We are now going to compare two of the more established reference skis from the “Crazy 88s,” as Sierra Jim has described the category.
While they have many similarities in flex patterns and stiffness, that is where their likenesses end. These two skis have very different feels and purposes on the snow, they are 70/40 skis depending what you are looking for: the E88 is a wide narrow ski, while the Brahma is a narrow wide ski. Wait, how does 70/40 add up? Keep reading.
The Blizzard Brahma was introduced a few years back right after the Bonafide, and it immediately harnessed that momentum; some consider it a better Bonafide for more people, and indeed it has been one of the best-selling skis on the market. Yes, this is a 70/40 ski, with the 70% being an off-piste bias and the 40% being the ability to carve trenches. Don’t get me wrong, under the feet of an accomplished skier, the Brahma can make deep tracks in the snow, but frankly, such a skier can make tracks with any ski. For the mortals reading this, the Brahma is biased more off piste: in the bumps and mash. Its beautifully sculptured early rise from the Flipcore’s rocker/camber/rocker profile allows it to work mixed conditions like very few skis in the class. For 2017, the addition of carbon at the extremities adds lightness and a bit of dampening, so the ski is even smoother now.
This year's Experience 88 HD also has some carbon in its extremities, resulting in the same, um, experience as the Brahma but, because it is happier on firm conditions, with less nervousness. Yes, the 70/40 of the Rossi shows on the groomers: all you have to do is look at its shape to recognize that it likes to be on edge and doing something. From the snub-nose tip to the balanced flex to its wide flared tail, the E88 HD has one purpose: making precise 18m railroad tracks. Again, can it be skied off piste? Sure, but what makes the Rossi so good on the groomers, that snub tip and flared tail, limits its versatility when off piste.
The Blizzard Brahma was introduced a few years back right after the Bonafide, and it immediately harnessed that momentum; some consider it a better Bonafide for more people, and indeed it has been one of the best-selling skis on the market. Yes, this is a 70/40 ski, with the 70% being an off-piste bias and the 40% being the ability to carve trenches. Don’t get me wrong, under the feet of an accomplished skier, the Brahma can make deep tracks in the snow, but frankly, such a skier can make tracks with any ski. For the mortals reading this, the Brahma is biased more off piste: in the bumps and mash. Its beautifully sculptured early rise from the Flipcore’s rocker/camber/rocker profile allows it to work mixed conditions like very few skis in the class. For 2017, the addition of carbon at the extremities adds lightness and a bit of dampening, so the ski is even smoother now.
This year's Experience 88 HD also has some carbon in its extremities, resulting in the same, um, experience as the Brahma but, because it is happier on firm conditions, with less nervousness. Yes, the 70/40 of the Rossi shows on the groomers: all you have to do is look at its shape to recognize that it likes to be on edge and doing something. From the snub-nose tip to the balanced flex to its wide flared tail, the E88 HD has one purpose: making precise 18m railroad tracks. Again, can it be skied off piste? Sure, but what makes the Rossi so good on the groomers, that snub tip and flared tail, limits its versatility when off piste.
- Why choose the Brahma? No Brahma drama here (I was not going to write this without not fitting that in somewhere). It could be the one-ski quiver for someone who is happy with an 88 and wants to explore the whole mountain.
- Why choose the E88 HD? You are a groomer zoomer who doesn’t want a bit of crud ending your day. Think of an SUV with a sport suspension.
- Other skis in the class: Armada Invictus 89Ti, Dynastar PowerTrack 89, Salomon X-Drive 8.8 FS, Völkl Kendo.