Great review and great ski. Have bought a new pair of bonafides every couple of years and cant find a ski that beats its performance and versatility. I ski it through lots of powder in the trees and find that if you really work the back of the ski in those situations its pretty nimble when needed. Def takes alot more effort to ski but so much fun when your charging hard.
Great review. I have this ski. It kicks butt. Very fun all mountain high performance ski. I use it on everything from big powder days to crud to groomers and even moguls. You can’t go wrong if you are an advanced skier that wants high performance and you can handle some faster speeds when you want it. I find that I can string together lots of quick and agile turns as well.
Currently own the current Brahma, Bonafide, Cochise & Rustler 10 & 11 and by far the Bonafide is one of the standout skis of the collection, especially in conditions when the snow has softened slightly (I reserve the Brahma when it's firm as it's narrower and has less tail taper then the bonafide). Weight of the ski is your friend and I absolutely love it in the off piste when you step on it. Once you come to terms with it, the ski becomes an easy ski to ski and it's one of those skis that will surprise you (still does after all these years skiing it) as it shows it's predictable authority to hold a line through absolutely anything and mute out chop. Definitely a downhill missile that can rail awesome GS turns down anything. Want something to grow into, this is the ski.
Glad to hear those kind words bout my baby. The Bonafide is my absolute goto ski. Been on them since generation1. Tried a few other skis but everytime i end up with the Bonafide.
It's one of those skis where if it works for you, there's really nothing better on the market. The key is whether it works for you or not. For a lot of skiers, it's too much ski, but we're so glad it exists.
I have the Bonafide and you nailed it - it's good at skiing fast and aggressive, gives confidence to power through crud. The stiffness of these skis allow for control and feel that other skis simply cannot provide. It's just not possible to ski less powerful skis as these can be skied. Of course these skis do demand good form at all times, get lazy with a turn and you'll pay for it. And not the ski of choice for double blacks through trees but can do it. I bought the Rustler 10 as a compliment and love those as well, better for the deeper stuff an absolute dream in a powder filled bowl, however not a ski for packed surfaces where the Bonafides excel. Both of these skis taught me; ski selection matters; the right ski for a given terrain can be difference between a good day (every day on the snow is good) and sensational day.
Bang on description, This year will be my 3rd new pair over the last decade, I’m 6’5 108kgs, the Bonifide still needs the “a” game to get it bending, but when you do it will rail through anything you can put in front of it. Endless grins , just hang on and enjoy the ride
Amazingly, I still think my first experience on Bonafide was the best one. I like the new ones for sure, but loved that original in the 187. Have a great winter! SE
I live out west, usually ski lake louise or kicking horse. I have the 2022 bonafide 178. I previously had the v2 bonafide in 173...tried a bunch of all mountain to replace it last year. I always came back to the Bonafide. They are my go to ski for firm-semi firm-mixed resort conditions... They turn an unhappy day on light skiis into a good ski day 😂... Powerful, damp, rockets👍👍. So fun to rail on, amazing edge hold. They can ski crud at high speed with no deflection. I have yet to find the speed limit where the ski feels unstable or Fluttery. Also to mention, you don't need to be an ex racer to like this ski- but I'm strong and fit (175cm/70kg) and like to go fast. That said, definitely not my choice for floaty powder... Although I have skied them in 20cm pow and they did fine(but tiring, because you need to ski fast to get the float) . In tight, steep chutes, with mixed conditions, skiis are also very confidence inspiring, as I know I won't lose the edge. Really awesome skiis!! 😃
Thanks for your reviews, always awesome. I'm 175cm tall, 170lbs and feel caught between 171cm and 177cm lengths. Capable & speedy skier looking for a one-ski solution - I'm leaning towards shorter at 171cm. Any input?
Hi Jared! I agree, I think 171 would be best. The Bonafide isn't a ski that you really ever have to size up on. If anything, it's pretty much always better to go with the shorter of two length options. Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Hope that helps!
Skied 20/21 Bonafides last year. Based on my experience, I think Blizzard designed this thing on the premise of “I want a ski for the Chinese Downhill.”
@@forestdweller512 It just depends on what you want man! I'm not talking down on the skis at all, they're actually my favorite skis I've ever rode. This vid is a great review and pretty much sums up how I feel about them. Definitely a ski targeted to a more advanced and (very) aggressive skier who wants to go fast under all snow conditions. They basically have a "Stall speed" like an aircraft. If you're trying to ski slow and make quick snappy turns, you're not going to have a lot of fun. But if you let 'em go and stay off your tails they'll do anything you want. They're very stiff, and you need that speed to get any energy return or pop out of them. Either that or you need quads like Ronnie Coleman. Super confidence inspiring at high speeds though, you can blow through anything and never feel unstable which is an absolute blast. I'd just recommend staying on the shorter side of what you'd normally ski. I'm 6'4" 215 and I have the 183's which is PLENTY of ski. I'd only buy the 189's if I gained 50 lbs or was trying to break the sound barrier. IMO as long as you did your squats this summer, they're probably one of the best and most versatile skis you can buy if you're like Ricky Bobby and just wanna go fast.
@@zulu7ven624 thanks for taking the time to reply with great info. I am still learning to be a consistent skiier so Im thinking this ski is probably not a good choice for me. This will be my 3rd season skiing and transitioning into all mountain ski. Spending the winter as a lifty at Big Sky so will have lots of time to practice.
I still have my bonafide 2016, and they are still impressing me. I can do almost everything, I love them. I´m wondering how much they´ve change from that ski to the 2023 version.
You're going to get the same feelings and sensations because the skis share very similar characters. The new version makes cleaner and rounder turns while the 2016's had more of a straight-line feel and less-rockered shape. My guess is that you'll really like the Bonafide 97.
Bonafides or Mantras? 2023. They sound very similar and I’m on an old pair of Vokl’s right now that I love. Which one is more forgiving? I want something more reactive for the trees which is probably only 20% of my skiing. I’ve been relying on my skills for the past few years but as I get older I could appreciate a little more help from the ski… any thoughts?
The Bonafide is slightly more forgiving from a versatility perspective. It's a bit heavier, but has more of a freeride shape to it, so it's slightly better in the woods while still being super-reactive and grippy on the hardpack, just like the Mantra. It sounds like you're leaning to the Bonafide to me.
I love the Bonafides but they are not "1 quiver" skis, on the other hand they have a following because they are like nothing else and worth having, but you may want to pick up a second pair to use when a foot of snow falls overnight and you want to hit a trail like Mustang at Breck. Bonafide's are what you wear charging down the front of peak 7 or horseshoe bowl. I bought a second pair of skis to use when skiing with family and friends because the Bonafides love to go fast and I end up leaving everyone behind and I get a little worried about people trying to keep up with them that probably shouldn't.
I bought the Bonafide when i was 20 just cause i thought it looked like an awesome ski, I have been LOVING skiing it for 10 years but looking for a pair of new skiis now. I've read a few reviews and was surprised as to what kind of ski i had beneath my feet all these years. Cause I have never felt it to be alot of ski (I weigh 95 kg and I'm 194 cm so that might be why). I have been looking into buying the new Fischer 102, but I'mnow worried that i will feel the fischer is a lesser ski if I want to go hard on pist and offpist. Can you shine some light on your thoughts about my question?
Hey Daniel! Yeah, at your size and with your experience on the Bonafide, you'd probably find the Ranger 102 a little soft, particularly in the tips and tails. If you're looking to tone things down a bit and have an easier ski than the Bones, that could work, but it won't feel quite the same. Nordica Enforcer 100 could be a good choice. It can hang with the Bonafide in terms of overall stability, but does feel a little easier in soft snow and stuff like that. The other option, of course, would be to just replace the Bonafide with another Bonafide. Some fairly significants advancements in the past ~10 years and the newest version definitely feels way more refined than the skis you have.
I bought a pair of 2022 Rustler 10's last year - and I think they might be a little soft and smeary for me - they didn't feel like they tracked very well and at higher speeds, they didn't really instill confidence, so I'm wondering if the Bonafide would be a solid choice for me ? (5'11 220bs) intermediate+ skier.
Yes, that's the level of progression involved for sure. Skiers who find Rustler to be not quite as sturdy will move nicely into Bonafide. It's a bit narrower so not as floaty, but will carve and hold on anything as well as bust and plow through crud and chop. Super-stable skis!
Like playing golf with blades, this ski, like fis GS skis, should be thought of as aspirational. You are dedicated to improving, you put in the time, rent one when you feel like a test and give it a go. Obviously this is not a casual ski, unless of course you are an ex racer and ski lifer, but anyone that is dedicated should be encouraged to try and see what truly expert skis feel like - you have to have your mind opened sometimes to show you what is possible if you are stuck and not improving. What could possibly 🤔 go wrong?
I like the Blade analogy. Sometimes I feel like Tiger out there but the reality is far from it. I feel like we do a pretty good job indicating that these skis, as well as Brahma, have a definite speed minimum, and if you're not getting there, then you're just not accessing the full capacity of the ski. Similar to driving the F1 car around the neighborhood. SE
The Bonafide changed EVER SO SLIGHTLY for 2023. So slightly, that it's kind of hard to tell, but it did get a little bit lighter and a touch softer in the tips and tails. Definitely more similar than different, by a long stretch, but still different none the less.
It's a bit of a handful, depending on your ability in bumps. Stiff, heavy, and relatively wide, so can be cumbersome in the bumps. If you have really good technique, however, you can make it work.
Very similar build, but narrower. Bonafide is a much better carver, as Cochise has a pretty straight cut to it and prefers higher speeds through crud, chop, and broken snow.
I would say all the characteristics that you mentioned with that ski I have in my 2016 Stockli Stormrider 88 x 177. I would consider myself an expert but when it comes to short radius turns it is just not the ski for it. You talk about speed limits. My guess is that with that ski you have to be going a certain speed before it starts performing. That is how my Stormriders are. And the difference between dampening and getting stuck. My guess is that I would be getting stuck with those skis.
Bonafides take it to another level compared to the Stormrider 88, just in regards to how stiff they are, how fast they like to go, etc. Definitely one of those skis that can feel a bit stuck in certain situations, yes!
@@SkiEssentials I can imagine that stiffness. When I was ski racing Volkli were the stiff skis. I could not get those skis to bend/turn. Now it seams like they have changed. At least from the people that I have talked to.
Agree with all that’s been said but still don’t think the Bonafide 97 is necessarily a Jedi level ski. If you have reasonable technique and can balance as required they are actually a fairly forgiving beast. Certainly makes skiing those crappy snow days much more rewarding.
It's the top end of the performance spectrum for sure, and many/most skiers will never find it on these skis. That said, you are certainly correct in that they do have the ability to smooth out anything underneath, but you do have to work harder than most. Balance and skill assist in the process for sure. SE
Just ordered a pair of these in 189 (22/23 version). I'm a big guy, 6'4" 290. I like to rip the groomers in AK. They are not the wide pristine corduroy of some other areas so some shorter radius turns are needed and the conditions are very mixed usually. I'm currently on some Volkl Mantra M5's 191 from '21/'22 season. My questions are: Are the Bonafide's much different than the Mantra's? Would I be better off with a narrower waist ski to be able to do shorter turns more easily. I like the stability of the Mantra's but I got to ski them real aggressively to get them to do shorter turns. Any suggestions for a snappy ski for me that carves on rails but can do short turns too?
There's not a huge difference--both are supremely stout and stable and rail turns on groomers. The Bonafide has more of a woody feel and sound to it while the Mantra is decidedly more metallic in nature. If you're looking to tighten up the turns, I'd look to the Brahma 88 in the 189 or the Enforcer 88 in the 186 for short turns or 191 for more of what you're used to.
Great review and great ski. Have bought a new pair of bonafides every couple of years and cant find a ski that beats its performance and versatility. I ski it through lots of powder in the trees and find that if you really work the back of the ski in those situations its pretty nimble when needed. Def takes alot more effort to ski but so much fun when your charging hard.
Great review. I have this ski. It kicks butt. Very fun all mountain high performance ski. I use it on everything from big powder days to crud to groomers and even moguls. You can’t go wrong if you are an advanced skier that wants high performance and you can handle some faster speeds when you want it. I find that I can string together lots of quick and agile turns as well.
Currently own the current Brahma, Bonafide, Cochise & Rustler 10 & 11 and by far the Bonafide is one of the standout skis of the collection, especially in conditions when the snow has softened slightly (I reserve the Brahma when it's firm as it's narrower and has less tail taper then the bonafide). Weight of the ski is your friend and I absolutely love it in the off piste when you step on it. Once you come to terms with it, the ski becomes an easy ski to ski and it's one of those skis that will surprise you (still does after all these years skiing it) as it shows it's predictable authority to hold a line through absolutely anything and mute out chop. Definitely a downhill missile that can rail awesome GS turns down anything. Want something to grow into, this is the ski.
Love it❤
Really appreciate the review thanks!
It's fun to do!
Glad to hear those kind words bout my baby. The Bonafide is my absolute goto ski. Been on them since generation1. Tried a few other skis but everytime i end up with the Bonafide.
It's one of those skis where if it works for you, there's really nothing better on the market. The key is whether it works for you or not. For a lot of skiers, it's too much ski, but we're so glad it exists.
I have the Bonafide and you nailed it - it's good at skiing fast and aggressive, gives confidence to power through crud. The stiffness of these skis allow for control and feel that other skis simply cannot provide. It's just not possible to ski less powerful skis as these can be skied. Of course these skis do demand good form at all times, get lazy with a turn and you'll pay for it. And not the ski of choice for double blacks through trees but can do it. I bought the Rustler 10 as a compliment and love those as well, better for the deeper stuff an absolute dream in a powder filled bowl, however not a ski for packed surfaces where the Bonafides excel. Both of these skis taught me; ski selection matters; the right ski for a given terrain can be difference between a good day (every day on the snow is good) and sensational day.
Great feedback, thanks for sharing!
Bang on description, This year will be my 3rd new pair over the last decade, I’m 6’5 108kgs, the Bonifide still needs the “a” game to get it bending, but when you do it will rail through anything you can put in front of it. Endless grins , just hang on and enjoy the ride
Amazingly, I still think my first experience on Bonafide was the best one. I like the new ones for sure, but loved that original in the 187. Have a great winter!
SE
I live out west, usually ski lake louise or kicking horse. I have the 2022 bonafide 178. I previously had the v2 bonafide in 173...tried a bunch of all mountain to replace it last year. I always came back to the Bonafide. They are my go to ski for firm-semi firm-mixed resort conditions... They turn an unhappy day on light skiis into a good ski day 😂... Powerful, damp, rockets👍👍. So fun to rail on, amazing edge hold. They can ski crud at high speed with no deflection. I have yet to find the speed limit where the ski feels unstable or Fluttery. Also to mention, you don't need to be an ex racer to like this ski- but I'm strong and fit (175cm/70kg) and like to go fast. That said, definitely not my choice for floaty powder... Although I have skied them in 20cm pow and they did fine(but tiring, because you need to ski fast to get the float) . In tight, steep chutes, with mixed conditions, skiis are also very confidence inspiring, as I know I won't lose the edge. Really awesome skiis!! 😃
It's an awesome ski! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. We know others appreciate it too.
I absolutely love these skis. Had mine up to 60mph last year. 😂
Bought it 3 days ago as my first skis (have been skiing since I was 6 years old) excited to see if I made the right choice!
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for your reviews, always awesome. I'm 175cm tall, 170lbs and feel caught between 171cm and 177cm lengths. Capable & speedy skier looking for a one-ski solution - I'm leaning towards shorter at 171cm. Any input?
Hi Jared! I agree, I think 171 would be best. The Bonafide isn't a ski that you really ever have to size up on. If anything, it's pretty much always better to go with the shorter of two length options. Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Hope that helps!
Skied 20/21 Bonafides last year. Based on my experience, I think Blizzard designed this thing on the premise of “I want a ski for the Chinese Downhill.”
Im looking at these. Should I not buy them?
@@forestdweller512 It just depends on what you want man! I'm not talking down on the skis at all, they're actually my favorite skis I've ever rode. This vid is a great review and pretty much sums up how I feel about them. Definitely a ski targeted to a more advanced and (very) aggressive skier who wants to go fast under all snow conditions. They basically have a "Stall speed" like an aircraft. If you're trying to ski slow and make quick snappy turns, you're not going to have a lot of fun. But if you let 'em go and stay off your tails they'll do anything you want. They're very stiff, and you need that speed to get any energy return or pop out of them. Either that or you need quads like Ronnie Coleman. Super confidence inspiring at high speeds though, you can blow through anything and never feel unstable which is an absolute blast. I'd just recommend staying on the shorter side of what you'd normally ski. I'm 6'4" 215 and I have the 183's which is PLENTY of ski. I'd only buy the 189's if I gained 50 lbs or was trying to break the sound barrier. IMO as long as you did your squats this summer, they're probably one of the best and most versatile skis you can buy if you're like Ricky Bobby and just wanna go fast.
@@zulu7ven624 thanks for taking the time to reply with great info. I am still learning to be a consistent skiier so Im thinking this ski is probably not a good choice for me. This will be my 3rd season skiing and transitioning into all mountain ski. Spending the winter as a lifty at Big Sky so will have lots of time to practice.
@@zulu7ven624 I have quads like Olive Oyl, heavy sigh..
I still have my bonafide 2016, and they are still impressing me. I can do almost everything, I love them. I´m wondering how much they´ve change from that ski to the 2023 version.
You're going to get the same feelings and sensations because the skis share very similar characters. The new version makes cleaner and rounder turns while the 2016's had more of a straight-line feel and less-rockered shape. My guess is that you'll really like the Bonafide 97.
@@SkiEssentials thanks a lot, you guys are doing an amazing job. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Bonafides or Mantras? 2023. They sound very similar and I’m on an old pair of Vokl’s right now that I love. Which one is more forgiving? I want something more reactive for the trees which is probably only 20% of my skiing. I’ve been relying on my skills for the past few years but as I get older I could appreciate a little more help from the ski… any thoughts?
The Bonafide is slightly more forgiving from a versatility perspective. It's a bit heavier, but has more of a freeride shape to it, so it's slightly better in the woods while still being super-reactive and grippy on the hardpack, just like the Mantra. It sounds like you're leaning to the Bonafide to me.
I love the Bonafides but they are not "1 quiver" skis, on the other hand they have a following because they are like nothing else and worth having, but you may want to pick up a second pair to use when a foot of snow falls overnight and you want to hit a trail like Mustang at Breck. Bonafide's are what you wear charging down the front of peak 7 or horseshoe bowl. I bought a second pair of skis to use when skiing with family and friends because the Bonafides love to go fast and I end up leaving everyone behind and I get a little worried about people trying to keep up with them that probably shouldn't.
I bought the Bonafide when i was 20 just cause i thought it looked like an awesome ski, I have been LOVING skiing it for 10 years but looking for a pair of new skiis now. I've read a few reviews and was surprised as to what kind of ski i had beneath my feet all these years. Cause I have never felt it to be alot of ski (I weigh 95 kg and I'm 194 cm so that might be why).
I have been looking into buying the new Fischer 102, but I'mnow worried that i will feel the fischer is a lesser ski if I want to go hard on pist and offpist. Can you shine some light on your thoughts about my question?
Hey Daniel! Yeah, at your size and with your experience on the Bonafide, you'd probably find the Ranger 102 a little soft, particularly in the tips and tails. If you're looking to tone things down a bit and have an easier ski than the Bones, that could work, but it won't feel quite the same. Nordica Enforcer 100 could be a good choice. It can hang with the Bonafide in terms of overall stability, but does feel a little easier in soft snow and stuff like that.
The other option, of course, would be to just replace the Bonafide with another Bonafide. Some fairly significants advancements in the past ~10 years and the newest version definitely feels way more refined than the skis you have.
@@SkiEssentials Many thanks for the help! I'll look into the nordica enforcer. Great job with the YT-channel. Been watching many of your videos👌
I bought a pair of 2022 Rustler 10's last year - and I think they might be a little soft and smeary for me - they didn't feel like they tracked very well and at higher speeds, they didn't really instill confidence, so I'm wondering if the Bonafide would be a solid choice for me ? (5'11 220bs) intermediate+ skier.
Yes, that's the level of progression involved for sure. Skiers who find Rustler to be not quite as sturdy will move nicely into Bonafide. It's a bit narrower so not as floaty, but will carve and hold on anything as well as bust and plow through crud and chop. Super-stable skis!
Like playing golf with blades, this ski, like fis GS skis, should be thought of as aspirational. You are dedicated to improving, you put in the time, rent one when you feel like a test and give it a go. Obviously this is not a casual ski, unless of course you are an ex racer and ski lifer, but anyone that is dedicated should be encouraged to try and see what truly expert skis feel like - you have to have your mind opened sometimes to show you what is possible if you are stuck and not improving. What could possibly 🤔 go wrong?
I like the Blade analogy. Sometimes I feel like Tiger out there but the reality is far from it. I feel like we do a pretty good job indicating that these skis, as well as Brahma, have a definite speed minimum, and if you're not getting there, then you're just not accessing the full capacity of the ski. Similar to driving the F1 car around the neighborhood.
SE
Hi, I am interested in Bonafide. are there any change on 2023 version from 2022 version? How does it compare with Volkl M6? Thanks.
The Bonafide changed EVER SO SLIGHTLY for 2023. So slightly, that it's kind of hard to tell, but it did get a little bit lighter and a touch softer in the tips and tails. Definitely more similar than different, by a long stretch, but still different none the less.
I’m 6’3 215-220 lbs. ski aggressive. Would you recommend this in a 183 or 189? Thanks!
I'm about the same size and I prefer the 189 over the 183.
How is it on Moguls?
It's a bit of a handful, depending on your ability in bumps. Stiff, heavy, and relatively wide, so can be cumbersome in the bumps. If you have really good technique, however, you can make it work.
Has it changed from 2022? Is the only difference from previous season the graphic?
The 23 is about 100 grams lighter with more tip rocker. Not a huge difference at all, but it is changed!
How does this ski compare to the Cochise 106?
Very similar build, but narrower. Bonafide is a much better carver, as Cochise has a pretty straight cut to it and prefers higher speeds through crud, chop, and broken snow.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks! And between Cochise 106 and Rustler 10? Last questions, promise :)
I would say all the characteristics that you mentioned with that ski I have in my 2016 Stockli Stormrider 88 x 177. I would consider myself an expert but when it comes to short radius turns it is just not the ski for it. You talk about speed limits. My guess is that with that ski you have to be going a certain speed before it starts performing. That is how my Stormriders are. And the difference between dampening and getting stuck. My guess is that I would be getting stuck with those skis.
Bonafides take it to another level compared to the Stormrider 88, just in regards to how stiff they are, how fast they like to go, etc. Definitely one of those skis that can feel a bit stuck in certain situations, yes!
@@SkiEssentials I can imagine that stiffness. When I was ski racing Volkli were the stiff skis. I could not get those skis to bend/turn. Now it seams like they have changed. At least from the people that I have talked to.
Agree with all that’s been said but still don’t think the Bonafide 97 is necessarily a Jedi level ski. If you have reasonable technique and can balance as required they are actually a fairly forgiving beast. Certainly makes skiing those crappy snow days much more rewarding.
It's the top end of the performance spectrum for sure, and many/most skiers will never find it on these skis. That said, you are certainly correct in that they do have the ability to smooth out anything underneath, but you do have to work harder than most. Balance and skill assist in the process for sure.
SE
Just ordered a pair of these in 189 (22/23 version). I'm a big guy, 6'4" 290. I like to rip the groomers in AK. They are not the wide pristine corduroy of some other areas so some shorter radius turns are needed and the conditions are very mixed usually.
I'm currently on some Volkl Mantra M5's 191 from '21/'22 season. My questions are: Are the Bonafide's much different than the Mantra's? Would I be better off with a narrower waist ski to be able to do shorter turns more easily. I like the stability of the Mantra's but I got to ski them real aggressively to get them to do shorter turns. Any suggestions for a snappy ski for me that carves on rails but can do short turns too?
There's not a huge difference--both are supremely stout and stable and rail turns on groomers. The Bonafide has more of a woody feel and sound to it while the Mantra is decidedly more metallic in nature. If you're looking to tighten up the turns, I'd look to the Brahma 88 in the 189 or the Enforcer 88 in the 186 for short turns or 191 for more of what you're used to.
Had two sets of Bonafides and both surfaces delaminated after the top layers chipped off. Won’t be getting them again
Hope you have better luck with your next skis!