Thx Elliot! I recently bought the Maverick 88 ti, the 2023 model, after watching your videos and review of this ski. I also like the darker themed topsheet better than the 2024's. Can't wait to try them next season.
@@RicketySkiReviews btw I sent you an email regarding ski recommendation (between the Deacon 84 and BC Octo) but I think the email might not be connected to this UA-cam account... Im not sure how the brand and primary account thing works out.
In the 2020-2021 season I demoed a bunch of skis to figure out what I wanted. I skied these in March 21 and went back to the shop and bought them on the spot. I have about 80 days on them since then and I still love them. All of these accolades feel spot on. I'll say that in deep snow I would like a bit more float, but that's been maybe 3-4 days over the last couple seasons. I liked the Vantage 90 but I love these.
Here in Vermont, I think this is my one ski quiver. Honestly, I've never skied powder where the ski I was on wasn't good enough! And I've skied powder waist deep on "straight" skis. Last week Ski Essentials had this ski at a really good price but my property taxes are coming up and my Atomic Vantages still serve the purpose! I enjoy your commentary and maybe you would like to talk about getting fit for next season.
I just found your reviews a few days ago. I love your perspective and honesty. I bought armada declivity 92ti last year in 180cm. I’m 5-11 160 48 year old intermediate plus skier. I ski in the Midwest along with a once a year hard charging guys trip to Copper. I think the armadas are just a touch to much ski for me. By the end of the week out west I can make the ski do things that literally give me an ear to ear grin but the first couple days are a bit of a struggle getting them to carve. I love the lack of chatter at speed and edge hold on Midwest ice that these skis give me but I struggle getting them around in trees and carving on piste until I get my technique and confidence built up.We split our time between piste and trees/bowl. Would you recommend a more forgiving ski or should I just go to a shorter version of the same ski?
My submission of some Alpine-style skiing for your critique and review. Here we have the Volkl Two in a 176cm length. Be nice to see how it performs in the 186cm and 196cm! I'll post some telemark turns later for you to provide an honest assessment of...but not like next year or anything😅😅😅
Just found you channel and I'm enjoying it... Jeff from Ski Essential favorite 90 ski is armada declivity 92 ..... I have Head Kore 93 2022 and Stance 84 2022 ...I was thinking of getting the Declivity 82 for a little more front side carving... wish you could review them like real soon... :) ....
How do you like the Stances? I’ve been trying to decide on a lighter mid 80s ski and those seem to be high on everyone’s lists. Hold up through crud at moderate speeds?
I subscribed to your channel regardless if you review my alpine or telemark skiing or not..or even my switch telemark skiing 🎿🐏⛷️🪶🎻🌻👀..or even future videos I will be putting out this winter with the benefit of a 360 camera...and the MAVERICKS!! 😂🎉😮😅😊 #mavensandmavericks #mavericksandmavens #heroesoftelemark 😅😅😅❤
@@RicketySkiReviews Haven't skied them (either) yet, so couldn't say. Curious on your take because they seem very, very similar in character (I know, you hate that) from what I've read. Lightweight, nice rebound, very versatile, good carver, adequate float. They both seem very similar and yet quite different from anything else. I ski firm snow on heavy, damp, stiff skinnies by preference, but I am looking for something lighter and more playful for soft snow and late day skiing (when I'm busted) without giving up too much precision.
So I’m an intermediate skier feel like towards the aggressive side. I bought head e rally as my first ski on a deep discount, love them totally growing into them as a performance ski. Love carving. Looking to get a freeride ski to be more playful. Deciding between head kore 93 or maverick 88. Im a heavier guy (250 6’3”) I like the stiffer skis but still want something I can venture into the woods a bit and play with jumps a bit more. I’m in the Midwest so it’s all firm conditions here. Do you have any experience with head Kore skis?
I haven't tried the Kore's yet, but I'm 240 at 6'1 and love my Mavericks, I've only tried the Head iRally cheater skis, and while I liked them they're very different, more energy at the end of the turn than the mavericks that give you more energy at the tip in the turn initiation. Hope that helps.
@@RicketySkiReviews The E-rally is the new version of that ski, very stiff carving ski. I always hated the chatter that I got out of rentals witch were an elan carve ski. The E-rally is super stable and does what I want it to. High end ski but I got it %50 off last spring 😁. I ended up picking up last year head Kore 93in a 184cm with attack 14 binding. Will let you know in a couple months how they are. expecting similar performance but more playful and more floaty.
I just picked up a pair for my son for a steal! They will be a bit small for me at 170 but i will let you know what i think. Looking at the built they are really nice. Warden 13 on them.
@@RicketySkiReviews elliot i just tried the Maverick 88ti in 176cm today. I bought a pair for one of my kid and was curious to test them. I also tried the Volkl Kendo in 177cm back to back. Condition were spring like today. Tried the maverick 88ti first. Initial impressions are not that great. They are slow to engage and the turn radius is really long when purely carving. They skid turn well and are very easy to manage edge pressure. They don’t have impressive edge old for a ski with 3degreeof side edge tuning. My rating would be a 7/10 on those 3 runs. Maybe the edges where not tuned recently so that can influence the performance( those are demo skis). I am not disappointed to have bought them for my son since he is intermediate and light weight they will perform well for him in softer conditions ( the reason i bought him those). The Kendo was way better for me in these conditions. Those are like on rails and very powerful. They feel heavier under the foot but the edge hold and power was a lot better than the atomic. The Volkl were tuned perfectly and recently i could tell. The edge grip and carving power where racing ski level, very impressive for a ski like that. They were performing better than my deacon 84 in those conditions. My rating would be 9.5/10. Ski test is highly subjective and depending on a lot of factors but for me the Kendo 88 for a mainly groomer all conditions carver it would be my choice. For more powder or where a lighter ski that you can man handle the Atomic would be a good choice but my qst92 are better i think. Sorry Elliot, the Atomic are good skis but for me the wow factor was not there this morning.
I got the Maverick 88Ti and Market Griffin bindings. I’m 5’11” and 197lb and deciding between Salomon S/Pro 100 and 120s. I’ve read they are great boots and have her recommendations for both flexes. Given my chosen skis and my body size what’s your initial thought? I love your channel and unbiased reviews. Such a refreshing take in a sea of paid promotions. Keep up the good work! And thank you!
Great Picks for Skis and Bindings! I don't have any experience with that boot. I'm actually in the market for some new boots so maybe I'll test them, but as far as recommendations I would just try them, there's unfortunately no really good way around just trying boots and seeing what feels and fits better. When it comes to flex you just need to go off of what gives you the right range when you flex them. I'm 6'1", 240 with a racing background and I run a 120 flex I guess just for context Here, I actually have a video on this that covers how to fit ski boots, and it talks about finding the right flex, I'm linking you the video with the timestamp starting on the flex: ua-cam.com/video/0kqMA4dlR1M/v-deo.htmlsi=NQSaojjDNp-JaUMm&t=273 Hope this helps! Enjoy your new skis!
I love the sound of these but worry they won't be able to support a 210lbs athletic skier. I really want skis with 2 sheets of metal and light weight but never tried any. I found the bent chets to be noodles.
6'1" 230lbs and no issues here. I was originally going to buy Bents but disliked them for feeling floppy in the second half of the turn. I would say they're worth at least trying, and my local shop had a deal where you could demo the skis and then use that demo cost as a credit towards your purchase. Hope that helps, Thanks for watching and the nice comment!
@@RicketySkiReviews Thank you so much that puts my mind at ease. There are some great deals on these now so I'm contemplating a blind purchase. I'm your height and would prefer to add a shorter ski to my quiver. You skied the 176 right?
Very good, they're quick edge to edge and float better than you would expect with the Horizon Tips. Definitely not as good as like a 98 qst or something, but they carve much better than qst and then float better than you would expect. These are my daily drivers in Idaho where I take them off trail. If off trail is your priority definitely look at the 95 or 100's I reviewed them here: ua-cam.com/video/JjtSLtniAbA/v-deo.htmlsi=-_eaxsQnR7JemNY2 If you want to support the channel I also have affiliate links for Evo here as well: 2023 mavericks are the same as 2024 mavericks just different top sheets so you can find some good deals at the moment: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=132&pw=372417&mi=10270&pt=3&pri=515268 Hope that helped, cheers.
Interesting that you don’t see many Mavericks and Mavens on the slope, they are quite highly represented at my closest ski mountain Taos, and from what you say of them it makes perfect sense with the conditions we tend to have (amazing light, fairly deep powder on some great days, usually a steady amount of snow, but sometimes strong winds which can create hard, sometimes icy (though nothing on the ice coast) and crunchy conditions with the jagged rocks peaking through the steepest slopes. These would do very well and be able to tackle the deep days while also allowing for plenty of maneuverability and grip on the lean days.
The do everything skis are usually mediocre at everything. People should really own skis for a purpose, and own something like an 88 and a 106 instead of only owning a 96 if they can afford it. This ski is making my demo list now, and it wasn't on my radar. I need something that's great on the east coast, where it's groomed and icy most of the time. I have a 96 now, and it's a great width in theory, but it's kind of like the worst of both worlds.
i love my 96s on the east coast it all depends on what you want out of them. if youre looking to cut the ice and carve like an east coaster, of course you want something more dedicated to carving. I love using old fischer rc4 skis on the east coast.
So I did some digging! They were originally pronounced "Bliz ZAhrd" The way I pronounce it, dating back to the 90's: archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19920123&slug=1471614 However I was reading through some forums, and it looks like the company has westernized in the last 15 years, and has been trying to change the pronunciation to match their new mostly western market. Personally I think it's a touch silly to break from the heritage of a pronunciation for "marketing purposes" so I'll probably stick with the original pronunciation, but thanks anyways for the brain scratching comment. And thanks for watching!
Thx Elliot! I recently bought the Maverick 88 ti, the 2023 model, after watching your videos and review of this ski. I also like the darker themed topsheet better than the 2024's. Can't wait to try them next season.
Hope you love them!
@@RicketySkiReviews btw I sent you an email regarding ski recommendation (between the Deacon 84 and BC Octo) but I think the email might not be connected to this UA-cam account... Im not sure how the brand and primary account thing works out.
@@NikeLikeMike okay ty for letting me know I will look for it
In the 2020-2021 season I demoed a bunch of skis to figure out what I wanted. I skied these in March 21 and went back to the shop and bought them on the spot. I have about 80 days on them since then and I still love them. All of these accolades feel spot on. I'll say that in deep snow I would like a bit more float, but that's been maybe 3-4 days over the last couple seasons. I liked the Vantage 90 but I love these.
Same!
Here in Vermont, I think this is my one ski quiver. Honestly, I've never skied powder where the ski I was on wasn't good enough! And I've skied powder waist deep on "straight" skis. Last week Ski Essentials had this ski at a really good price but my property taxes are coming up and my Atomic Vantages still serve the purpose! I enjoy your commentary and maybe you would like to talk about getting fit for next season.
Totally, and who knows maybe you'll find a sweet deal at the ski swap, or honestly no rush, if your vantages still work they're excellent skis!
I just found your reviews a few days ago. I love your perspective and honesty. I bought armada declivity 92ti last year in 180cm. I’m 5-11 160 48 year old intermediate plus skier. I ski in the Midwest along with a once a year hard charging guys trip to Copper. I think the armadas are just a touch to much ski for me. By the end of the week out west I can make the ski do things that literally give me an ear to ear grin but the first couple days are a bit of a struggle getting them to carve. I love the lack of chatter at speed and edge hold on Midwest ice that these skis give me but I struggle getting them around in trees and carving on piste until I get my technique and confidence built up.We split our time between piste and trees/bowl. Would you recommend a more forgiving ski or should I just go to a shorter version of the same ski?
My submission of some Alpine-style skiing for your critique and review. Here we have the Volkl Two in a 176cm length. Be nice to see how it performs in the 186cm and 196cm! I'll post some telemark turns later for you to provide an honest assessment of...but not like next year or anything😅😅😅
I don't know enough about Telemark skiing to give you a valid assessment, but I appreciate the suggestion! Thanks for watching.
Good point about Jeff’s skiing. For some reason with these he’s getting his inside knee in starting the turn. He usually kind of looks bow legged. 😅
It's been cool to see him improve over the years via watching all of the different reviews.
He looks more like Bob on these skis
Just found you channel and I'm enjoying it... Jeff from Ski Essential favorite 90 ski is armada declivity 92 ..... I have Head Kore 93 2022 and Stance 84 2022 ...I was thinking of getting the Declivity 82 for a little more front side carving... wish you could review them like real soon... :) ....
How do you like the Stances? I’ve been trying to decide on a lighter mid 80s ski and those seem to be high on everyone’s lists. Hold up through crud at moderate speeds?
@@sleuth2077 It's my favorite east coast ski...it's all good at 40mph... Colorado etc I prefer my Kore 93's
I almost bought a pair of Mavericks last season but ended up on a pair of Dynastar M-Free 99s and absolutely love them.
Oh that's rad, glad you like them!
Totally different skis haha. but both just as capable, just on different sides of the style spectrum. i love the mfree's.
I’ve heard so many good things about those, would love to see a review on those from Rickety!
@@Sokolva go demo them. theyre hot on all the demo programs. the 108's in 192 are special if ur into that sorta thing.
Will have to check them out!
Have you ever tried anything from the head Kore line? If so, thoughts?
If not, could you put the 105s on your list?
I will put them on the list, thanks for the suggestion!
I subscribed to your channel regardless if you review my alpine or telemark skiing or not..or even my switch telemark skiing 🎿🐏⛷️🪶🎻🌻👀..or even future videos I will be putting out this winter with the benefit of a 360 camera...and the MAVERICKS!! 😂🎉😮😅😊 #mavensandmavericks #mavericksandmavens #heroesoftelemark 😅😅😅❤
Very Cool! Welcome and thanks for joining!
Since I haven't skied these, I stick with the top sheet: It reminds me of late 90s / early 2000s death metal covers...^^
True!
Curious what you think of the Declivity 92, given how much you love the Mavericks.
I've never tried them, but I'll add them to my list. How do you like them compared to the Mavericks?
@@RicketySkiReviews Haven't skied them (either) yet, so couldn't say. Curious on your take because they seem very, very similar in character (I know, you hate that) from what I've read. Lightweight, nice rebound, very versatile, good carver, adequate float. They both seem very similar and yet quite different from anything else. I ski firm snow on heavy, damp, stiff skinnies by preference, but I am looking for something lighter and more playful for soft snow and late day skiing (when I'm busted) without giving up too much precision.
Oh very cool, I'll look into them.
So I’m an intermediate skier feel like towards the aggressive side. I bought head e rally as my first ski on a deep discount, love them totally growing into them as a performance ski. Love carving. Looking to get a freeride ski to be more playful. Deciding between head kore 93 or maverick 88. Im a heavier guy (250 6’3”) I like the stiffer skis but still want something I can venture into the woods a bit and play with jumps a bit more. I’m in the Midwest so it’s all firm conditions here. Do you have any experience with head Kore skis?
I haven't tried the Kore's yet, but I'm 240 at 6'1 and love my Mavericks, I've only tried the Head iRally cheater skis, and while I liked them they're very different, more energy at the end of the turn than the mavericks that give you more energy at the tip in the turn initiation. Hope that helps.
@@RicketySkiReviews The E-rally is the new version of that ski, very stiff carving ski. I always hated the chatter that I got out of rentals witch were an elan carve ski. The E-rally is super stable and does what I want it to. High end ski but I got it %50 off last spring 😁. I ended up picking up last year head Kore 93in a 184cm with attack 14 binding. Will let you know in a couple months how they are. expecting similar performance but more playful and more floaty.
I last year also demoed the maverick 88 and it really impressed me those were the best skis I've tried so far bought them afterwards
I just picked up a pair for my son for a steal! They will be a bit small for me at 170 but i will let you know what i think. Looking at the built they are really nice. Warden 13 on them.
Great find!
@@RicketySkiReviews elliot i just tried the Maverick 88ti in 176cm today. I bought a pair for one of my kid and was curious to test them. I also tried the Volkl Kendo in 177cm back to back. Condition were spring like today. Tried the maverick 88ti first. Initial impressions are not that great. They are slow to engage and the turn radius is really long when purely carving. They skid turn well and are very easy to manage edge pressure. They don’t have impressive edge old for a ski with 3degreeof side edge tuning. My rating would be a 7/10 on those 3 runs. Maybe the edges where not tuned recently so that can influence the performance( those are demo skis). I am not disappointed to have bought them for my son since he is intermediate and light weight they will perform well for him in softer conditions ( the reason i bought him those). The Kendo was way better for me in these conditions. Those are like on rails and very powerful. They feel heavier under the foot but the edge hold and power was a lot better than the atomic. The Volkl were tuned perfectly and recently i could tell. The edge grip and carving power where racing ski level, very impressive for a ski like that. They were performing better than my deacon 84 in those conditions. My rating would be 9.5/10. Ski test is highly subjective and depending on a lot of factors but for me the Kendo 88 for a mainly groomer all conditions carver it would be my choice. For more powder or where a lighter ski that you can man handle the Atomic would be a good choice but my qst92 are better i think. Sorry Elliot, the Atomic are good skis but for me the wow factor was not there this morning.
I got the Maverick 88Ti and Market Griffin bindings. I’m 5’11” and 197lb and deciding between Salomon S/Pro 100 and 120s. I’ve read they are great boots and have her recommendations for both flexes. Given my chosen skis and my body size what’s your initial thought?
I love your channel and unbiased reviews. Such a refreshing take in a sea of paid promotions.
Keep up the good work! And thank you!
Great Picks for Skis and Bindings!
I don't have any experience with that boot. I'm actually in the market for some new boots so maybe I'll test them, but as far as recommendations I would just try them, there's unfortunately no really good way around just trying boots and seeing what feels and fits better. When it comes to flex you just need to go off of what gives you the right range when you flex them.
I'm 6'1", 240 with a racing background and I run a 120 flex I guess just for context
Here, I actually have a video on this that covers how to fit ski boots, and it talks about finding the right flex, I'm linking you the video with the timestamp starting on the flex: ua-cam.com/video/0kqMA4dlR1M/v-deo.htmlsi=NQSaojjDNp-JaUMm&t=273
Hope this helps! Enjoy your new skis!
@@RicketySkiReviews
Thanks for your reply and for the link to your other video. Very much appreciated!
I love the sound of these but worry they won't be able to support a 210lbs athletic skier. I really want skis with 2 sheets of metal and light weight but never tried any. I found the bent chets to be noodles.
6'1" 230lbs and no issues here. I was originally going to buy Bents but disliked them for feeling floppy in the second half of the turn. I would say they're worth at least trying, and my local shop had a deal where you could demo the skis and then use that demo cost as a credit towards your purchase.
Hope that helps, Thanks for watching and the nice comment!
@@RicketySkiReviews Thank you so much that puts my mind at ease. There are some great deals on these now so I'm contemplating a blind purchase. I'm your height and would prefer to add a shorter ski to my quiver. You skied the 176 right?
How are the 88ti off piste? Looking to buy these but i dont know if i want to get the 88 or the 95ti. I ski about 50/50 groomers/ off piste.
Very good, they're quick edge to edge and float better than you would expect with the Horizon Tips. Definitely not as good as like a 98 qst or something, but they carve much better than qst and then float better than you would expect. These are my daily drivers in Idaho where I take them off trail. If off trail is your priority definitely look at the 95 or 100's I reviewed them here: ua-cam.com/video/JjtSLtniAbA/v-deo.htmlsi=-_eaxsQnR7JemNY2
If you want to support the channel I also have affiliate links for Evo here as well: 2023 mavericks are the same as 2024 mavericks just different top sheets so you can find some good deals at the moment: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=132&pw=372417&mi=10270&pt=3&pri=515268
Hope that helped, cheers.
Interesting that you don’t see many Mavericks and Mavens on the slope, they are quite highly represented at my closest ski mountain Taos, and from what you say of them it makes perfect sense with the conditions we tend to have (amazing light, fairly deep powder on some great days, usually a steady amount of snow, but sometimes strong winds which can create hard, sometimes icy (though nothing on the ice coast) and crunchy conditions with the jagged rocks peaking through the steepest slopes. These would do very well and be able to tackle the deep days while also allowing for plenty of maneuverability and grip on the lean days.
Totally! I think they lost a few people with the Vantage name change. Orrrr some people jumped to the Bent Series is my theory.
If you are 6'2 177 cm. is pretty small 4 an expert?
I don't think so for carving skis that I want to make SL / GS turns on. I like that size and they're fun in the woods.
The do everything skis are usually mediocre at everything. People should really own skis for a purpose, and own something like an 88 and a 106 instead of only owning a 96 if they can afford it. This ski is making my demo list now, and it wasn't on my radar. I need something that's great on the east coast, where it's groomed and icy most of the time. I have a 96 now, and it's a great width in theory, but it's kind of like the worst of both worlds.
Idk If you've tried them already, but I'm from the east coast and I could see the Mindbender Ti's being nice out there as well
i love my 96s on the east coast it all depends on what you want out of them. if youre looking to cut the ice and carve like an east coaster, of course you want something more dedicated to carving. I love using old fischer rc4 skis on the east coast.
Oh awesome, I used to run old Rossignol Radicals when I was back East. I do appreciate not having to tune so often anymore.
👍
Thanks for watching!
It is Blizzard, like the storm, not Bli zzard
So I did some digging! They were originally pronounced "Bliz ZAhrd" The way I pronounce it, dating back to the 90's: archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19920123&slug=1471614
However I was reading through some forums, and it looks like the company has westernized in the last 15 years, and has been trying to change the pronunciation to match their new mostly western market.
Personally I think it's a touch silly to break from the heritage of a pronunciation for "marketing purposes" so I'll probably stick with the original pronunciation, but thanks anyways for the brain scratching comment. And thanks for watching!
Gender neutral ski? Dude is this ski place woked?