I’m confused between the Brahma 88, enforcer 88 and Kendo 88. I’m also confused about what length to get. I am 207lbs and 5-11 height. I like to Vail Breck big sky. I usually ski groomed blacks and double blacks with a sizable mix of Moguls. I do pick up higher speeds of around 50-55 mph. I never go back country or super deep ungroomed stuff. Would love to get your recommendation for me and rank them 1,2,3 for Me
These skis are all very similar, it's easy to see the confusion. I like to think that the Brahma is the strongest, the Enforcer is the most versatile, and the Kendo is the most precise--those are the main differences. I'd look to the upper 170's to low 180's in these skis.
The SP has a metal plate underfoot while the 88 has 2.5 sheets of titanal. It's a more rugged ski for sure as a result. The SP is mainly used as a high end rental or package ski for most shops.
Started to notice this ski recently as my kids are getting better and discovering life outside of perfectly groomed slopes. I'm skiing on sub 70 mm GS like skis all my life and I have never ever tried something different, but now I'm kinda forced to look out of the box. However, I still plan to ski a lot on groomers so I don't want to loose power, speed, stability and dampness that I enjoy with my current skis. Could this ski give me a possibility to escape groomers now and then and to have fun in, very often frozen, moguls?
I think asking a ski to make frozen moguls fun is a big ask! That said, it does seem like this Brahma is a great option for you. We have a lot of friends who even use this ski in our local race series and they do just fine, so the carving power and stability of these is just off the charts.
I've never tried this kind of skis, when you say "demanding", how does it compare to a Rossignol hero MT or this kind of racing inspired models ? Thanks !
It has more/same metal as the Hero MT, but since it's wider, there's more material overall, and that's what adds to the demand. They're stiff and heavy and very strong and stable. Feels like an all-mountain race ski.
The Brahma has more of a race-like feel to it. Incredibly stable, damp, and smooth with an insanely high performance ceiling. Enforcer is built the same way, but has more of a narrow freeride shape to it, so there's a bit more versatility and accessibility here. Former racers and expert skiers find more to like about the carving nature of the Brahma.
I'm on the Kästle MX83 in a 175 cm length atm, would a Brahma in 177 be good or should I go longer? I want something with a slightly more easy going tail, but still fast and strong. I dislike the MX83 for it's imprecise tip compared to it's tail. Is the Brahma more balanced flex-wise?
How does the Brahma 88 compare to the Declivity 92ti? I am an advanced skier and usually ski on pretty icy terrain, but also like to ski off-piste. I appreciate the Brahma 88 for its edge grip, but the Declivity 92 is appealing as it carves well and is more versatile. Which one would you recommend for rather icy conditions and 60% piste and 40% off-piste? Thank you!
The icier it gets, the more I lean to Brahma, but the more off-piste it gets, the Declivity is more useful. I think if you're truly 40% off-piste, then the Declivity is going to be a better option more of the time--that ski still shreds in a carved turn!
Hi! I’ve been on the Brahma 88 (Purple & green 187’s) for almost 10 years now and LOVE them. Problem is, I might only have one more season on them. The stability at speed (55-60) is amazing and I don’t want to lose that in my next set. Also, I’m contemplating going a little wider under foot to make them a little more floaty on powder days. Does the 2024 version maintain the same stability at higher speeds? Do the Bonafides offer the same stability at speed and more float in powder? Would I be losing/sacrificing anything by going from the Brahma 88 to the Bonafide? Or, would something like the Völkl Mantra M6 be a better option? I’m 6’3”, 210 pretty advanced skier. Thanks for your time.
You will find a similar level of performance in the current Brahma 88--this is more of a lateral move if you go that route, and a relatively safe one. The Bonafide is incredibly smooth and powerful, and while the extra 9 mm of width helps when it comes to softer snow, it's still not what I'd consider floaty, mainly due to the weight and lack of tail rocker. If you move to Volkl, you will gain a bit of precision and edge grip, but I find the woody feel of the Blizzards to be more satisfying than the metallic ping of the Volkl.
Good afternoon! Can you tell me if Brahma 88 of season 23-24 is softer than Brahma 88 of season 21-22, or is it the same hardness? I would appreciate an answer.
Very similar--almost identical. Check this link to our friends at soothski.com for very detailed measurements on these two skis in the 177: soothski.com/compare/?_values_&selected_rows=%5B2571%2C9598%5D&tab=%22Compare%22
I've owned both. The tails on the 23's and 24's (same ski dif top sheet) are softer than the 21's and 22's (same ski) and the stiff ones are heavier: my 22's weighed 2150g in the 177 and my 23's weighed 2000g. The later ones, to me, are more balanced. But yeah, pretty similar like SE advised.
The Brahma is considerably more powerful in a carved turn and far more business-like than the Captis, which is a playful twin tip that's ideally suited to park and more creative skiing.
Not particularly. This is a pretty specific ski from a directional perspective much less a freestyle realm. The closest I can think of is the Black Crows Captis at 90 mm underfoot and with a full sidewall and a pretty grippy character.
The Divus has one partial metal laminate while the Brahma has 2.5 sheets. This puts Brahma in a different and higher performance category, especially if you consider dampness and grip. I love the Divus and its quick turning agility--it has surprising pep and pop but isn't as stable at speed as the Brahma. That said, you have to get the Brahma up to speed before it's any fun, while the Divus has more moderate speed compliance.
It sounds like the Brahma 88 is more demanding than the Brahma 82, is that correct? Would this be a bit stiffer in the tails and tips compared to the Brahma 82? If you get a moment and can clarify, that'd be great. Thanks again for all of your expertise!
There's more material, so yes, it ends up being more demanding as it just takes more effort to turn. Overall, the relative stiffness is about the same, with the 82 having slightly more torsional stiffness, which makes sense as it's narrower. Basically it's a mass issue.
The brahma 88 is a weapon
I’m confused between the Brahma 88, enforcer 88 and Kendo 88. I’m also confused about what length to get.
I am 207lbs and 5-11 height. I like to Vail Breck big sky. I usually ski groomed blacks and double blacks with a sizable mix of Moguls. I do pick up higher speeds of around 50-55 mph.
I never go back country or super deep ungroomed stuff. Would love to get your recommendation for me and rank them 1,2,3 for Me
These skis are all very similar, it's easy to see the confusion. I like to think that the Brahma is the strongest, the Enforcer is the most versatile, and the Kendo is the most precise--those are the main differences. I'd look to the upper 170's to low 180's in these skis.
would the older Kendo (circa 2020/21 which I have)@@SkiEssentials be more like these Brahma then, cept with the 3D radius concept?
Yes that's fair. The lack of titanal frame also makes it more similar. @@vrwgq3q
What's the difference between the Blizzard Brahma 88 and the Blizzard Brahma 88 SP?
The SP has a metal plate underfoot while the 88 has 2.5 sheets of titanal. It's a more rugged ski for sure as a result. The SP is mainly used as a high end rental or package ski for most shops.
Started to notice this ski recently as my kids are getting better and discovering life outside of perfectly groomed slopes. I'm skiing on sub 70 mm GS like skis all my life and I have never ever tried something different, but now I'm kinda forced to look out of the box.
However, I still plan to ski a lot on groomers so I don't want to loose power, speed, stability and dampness that I enjoy with my current skis.
Could this ski give me a possibility to escape groomers now and then and to have fun in, very often frozen, moguls?
I think asking a ski to make frozen moguls fun is a big ask! That said, it does seem like this Brahma is a great option for you. We have a lot of friends who even use this ski in our local race series and they do just fine, so the carving power and stability of these is just off the charts.
What bindings did blizzard use on these skis during production development and testing before releasing them to shops to demo?
We see them with Marker Griffon demo bindings before they get released--my guess is that this is what they use during development as well.
I've never tried this kind of skis, when you say "demanding", how does it compare to a Rossignol hero MT or this kind of racing inspired models ? Thanks !
It has more/same metal as the Hero MT, but since it's wider, there's more material overall, and that's what adds to the demand. They're stiff and heavy and very strong and stable. Feels like an all-mountain race ski.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks ! I didn't see the width factor playing such a role, but it totally get it !
Hi, which type of binding would you recommend to match it with?
Our co-worker got a pair of these this year--he skis very fast and aggressive. He put a Marker Jester 16 on it and is very happy.
How's this compare to the Nordica Enforcer 88? What's the main thing to decide between them?
The Brahma has more of a race-like feel to it. Incredibly stable, damp, and smooth with an insanely high performance ceiling. Enforcer is built the same way, but has more of a narrow freeride shape to it, so there's a bit more versatility and accessibility here. Former racers and expert skiers find more to like about the carving nature of the Brahma.
I'm on the Kästle MX83 in a 175 cm length atm, would a Brahma in 177 be good or should I go longer? I want something with a slightly more easy going tail, but still fast and strong. I dislike the MX83 for it's imprecise tip compared to it's tail. Is the Brahma more balanced flex-wise?
Yes, the Brahma is pretty consistent from tip to tail. If you're cool with the 175 in the MX, I'd go 177 in the Brahma.
How does the Brahma 88 compare to the Declivity 92ti? I am an advanced skier and usually ski on pretty icy terrain, but also like to ski off-piste. I appreciate the Brahma 88 for its edge grip, but the Declivity 92 is appealing as it carves well and is more versatile. Which one would you recommend for rather icy conditions and 60% piste and 40% off-piste? Thank you!
The icier it gets, the more I lean to Brahma, but the more off-piste it gets, the Declivity is more useful. I think if you're truly 40% off-piste, then the Declivity is going to be a better option more of the time--that ski still shreds in a carved turn!
I had the OG Brahma loved it and just bought this new version hoping it lives up to the name!
I do not think you'll be disappointed.
Hi!
I’ve been on the Brahma 88 (Purple & green 187’s) for almost 10 years now and LOVE them. Problem is, I might only have one more season on them. The stability at speed (55-60) is amazing and I don’t want to lose that in my next set. Also, I’m contemplating going a little wider under foot to make them a little more floaty on powder days. Does the 2024 version maintain the same stability at higher speeds? Do the Bonafides offer the same stability at speed and more float in powder? Would I be losing/sacrificing anything by going from the Brahma 88 to the Bonafide?
Or, would something like the Völkl Mantra M6 be a better option?
I’m 6’3”, 210 pretty advanced skier.
Thanks for your time.
You will find a similar level of performance in the current Brahma 88--this is more of a lateral move if you go that route, and a relatively safe one. The Bonafide is incredibly smooth and powerful, and while the extra 9 mm of width helps when it comes to softer snow, it's still not what I'd consider floaty, mainly due to the weight and lack of tail rocker. If you move to Volkl, you will gain a bit of precision and edge grip, but I find the woody feel of the Blizzards to be more satisfying than the metallic ping of the Volkl.
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. Sounds like a demo of each of these three skis is in order.
Good afternoon! Can you tell me if Brahma 88 of season 23-24 is softer than Brahma 88 of season 21-22, or is it the same hardness? I would appreciate an answer.
Very similar--almost identical. Check this link to our friends at soothski.com for very detailed measurements on these two skis in the 177: soothski.com/compare/?_values_&selected_rows=%5B2571%2C9598%5D&tab=%22Compare%22
@@SkiEssentialsThank you for the information! Your channel and reviews are the best!
I've owned both. The tails on the 23's and 24's (same ski dif top sheet) are softer than the 21's and 22's (same ski) and the stiff ones are heavier: my 22's weighed 2150g in the 177 and my 23's weighed 2000g. The later ones, to me, are more balanced. But yeah, pretty similar like SE advised.
Great Videos! Thanks!
How does it compare to a black crows capitis?
The Brahma is considerably more powerful in a carved turn and far more business-like than the Captis, which is a playful twin tip that's ideally suited to park and more creative skiing.
is there some similar ski with twin tip? thank you
Not particularly. This is a pretty specific ski from a directional perspective much less a freestyle realm. The closest I can think of is the Black Crows Captis at 90 mm underfoot and with a full sidewall and a pretty grippy character.
thank you@@SkiEssentials
How do these compare to the black crows divus ?
The Divus has one partial metal laminate while the Brahma has 2.5 sheets. This puts Brahma in a different and higher performance category, especially if you consider dampness and grip. I love the Divus and its quick turning agility--it has surprising pep and pop but isn't as stable at speed as the Brahma. That said, you have to get the Brahma up to speed before it's any fun, while the Divus has more moderate speed compliance.
@@SkiEssentials thank you!
Hi,
What skis would be like the brahma with a softer tip rocker?
I'd check out the following: Stockli Stormrider 88, K2 Mindbender 89 Ti, Salomon Stance 90, and Atomic Maverick 88Ti.
Volkl kendo 88?
Any changes from last years model?
Nope, just a different graphic (slightly).
Hi, which binding would you recommend to match it with?
It sounds like the Brahma 88 is more demanding than the Brahma 82, is that correct? Would this be a bit stiffer in the tails and tips compared to the Brahma 82? If you get a moment and can clarify, that'd be great. Thanks again for all of your expertise!
There's more material, so yes, it ends up being more demanding as it just takes more effort to turn. Overall, the relative stiffness is about the same, with the 82 having slightly more torsional stiffness, which makes sense as it's narrower. Basically it's a mass issue.
Makes sense to me, thanks so much @@SkiEssentials