- Women's Ski
- Sidecut: 129/86/111
- 3D Radius: 28/15/23 meters at 173 centimeters
- Core: Hybrid Multilayer wood core
- Full Sidewall
- Titanal Binding Platform
- Rocker Camber Rocker
- Early Taper
- Suspension Tip
- Ability Level: Intermediate to advanced skiers
The Volkl Blaze 86 takes the design attributes of its widely loved counterparts and packages them into a more frontside-oriented platform better suited to intermediate skiers who want something maneuverable, and easy going. Volkl uses a multilayer wood core which provides a nice uniform flex, good stability and a lightweight profile. Contrary to a lot of Volkl's all mountain skis, the Blaze 86 doesn't really use any metal in its construction other than a plate of Titanal under the binding. This plate exists primarily for binding retention, but it does add a bit of stiffness and stability to the ski. Out in the tip and the tail, the Blaze 86 features Volkl's Suspension Tip which uses an elastic material to help dampen the ski for added stability and smooth float. Tip and tail rocker combined with Volkl's 3D radius sidecut give this ski a unique balance of maneuverability and stability. The 3D radius is very pronounced on this ski which opens up a lot of opportunity to experiment with different turn shaped both short and long. The Blaze provides great stability at high speeds on longer arcs and a lot of responsiveness and agility for short, quick turns as well. While not as wide as the Blaze 94 and the Blaze 106, you can certainly mix things up with the Blaze 86. Its lightweight construction and effortless maneuverability would make it a great ski in the bumps or tight trees, but it remains narrow enough and quick edge to edge for solid on-piste performance.