Hey, love the review! Definitely going to pick these up. Replacing my old Line Prophet 98s. Torn between the 179s and 186s, I'm 1m83 and weigh 75Kg. Experienced skier. Which would you recommend?
Does the blaze 94 feel more stable (less chattery) in firm conditions then a rip stick 96 (non black)? Do you recommend 165 or 172 for a 5' 5 160 pound aggressive skier? I Often size up to get on a ski with a longer turning radius, but I prefer skis a bit shorter when skiing in New England. It will basically be used as East Coast small snowfall/spring ski for New York and Vermont.
IMO, the Blaze and Ripstick are about equal for vibration damping and overall stability, and if anything, I'd give it to the Ripstick. I think that ski is just a touch smoother, but it's a close comparison, and on the other hand, the Blaze is definitely quicker. I think just based on you application, 165 probably makes the most sense. It'll be quicker and easier in the VT/NY trees. You could go longer, of course, I just wonder how often you'd need the extra stability? It doesn't sound like the purpose of these skis is high speed stability, but I could be wrong. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Great answer. What I suspected overall. I think I have to try the blaze 94. I have my kästle's for stability! These would be for softer days.
Good review! Do you think it could be a good telemark ski with a tech binding for touring and mountaineering? It seems light enough, but it has titanal that is always a good thing with telemark bindings... I'm trying to choose between this and Nordica Enforcer 94 unlimited, they seem quite similar, but Nordica has no metal in it...
Very similar skis from a downhill perspective. The Blaze, though, has much longer rocker throughout, so feels like a pretty flat ski. I personally like that from a telemark perspective, but it's not quite as grippy as the Unlimited. I don't see enough of a difference ultimately from a technical side, so if you like the security of the metal underfoot, which I totally get, then the Blaze is a great choice.
6’2 200lb ski mid atlantic 50% then i-70 Colorado 50%, so half the time they’ll be on the edges/lift lines at 7spring/holiday valley etc; and then mostly glades and bowls out west unless heavy snow…. Ski like 15k ft a day normally so lighter might be better. I basically like a ski that will let me.. do whatever i want; not have to over think et , 39 knees arent what they were… would these be a good choice?
Blaze 94 would be a GREAT ski for you! It'll work really well for both mid atlantic and Colorado. Really what stood out to me in your comment is the part about "a ski that will let me do whatever I want." That's such a great way to describe the Blaze. With its rocker profile and 3D Radius, you really can get it to make just about any turn shape possible. Hope that helps!
Hi! I have the 2022 Volkl blaze 94 it’s incredible on powder. My question is, I mounted my binding where it says recommended. So, now I was thinking to move the binding to the middle of the skis. I have the Tyrolia attack 14. Will this affect my skis? Plus, I want to try going backwards on it more often.
Hi! I'm 176cm and 63kg intermediate not aggressive skier, I'm looking to pair the Blaze 94 with the Atomic Shift for an allrounder resort/touring combo. Do you think the Shift is a good choice? And should I go for the 172 or 179? Thanks mate!
Hello guys! I am 169 cm 56 kg woman rather advanced piste skier and intermediate off piste skier willing to go for some ski touring as well. I want to buy Volkl but narrower - Volkl 94 but not sure whether I should go for 165 length or 172 cm. What would you recommend? Are these skis more piste or off piste or 50/50? I am 55% resort piste 25% off piste and 20% ski touring in the Alps.
I think you're in the right zone for sure with a 50/50 ski that can tour as well! Just skied them the other day and was reminded of what an amazingly versatile and fun-loving ski they are. I'd say the 165 is the way to go in this ski. Have fun! SE
May I have a question about how to choose the length, 172 or 179 ? For: 160 lb, 5’8, Male, Expert Level, 50 years old. 30% in resort, 45% out of boundary, 25% Touring. Thinking there is long rocker on the tip and tail, therefor the shorter effective edge (camber) length. Thx a lot !!!
Interesting question! Are you looking for a hybrid style binding or an alpine one? For hybrid, I'd say the marker Kingpin and Duke PT is a great dual-threat option while for alpine, we pair them with this: www.skiessentials.com/2023-volkl-blaze-94-skis-w-tyrolia-attack2-14-gw-bindings.html
I’m an intermediate skier and want to get out and do a lot more side country/light free ride. I generally also like to do a bit of carving on nice open blues as well as harder black runs with moguls. Only issue is that I don’t get a tonne of fresh snow where I ski so powder days aren’t that common. I’m 125lbs and 178cm, which length would you recommend for these? And would these skis be good for me?
Rustler is the heaviest and most stable of the group, with grippy metal underfoot and a mix of freeride versatility in the tips and tails. The Blaze is an awesome floater due to the very long rocker profile in the tips and tails, it turns easily and quickly, but isn't quite as good at higher-speed on-trail skiing. Maverick has a nice blend of grip and stability due to the metal laminates, while keeping the weight to a surprising minimum. Maverick is the best pure carver of the group while the Rustler is the most versatile.
@@SkiEssentials thank you for this, ust one more question regarding right lenght for me, i'm 185cm tall and weight 86kg, experience skier, will ski on piste 50% and off piste , trees, deeper snow 50%. I'm deciding between Blaze or Rustler now, so in Blaze 94 its between 179 vs 186 and in Rustler 9 its between 180 vs 188. thank you very much
@@marionovysedlak1158 Blaze I would go 186 for sure. Rustler I think you could get away with the 180, however. The 188 can start to feel a bit heavy in the Rustler 9, and I don't expect the 180 would lack any significant stability, edge grip, etc.
@@SkiEssentials i ended up now between Blaze 94 vs Rossi Blackops Escaper both in 186 lenght, and i can not make right desicion which one to go for as 50:50 or one ski quiver, pleeease help. thank you very much @skiessentials
@@marionovysedlak1158 hi mate, hope you are well, im also in similar thinking to you, did you by any chance buy a Blaze 94, and if you did....did you feel it was too soft on piste (this is exactly something I am hoping to try), and will either go for the Maverick 86C, Blaze94, or Rustler9....if you have feedback would be great
Hey, love the review! Definitely going to pick these up. Replacing my old Line Prophet 98s.
Torn between the 179s and 186s, I'm 1m83 and weigh 75Kg. Experienced skier. Which would you recommend?
I'd think the 179 will get you where you need to be. Unless you know you prefer longer skis, but I'd say 179 is a good choice. Have fun!
SE
Does the blaze 94 feel more stable (less chattery) in firm conditions then a rip stick 96 (non black)?
Do you recommend 165 or 172 for a 5' 5 160 pound aggressive skier? I Often size up to get on a ski with a longer turning radius, but I prefer skis a bit shorter when skiing in New England.
It will basically be used as East Coast small snowfall/spring ski for New York and Vermont.
IMO, the Blaze and Ripstick are about equal for vibration damping and overall stability, and if anything, I'd give it to the Ripstick. I think that ski is just a touch smoother, but it's a close comparison, and on the other hand, the Blaze is definitely quicker. I think just based on you application, 165 probably makes the most sense. It'll be quicker and easier in the VT/NY trees. You could go longer, of course, I just wonder how often you'd need the extra stability? It doesn't sound like the purpose of these skis is high speed stability, but I could be wrong. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Great answer. What I suspected overall. I think I have to try the blaze 94.
I have my kästle's for stability! These would be for softer days.
Good review!
Do you think it could be a good telemark ski with a tech binding for touring and mountaineering? It seems light enough, but it has titanal that is always a good thing with telemark bindings...
I'm trying to choose between this and Nordica Enforcer 94 unlimited, they seem quite similar, but Nordica has no metal in it...
Very similar skis from a downhill perspective. The Blaze, though, has much longer rocker throughout, so feels like a pretty flat ski. I personally like that from a telemark perspective, but it's not quite as grippy as the Unlimited. I don't see enough of a difference ultimately from a technical side, so if you like the security of the metal underfoot, which I totally get, then the Blaze is a great choice.
6’2 200lb ski mid atlantic 50% then i-70 Colorado 50%, so half the time they’ll be on the edges/lift lines at 7spring/holiday valley etc; and then mostly glades and bowls out west unless heavy snow…. Ski like 15k ft a day normally so lighter might be better. I basically like a ski that will let me.. do whatever i want; not have to over think et , 39 knees arent what they were… would these be a good choice?
Blaze 94 would be a GREAT ski for you! It'll work really well for both mid atlantic and Colorado. Really what stood out to me in your comment is the part about "a ski that will let me do whatever I want." That's such a great way to describe the Blaze. With its rocker profile and 3D Radius, you really can get it to make just about any turn shape possible. Hope that helps!
Hi! I have the 2022 Volkl blaze 94 it’s incredible on powder. My question is, I mounted my binding where it says recommended. So, now I was thinking to move the binding to the middle of the skis. I have the Tyrolia attack 14. Will this affect my skis? Plus, I want to try going backwards on it more often.
I'd keep the bindings where they are. Centering them will make the ski way stiffer in the tail and quite turny.
Hi! I'm 176cm and 63kg intermediate not aggressive skier, I'm looking to pair the Blaze 94 with the Atomic Shift for an allrounder resort/touring combo. Do you think the Shift is a good choice? And should I go for the 172 or 179? Thanks mate!
Yup! We've seen some very high-end skiing done on that Shift both in and out of bounds. I'd say the 172 is the way to go in that ski. Have fun!
SE
Hi, I am looking for a hybrid ski and I think this fits the bill. I am 5-10, 180 and am wondering between the 172 and 179, any recommendations?
I think given the light and maneuverable nature of the ski, it's okay to go with the longer length. I'd go 179. Have fun!
SE
Hey there! Any difference in construction from last year's model? Thanks
Same build!
Hello guys! I am 169 cm 56 kg woman rather advanced piste skier and intermediate off piste skier willing to go for some ski touring as well. I want to buy Volkl but narrower - Volkl 94 but not sure whether I should go for 165 length or 172 cm. What would you recommend? Are these skis more piste or off piste or 50/50? I am 55% resort piste 25% off piste and 20% ski touring in the Alps.
I think you're in the right zone for sure with a 50/50 ski that can tour as well! Just skied them the other day and was reminded of what an amazingly versatile and fun-loving ski they are. I'd say the 165 is the way to go in this ski. Have fun!
SE
May I have a question about how to choose the length, 172 or 179 ?
For:
160 lb, 5’8, Male, Expert Level, 50 years old. 30% in resort, 45% out of boundary, 25% Touring.
Thinking there is long rocker on the tip and tail, therefor the shorter effective edge (camber) length.
Thx a lot !!!
I'd go 172--that ski is about head-high on you and I think that'll work great for your stats and application. Have fun!
SE
@@SkiEssentials Super Thx !!!
Is there a binding which you recommend for this ski?
Interesting question! Are you looking for a hybrid style binding or an alpine one? For hybrid, I'd say the marker Kingpin and Duke PT is a great dual-threat option while for alpine, we pair them with this: www.skiessentials.com/2023-volkl-blaze-94-skis-w-tyrolia-attack2-14-gw-bindings.html
hi, i'm 178cm, what size do you recommend, 172 or 179?
Thanks bro
I would go 179. The Blaze is so light and with lots of rocker, so if anything, it skis a little short. I'm a similar height to you and prefer the 179.
Hi! any important difference/improvement between the 2022 and 2023 models?
Nope, just a graphics refresh!
I’m an intermediate skier and want to get out and do a lot more side country/light free ride. I generally also like to do a bit of carving on nice open blues as well as harder black runs with moguls. Only issue is that I don’t get a tonne of fresh snow where I ski so powder days aren’t that common. I’m 125lbs and 178cm, which length would you recommend for these? And would these skis be good for me?
They're fantastic skis. Huge range of application and ability. I'd say the 172 would be the way to go in the Blaze 94. Have fun!
SE
Hi, please compare Rustler 9 vs Blaze 94 vs Maverick 95, thanks
Rustler is the heaviest and most stable of the group, with grippy metal underfoot and a mix of freeride versatility in the tips and tails. The Blaze is an awesome floater due to the very long rocker profile in the tips and tails, it turns easily and quickly, but isn't quite as good at higher-speed on-trail skiing. Maverick has a nice blend of grip and stability due to the metal laminates, while keeping the weight to a surprising minimum. Maverick is the best pure carver of the group while the Rustler is the most versatile.
@@SkiEssentials thank you for this, ust one more question regarding right lenght for me, i'm 185cm tall and weight 86kg, experience skier, will ski on piste 50% and off piste , trees, deeper snow 50%.
I'm deciding between Blaze or Rustler now, so in Blaze 94 its between 179 vs 186 and in Rustler 9 its between 180 vs 188.
thank you very much
@@marionovysedlak1158 Blaze I would go 186 for sure. Rustler I think you could get away with the 180, however. The 188 can start to feel a bit heavy in the Rustler 9, and I don't expect the 180 would lack any significant stability, edge grip, etc.
@@SkiEssentials i ended up now between Blaze 94 vs Rossi Blackops Escaper both in 186 lenght, and i can not make right desicion which one to go for as 50:50 or one ski quiver, pleeease help. thank you very much @skiessentials
@@marionovysedlak1158 hi mate, hope you are well, im also in similar thinking to you, did you by any chance buy a Blaze 94, and if you did....did you feel it was too soft on piste (this is exactly something I am hoping to try), and will either go for the Maverick 86C, Blaze94, or Rustler9....if you have feedback would be great