2021 Blizzard Bonafide 97 Ski Review
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- Опубликовано: 12 май 2020
- This is a little longer than most of our reviews, but there's a lot to talk about and we wanted to give it the attention it deserves. If anyone wants to skip ahead, we start talking more specifically about performance around the 13:00 mark.
Written Review: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
Excellent review. You did NOT talk too much. I was tempted by the sales on the 2020 Bonafide. The 2021 Bonafide 97 is much closer to what this big (6'3", 230 lb.) old (64 yo) skier wants.
Another great review guys, thank you! You do this type of in depth ski analysis better than anybody as you talk about all the technical aspects of a ski without slipping into meaningless jargon
Thank you! That means a lot.
Great and thorough review. As a fellow professional in the ski industry now working in NZ, I love your work.
Thanks James! That means a lot.
Great format guys.
Love these ski essentials videos guys- great work! I just bought the 177cm Bonafide 97 after demoing a quiver at Jackson Hole (primarily bombing hard pack and chopped groomers, back to back, minutes apart, out of a mid mountain tent). Mind blowing ski that had me laughing at the bottom of the runs! My experience was similar but different than the impression I would have gotten from this video, so I figured I'd post in case others may find it helpful. I'm 6'2" and 180lbs, ski 80% groomers at speed out west, and like to generate G's driving aggressive carved turns. I demo'd the bones in both 177cm and 183cm, along with Volkl M5 Mantra, K2 Mindbender 99ti, Nordica Enforcer 104, and several other all-mtn skis (all in mid 180s lengths). The bonafides had this extra 15% edge grip and stability at speed (both the 177 and 183) that allowed me to charge as hard as I could, just railing and driving trenches with strong turns at speed without fear of slipping out. I've never pushed that hard on my prior skis (I'd have slipped out). It was another level. I was giggling at the G's I could generate with these and eventually drew a lecture from ski patrol :). At some point, through a rough patch at speed, etc, my confidence would break ever so slightly on the other skis, while the bones stayed planted. I think that view is in line with the guys at ski essentials; however, I went with the shorter 177cm length despite my size and aggressive skiing style, so was a little surprised with at least one preference for the longer 189cm size. After skiing the 177cm (I only tried it because the 183 was gone at first), I moved to the 183cm, expecting that to be my proper size, but it only felt heavier, catchy/wide at the shovel, harder to maneuver/skid, harder to turn at moderate speed, etc. Still great at speed, but even more targeted at riding a stiff edge at full speed. I'd only prefer it on icier hardpack at very high speed just for the extra edge. I also thought the stated 17m turn radius of the 177cm bonafide might be too short compared to the longer 18.5m radius on the 183cm, but I did not feel that way at all- the only thing I noticed is that the 183 felt like it only wanted to go straight, even when it was unreasonable to do so. It was more fun to be able to also spring shorter carves back and forth on the 177cm at times, for example. Obviously the 183 is just as fun to bomb at 40+ mph, but less pleasant to do anything else basically. Since the edge grip and stability at speed of the 177cm bonafide already blew away the other skis (despite being ~8-10cm shorter), I didn't see any benefit to the 183 length personally. I did not try the 189 length, but can't imagine I would have preferred it either except when semi-icy >50mph or something. One thought is the beefier 183-189 might surf and plow better in the powder conditions in this test video (though I would think everyone would probably agree that a more rockered ski like the rustler would be way more fun than the bonafide in that situation anyway). For me, the 177cm was already the best bomber at speed over the other longer skis (including thru afternoon chop), so I was hoping the other skis (Volkl M5, K2 Mindbender) would somehow match the edge grip at speed, but be lighter and more playful and smear-able. I came close to thinking the K2 Mindbender 99ti in the 186cm length was that ski, but alas I switched back again to the 177cm bonafide and found that extra layer of grip and railing at speed that was unmatched (again, despite being 9cm *shorter*). Only the bonafides had me grinning and giggling and buying it the second I got home (actually while on the runway departing Jackson). If you put a 177cm bonafide back to back against longer all mountain skis with more rocker, the bones have obviously more cambered effective edge before the tips and tails flare out (hence the edge grip I felt), so they ski longer than most all-mountain skis. As for the Volkl and K2, I think the tails were softer, making them feel slightly more versatile and skidable, but at the sacrifice of edge grip at speed. I felt the edges of those skis in front, but less so behind my boot. After experiencing higher peaks of joy on the bonafides, I just couldn't accept that sacrifice. I can't go back. The other skis didn't give me the same sh**ty grin. If your jollies come from high speed arcs, it makes more sense to sacrifice some skid performance, not sacrifice the high speed performance, no? I chatted with what appeared to be some expert ex-racers, carving maestros, on '21 brahmas and bonafides, and he said the two feel about the same, but if its morning hardpack without any chop, he slightly prefers the brahmas, otherwise the bonafides are more versatile for any chop and everything else (makes sense). This experience overall convinced me that it will be way more fun to have 2 skis (piste and off piste), than trying to find some perfect balanced all-mtn ski that does everything (ie does nothing well enough to get you giggling). I expect to eventually pick up some awesome rockered smeary powder skis (rustlers?), but I don't believe you can have both in one ski. It's all tradeoffs. What do I not love about the bonafides? They can feel damp and a bit heavy from the metal (the downside to the stability and edge grip), and harder to smear turns on steeper runs (more work to break tails loose due to strong edge grip). In return, I was giggling after every med-high speed run, laying trenches, and haven't been this excited to go skiing again in years.
Love your assessment, thanks for sharing! In general, I've found Bob really liked skiing longer skis, although interestingly, he prefers the 183 in the Brahma 88, which as you know, is quite similar. We're actually going to get a Brahma review up next week sometime!
Again, thanks for sharing your experience. We love hearing from you guys and know others really appreciate getting more feedback from different skiers.
Great review, excited to hear about the new Brahma
Nice review guys. I was very fortunate to have tested this guy in Feb of this year at Mt. Norquay. Probably one of the last test skis of approx. 40 new 2021 ski models. I was very impressed in the solidness and overall good ski feel when you actively ski/punch it. I would personally compare it to a Volkl Mantra or even a Stockli in that it has guts to it, feels like a lot of solid ski under you, smooth and feels like a real skier's ski ( like SR88 Stockli ). I wasn't expecting anything from it at all, as I am more of a Nordica, Volkl, and Fischer kind of guy. Although in my racing years I was on Blizzard GS's. This is a serious ski. I probably was skiing a little short which worked out fine for SR turns. I need to try it again a little longer ( usually ski 184 and up at 6' tall ) as i like to let my skis run at times on their own in a turn. Very much impressed and should really get a pair to add. Great technology packed in. :)
Hi Michael! Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree, the Mantra is a close comparison to the Bonafide, perhaps even closer than ever before for the 2021 season. Definitely get on the different lengths if you can. This new construction really does change how the skis feel in different lengths. I expect you'll have a lot of fun trying the 183 cm or maybe even the 189 if you get a chance. It's such a good ski for high speeds and big arcs in the longer lengths.
Loved my 2018 bones. Ripping ski!
Great vid as always guys - love Blizzards, great review, and have a few pairs courtesy of SkiEssentials, but was I the only one skipping ahead to the actual skiing sections thinking about when we can all get on the snow again?
Hahaha... nope! Did the same.
I still have my 2015 bonafide, what a great skis.Now, this is a such great review. Great job!! I think it´s time to renew myself, but I have my doubts between the Brahma 2021 or Bonafide 2021. I will wait your Brahma´s review. Thanks guys
I understand the hesitation, but I think you'll like the new construction/shape. We should actually have that Brahma review up within a few weeks!
@@SkiEssentials thanks!! It’s summer in Chile, so I have time. All the best
Dude - thank you for your service!
Some high quality content! Im still hesitant. Ive been kicking the 2012 bonafides around for a loong time now and they have little life left. Im still scared that these newer versions won't offer the same as the old ones, but at least this review gives a very good insight!
In my opinion, there's really nothing to worry about coming from a 2012 Bonafide to this new one. It still absolutely rips. Still has lots of metal, actually more than it did in 2012. I'm quite confident anyone that liked the older versions is also going to like the new ski.
I will guarantee they will blow you away. They are every bit what your old ones were and much more. No crap, what Blizzard and Volkl (the M6) are doing to "tune" the lengths is simply brilliant. The shapes are dialed now you can further fine tune your purchase to exactly what you need/want in a ski.
If I might add as a comparison, the Bonafide is a much damper ski than the M6 (or 102 for that matter). It feels like the hefty double laminate ski that it is.
@@FlimFlamvanHam Thank you! The old bonafides just died, so I might go for the new ones!
I bought a new pair of the 2019 Bonafides in the 187cm length and LOVE them for cruising on groomers. Back in the '80s I used to race on 198cm Rossi S7s and could even play in the moguls back then. At my current age and weight, 5'10 & 210lbs @ age 57 I still do some club racing (Rossi Hero Master GS & Nordica Dobermann SLs) but I have been thinking of stepping down to the 180 or 183 length for a bit more fun in the tighter bumps with less work since these are my "play" sticks.
From everything you've said, I think you'd really like the new Bonafide 97 in the 183 cm length. Realistically you're not losing too much stability compared to your 187s, but you're gaining a lot of forgiveness and fun factor in tight terrain. I expect a lot of Bonafide skiers will be enticed by this new version.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the reply. I stuck with the '19 Bonafides back when I first watched this. However, a trip to Whitefish in January of '21 led me to realize that I needed a shorter, lighter ski so I picked up a pair of Head KORE 105's but have not yet had the chance to ski them in April after our season ended here @ Snowshoe. I've skied Stowe a few years back with one of the PSI examiner's who happens to be the brother of a good friend of mine here in Charlotte, NC
Jackson Hole report - The Head KOREs with the Griffon bindings were so much lighter but they were also VERY stiff just in front of the boot to the point that it took me a couple of runs to learn them. This stiffness provided the ability to keep a stable edge on hard pack like the Bonafides. However, they simply could not compete with the Bonafides in the crud. Being so light meant that I could ski them for 6 hours without killing my legs so that was a + for the KOREs. Having said all that, I decided to keep the Bonafides as well as I simply LOVES them too much to give them up & I am recommending the 2021 183s to my brother. I think I am going to sell or trade out the 105 KORE 177s for a softer ski for POW, moguls and trees for my trips out west.
Can’t wait to try and compare. My 2018’s are as close to perfect as I have found...
Marco Z What’s the radius on yours? My 17/18s are R20 @ 173
Christopher G. Argyris - Mine are 2018/2019 and are R18 at 180. I have a buddy with 2019/2020’s with R16.5 at 173. Quite a difference!
Since you are in the Northeast, would be nice to hear some tree ski impressions, as that is essential.
My original Bones were a blast in the trees, Brahmas are impossible and Rustlers are great also. But the OG Bones could slide and span great, and it was always surprising to me how well I could charge in there.
New version is better in the trees for sure. The softer flexing tips and tails go a long way in increasing pivoting/smearing maneuverability, which really helps in our tight trees here in northern VT. Still absolutely rips, but definitely feels more maneuverable in the trees now.
Very interesting and detailed review. I have an older Bonafide- 2015 version (I'm a 5'8 woman, 153 lb with 173cm length skiis), and have always loved their power, energy and stability at speed. I think I might upgrade this year to these skiis, 177cm length, for on piste/ light powder skiing (I live in Calgary). I bought the Mindbender 108 Tis last year as a potential replacement for the older Bonafides, but I find that the Y construction reduces the power of the ski at high speed, ie when you push the tail hard into a turn, it can wash out... I think I still want the full metal of a ski like the Bonafide and would sacrifice the playfulness/surfy attitude that the K2s offer. Otherwise I have Black Crows Atris 108s, which are super fun, on all kinds of soft snow/ powder and Super 7s for deep powder.
Yeah I think the big difference between the Bonafide and a ski like the MB 108Ti is the precision you get out of the tail of the Bonafide. It's stiffer and you have a longer effective edge. If you're used to the feel of a Bonafide, the MB will feel like it washes out more often. I'd say considering you already have a Black Crows Atris, the Bonafide 97 would be a much better complement to your existing quiver than the MB 108.
How would you compare the skiis to m5 Mantra?
@@erinb4919 Very similar skis overall. I think the M5 Mantra is slightly easier to ski thanks to the Titanal Frame construction, but that's a pretty marginal difference. Both are powerful, precise skis. To be honest, I think the biggest difference is the overall feel. Volkl tends to feel a little more responsive and energetic, Blizzard more damp and smooth.
The review I have been waiting for! There are some allusions here to incremental changes in previous Bones, that made them appeal to more skiers. I’m not aware that, say, 16/17 Bones are any different in construction than 19/20 Bones, except for the top sheets. I know the Brahmas shortened turn radius in this period. What are these minor tweaks in previous years Bones that you speak of, before this 2021 comprehensive major new redesign? Thanks.
So the Bonafide most recently received a tweak for the 2018 season, although it was less of a significant change than this. The turn radius got a little shorter for 2018 and the tip shape was changed (more abrupt rise in the actual tip paired with the rocker). There was a very slight update in construction too with how they used carbon. So, your example is perfect, because there is a difference between 2017 Bonafides and 2020.
Skiessentials.com OK right thanks. Since the ski season stoppage, I picked up a new 2017 Bonafide, and mounted a Pivot Forza, but of course I haven’t had a chance to ski it yet. Hoping to go to ski Chile with friends in July.
Skiessentials.com So I was able to get my hands on an early release 177. Keen to compare to my carbon tip Bones (which I also got since shutdown) as they are the 173. Will appreciate the extra cms
15:30 "hard charging FORWARD skier who wants to be over the tips... " so true about the Bonafide . I once had to rent skiboots (business trip) and was on the Bonafide it was such a letdown. I missed my boots with wedge and a shim to get the forward angle I need to really take advantage of that ski.
Yeah, the Bonafide rewards good skiing, always has, always will, although this new version is less punishing if you aren't on it. Tough ski to handle in rental boots, I'm not sure I would want to have that experience. ;)
Thanks for the review. Question: the new Brahma 88 has similar changes in construction as the Bonafide. Does that mean the Brahma is also a bit more compliant in tip and tail without losing the stability and power we expect from it? SO in short: the changes in construction (and performance) translate through to the Brahma 88 as well?
Yes! The Brahma 88 gets similar changes at the Bonafide 97, with similar results. We'll definitely have a Brahma 88 review sometime this summer and we'll talk more about it, but the short answer is "yes."
Great review. What are your thoughts about a tele setup on this ski? Thinking Rottefella Freedom and Crispi Evo NTN
I ran this by our resident tele expert. He thinks it's certainly doable and that you're choosing the right hardware to support it, but also mentioned that it will be a pretty demanding ski. Something you'll have to be actively engaged on. He also brought up the Rustler 10 as another potential choice. Less demanding than the Bonafide.
Great review, thanks for sharing all the technical specs and updates. I ride the 2016 Bones in 180cm and absolutely love them except in tight trees, I'm 5'8" with my hair spiked and weigh 190lbs stocky athletic build, raced in college 25 yrs ago and ski out west 20 days/yr and live out east and ski there 10 days/yr. I'm debating on the 177 or 183, would like your advice. Thanks in advance!
Kind of a toss up. In tight trees, did you find the flex pattern or the length of the skis to be more challenging? The 183 does feel a little softer in the tips and tails than your 2016 180s, but they are, obviously, a little longer. I'm kind of leaning towards the 177 cm length for you. You'll still get plenty of stability, but you'll get a shorter length AND slightly softer flex in the tips and tails, which should really help in tight trees. I suppose I'd worry you'd feel the same way on the 183 just because of the extra length.
I put my 2020 180cm up next to my 2021 177cm Bonafides and they are exactly the same length.
Hi, I demo'd both the 177cm and 183cm as an aggressive GS carver at 180lbs and 6'2" and I preferred the 177cm, and immediately *bought* it when I got home. I also demo'd Volkl M5 Mantra, K2 Mindbender 99ti, Nordica Enforcer 104, all in the longer mid 180s lengths, and the 177cm bonafide held the best, stable edge at speed- hard-charging, inspiring limitless confidence to drive turns without slipping out. It has so little rocker that it skis longer than all of those other skis. I found the 183cm bonafide unnecessarily heavier, harder to turn at moderate speed (turn radius is 18.5m vs 17m on the 177cm), harder to smear out the tails, and since the 177cm was already plenty stable at speed, no need for the extra heft. The 177cm had me literally giggling in ways none of these other skis did. Caveat- in exchange for peak edge grip, the bones have to give up some playfulness. The amount of pleasure I had carving made me happy to do so. I'd rather demo a rockered powder ski for non-groomer days when I'm lucky enough to get an 8" dump on vacation (like the rustler). My 2nd favorite ski was the K2 mind bender 99ti, which at first seemed like all the best of the bonafide, but with a lighter, more playful, skiddable tail; but alas, I switched back to the bones, and immediately felt the extra edge grip thru the tail (its all trade offs), which had me giggling again at speed.
Sounds like a great ski. It is interesting that the early rocker (not really Enforcer type Rocker but that type of design) has been replaced with a softer tip type design but with longer effective edge - and yet everyone says it skis easier - but the 183 maybe didn't? I wonder how much it was the very soft conditions? Perfect Big Mountain ski. I'm already too fast on my Enforcer 88s and Racetiger 13s - I would get arrested with that ski but if I lived out West I would buy it in a second in a 177.
Definitely interesting to see the different paths manufactures are taking right now to achieve the performance they want, and I don't necessarily think anyone is right or wrong, just a little different. It does ski easier than the previous version, but there are also noticeable differences between each length. The 177 is pretty darn easy to ski, 183 gets a little more demanding, but in my opinion the 183 2021 is probably still a touch easier to ski than the 180 cm 2020.
For reference, the only times I personally got to ski the Bonafide 97 this season were on relatively firm snow, but I found the same with the easier edge release.
I demo'd the 177cm and 183cm bonafide and *did* immediately buy the 177cm in a second. So much fun to bomb at speed- insane edge grip and damp, trench-laying stability. Unmatched by Volkl M5 Mantra, K2 Mindbender 99ti, etc. I thought I would prefer and buy the 183cm bonafide at 6'2" 180lbs aggressive skier, but I found the 183cm bones to be harder to turn below 30mph, heavier & less maneuverable, less fun on quicker shorter carves, and the 177cm was already plenty stable at high speed (more than skis 10cm longer). Loved the 177 bones and pumped to ski again soon!
It may well be due to the ski tuning.
Off the factory my Bonafide 97 183cm had side edge at 87 degrees, and probably the base edge was around 0.7deg, the tight end of factory tolerance (0.9deg +- 0.2). The ski was feeling more like a front side carver, edge hold beyond reason - even on plain ice, and it was really picky about releasing the edge. It still skied fairly logically, but variable soft snow/ice were really hard on the legs, due to edge release needing very accurate touch. And the tip hooked up like a GS ski when putting the ski on edge. This made the ski feel like an SL ski when running straight lines: it felt a bit twitchy.
I just got the skis serviced, and the edges were set to 87/1deg, and now it skis like the Bonafide I was accustomed to and also the way they say about he B 97: "more accessible, but still a Bonafide". Now it does not pull you into the turn like a GS ski, it's far more "logical" between varying conditions, so coming off a bump of slush onto ice, it does not give an abruptly tight grip, but allows for more smooth management. This also makes for a more smoother operation on bumps.
(In some way I did like the more of a carver character too, but it was a bit too tiring for all-round skiing. Maybe there is a sweet spot for tuning somewhere in the middle, if one has enough interest to look for it..)
Great review guys, I’m a 173 cm tall male wanting to get on a pair of these. Advanced to expert aggressive skier. Would you recommend grabbing the 171 or 177? Thanks your videos are great!
171 cm should be plenty of ski, unless you're relatively heavy? The Bonafide, in general, is not a ski you want to size up on. I generally never recommend going taller than your height, again unless you're on the heavy side of the spectrum.
I’m a 6’1”, 250lb advanced skier and picked up the 2022 version in 189 based upon Bob’s comments. I took these up to Stratton in spring conditions on April 10, ‘23 and these things absolutely ripped. They tore up the somewhat firm groomers in the morning and devoured the softer heavy chop later in the day as temps warmed up to close to 50 deg. I feel like this is a ski I can use in any and all conditions here on the east coast. I’m now wondering if I should replace my 180 Brahma 82s with 187s. 🤔
It kind of depends if you want your narrower ski to be turnier. The 180 is just a crisper feel underfoot, while if you go to 187, it may feel like it just wants to go straighter, or even you have to get it going faster in order to get it to carve to the radius.
Hey love your reviews. I am looking to upgrade my current 2017 bonafides which are 173cm version. 80% of skiing is at Jay in the woods and the rest is whatever they have for groomers :). aggressive strong skier, but getting older by the day 54 yrs and can't make my mind up between the 178 Black ops sender or the 177 bones. I have tended to ski the 173 because of the amount of time in the woods, I'm 6' 220lbs. thanks for any help you could provide
I think the Sender has more versatility and is a better tree ski, but that all depends on how you felt about your older Bonafide. You'll certainly get more float and compliance out of the Sender, but that will come at the cost of on-trail power and stability. Is that a sacrifice you're willing to make? I think your size choices are right on!
Great review!! One Question. I´m 171 70kg should i go with the 177 or 171? I ski with the Blizzard HRC 166 since 2020. Thank you! :-)
I would go 171. 177 cm feels like overkill for your size.
Great review! Strong intermediate 183cm would take the 177cm? Cheers Nick.
Hey Nick! You're 183 cm tall? Yes, that would be my recommendation for an intermediate around that height. Realistically there are still better options for "most" intermediates, but if you're strong and athletic, you'll do just fine.
Skiessentials.com Thanks for that. How would the Ranger 99 compare to the Bonafide 97? Cheers
Man, it's after Mother's Day and I'm still bummed we got hosed out of the second half of this last season.
Same. I discovered this channel at the beginning of quarantine and have been binge watching this channel and others to fill the void. Even bought a fair of Enforcers 104.
@@ianhno5012 I got out I think maybe three times on my new Nordicas.
Guys, great review... I have been a Bonafide skier since they first came out I am on 2019 @180cm and I am wondering about whether to go up or down with the new one. I was nervous when they brought the turn radius down from 20 to 18.5 but it made the ski so much easier to work in the bumps I liked it better in the end. I ski out west, so bumps and trees are a thing that makes me think shorter is better, but I spend half my time on groomers which makes me think the 183 is a good choice because it keeps the radius the same as my existing skis. Thoughts on how to actually choose, since I am not going to get to try before I buy??
Hey David! How big are you? My instincts are to go with the 183 based off everything you've said, but curious about your size too. I think the tips and tails are more compliant for moguls and trees even in the 183 compared to your 2019 180 cm version, so I don't think that should be a huge concern for you.
@@SkiEssentials I am 6'1 and 190 and I typically ski ~100 days a year . I would consider myself to be the target customer from a skiing style point of view...
@@davidreynolds1624 183 cm for sure.
@@SkiEssentials thanks!!
Hi guys,
I really enjoy your professional and in-depth ski reviews. I would highly appreciate your opinion on my ski choice and length dilemma as I'm interested in 2021 Bonifide 97 - 177, Enforcer 94 -179 & Rossi Holyshred -172/182. Maybe one less fatiguing for a daily driver. I’m 5’9 160 lbs advanced skier age 56 currently have Elan XTI 84, ski groomers 70% off-piste 30%. In January I’ve tried Mantra M5, Kendo 88, and Enforcer 88 in Japan with unusually low snowfall season. I enjoyed Mantra M5 the most due to some fresh snow on the day. However, the places I ski mostly on is hard-packed snow in the morning and soft crud in the afternoon and off-piste deeper crud with occasional fresh snow. Also, I do 7-10 days of ski trips to Japan and Europe. Thanks in advance, Matt.
You didn't ask me but here is my reply. If you are retiring your 84 Elan, then given your 70% groomer requirement, I would go with your most narrow candidate - Enforcer 94 - no need to make skiing harder & less enjoyable with a wide ski on groomers. If the Elan is staying, but you want a less fatiguing ski, then less metal is more better - but you still want performance - I would go with the Rossi Holyshred for the width / fun factor on bigger snow days to complement the 84 Elans. I honestly wanted to say go with the Enforcer 88s (some good deals out there), because for 70% groomers, that would be my choice - and I do own a pair. If you didn't mention the words (less fatiguing), then either M5 or Bonifide in the size / turn radius to your liking, would be my recommendation.
@@wallstreetoneil Hi Paul, thank you for your comprehensive insight. All really good skis but need to narrow it down to one as a daily driver. I agree with your analogy to keep my Elan 84 for groomers and maybe get the Bonafide 97 for softer snow and for busting afternoons heavy crude. More so as in this review the Bonafide is described as a more accessible and close comparison to the Mantra, with slightly better handling of the soft snow. One reviewer said “Intuitive and easer to move around... have enough playfulness to release the edge”. After all it might not be fatiguing..
@@ewide4096 If you are in the Mantra / Bonafide thought process, then you are a send it / float it type skier that enjoys speed. This is where you get the benefit of ski mass working for you - you can also choose to use the mass to ski easily by letting the ski float the crud without reacting to it. The only issue with these types of skis is they are fast if you aren't actively (working) to slow them down - this is the consideration that I use to determine if these types of skis are for you - i.e. how fast do you want to ski? If I skied bigger terrain, I would likely own either an M5 or Bonafide - I currently ski an Enforcer 88 and a Racetiger SL. A final thought from my car racing background that may help you decide, and that is, speed doesn't kill - deceleration does. I find my ski choice, where I ski, given others are on the hill and often unpredictable, is not based on the speed I'm comfortable going, but the speed I need to go to be able to dodge those who like to crazy ivan in front of me.
Hi, my 5 cents...I have spent some time on the M5 Mantra, and enjoyed it, but was never really totally convinced. Based on the positive reviews I ordered a pair of Bonafide 97s in 177. I ski in NZ mostly which is fairly low snow and like you a 70/30 split. I’ve done 8 days on the new Bones and it’s truly awesome. I was smiling like a kid after the first run. It has a beautiful smooth flex and there is tonnes of power if you want it, having said that it will cruise all day long without burning the quads. Tails are fairly easy to release which is surprising as they are pretty much flat. Defiantly don’t lock you in to a carve like the old bones did. More camber under foot than the M5 and you can feel the extra pop. Hope that helps. Cheers.
@@nzheliking1278 Thanks for that, it certainly helps to hear feedback from someone who drove these skis. I hope they’re good through soft snow on the steeps as well. I’m definitely looking to buy them this week.
My 2017 Bonafide’s at 187cm are not playful enough to take into the trees. Would these be lighter and more maneuverable?
The new Bones aren't tremendously lighter, but they do feel more maneuverable thanks to the new shape and tweaked construction. If you're looking for something A LOT lighter and more maneuverable, I would probably choose a different ski, however.
Great review. I am 177 cm. I can do low level blacks 178 lbs. Think I can get away with 183 cm? Or should I stick with 177 cms?
I would stick with the 177 cm length if I were you. The Bonafide is an extremely powerful, stable ski. Going to the 183 cm is likely overkill unless you're skiing exceptionally fast.
I don't know if you guys still check comments but what would you say is the difference between the bonafide and the m5 mantra?
Hey Sam! We still try to reply to comments as quick as we can. This season's been tough with the increase in comments, so I apologize it's taken about a week to get back to you. In my opinion, they are very similar skis, but the Bonafide has more just raw power than the Mantra. The Mantra is more responsive and arguably more precise, but not quite as powerful as the Bonafide.
the mantra fucking sucks, the bonafide fucking rips.
Is it like a Brahma 82 or 88 but wider?
Yes, basically identical construction, although there were some tweaks for the 88 and Bonafide 97 or 2021 that the 82 hasn't (yet) received. It also might not ever get those changes, as it's a slightly different application, but that's a longer conversation. The thing with the Bonafide is when you get up to the 97 mm width, with the amount of metal in these skis, it becomes increasingly demanding. Heavier, more fatiguing, etc.
Now I want to see Bob ski a 2x4 in the bumps
I'll try to make that happen.
How does the ride characteristics of this new Bonafide 97 compare to the Enforcer 104s?
Enforcer 104 is way surfier, more playful, easier edge release, better in powder, etc, etc, etc. The Enforcer 100 is a closer comparison to the Bonafide 97, and a lot of our testers actually thought the Enforcer 94 felt more similar to the new Bones than the Enforcer 100. In general, the Bonafide is just more precise than the Enforcer 104, but the Enforcer 104 is still a more maneuverable and more versatile ski in soft snow. I like to think about the Enforcer 104 as a comparison to the Rustler 10, although that's a different conversation realistically.
I agree- the Enforcer 104 has lots of rocker, so skis way shorter and feels like it has no edge grip compared to the bonafide, even in a 10cm longer length. The enforcer 104 is probably way more fun on a big powder day though as a result.
g'day. How would the Bonafide 97 compare to the Mindbender 99? Thanks in advance.
Overall, pretty similar, although the Mindbender 99 feels a little more maneuverable and playful, while the Bonafide feels a little more precise. That's kind of splitting hairs, as they're both powerful, stable, versatile skis, but that's where I feel the difference.
Skiessentials.com awesome. I did have a pair of Mindbender 90’s so apart from the extra 7mm there shouldn’t be a huge difference? Thanks nick.
what is it like compared to the enforcer 94 ?
Pretty similar. The Bonafide feels a little bit stiffer and more responsive because of that. I do think it's slightly more demanding, although this newest version is definitely the best yet in terms of a user-friendly feel. Longer effective edge in the Bonafide too as it uses less rocker.
Skiessentials.com thanks a lot 😊
The first part was silly
Skiing with the SkiEssentials crew can get pretty silly from time to time. Bob's also ridiculous in the moguls and I think that was Grant's first time trying to keep up with him.
A97 mm ski with minimal rocker doesn't make sense Nordica enforcer 100 would do everything bar firm groomers better.