What's Blizzard up to?

Me think Blizzard unintentionally fucked up the core and the shape of B97 189 making them monster freight trains. I have the pre-production version which according to some posts in this thread might be even stiffer. But even though, hard to imagine Blizzard intended those skis for your average joe who occasionally likes to do some relaxed turns offpiste.

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Originally Posted by sf

I wouldn't say the 82s are very "serious". I'd say they are pretty average when it comes to how much attention they demand.
I agree with most of what Ugly says, but my experience differs somewhat on some points.
They are pretty carvy, can be loaded easily, as ugly mentions below. I also agree that they aren't especially suited for off piste skiing.

I'm a pretty average skier, prefers longer turns. 190/82, and ski the 187.
- Compared to the 184 Mantra 102 they are way easier to bend, demand a bit more attention if you want to throw it sideways, and are perhaps slightly less stable at very high speeds.
- Compared to my Superbros they can't be compared :)

They'd make a good hard snow quiver together with your 102s, and would offer more difference to the 102s than your regular Brahmas. Especially for use as a pure groomer ski.

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Thanks SF! B82

Keep in mind, I don't even bring my 180's to real mountains. 187 is too long for the midwest for me. I'd get 5 turns to the bottom.

Also, access to speed is exactly right. So midwest specific again, some flats are right off the lift or after chokes and I find them uncooperative until I get some push.

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How about those Hustlers

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Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

I think you're on the wrong length if you're after stability. You've got 2 inches and 30 pounds on me. I continue to be impressed by how stable the 188's are, and have zero desire for increased maneuverability. I've thought about getting 192's when deals have popped up, but I've always had a chargier ski in the quiver. I agree that the 11's aren't the floatiest 115ish waisted ski. For me they're a daily driver that works everywhere. On powder days I prefer a Billy Goat or Protest. For skiing fast in open terrain I'd take a Cochise or Corvus. But if I'm going to ski unknown snow or in a variety of terrain and conditions they just... work. They're not the dampest but they don't deflect much. At my size, anyway, they'll haul ass if you don't mind a bumpy ride (unlike the Enforcer 104's, which I didn't like much).

Frankly, I don't need this ski to change at all. Unlike some others here, I didn't like the Gunsmokes much. The tail profile (less rise) on the 11's is a big improvement. I'm sure I'd enjoy a full metal 11, but I bet I'd prefer it the way it is. Add 200g to the ski and it wouldn't be such a joy in bumps and tight spaces. I like all the mass and metal with a skinner waist.

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I wanted more the daily driver factor, and the 192 seems to girthy for that where I ski.
Especially now that winter seems to have ended.

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Originally Posted by bry

Much had been said here already, but I wanna reiterate. Just got off a five hour session on some new 189 B97s. Vert eaters, limitless stability, make bad snow irrelevant. Ski bigger than the 191 M102s and a good bit heavier than all the 193/192 Cochises. Dampness on par with Pro Riders (but not as tiring), 184 monster 98s, 187 Showdown 105s for comparison. Smooth on or off edge. Love 'em.

Not turny or pivoty but easy to manipulate if ya drive 'em. Can feather or carve no problemo. Didn't do heavy detuning save for a couple gummy swipes on the tips and tails, but I brought a soft stone out with me and didn't need it. Mounted on the line. Go get 'em!

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Thanks for this Bry. As someone who just picked up a 192 Cochise 106, it is very helpful. Sounds like the 106 isn't the 'preferred' Cochise, but pretty interested to see how I like em as a potential DD for where I ski...And agreed re the M102/B97 comparison. For me, I think it comes down to the increased camber underfoot, longer feeling running length (M102s sold, cant compare), and shallower tip rocker lines of the B97 as compared to the M102. As you said, the M102 can be pivoted from the ankle, where the B97 requires more forward input to make em maneuverable. The flip side to this (for me), is the B97 is a more precise tool at lower edge angles including bases flat. I loved the M102 at high edge angles when most of the EE was engaged, but with the B97 I don't hafta think about edge angle at all, only hafta think when its time to release the edge. Find the B97 more balanced in the air as well (though they're both heavy AF). Both good skis, just different preferences. Nerd rant complete. Off to spend more time on the 97s. Cheers.

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Originally Posted by gregorys

So, the next question is:
Is the B97's more damp (stable) than the OG or Carbon Cochise?

I get they're quite different skis, so perhaps it's a pointless question...but it's rather interesting. Most all their other skis and the direction of the company seems to be headed in the opposite direction. More noodle-ish, more accessible, less damp, but more crowd appeal. (Not that that's "wrong" per-se. Heck, I'm a terrible businessman, so I'm not going to even attempt to tell them how to make money making skis - but I can certainly say what I *wish* they'd make.)

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Nothing I’ve skied is damper than my B97 including my OG Cochises and Bodacious. Comparable ride to my Big Bro 195.


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Originally Posted by Sylvan

Thanks for this Bry. As someone who just picked up a 192 Cochise 106, it is very helpful. Sounds like the 106 isn't the 'preferred' Cochise, but pretty interested to see how I like em as a potential DD for where I ski...And agreed re the M102/B97 comparison. For me, I think it comes down to the increased camber underfoot, longer feeling running length (M102s sold, cant compare), and shallower tip rocker lines of the B97 as compared to the M102. As you said, the M102 can be pivoted from the ankle, where the B97 requires more forward input to make em maneuverable. The flip side to this (for me), is the B97 is a more precise tool at lower edge angles including bases flat. I loved the M102 at high edge angles when most of the EE was engaged, but with the B97 I don't hafta think about edge angle at all, only hafta think when its time to release the edge. Find the B97 more balanced in the air as well (though they're both heavy AF). Both good skis, just different preferences. Nerd rant complete. Off to spend more time on the 97s. Cheers.

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My sentiments exactly regarding the B97. And they work well for me in the bumps.


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Hun… I sort of want to try the 189 B97s now. Not that you could pry my 194 MX98s from my cold dead hands, but maybe sliding the Bones in would extend the life of my last two pairs of MX98s. That is sort of where my R9s fit though and I really like them.


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Pulled the trigger on those Brahma 82s. $299 for a groomerzoomer. I need to find some 80mm brakes for STH2s now.


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Awesome addition, they look great.

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Re groomers does anyone here have a pair of Firebirds or the likes in their quiver ? It has been low tide in France for more than a month and I ended skiing the HRC more than anything. Feels a bit like driving a cabriolet instead of a suv. Early morning runs on empty slopes it’s almost a different sport, more physical and technical even if those skis are easier to manipulate than the Fis models. I still love my brahmas 88 but the difference is quite striking.


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Originally Posted by Gweilo

Re groomers does anyone here have a pair of Firebirds or the likes in their quiver ? It has been low tide in France for more than a month and I ended skiing the HRC more than anything. Feels a bit like driving a cabriolet instead of a suv. Early morning runs on empty slopes it’s almost a different sport, more physical and technical even if those skis are easier to manipulate than the Fis models. I still love my brahmas 88 but the difference is quite striking.


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i have a firebird HRC in a 174 in my quiver. It’s definitely a sporty ski, makes you move and definitely wants a dynamic rider. I like it, when I want to work that hard. Today may actually be a good day for them in vermont. It’s bulletproof.

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Originally Posted by Gweilo

Re groomers does anyone here have a pair of Firebirds or the likes in their quiver ? It has been low tide in France for more than a month and I ended skiing the HRC more than anything. Feels a bit like driving a cabriolet instead of a suv. Early morning runs on empty slopes it’s almost a different sport, more physical and technical even if those skis are easier to manipulate than the Fis models. I still love my brahmas 88 but the difference is quite striking.


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I have some WRCs, pretty awesome for prepared snow. They will hold their place for a long time in my quiver. No beer league on the hill anymore so they see less use recently but this post inspires me to take them out.

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

i have a firebird HRC in a 174 in my quiver. It’s definitely a sporty ski, makes you move and definitely wants a dynamic rider. I like it, when I want to work that hard. Today may actually be a good day for them in vermont. It’s bulletproof.

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Exactly !!! I am on the 174 too and loving it but I am thinking about moving to 182 for something a bit beefier. As anyone been on both ? Is the 182 still has that sporty / dynamic feel ? I am 6 foot 2 and 200 lbs on the agressive side. Daily drivers Brahma 187 / R11 192.


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Anyone with time on both brahma 88 and bondafide 97 and want to compare them? What are they good for, when do you grab them etc.

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Originally Posted by nickwm21

Pulled the trigger on those Brahma 82s. $299 for a groomerzoomer. I need to find some 80mm brakes for STH2s now.


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Brahma 82 now $199.00 at STP.
https://www.sierra.com/blizzard-2020...skis~d~9694%2F

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Originally Posted by herrgard

Anyone with time on both brahma 88 and bondafide 97 and want to compare them? What are they good for, when do you grab them etc.

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Somewhere back a few pages I just did that.

Brahma = BMW M3/5 - low snow, no new snow, want to lay railroad tracks on groomers/hard bumps

Bonafide = TRD Off-road Tacoma - low snow up to 6-8 in of fresh powder, can lay railroad tracks, excels off piste in low snow


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Originally Posted by spudbumkin

Brahma 82 now $199.00 at STP.
https://www.sierra.com/blizzard-2020...skis~d~9694%2F

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Dang. Not sure I can resist at that price.

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Originally Posted by phatty

Dang. Not sure I can resist at that price.

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I could not. Just like the Warden MNC 13 bindings from EVO last summer.

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Originally Posted by spudbumkin

I could not. Just like the Warden MNC 13 bindings from EVO last summer.

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Ha, that was once in a lifetime.

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Originally Posted by skibrd

Somewhere back a few pages I just did that.

Brahma = BMW M3/5 - low snow, no new snow, want to lay railroad tracks on groomers/hard bumps

Bonafide = TRD Off-road Tacoma - low snow up to 6-8 in of fresh powder, can lay railroad tracks, excels off piste in low snow


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Thanks, I clearly suck at searching. Reading a few pages back got R9 into the mix though.

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Originally Posted by spudbumkin

Brahma 82 now $199.00 at STP.
https://www.sierra.com/blizzard-2020...skis~d~9694%2F

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I actually skied my 82's (180) today. First time on them since early Dec before it started to snow. It's what I ski early season when it's a groomer or 2 on man-made only. It was fun today too. Obviously good on icy groomers but also capable in the chalky bumps. I'll likely ski it a lot until in snows again.

Those hustle reviews are interesting. Has anyone got on the 10?

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

Those hustle reviews are interesting. Has anyone got on the 10?

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Yeah, it's the best of the bunch.

^^ Interesting to hear, as the Rustler 10 is generally getting pretty poor feedback around here compared to Rustler 9 & 11.

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Originally Posted by VTskibum

^^ Interesting to hear, as the Rustler 10 is generally getting pretty poor feedback around here compared to Rustler 9 & 11.

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Interesting for me as well, I spend the majority of my days on the Rustler 11 and (lately with no new snow) the Rustler 9, I don't own the 10. IF I was to add a Hustle to my quiver it would probably be the 10. In other news, the re-design of the Zero G 95 is a winner - more guts and stability but still less demanding than the OG version (which I still ski).

Blizzard fans - how's the Brahma 82 on hardpack? Real hardpack, like what you'd rail a GS ski on.

Considering that STP clearance deal, but wondering how much edge hold the rockered Brahma gives up vs a traditional camber ski. Ideally I'd like something that holds an edge like a race ski, but actually skiable off groomers.

Go up thread for a couple reviews. I'm not into the B82 off piste, at all. I think that calls into question its value vs a fully cambered ski for sure. But is a fun, somewhat demanding ride. Does not replace the B88 in my quiver. Ymmv.

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Originally Posted by uglymoney

Go up thread for a couple reviews. I'm not into the B82 off piste, at all. I think that calls into question its value vs a fully cambered ski for sure. But is a fun, somewhat demanding ride. Does not replace the B88 in my quiver. Ymmv.

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Thanks. Searched, found some discussion of them here too:
https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...Skis?p=6491014

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Originally Posted by ~mikey b

anyone interested in these?

Attachment 406190

Attachment 406191

Attachment 406192

like new condition

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What's the price and will the seller ship?

$375 plus shipping in Gear Swap

So I’ve been looking to buy a versatile frontside carver for firm icy days, specifically the brahma 82s. Got a chance to try out Brahma 88s in these conditions (no 82s available) – some thoughts below.

Me – 5-10/160lbs. Home mountain is Lake Louise. Daily drivers are 181 ON3P jeffries 98 and 108s. A bit of east coast race background from way back, but more of centered, poppy, slashy style now; but coming off an injury (tibia spiral fracture) so mostly on groomers this winter (no real airs and no switch allowed). Haven’t skied a sub 98 wide ski in many years.

I tried the Brahma 88s in 177 first. I thought they would feel short as my other skis are all 180-186; but was surprised. I guess I’m not used to having that much shovel in front, or that stiff of a ski. I didn’t feel like I needed to try a longer size. They railed scraped off icy sections in the middle of the trail. I’d forgotten how reassuring it is to have that grip. So much fun ripping and made me nostalgic for younger days in Vermont. Quite responsive when I put a lot of energy in them. Really nice on medium to larger gs turns. Very stable. Surprisingly better than I thought off piste as well (steep chalk and some firm variable stuff). But also a bit damp and unplayful for my taste.

I decided to try out the 171 88s too. My ego felt a little silly with such short skis on, but I was again pleasantly surprised how well they held up. They did feel a tad short, but were still stiff and stable enough, and felt rather natural (likely because my other skis have a short effective edge). I was most surprised at how different they skied compared to the 177s. The 177s felt more like a GS ski; and the 171s felt like a slalom ski. Really maneuverable and easier in short turns. Didn’t require as much speed; and handled off piste decently as well. I assume they would be a lot easier in bumps too. However, they had surprisingly less grip than the 177s. I’m not sure if that is due to length or tune (likely in part the tune because the tail of one ski was washing out more than the other at the end of turns).

Also tried the bodacious. Solid overall ski, certainly better grip than my ON3Ps, but felt a little boring to me.

Now I’m debating whether the brahma 82 in 173 would split the difference. I’m intrigued by going that narrow and having that much agility. Do y’all think the 82 would be narrow enough to maintain enough grip (compared to the 180 82), and stiff enough that they would not be too short? Solid in bumps and for cruising around at slow speeds with my kids? Or would they lack enough versatility in firm off piste conditions compared to the 88? It seems like a pretty unique ski, given how narrow it is, yet still with a slight bit of tip/tail rocker.

I skied my $199 187 Brahma 82s today. Super fun on hard groomers. Super fun on hard bumps. Excited to use these for less than ideal conditions or where I’m stuck skiing groomers with intermediate friends. I’ll likely sell my Bonafides because the Cochise 106 and Brahma 82 should cover the low end.

Thanks to ElChup for posting this groomer ski thread. That thread discusses how a lot of Brahma’s come from the factory with fucked up tunes. I put a straight edge on the brahmas when I pulled them out of the plastic… sure as shit, railed / edge high. They definitely need a grind. I skied them as is and they were great (but it was noticeable at slow speeds and bases flat situations)..

So… PSA: Anyone that owns a Brahma should check the tune / flatness. Any negative review of a Brahma should have an asterisk next to it unless the tune was fixed.

https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...Skis?p=6491014



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I am still waiting for mine. I ordered on the 15th, stoked to get them. I will put a true bar on them first thing, as adjust the base as needed and mount my last pair of EVO wardens on them.


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I also have some Cochise of the blue and orange vintage (2016?) and some Kendos circa 2015, I am pretty set for any SW Idaho conditions.


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Yep, I set my 82's to 1 2. Totally fucked from factory.

I bought the 2019 180 Brahma 88's from Beder in gear swap. 20 days on groomers, he said never a grind and edges have never been touched up. So fresh as hell save for dull af edges. Screwed my sth2 binders right in and flew. These replace my OG Brahma 88's. Just got done skiing the evening away. Holy fuck. Don't believe the hype about Blizzard making the B88's too serious. Flat intuitive fun just like the OG's but way...way better tip to fail edge hold than my antique Brahma 88 and without the fuck you the 82's tails give if you get back seat. Nor do they care when you drop off trail or into wierd or variable snow. Super stoked on these bad boys.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...fe6f886553.jpg

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Originally Posted by nickwm21

Thanks to ElChup for posting this groomer ski thread.https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...Skis?p=6491014

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A HoF thread right there.

It’s impossible for the skis to be actually railed from the factory. They definitely could have too little base bevel but there is zero reason to ever grind them. It’s incredibly easy to add base bevel to any ski with a base bevel guide. It’s a great tool to have cause it’s also acts as a way to check the base bevel just by running it over the base with a file in it and light pressure. You can tell how much bevel actually exists by how much purchase the file gets with whatever guide you have.

It takes no more than 2-3 passes to set bevel from virtually flat to 1*. Once it’s set never touch it again.

The spec from the factory on Brahma 82s is probably close to .7 with as much as a .2 tolerance. So they could be closer to .5. Although a machine established .5 will ski much looser than a .5 made by a file. But that’s a different conversation.

I trust your expertise.

Could just be they ski like garbage at .7

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Originally Posted by Bronco

What's the price and will the seller ship?

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$375 plus shipping in Gear Swap