What's Blizzard up to?

[XavierD]

Yeah, big change in the 20/21 skis. Different shape, rocker profile, etc. I felt the skis became more front side/smooth snow oriented and generally ski bigger per size than the previous models. This goes for Black Pearl, Brahma, Bonifide. New sizes too. For most NA ski areas I went from 187 to 183 as I found the 189s just shortened up most mountains more than I really wanted too. The 183 Bonifide still provides plenty of stability for me, but I’m not closing out a 900-1200ft run in 6 turns.

[Diamond Joe]

Why do you feel like the new Brahmas are more front side oriented? One thing I like about my Brahmas, is that (and I read this in a few reviews) they ski long - and they're so stable - that its possible to ski them a size shorter than what you normally would. So that would seem the same?

The 2019s are 127-88-111 w/17m radius at 180 and 15.5 at 173. The new version is 128-88-110 w/17.5m at 183 and 16m at 177. So the shape seems pretty close spec-wise? curious how that new core affects the versatility, stability, quickness, etc on-snow.

[swissbro]

New ones have more engaged edge than the older ones. Also more camber. Definitely don’t ski off piste as well.


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[sf]

@wasatchback or others; quick comparo of the Firebird HRC vs Thunderbird R15 WB

[XavierD]

Why do you feel like the new Brahmas are more front side oriented? One thing I like about my Brahmas, is that (and I read this in a few reviews) they ski long - and they're so stable - that its possible to ski them a size shorter than what you normally would. So that would seem the same?

The 2019s are 127-88-111 w/17m radius at 180 and 15.5 at 173. The new version is 128-88-110 w/17.5m at 183 and 16m at 177. So the shape seems pretty close spec-wise? curious how that new core affects the versatility, stability, quickness, etc on-snow.

Contact points are further out, with more camber as mentioned. The tip and tail don’t feather through inconsistent, grabby, or 3D snow as smoothly. The new design really pulls in to the turn from the very front of the ski. 183 skis closer to the previous 187 than the 180 IMO.

[FlimFlamvanHam]

Why do you feel like the new Brahmas are more front side oriented? One thing I like about my Brahmas, is that (and I read this in a few reviews) they ski long - and they're so stable - that its possible to ski them a size shorter than what you normally would. So that would seem the same?

The 2019s are 127-88-111 w/17m radius at 180 and 15.5 at 173. The new version is 128-88-110 w/17.5m at 183 and 16m at 177. So the shape seems pretty close spec-wise? curious how that new core affects the versatility, stability, quickness, etc on-snow.

Yeah, dims are similar but long low rocker on yours and pretty much none on the red ones.

Another big difference is the red ones are stiffer, tip to tail although the tails have been noticeably softened up on the '23's compared to the 21 & 22's.

I like the red Brahmas. It's a skiers ski and it's unique. To me, it is similar to the 16/17 Head Monster, but rather than what I consider a piste ski made wider for all mountain the Brahma comes at it like an all mtn ski with a piste bias. It is not as stiff as the Monster but the big dif is in the tip and shovel of the Brahma, where it is noticeably softer. Not to mention the taller and more tapered tip shape of the Brahma just make it a more versatile ski (relative to the Monster) for a technical and fast skier. That plank like shovel of the Monster was always my only gripe with it. YMMV. For me, the versatility of the red Brahma is that tip shape and shovel flex.

I actually find the Kendo since '20 a lot like your the black Brahma except the black Brahma is a heavier/more damp ski.

Based on just the weight, camber and stiffness (each of which is greater on the red ones vs the black ones) they should be an even more stable ski.

[teleposeur]

Hey yall, I've been crawling around this thread for almost an hour looking for anything on a mount point for Gunsmokes.

I have a pair of '16s? (green stoned cow) in 193, that I picked up cheap with some damage. The previous mount dictated somewhat, and based on what little I was able to read I went just a bit past +1.5 for the mount, which has felt too far forward, especially for tele. The tails are not punishing, but maybe a bit weird and invasive, especially in the sub-par layer cake of variable buried crusts that is passing for our snow pack in oregon thus far.

Remounting I can start again at -1.5 or go even farther back, wayback which would eye test more closely with the rest of the quiver. Thoughts? Reqs? Ski pretty centered, never backward, plenty noodling- mostly a work/patrol ski.

[~mikey b]

I’ll look at mine and get back to you

not set up for tele but I like how they ski

I still tele but not that much these days

[waxoff]

Hey yall, I've been crawling around this thread for almost an hour looking for anything on a mount point for Gunsmokes.

I have a pair of '16s? (green stoned cow) in 193, that I picked up cheap with some damage. The previous mount dictated somewhat, and based on what little I was able to read I went just a bit past +1.5 for the mount, which has felt too far forward, especially for tele. The tails are not punishing, but maybe a bit weird and invasive, especially in the sub-par layer cake of variable buried crusts that is passing for our snow pack in oregon thus far.

Remounting I can start again at -1.5 or go even farther back, wayback which would eye test more closely with the rest of the quiver. Thoughts? Reqs? Ski pretty centered, never backward, plenty noodling- mostly a work/patrol ski.

I did the same study a couple of mounts ago when mounting NOS 193 bargain find, re-reading old reviews etc.. Most seemed to like the 193's right on the line.

[~mikey b]

I don’t ski those every day

when I first got em three years ago they were my first alpine set up - Fritschi Freeride Pro on the line - a good fatter alternative to my Watea 101 with Outlaw

they sat unused for two seasons until last week - now mounted with Shifts on the line - didn’t have to fuss with holes

they ski just fine for me

[gregL]

Hey yall, I've been crawling around this thread for almost an hour looking for anything on a mount point for Gunsmokes.

Three pairs of 186 mounted on the line @ 5'8" 165 (then) . . . perfect.

[teleposeur]

Thanks all, my impression was that they would feel just about right mounted alpine on the line, I may try to err more forward than back with the new mount.

[Bronco]

Looking to replace my OG Brahma 88's for a low tide PNW ski. Anyone know how similar the 2023 Brahma is? How's the Bonafide compare to the Brahma?

[ntblanks]

Looking to replace my OG Brahma 88's for a low tide PNW ski. Anyone know how similar the 2023 Brahma is? How's the Bonafide compare to the Brahma?

Can't compare, but both the '20 bones and the updated 97mm bones (black top sheet) are strong choices imo. The key difference being the newer model is/are straight up rockets: more stout, less forgiving.

If you like to cruise: older bones are easier but w/plenty of rebound and damp.

[uglymoney]

Looking to replace my OG Brahma 88's for a low tide PNW ski. Anyone know how similar the 2023 Brahma is? How's the Bonafide compare to the Brahma?

Get the previous gen (Black). I went from OG Brahma to those and they are better in every way without giving anything up. The new red topsheet Brahma doesn't get the same universal acclaim. They have gone more toward a piste ski.

Or look at the Enforcer 88.

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[kc_7777]

I’ve got the 179cm E88s and they are not hard to ski, but still rip. I like that the E88 mount is -8 vs -11 for Brahma?

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[carlh]

What are the weaknesses of the current bonafide 97? I think I’m going to pick up last years for this slot.

Can't compare, but both the '20 bones and the updated 97mm bones (black top sheet) are strong choices imo. The key difference being the newer model is/are straight up rockets: more stout, less forgiving.

If you like to cruise: older bones are easier but w/plenty of rebound and damp.

[Beder]

Or the Volkl Kendo 88. They all rip and are versatile. You really can't go wrong.

[ntblanks]

What are the weaknesses of the current bonafide 97? I think I’m going to pick up last years for this slot.

The black topsheet model ('21?) is a serious ski imho (I ski the 183 @ 6' 180lbs). I liken it to the Kaestle mx99 b/w stiffer tips & less squared tails. Wants to run. Get ready for rebound (if you load it you'll find out). A little more maneuverable than the mx. I don't ski it in anything deeper than 6" or in variable fwiw.

Weaknesses? I know of none. For me it's more a question of is it the right ski for that day. If I want to slay the hill and push my limits I grab these. They don't like to mosey.

Pairing with the right boot is also recommended. I ski these with raptors rather than my lx 130 lv (my dd).

[carlh]

I’m a bit bigger than you 6’3” 205 and err towards fast so looking at the 189s. I have wide skis for fresh but would want these to do well in leftover chop at speed. What variable conditions do you not like it in? I’m coming from a set of goliaths and want something stiff, damp with good edge hold but with tails that are a bit easier to release than the fully flat and non tapered goliaths.

The black topsheet model ('21?) is a serious ski imho (I ski the 183 @ 6' 180lbs). I liken it to the Kaestle mx99 b/w stiffer tips & less squared tails. Wants to run. Get ready for rebound (if you load it you'll find out). A little more maneuverable than the mx. I don't ski it in anything deeper than 6" or in variable fwiw.

Weaknesses? I know of none. For me it's more a question of is it the right ski for that day. If I want to slay the hill and push my limits I grab these. They don't like to mosey.

Pairing with the right boot is also recommended. I ski these with raptors rather than my lx 230 lv (my dd).

[Bronco]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I'm happy with the Brahma in 177, should I stick with the same length on the Bonafide? I'm 5'8" and 185

[ntblanks]

I’m a bit bigger than you 6’3” 205 and err towards fast so looking at the 189s. I have wide skis for fresh but would want these to do well in leftover chop at speed. What variable conditions do you not like it in? I’m coming from a set of goliaths and want something stiff, damp with good edge hold but with tails that are a bit easier to release than the fully flat and non tapered goliaths.

I would definitely go with the 189s at your size.

These are perfect for leftovers/afternoon chop if you've got fairly consistent snow quality. Just don't expect to ski lazy.

I avoid deeper / layered / unknown variable on these because I don't want to die. Between the stiffness + propensity to run... It's not my preferred ski when I don't know what's lurking below. (would grab my OG Cochise)

Can't comment on goliaths, but everything you want lines up with these sticks.

[meter-man]

Old news...

But on my 21/22 188 R11s, I decided to move the mount up again from the rec line to +1. (And now mounted with Cast.)

Holy crap - I cannot believe how much I love them at +1. So engaged, but still super flickable, even more stable, and excellent in pow, groomers, and bumps. Impressive.

So good...that I'm sorta curious what +2 would be like!!

[meter-man]

Also, are anyone else's Rustlers basically totally flat (no camber)?

Me gusta.

[mr_pretzel]

Wow those are flat! Many days on em?

As someone who has skied +2 and +1 on the rustler 11 192, I think +1 is better. A bit more natural feeling on edge and still flickable.