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2022 Blossom AM77
- Thread starter SkiTalk Test Team
- Start date
I see how a plate could improve performance, but I can't imagine it making it more fun than it already is. It is such an easy going ski. Medium speeds with nice medium radius turns, but drop the knees a bit, add some light forward pressure, and the radius tightens up easily, not at all abruptly. Really easy to control. I gave them to my son for a run -- we have the same BSL, so we swap sometimes -- he is a few inches shorter and 35 pounds lighter, but he was able to make a quick transition from his 163 S/Force TI.80 to the 176 AM77s. The skis just clicked for him.
If I were skiing hard icy conditions, I'd grab my GS cheaters with a plate. If it's less than two day old Baker snow, I'd be on my Bonafides. But for everything in between, I'll probably be using my new AM77s.
I have the White Out from last year with a Pivot 15. My son has the AM77 with the Speedlock Pro Superlight plate, both are 176. Last Sunday I spent the morning on mine and the afternoon on his. My take away is that the ski retains the same character (progressive nature, predictable...) when fitted with the plate; but the plate gives the ski more authority. The difference really stood out on steeper, more demanding terrain. The 412 binding feels very solid too. It's a great package, especially here on the East Coast.
Finally got to ski on these today:
And the verdict is: Wowsa! Thanks Phil and Tricia!
And the verdict is: Wowsa! Thanks Phil and Tricia!
Good running into you...
Yes, thank you, I always meet the nicest people at Snowbasin! And I have you and Skitalk to thank for turning me on to my new Blossom AM77’s.
Skied my AM77 3 days mostly groomers and some bumps. The accolades these skis get on this site are totally on point and well deserved. The flex pattern, construction and shape of this ski is some magic formula. They can be skied easy with a centered stance, let you get away with some backseat, and still you'll make good looking brushed short turns. Ski them with a more forward stance with focus and reap the rewards; any turn shape, any speed, any time. Steep big bumps under the snowmaking guns, just be on your game and you'll cut right through them with style and grace. The wide tips seem to absorb the backside of the bump and don't seem too grabby, the flex is not so stiff, it's pretty medium and compliant, the tail releases easy.
I am having a hard time deciding which ski I like better between my 170 cm AM77 and my 170 cm No1 RC, both with the Vist VSP412 and SpeedCom system. I think the No1 RC is a little less forgiving and requires more awareness of your movements. The AM77 lets you get away with taking a run "off" and won't make you look like you've taken a run "off". The No1 RC is definitely quicker edge to edge and when you're "on", you're a rock star banging out turns with confidence that the skis will hold. The AM77 likes to finish the "C" shape turn and you can take more time with it; edge hold also not an issue. AM77 can handle the steeper bigger bumps better. No1 RC is more rewarding when you're really on it on the fast steep groomers. I also think the No1 RC plows through crud better as it feels more stout. AM77 is just easier to ski from bell to bell as it's less tiring. Both skis have their place but there is some overlap. No1 RC if you want a dedicated groomer day ski that can handle some soft low to medium angle bumps and crud and is very rewarding when you bring your "A" game. AM77 for a ski that can tackle hard snow days with ease and also do some steeper larger bumps and a decent amount of fresh snow.
I am having a hard time deciding which ski I like better between my 170 cm AM77 and my 170 cm No1 RC, both with the Vist VSP412 and SpeedCom system. I think the No1 RC is a little less forgiving and requires more awareness of your movements. The AM77 lets you get away with taking a run "off" and won't make you look like you've taken a run "off". The No1 RC is definitely quicker edge to edge and when you're "on", you're a rock star banging out turns with confidence that the skis will hold. The AM77 likes to finish the "C" shape turn and you can take more time with it; edge hold also not an issue. AM77 can handle the steeper bigger bumps better. No1 RC is more rewarding when you're really on it on the fast steep groomers. I also think the No1 RC plows through crud better as it feels more stout. AM77 is just easier to ski from bell to bell as it's less tiring. Both skis have their place but there is some overlap. No1 RC if you want a dedicated groomer day ski that can handle some soft low to medium angle bumps and crud and is very rewarding when you bring your "A" game. AM77 for a ski that can tackle hard snow days with ease and also do some steeper larger bumps and a decent amount of fresh snow.
I took my AM 77's with me to Aspen. This is after using then almost exclusively for a multi-week clinic (5 Fridays) in Jan/Feb, with mostly firm and spring conditions at Alpental. So I've had about 16-17 days on them, and got a lot of use with them not only on groomers, but bumps (including big bumps), steeps, some slush, mixed conditions, basically everything but a powder day.
Even with the Speedlock Pro Super Light plate they are easy to work in bumps, and for really big bumps they are just fine. When pressuring the ski from tip to tail, you get speed control from not only the tip engaging earlier than with an early-rise ski, but the tail also being pressured the whole ski length grips and helps with speed control if you complete turns rather than slam into the next bump with a minimal turn.
In contrast my ON3P Woodsman 102 has a long early rise in the tip and a rockered tail, which makes it more pivoty, but if you ski the bumps similar to short radius turns the AM77 gives you better speed control. For powder day bumps the Woodsman is better, otherwise take your pick.
The AM77's also excel at being able to de-edge, as well as have excellent edge grip; sometimes you want to drift and smear turns. The point is I can take the AM77's just about anywhere. At Snowmass, KT Gully, AMF and all the runouts were no problem, at Highlands Deep Temerity I was skiing right on a certain grumpy King's tails in the bumps. The groomers at Snowmass, Ajax and Highlands were obviously where these things shine and shine they did. They are very easy and intuitive to put on edge, and change from short to long radius turns. They are not wiggly or squirrelly on the straightaways, though they feel more planted on edge (so the lesson is: always be turning, but the size of the radius is up to you).
I got the skis wondering if I could use them everywhere I would ski my Renoun Z90's and there are very few instances in which the Z90's are better and that would be where I'm likely to spend more time in variable off-piste conditions, which we normally get a lot of in the PNW, though this season has been different. I think I've used my Z90's twice this season. That says something, as I love the Z90's and they have been my go-to ski the past 3 seasons.
So for anyone who's wondering whether to get the AM77's with or without a plate: get the plate. With the plate they are responsive without being too stiff or twitchy, while being stable and planted. I never felt like I had to adjust to the ski or learn its quirks, it just works. Great ski.
Even with the Speedlock Pro Super Light plate they are easy to work in bumps, and for really big bumps they are just fine. When pressuring the ski from tip to tail, you get speed control from not only the tip engaging earlier than with an early-rise ski, but the tail also being pressured the whole ski length grips and helps with speed control if you complete turns rather than slam into the next bump with a minimal turn.
In contrast my ON3P Woodsman 102 has a long early rise in the tip and a rockered tail, which makes it more pivoty, but if you ski the bumps similar to short radius turns the AM77 gives you better speed control. For powder day bumps the Woodsman is better, otherwise take your pick.
The AM77's also excel at being able to de-edge, as well as have excellent edge grip; sometimes you want to drift and smear turns. The point is I can take the AM77's just about anywhere. At Snowmass, KT Gully, AMF and all the runouts were no problem, at Highlands Deep Temerity I was skiing right on a certain grumpy King's tails in the bumps. The groomers at Snowmass, Ajax and Highlands were obviously where these things shine and shine they did. They are very easy and intuitive to put on edge, and change from short to long radius turns. They are not wiggly or squirrelly on the straightaways, though they feel more planted on edge (so the lesson is: always be turning, but the size of the radius is up to you).
I got the skis wondering if I could use them everywhere I would ski my Renoun Z90's and there are very few instances in which the Z90's are better and that would be where I'm likely to spend more time in variable off-piste conditions, which we normally get a lot of in the PNW, though this season has been different. I think I've used my Z90's twice this season. That says something, as I love the Z90's and they have been my go-to ski the past 3 seasons.
So for anyone who's wondering whether to get the AM77's with or without a plate: get the plate. With the plate they are responsive without being too stiff or twitchy, while being stable and planted. I never felt like I had to adjust to the ski or learn its quirks, it just works. Great ski.
Nice review of the AM77. Thanks
Nice review; totally agree. I have 5 or 6 days on mine and am blown away by the range of conditions these skis excel in.
Andy Mink
Everyone loves spring skiing but not in January
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Long term update: Still loving the AM77 on groomers. I was having some troubles in the bumps and off-piste stuff and wanted to give it another shot. Recently, I've been on the Rossignol Experience 86TI and felt way better than usual in the bumps with a little change in how I was skiing the bumps. I was determined to make the AM77 work for me in the bumps. Much better today, though not as easy as the Rossignols, which didn't surprise me. The shape of the Blossom is much more groomer oriented but they can be skied in the bumps. Someone with more skill than me (that's a LOT of people!) will have no problems with them. I also took them into a couple of the small Chutes at Mt. Rose, very steep, dicey entries, and didn't feel like they were a hinderance. Again, not their bread and butter, but entirely manageable. Conditions were scraped off old snow with bumps thrown in for excitement. I skied carefully and tactically; I'm not one to just point and shoot when if you fall you may not stop for several hundred feet and that stop may be effected by a rather large, immovable object.
Anyway, the AM77 still impresses as an all-mountain, low tide tool for resort areas.
Anyway, the AM77 still impresses as an all-mountain, low tide tool for resort areas.
Those are my kind of bumps!
Andy Mink
Everyone loves spring skiing but not in January
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SkiTalk Tester
SkiTalk Supporter
How about these?
Honestly, I am planning to drop from 176 AM77s to 170s with the Speedlock Light plate at the end of this season. My biggest question is whether that’s the right binding set up for a 70/30 ski. Last season I was all about bombing down groomers. This season I am thoroughly enjoying bumps and trees as well.
Andy Mink
Everyone loves spring skiing but not in January
Moderator
SkiTalk Tester
SkiTalk Supporter
@bbihas his mounted without a plate. He could give some insight to that setup.
Thanks. I also need to ask Mike at @Blossom Skis. My 176s have the Vist Step Concept plate and 412 bindings. Not my favorite set up for moguls or trees, but on the front side they rip.
Both my AM77s and AM74s are plateless, but I only ski groomers to get to the next set of bumps.
I got probably about 10-12 days on my AM77s @ 176. I’m not big on bumps but when the conditions beg I mess around. Love them as a all mountain but every time I get to messing around in the bumps I wish I had something shorter. Everything’s a trade off all depends on what you spend your time skiing mostly. It’s a hell of a groomer zoomer for sure but think I’d prefer my AXs same length in bumps over the AM, think it’s more the width of the tips Ax being much narrower
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I'm in the same boat, although I have many more days on my 176s. I want 170s for off piste. Plus at 5'9" and 145lbs, @Philpug suggested I drop down to 170s so I can bend them better. My only question is plate or throw my Pivot 14s on them I have laying around. Leaning toward the former as I will still spend most of my time on the groomed runs and these skis are just so fun there.