Have skied the Volkl 108 for several seasons and bought the Blaze 106 with a Shift binding last year. Got about 8 days in on the ski and the sidewall just behind the toe piece crushed. I'm 65, 180lbs, have skied for over 50 years and have never damaged a ski. Volkl didn't warranty the sidewall, didn't respond to my email, and really left me cold. As much as it hurts me to say I'm done skiing Volkl's because of this customer service. I would definitely reconsider if you are thinking of it as a one ski quiver.
Wow. That's an impressively poor response from Volkl. Thanks for posting your experience. Was thinking of this ski but I can find similar in other brands
Blaze is going to feel more like a wider, freeride/powder ski. Easier edge release, more surfy in deep snow, etc. Ranger 102 is more well-rounded and more versatile. Better edge grip, more responsive, but not as floaty, surfy, or as playful as the Blaze in soft snow. Hope that helps and sorry for the delay getting back to you!
I want a ski to play in the trees and bumps with my kids. I was thinking Blaze 106 or QST 106. what do you recommend or am I going in the wrong direction here? Btw, thanks for your reviews very informative.
Is this to be your only ski? If so, I'd lean more to the 98 QST or Blaze 94. If the 106's are to be complementary, the QST is quite a bit heavier and more stable while the Blaze is lighter and quicker. If you ski in a snowy zone and want something wider, the 106's are fine, but for anything else, I think narrower works a bit better for kids, bumps, and trees.
Hi, another great review! I was about to purchase the Ripstick 106 following your advice. Any chance you can compare the Blaze 106 to the Ripstik 106 please? I would be looking at the 164/165 length with a Shift binding. Thanks, Steve.
Ripstick feels more responsive in a traditional sense. Comes across the fall line more easily, prefers shorter radius turns. Has a very snappy, energetic feel. The Blaze feels looser, especially in soft snow. Easier to release the tail edge, which gives it a very surfy, smeary feel. Not as responsive and not as much edge grip as the Ripstick, but a reasonable tradeoff depending on what you want.
The Blaze feels more playful. More surfy too. Softer flex pattern and much longer rocker profile, so I think most skiers would prefer its feel in soft snow. The Kore, on the other hand, is far stiffer, but still light. That makes it very reactive and responsive, but it's not as smooth as the Blaze.
Have skied the Volkl 108 for several seasons and bought the Blaze 106 with a Shift binding last year. Got about 8 days in on the ski and the sidewall just behind the toe piece crushed. I'm 65, 180lbs, have skied for over 50 years and have never damaged a ski. Volkl didn't warranty the sidewall, didn't respond to my email, and really left me cold. As much as it hurts me to say I'm done skiing Volkl's because of this customer service. I would definitely reconsider if you are thinking of it as a one ski quiver.
Wow. That's an impressively poor response from Volkl. Thanks for posting your experience. Was thinking of this ski but I can find similar in other brands
Blaze 106 or Fisher 102? Thanks for the great insights. Really appreciated!
Blaze is going to feel more like a wider, freeride/powder ski. Easier edge release, more surfy in deep snow, etc. Ranger 102 is more well-rounded and more versatile. Better edge grip, more responsive, but not as floaty, surfy, or as playful as the Blaze in soft snow. Hope that helps and sorry for the delay getting back to you!
I want a ski to play in the trees and bumps with my kids. I was thinking Blaze 106 or QST 106. what do you recommend or am I going in the wrong direction here? Btw, thanks for your reviews very informative.
Additionally, I am considering the QST 98.
Is this to be your only ski? If so, I'd lean more to the 98 QST or Blaze 94. If the 106's are to be complementary, the QST is quite a bit heavier and more stable while the Blaze is lighter and quicker. If you ski in a snowy zone and want something wider, the 106's are fine, but for anything else, I think narrower works a bit better for kids, bumps, and trees.
Hi, another great review! I was about to purchase the Ripstick 106 following your advice. Any chance you can compare the Blaze 106 to the Ripstik 106 please? I would be looking at the 164/165 length with a Shift binding. Thanks, Steve.
Ripstick feels more responsive in a traditional sense. Comes across the fall line more easily, prefers shorter radius turns. Has a very snappy, energetic feel. The Blaze feels looser, especially in soft snow. Easier to release the tail edge, which gives it a very surfy, smeary feel. Not as responsive and not as much edge grip as the Ripstick, but a reasonable tradeoff depending on what you want.
Seems like the pseudo gotoma I’ve been waiting for
Lighter than the Gotama, but a similar concept.
how’s it compared to head kore 105?
The Blaze feels more playful. More surfy too. Softer flex pattern and much longer rocker profile, so I think most skiers would prefer its feel in soft snow. The Kore, on the other hand, is far stiffer, but still light. That makes it very reactive and responsive, but it's not as smooth as the Blaze.