@SkiEssentials I listened to your other reviews. I'm 6'5 225 so I was worried I somehow needed more ski. Absolutely not, these have all the top end that I need
I'm the very happy owner of a pair of R15 WB LTDs with Xcell bindings. I'm 5'10'', 170lbs and ski the 174 cm. Skied on them about 30 days this season. Short turns, long turns, tenacious grip on slick and icy runs, awesome on softer snow, they do it all and can really rip. For me, they're the perfect frontside ski. I give them a 10 out of 10.
My first day on these was on ICE - not icy snow - ICE. These were like having six foot long speed skates! I've got Peak 88's and N. Enforcer 100's if I want versatility east and west. But, on groomers, these are my go-to skis. Everything I could want: edge grip out the wazoo, stability at speed, and smooth as a Stockli. Later in the day I switch skis though; these are a lot of work if you're crud busting.
Love ALL the review vids… I’ve watched tons! After considering 6 skis, I’m really leaning into the R15 WB for a versatile frontside Eastern carver. Looking for a length recommendation please! I’m 5’9, 195lbs, and tend to ski on the shorter side of short/medium radius turns, but I do like to stretch it out for fun.. Advanced/Expert skier, former instructor, 45 years on skis, and I ski on the faster/aggressive side. Thanks so much!
Between these two, I think a lot about initiation, completion, and turn shape. I think of the Brahma as having a less dramatic "S" shape to it--more attacking the fall line versus the R15 which is more swooping. The tail of the R15 holds on longer, and allows you to finish your turn with a more across/up the trail style, then falling right back into the next turn with the more direct shovel shape. I'd much rather ski bumps, trees, and off-trail stuff on the Brahma while if I were more interested in clean and round arcs on groomers, I'd lean to the R15.
I think the sturdiness of the ski allows you to go shorter. This will keep you out of a bit of the high end of the speed spectrum, but it's still going to be great in shorter to medium-radius turns.
The Thunderbird feels more substantial and firm with the snow. The Monteros are so quiet, and they make such clean turns, but the Blizzard has a more determined ride to it.
Best ski that I’ve ever been on. And I’ve ridden most of the range of carving skis. These absolutely nuke the stockli ar’s, better than e rally, only thing close is dobermann spitfire 76 but the thunderbird still better.
The AS feels more nimble and quick, but not as strong or powerful. The new Spitfire 74 is more comparable in terms of smoothness--the new double core build in that ski is really nice--kind of a foil to the sophistication of the True Blend core of the Blizzard.
Different eras, but same intended result. I think the Blizzard is going to have a bit more sharpness and crispness in a carved turn, but it's tough to tell!
Considering adding this to my quiver but I see there are other options: - Thunderbird R15 LTD - Thunderbird R15 plus These are both thinner (70mm) underfoot. Would you say these other options are strictly for racing?
Howdy, I'm looking to buy a pair of carving skis but can't make up my mind between the thunderbird r15s, head super shape e-rally and rossi hero elite st. I'm 182cm 92kg and an advanced skier but have always skied on bigger wider skis, what do you recommend? (Already have enforcer 94s and bent 90s)
The ST is the outlier here, as it's more of a slalom specialist. The Rally and the Thunderbird are a lot more comparable, but I'd say there's some more versatility and friendliness to the Thunderbird while the Rally feels more sucked to the snow. I like the energy of the Thunderbird but the dampness and power of the Rally--kind of depends on what you're looking for at the end of the day.
The Fischer feels lighter and more agile than the Thunderbird, which has more of a planted feel. The Fischer has a slightly more flexible shovel, so it's easier to initiate turns but if you're used to being aggressive and driving turns, the Blizzard has more upside.
@@SkiEssentials would you say that the Curv GT is more versatile - easier to ski at slower speeds and better in more variable snow? Curious about how the Curv GT feels lighter, as in the specs it shows that it should be much heavier (2.350 kg vs 1.750 kg for the Thunderbird).
@@alexlascu Weights are all over the place with system skis in the catalogs and websites. Some include the plate while others don't. The Curv GT feels more jumpy and jittery due to the stiffness of the carbon used while the Thunderbird feels smoother and more planted. Weight aside, this makes the Blizzard feel heftier and more solid. That, in turn, makes the GT easier to ski at slower speeds.
The Magnum feels a bit more planted with a bit more of a slalom influence. The R15 feels more versatile in both turn shape, style as well as slight versatility.
That snow looked cold & hard, especially at the beginning! Great skis obviously.
Hoping Bob recovers quickly for some more snow fun.
So fun and great conditions!
Just rode mine for the first time today... what a riot!
Awesome! Hope you love them as much as we do!
@SkiEssentials I listened to your other reviews. I'm 6'5 225 so I was worried I somehow needed more ski. Absolutely not, these have all the top end that I need
I'm the very happy owner of a pair of R15 WB LTDs with Xcell bindings. I'm 5'10'', 170lbs and ski the 174 cm. Skied on them about 30 days this season. Short turns, long turns, tenacious grip on slick and icy runs, awesome on softer snow, they do it all and can really rip. For me, they're the perfect frontside ski. I give them a 10 out of 10.
Thanks for sharing!
I bought a set of these this summer and I'm excited to try them.
Hope you enjoy!
Really want these skis. They look like a blast.
www.skiessentials.com/products/2024-blizzard-thunderbird-r15-wb-ltd-skis-w-xcell?ski%2520size=174
Sweet ski
My first day on these was on ICE - not icy snow - ICE. These were like having six foot long speed skates! I've got Peak 88's and N. Enforcer 100's if I want versatility east and west. But, on groomers, these are my go-to skis. Everything I could want: edge grip out the wazoo, stability at speed, and smooth as a Stockli. Later in the day I switch skis though; these are a lot of work if you're crud busting.
Awesome and accurate comment, thanks for sharing!
Love ALL the review vids… I’ve watched tons! After considering 6 skis, I’m really leaning into the R15 WB for a versatile frontside Eastern carver. Looking for a length recommendation please! I’m 5’9, 195lbs, and tend to ski on the shorter side of short/medium radius turns, but I do like to stretch it out for fun.. Advanced/Expert skier, former instructor, 45 years on skis, and I ski on the faster/aggressive side. Thanks so much!
Thanks! Great skis, too! I would say the 166 is the way to go here if you like mixing up turn shapes and styles.
What two skis would you say these are most comparable to? Besides the e rally that you mentioned
Nordica Spitfire 74 and Rossignol Hero Elite MT come to mind as comparable skis. The new Rossi Forza 70 is close, but it's a bit lighter.
Vs the Brahma 82? Thanks nick.
Between these two, I think a lot about initiation, completion, and turn shape. I think of the Brahma as having a less dramatic "S" shape to it--more attacking the fall line versus the R15 which is more swooping. The tail of the R15 holds on longer, and allows you to finish your turn with a more across/up the trail style, then falling right back into the next turn with the more direct shovel shape. I'd much rather ski bumps, trees, and off-trail stuff on the Brahma while if I were more interested in clean and round arcs on groomers, I'd lean to the R15.
What length should I be looking for? I am 5’10, 155lbs, upper intermediate skier. Could not decide between 166cm and 174cm. Thanks!
I think the sturdiness of the ski allows you to go shorter. This will keep you out of a bit of the high end of the speed spectrum, but it's still going to be great in shorter to medium-radius turns.
think trends will be having a core carving ski
work on skills
How does this feel compared to Stockli Montero AS/AX?
The Thunderbird feels more substantial and firm with the snow. The Monteros are so quiet, and they make such clean turns, but the Blizzard has a more determined ride to it.
Best ski that I’ve ever been on. And I’ve ridden most of the range of carving skis. These absolutely nuke the stockli ar’s, better than e rally, only thing close is dobermann spitfire 76 but the thunderbird still better.
I wonder how they would compare against the new and narrower Stocki AS and nordica 74.
The AS feels more nimble and quick, but not as strong or powerful. The new Spitfire 74 is more comparable in terms of smoothness--the new double core build in that ski is really nice--kind of a foil to the sophistication of the True Blend core of the Blizzard.
What’s the difference between the ltd version of these and the non ltd version?
I don't think there is a non-ltd version. The 2023 ski did not have the LTD moniker, so my best guess is that it's a year thing.
I have k2 super charger-perfect ski. Could you it with R15 WB?
Different eras, but same intended result. I think the Blizzard is going to have a bit more sharpness and crispness in a carved turn, but it's tough to tell!
Considering adding this to my quiver but I see there are other options:
- Thunderbird R15 LTD
- Thunderbird R15 plus
These are both thinner (70mm) underfoot. Would you say these other options are strictly for racing?
Generally with the thinner waist, they're making the turn shape more slalom-ish.
Howdy, I'm looking to buy a pair of carving skis but can't make up my mind between the thunderbird r15s, head super shape e-rally and rossi hero elite st. I'm 182cm 92kg and an advanced skier but have always skied on bigger wider skis, what do you recommend? (Already have enforcer 94s and bent 90s)
The ST is the outlier here, as it's more of a slalom specialist. The Rally and the Thunderbird are a lot more comparable, but I'd say there's some more versatility and friendliness to the Thunderbird while the Rally feels more sucked to the snow. I like the energy of the Thunderbird but the dampness and power of the Rally--kind of depends on what you're looking for at the end of the day.
What are the differences between Thunderbird R15 WB and Fischer Curv GT?
The Fischer feels lighter and more agile than the Thunderbird, which has more of a planted feel. The Fischer has a slightly more flexible shovel, so it's easier to initiate turns but if you're used to being aggressive and driving turns, the Blizzard has more upside.
@@SkiEssentials would you say that the Curv GT is more versatile - easier to ski at slower speeds and better in more variable snow? Curious about how the Curv GT feels lighter, as in the specs it shows that it should be much heavier (2.350 kg vs 1.750 kg for the Thunderbird).
@@alexlascu Weights are all over the place with system skis in the catalogs and websites. Some include the plate while others don't. The Curv GT feels more jumpy and jittery due to the stiffness of the carbon used while the Thunderbird feels smoother and more planted. Weight aside, this makes the Blizzard feel heftier and more solid. That, in turn, makes the GT easier to ski at slower speeds.
Jeff are your skis mounted more forward than your ski partner?
Nope!
vs. Head Magnum?
The Magnum feels a bit more planted with a bit more of a slalom influence. The R15 feels more versatile in both turn shape, style as well as slight versatility.
Google strap over or under the helmet! 😅
Matt's an under guy. Jeff and Bob are older/over.
@ lol