Blizzard Brahma 88 Skis 2022

The ellis Brigham Overall Ski of the Year. The Brahma 88 has the same name and looks very similar to the previous model but a tweak to the shape and, more importantly, the addition of TrueBlend construction, elevates the performance to a new level. It's got all the same power, grip and precision, and now even better handling, with the initiation and completion phases becoming smoother and more intuitive; perfect improvements for skiing all conditions. It is, in our opinion, the finest example of an all mountain ski on the marketTerrain Type & Ability LevelTerrain Type everywhere on the mountain, including lots of time on firm snow and pistes where its solid construction of wood core, twin Titanal sheets and carbon fibre, shines. In all the mixed conditions and tricky snow, the balance and impeccable handling make it the standout ski in the category. At 88mm underfoot it isn't the right choice for someone who dreams of maximum float on bottomless powder, but it is the right choice for proper all mountain skiers, who recognise that too much width can be a hinderance away from deep snow. The Brahma does actually ski softer snow suprisingly well compared to similar stiffer all mountain skis.Skier TypeThe Brahma 88 is a top choice for adventurous expert and advanced skiers, who like to go everywhere on the mountain and appreciate a ski with good grip and plenty of power. They'll already be skilled, though not necessarily great in all snow conditions, and will enjoy speed.OverviewShape88mm in the waist works for a variety of terrain. It makes the most of the firm construction so that it rips on hard snow and packed pistes, yet it has enough width and the tip and tail rocker to provide excellent stability in softer and mixed conditions. The shape has been tweaked for 20/21 and different sizes added, resulting in a slightly changed radius. At 17.5m (183cm) it's still ideal for all terrain use, long enough to feel balanced without losing the ability to carve tighter turns when required.RockerBlizzard's Rocker/Camber/Rocker uses specifically designed rocker in the tip and tail with camber underfoot. The camber increases the carving character on groomed trails while the rocker at the extremities maintains floatation and ease of turning off the slopes.CoreWood core with twin Titanal sheets running full length and bi-directional carbon in the tips and tails. The core is made using a new method for 20/21 called TrueBlend (more on this below). The wood ensures good durability and liveliness, the metal stabilises the ski and the carbon reinforces the rocker for better precision.ConstructionSandwich Compound Sidewall uses the tried and tested traditional method for the best performance. This means layers to build the impressive core, with sidewalls to produce the grip and precision that a ski like this requires. The top sheet has rounded finish to protect the surface of the ski from scratches.Key FeaturesTrueBlendTrueBlend uses an exclusive blend of woods to provide 3 areas of density, meaning Blizzard can control the flex precisely through the whole length of the ski. The result is the same natural and dynamic flex for all sizes. For the skier it means more relaxed handling, better balance and precise control. To achieve this complex wood core structure required new production and manufacturing techniques. Using different types of wood makes it possible to modify the characteristics of the ski right at the core. For example, a ski should be stiffer in the area under the binding and softer towards the ski tips. This is why Blizzard builds the wood core with very small pieces of wood that are glued lengthwise. In the area of the binding, layers of harder wood are incorporated and softer, lighter wood is used towards the tip and tail. This elaborate construction gives the core different areas of stiffness with precisely adjusted flex properties, which creates a more harmonious ride.Carbon FlipcoreA revolutionary rockered ski production that incorporates bi-directional carbon fibre in the tips and tails of the ski to stabilise the rockered areas, reducing weight and vibrations. This process delivers more precision and performance, creating a smoother, calmer ride in an easy to ski package. The result is a perfect combination of pressure distribution, floatation, power and stability.eB tester’s comments: Steve (Buying Team) The use of the TrueBlend has taken nothing off the top-end performance and added exactly the right amount of ease of use at the start and end of the turn. My new go-to ski for all mountain skiing.Technical SpecificationsSize (cm)Tip Width (mm)Waist Width (mm)Tail Width (mm)Radius (m)Weight (g)165128881101419201711288811015 177128881101621001831288811017.5220018912888110192280General InformationSkier Ability: Advanced/expertTerrain Type: All Mountain Rocker: Tip/Tail RockerRadius: MediumBase: SinteredBindings: Ski sold flatDIN: n/aConstruction: Full SidewallCore: Wood, Carbon, Titanal LaminateDemo: YesSizing Description: Nose level to forehead height is ideal, but longer length is important if there is a bigger rocker or you're spending more time off piste where the extra stability and float a larger size provides will be beneficial.