense? Let me know what you think!
SE
Yes it makes sense. Thinking 88 or less under foot for the bumps? Looked at the Bent cool ski going to demo them for sure....
I ski 12 days hoping to do more but never really get to ski much POW. It is usually all skied up when I get there so mostly groomers ....
That will give you the easiest time in moguls, at least in most snow conditions. Maybe even something with some metal, but not a lot, like the K2 Pinnacle 88, could work well. Ideally a narrower, lighter, slightly softer flexing ski is the way you want to go if you're looking for easier performance in moguls.
As it is an allmountain ski, what about Brahmas performance in heavy deep snow and in deep powder?
The Brahma can be tough in deep snow. Not much rocker, and a fairly stiff ski, so it's pretty demanding and unforgiving in deep snow. Rustler 9 is a better all mountain ski for deep, soft snow.
I have been a Flipcore cultist since Arnie Backstrom won my loyalty. 2 worn out Bonafide, 1 Bodacious and in current use the LatiGo and Brahma should qualify my comment. They're fine in deep consistent snow. Yes they're burly, and maybe not as versatile off piste as the Bonafide but 88mm is a great width and hitting the chop at 45 in a super g arc, there is no substitute. Well, Kastle might eclipse the Brahma and that's good company indeed.
@@falllinemaniac thank you very much for your experience report. That helps.
Hey nice review.
Could you provide some info on the weights of the 180cm Brahma, Bushwacker and Rustler 9?
Thanks.
Thanks! We don't currently have a 180 cm in all those models, but I was able to weight each in the 173 cm length:
Brahma: 8.5 lbs
Rustler 9: 7.75 lbs
Bushwacker: 7.0 lbs
Pretty cool how it breaks down, huh?
Thanks for the info. Yeah, it’s cool how the weights pan out. Precise and uniformed!
Quick question. I dont see 2019 Brahma CA and there is 2019 Bushwacker.
So..... 2019 Brahma CA = 2019 Bushwacker?
Yessir! 2018 Brahma Ca = 2019 Bushwacker. They basically just brought the name back, but kept the improvements they made to the ski when they changed it to Brahma Ca.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you Sir. I am switching over to Bush from brahm based on your recommendation. ^^
Makes sense, both skis are that 88mmish under foot without metal correct?
Rossi 88 Vs brama?? Enforcer 88 Ty guys appreciate comparison 👍😜
Brahma is way more powerful. It's also heavier, less forgiving, requires more skier input, and is more fatiguing. Requires a pretty high level of skier, and prefers to be on firm snow most of the time.
I can't decide between enforcer 88 and brahma 88...
Hey Markus! Happy to help. Overall, the Brahma is a little more precise and feels a little stiffer. The Enforcer 88 is a touch smoother and a little more versatile overall. Not quite as stiff or precise as the Brahma, but pretty close.
can you guys review the line sick day series
Hi Max! We're not currently a Line dealer, although if that ever changes you can expect we'll do a series of reviews!
Got any J Skis?
Hi Brad! As of now we are not a J Skis dealer, although we often see Mr. Levinthal around these parts.
2019 Brahma same ski as 2018 Brahma?
Yup, same ski.
If you are a bigger guy, it tames them down. Perfect for me.
I'm not a particularly big guy but I'm a bit of a fat ass at 5'9" and 190 pounds! 51, hate going to the gym, can't handle doing anything outdoors in the summertime heat and humidity. I'm going to try to do more walking and hiking now that it has cooled off.
I'm 6'2" and 190lbs, more advanced that intermediate, but would recommend these for a strong intermediate, who likes to stay active on the skis. Although they look good on the slope side cafe racks, they like to be skied..
Now I'm so *ucking pissed. I bought the Brahma because I read that it WAS a great ski that was made to be more forgiving than prior models. I'm a strong intermediate but I'm not an expert and if the fucking thing won't bend for me then it will be yet another pair of skis that I use 2 or 3 times and then sell at a loss over what I paid for them.
Whoa! It's okay. The Brahma is a great ski, and the changes did make it more forgiving than prior versions. You should be okay as a strong intermediate, as long as you're a fairly athletic guy. Still a stiff ski, but you'll be alright.
I demoed the Brahma last winter and really liked it! It's not the ski for the occasional skier, looking for easy and playful. It needs to be pushed, but that brings out the nimbleness. Swings quite easily in the steeps, and gives a nice pop out of the turn when carving. Rides like a wide GS ski. Definitely a good pick as a single-quiver ski, that could be skied all day long.
If I didn't ride the 2016 Bonafide currently, the new Brahma would have been my choice in a heartbeat!
Talking about Bonafide, the 2018/2019 was a bit of a disappointment for me. It did feel like a Bonafide, sure - but I was expecting a bit more change to the previous shape. Admittedly, the Southern Finland slopes are not the best for test riding them Bones, but even so, I felt that the older one is actually easier to edge at intermediate speeds. Maybe different story when ridden hard.. But, as said, it did feel like a Bonafide, so in case I needed to shop a new pair of Bonafides, the 2018/2019 felt right at home.
@@lassivaatamoinen5468 I'm thinking about selling the Brahmas since they are still brand new and I haven't put bindings on them - I got them for a good deal at the end of last season so I think I can sell them for what I paid for them now that they are selling for $649 everywhere. I'm looking at going to Nordica Navigator 90 instead. I want a less demanding more fun more playful all conditions east coast ski.
nice haircut
Hey thanks!