2023 Peak 88

[Quandary]

I indeed like my Peak 98s (obviously not the 88s) however I need to be a bit of a contrarian with respect to your observations on the MX83. For me slow or at speed the MX83 is a great ski. Which is why it is one of those skis good instructors like to teach in, as well as a ski with great versatility so that you can ski with the little ones then go and let it rip when they are in for some hot chocolate. Perhaps the perception difference is length? I have the 175s.

 

[ski otter 2]

I indeed like my Peak 98s (obviously not the 88s) however I need to be a bit of a contrarian with respect to your observations on the MX83. For me slow or at speed the MX83 is a great ski. Which is why it is one of those skis good instructors like to teach in, as well as a ski with great versatility so that you can ski with the little ones then go and let it rip when they are in for some hot chocolate. Perhaps the perception difference is length? I have the 175s.

I agree, the length might make a real difference, especially given that @miatamarty's post is for a 184 length 88 Peak
that for him might be as easy to get dialed in at slower speeds as your shorter ski.

And I agree that for many skiers, the right length MX83 is good slow or fast - for many skiers.
But there is still a difference there these observations are getting at, near as I can tell, one you might agree with.

A more traditional ski (and somewhat the MX83) with longer effective edge and less rocker can behave in that way:
a bit more speed seemingly needed to get dialed in.
In my experience, I sometimes briefly notice this effect with some skis I've never been on, and then
my body almost unconsciously adjusts for that, and both types of skis become effective at slower speeds.
It's just that I'm making subtle adjustments, and maybe more effort here and there I'm not really aware of much,
in that process of getting the more traditional ski into an optimal dynamic.
Having skied the MX83, albeit not in it's most recent year, I think that is partly what I might experience.

At the same time, comparing the two skis, the Peaks would have an unusually different and easier release - or dynamic -
around edgehold, pretty noticeably at times.
I notice how safe the Peak 98 is in this way, slow or fast: I am just not going to catch an edge,
or be edge limited in very rapid edge/flex dynamics/release/slarve - something like that, at any rate -
that is a good attribute of the Peaks, however one notices it or describes it.

As you might attest to also, it's unusual for a ski to have such sound high angle grip and ability while at the same time
being so release-able/slarve-able, relaxed, as an option - so safe and versatile that way.
Something like that.

 

[miatamarty]

My MX83 is the older version with no rocker. Pretty burley.

 

[Quandary]

There is no notable rocker in the current version of the MX83. Based on the eyeball test the effective edge on the 175 MX83 versus the 176 Peak 88 sitting in my closet in at least 10cm. I am not motivated enough do go look at the moment but I'll bet the effective edge on the 175 MX83 is fair bit longer than my 184 Peak 98s. I am defining "effective edge" for this discussion as edge in connect with the snow when the skis are flat and not at angle on the snow surface. This is one of the more obvious design difference and why these skis are built for completely different purposes. The MX83 does not have near the versatility of the Peak 88. They are both good skis. The difference being the MX83 is outstanding for the purpose of which it was designed, skiing groomers. Anything about "all mountain" for the MX83 is marketing department hyperbole. For Peak 88 it's not.

 

[James]

My MX83 is the older version with no rocker. Pretty burley.

What length?
Anything but the 183, if slow speed is any issue, it’s likely a base/tuning problem.

 

[miatamarty]

It's a 183. I've had it tuned and base grind so it has all the proper numbers. It is very stable at speed. I also have a MX88 in 188 that's terrifying because it is so much faster than me.

 

[Quandary]

Unless your a very large human I imagine the MX83 at 183 would not be the quickest ski in the world and would so very different than the Peak 88. Although it really is comparing apples to oranges.

 

[NE_Skier]

​

Tricia:
Length tested: 168 cm
Sizing Scaled
Location tested: Aspen Snowmass/Alpine Meadows
Conditions: Cold chalky snow/boot top powder

This is one of the most referenced ski widths in the industry for a very good reason. It's narrow enough to be a daily driver, and wide enough to venture off piste. In the case of the Peak 88, the referenced width happens to be listed in the 168 length which is an ideal length for me.

When the Peak 88 was first made available to test, I had been skiing another 88 mm waisted ski in this coveted category which made for an ideal test environment. First, I was impressed with the finish on the Peak, but it was time to click in and take it to the snow. Peak Skis does not publish their turning radius, which is something they take pride in. The first few turns revealed a slightly longer turn radius than I was experiencing with the previous ski that I was on, but that wasn't the only difference. The Peak 88 has a nice balance between smooth and playful that isn't often found in a ski. When I had a chance to talk to Bode about the KeyHole™ technology it gave me a better understanding of where these attributes come from, and I quickly found myself playing in the moguls, and letting these beauties run on the long groomers that Snowmass serves up.

The second day I got on the Peak 88 was a surprise powder day when we returned to Alpine Meadows, which is where they showed me yet another place to shine: charging through the Sierra powder and chopped leftovers.

• Insider tip: Don't dismiss this new brand.

Philpug:
Length Tested: 184
Location tested: Snowmass
Conditions: Old chalky snow

I have been on almost every other 88-90 mm ski that will be offered both all new and carry over and I can say with confidence that the Peak 88 is a top performing option. Most of the 88's I have been on have been in the 178-180 mm length and the Peak 88's were a bit longer at 184 but honestly the Peak offering was one of the compliant 88's I tested in recent memory. it was smooth, agile and extremely quiet.

The shape of the Peak 88 might sound or look familiar to some, the mold is shared with another Elan which makes a bit of sense because the Peak 88 is produced in the Elan factory. That will be the question, then why spend about $150 more for the Peak than the Elan? Well there are a few reasons. The obvious first one is that the Peak integrates Bodes' Keyhole design. The KeyHole™ is a cut out in the top layer of titanal just in front of the toe piece. The KeyHole™ is something Bode has been working in since his days with Rossignol. The KeyHole™ allows the ski to flex a bit more naturally both longitudinally and torsionally to create a smoother transition into the turn. The other design aspect of the Peak that differentiates itself from the Elan is the lack of Amphibio in the design. The additional uphill inside edge control of not have Amphibio combined with the keyhole creates a great combination of control and power.

• Insider tip: No need to wait for Bode's next project, this is his last stop.

I saw the reference to Elan skis and I just skiied on Elan Ripsticks last week in VT on hardpack and icy conditions. I didn't love them because they did not feel stable at higher speeds. Would these Peak 88s be more stable and better on typical East Coast slopes than the Ripsticks?

 

[hansking12]

I got on my new peak 88 at 176cm for the first time today. It’s a very nice ski in that‘s not as lively and carve as tight a radius as the kendo 88 and approaches the stability of the Nordica enforcer 88. Was fun in the bumps and holds a mean carve at higher speeds similar to the Brahma 88. It appears high quality and quite light in weight and the packaging was next leve!

 

[Philpug]

I saw the reference to Elan skis and I just skiied on Elan Ripsticks last week in VT on hardpack and icy conditions. I didn't love them because they did not feel stable at higher speeds. Would these Peak 88s be more stable and better on typical East Coast slopes than the Ripsticks?

Yes, the 88 is a lot more stable than the Elan Ripstick 88, a ski that definately has a speed limit.

 

[CDR114]

I got on my new peak 88 at 176cm for the first time today. It’s a very nice ski in that‘s not as lively and carve as tight a radius as the kendo 88 and approaches the stability of the Nordica enforcer 88. Was fun in the bumps and holds a mean carve at higher speeds similar to the Brahma 88. It appears high quality and quite light in weight and the packaging was next leve!

I had some interest in the Peak 88's until reading your comment about stability in relation to the Nordica Enforcer 88's. The Nordica's were my second most regrettable ski purchase, next to the later model version of the Rossignol Experience 88's (The original version was great, each subsequent version got wimpier and wimpier). The Nordica's were OK in carved turns between 15 and 30 mph and great at plowing straight through crud, but once you got to 40 mph at ski carve angles greater than 45 degrees (per my CARV units), they became very nervous. Small changes in the snow surface would result in changes in grip and track. Not what you want to feel at higher speeds! My Stockli SC's, Stockli Laser GS's, Augment AM77's and Blossom AM85 are far, far better at those speeds and ski carves angles than the Nordicas. Thus unless I interpreting your review incorrectly, I will stay with the Blossom's versus taking a chance with the Peak 88's. Off topic, the Stockli SC's are my favorite ski. I have had them up to 55 mph at ski angles of 60 degrees plus and they are a very stable carving machines, slicing through any surface (with my best total run CARV IQ of 155, not segment, and individual turns exceeding 160). The only downside is you can get tired because they require high attention to your ski technique. Then as I tire. I then switch to the Augments then to the Blossoms as they are more relaxed but still can perform when asked to.

 

[tomahawkins]

I had some interest in the Peak 88's until reading your comment about stability in relation to the Nordica Enforcer 88's. The Nordica's were my second most regrettable ski purchase, next to the later model version of the Rossignol Experience 88's (The original version was great, each subsequent version got wimpier and wimpier). The Nordica's were OK in carved turns between 15 and 30 mph and great at plowing straight through crud, but once you got to 40 mph at ski carve angles greater than 45 degrees (per my CARV units), they became very nervous. Small changes in the snow surface would result in changes in grip and track. Not what you want to feel at higher speeds! My Stockli SC's, Stockli Laser GS's, Augment AM77's and Blossom AM85 are far, far better at those speeds and ski carves angles than the Nordicas. Thus unless I interpreting your review incorrectly, I will stay with the Blossom's versus taking a chance with the Peak 88's. Off topic, the Stockli SC's are my favorite ski. I have had them up to 55 mph at ski angles of 60 degrees plus and they are a very stable carving machines, slicing through any surface (with my best total run CARV IQ of 155, not segment, and individual turns exceeding 160). The only downside is you can get tired because they require high attention to your ski technique. Then as I tire. I then switch to the Augments then to the Blossoms as they are more relaxed but still can perform when asked to.

In my experience (104s, 110s), the Peaks are quite stable at speed on edge, likely due to high radius, taper, and profile. The 88s may be different -- I haven't skied them -- Bode says they have a more traditional sidecut. But I suspect the handling qualities will be similar throughout the line. But it's nonsense to compare them to 68 mm cheater GS skis. That's not the class they're in.

@Admin, if we have new users from Ohio sporting a dentist quiver and flexing CARV scores, can we require video confirmation of ability?

 

[ski otter 2]

When I demoed the Enforcer 88s - and when talking to a friend going up on the lift who swears by his 88s - I found they tend to slarve more than carve, as their default mode. And they are thus very stable at high speed drifting a bit, not fully carving. Doing that stable drift, my Enforcer 88 friend can keep up with anyone. (Not my shtick.)

This friend agrees, on almost all counts. He sees the way they carve as a minus, not a plus; but he uses them because after an hour in the morning on groomers, he switches to bumps and off piste, and that's where the Enforcer 88s shine, he says, pivoting/slarving in bumps and among the trees.

The Peak 88 is a different kind of animal, if the reviews of it are accurate, and if it has anything in common with the Peak 98 and 110, which I own.
One of the requirements for its design was that it carve well on groomers.

 

[CDR114]

When I demoed the Enforcer 88s - and when talking to a friend going up on the lift who swears by his 88s - I found they tend to slarve more than carve, as their default mode. And they are thus very stable at high speed drifting a bit, not fully carving. Doing that stable drift, my Enforcer 88 friend can keep up with anyone. (Not my shtick.)

This friend agrees, on almost all counts. He sees the way they carve as a minus, not a plus; but he uses them because after an hour in the morning on groomers, he switches to bumps and off piste, and that's where the Enforcer 88s shine, he says, pivoting/slarving in bumps and among the trees.

The Peak 88 is a different kind of animal, if the reviews of it are accurate, and if it has anything in common with the Peak 98 and 110, which I own.
One of the requirements for its design was that it carve well on groomers.

Thank you for the good explanation. I totally agree with comments on the Enforcer 88s, especially the slarve and pivoting aspects and high speed drift (which I called nervous). I enjoy carving and that is my requirement for the skis I purchase. I strive to eliminate all skidding from my skiing (skidding is slow) except when I am in moguls. I don't ski trees and my trips usually don't find much powder. My understanding of the Peak 88s are that they are supposed to be quick and stable. What I am trying to find out is their carving characteristics, are they quick edge to edge for an 88 and how well will they tackle eastern hard pack at speed? I had the original Rossignol Experience 88s, which I wore out, and have been trying to find a ski in the 85 to 88 range that meets my preferences and skiing style like those Rossignols. I recall that the original Rossignol Experience 88s were deemed to be too racy and stiff, more like a slalom ski with an all mountain design. The Blossoms are close but don't hold as well on ice. So I am still searching. I bought the Enforcers based on reviews but each reviewer has there own preference and style, so now I try to explain my style and goal in a ski. As I have told many people, and kids that I coach, there are few bad skis, it is just finding the ski that matches up well with you. The Enforcer did not match up well for me.

I have two targets for next years skis, they are a versatile fun carving machine for the local hill that I won't be afraid to beat up coaching and in a slalom course and my long search for an 85-88 all mountain carving specialist. I am on this site because I value peoples opinions on this site and when they have skied on a ski that I have owned it gives me a good reference point to evaluate a future ski purchase. I bought the Blossoms based on this sites comments versus the Stockli AX and AR which I demoed. My original post was to get further clarification and to indicate the style of ski that I am looking for.

Finally, for the previous comment that has got me riled up. Why give snide remarks? Yes I own eleven pairs of skis and have used nine this year (all except the Enforcers and an older Rossignol GS Master 23's). I can take a picture, but what for? I buy skis like some people buy golf drivers and putters. I used the CARV data to describe my skiing style, not to brag. I know there are countless skiers better than me so what would the purpose of bragging be? I said "Off Topic", I wasn't trying to compare the SCs to the Peaks, I was just trying to give props to the Stockli SCs and to quantify my skiing style. I have had to use the CARV data to explain to ski shop sales people and ski reps hard data when I demo skis and how some skis I just match up better with contrary to some of their opinions. I apologize and will not use the CARV data again on this site. And finally, yes I have verifiable web based credentials to support my skiing ability if the site admin would like them. I met him at a ski shop at Aspen/Snowmass last spring with my rock damaged Augments.

 

[hansking12]

Cdr, sounds like you ought to try the kendo imho that seems to fit into what you are looking for? I mainly ski fairly packed out firm conditions and I also love the stockli laser series as well fwiw

 

[AmyPJ]

Thank you for the good explanation. I totally agree with comments on the Enforcer 88s, especially the slarve and pivoting aspects and high speed drift (which I called nervous). I enjoy carving and that is my requirement for the skis I purchase. I strive to eliminate all skidding from my skiing (skidding is slow) except when I am in moguls. I don't ski trees and my trips usually don't find much powder. My understanding of the Peak 88s are that they are supposed to be quick and stable. What I am trying to find out is their carving characteristics, are they quick edge to edge for an 88 and how well will they tackle eastern hard pack at speed? I had the original Rossignol Experience 88s, which I wore out, and have been trying to find a ski in the 85 to 88 range that meets my preferences and skiing style like those Rossignols. I recall that the original Rossignol Experience 88s were deemed to be too racy and stiff, more like a slalom ski with an all mountain design. The Blossoms are close but don't hold as well on ice. So I am still searching. I bought the Enforcers based on reviews but each reviewer has there own preference and style, so now I try to explain my style and goal in a ski. As I have told many people, and kids that I coach, there are few bad skis, it is just finding the ski that matches up well with you. The Enforcer did not match up well for me.

I have two targets for next years skis, they are a versatile fun carving machine for the local hill that I won't be afraid to beat up coaching and in a slalom course and my long search for an 85-88 all mountain carving specialist. I am on this site because I value peoples opinions on this site and when they have skied on a ski that I have owned it gives me a good reference point to evaluate a future ski purchase. I bought the Blossoms based on this sites comments versus the Stockli AX and AR which I demoed. My original post was to get further clarification and to indicate the style of ski that I am looking for.

Finally, for the previous comment that has got me riled up. Why give snide remarks? Yes I own eleven pairs of skis and have used nine this year (all except the Enforcers and an older Rossignol GS Master 23's). I can take a picture, but what for? I buy skis like some people buy golf drivers and putters. I used the CARV data to describe my skiing style, not to brag. I know there are countless skiers better than me so what would the purpose of bragging be? I said "Off Topic", I wasn't trying to compare the SCs to the Peaks, I was just trying to give props to the Stockli SCs and to quantify my skiing style. I have had to use the CARV data to explain to ski shop sales people and ski reps hard data when I demo skis and how some skis I just match up better with contrary to some of their opinions. I apologize and will not use the CARV data again on this site. And finally, yes I have verifiable web based credentials to support my skiing ability if the site admin would like them. I met him at a ski shop at Aspen/Snowmass last spring with my rock damaged Augments.

Salomon S Force Bold. My husband was also a huge fan of the original Experience 88, and the S Force was its replacement. They’re not made anymore, but you can still find them.

 

[Quandary]

My buddy love his Peak 88s. I have skied with him will he was on the 175/88s in everything from hard pack and soft groomers to steeps with 12" or more of soft snow. He ripped on everything and loves those skis. He is even going to patrol on them.

 

[ski otter 2]

Thank you for the good explanation. I totally agree with comments on the Enforcer 88s, especially the slarve and pivoting aspects and high speed drift (which I called nervous). I enjoy carving and that is my requirement for the skis I purchase. I strive to eliminate all skidding from my skiing (skidding is slow) except when I am in moguls. I don't ski trees and my trips usually don't find much powder. My understanding of the Peak 88s are that they are supposed to be quick and stable. What I am trying to find out is their carving characteristics, are they quick edge to edge for an 88 and how well will they tackle eastern hard pack at speed? I had the original Rossignol Experience 88s, which I wore out, and have been trying to find a ski in the 85 to 88 range that meets my preferences and skiing style like those Rossignols. I recall that the original Rossignol Experience 88s were deemed to be too racy and stiff, more like a slalom ski with an all mountain design. The Blossoms are close but don't hold as well on ice. So I am still searching. I bought the Enforcers based on reviews but each reviewer has there own preference and style, so now I try to explain my style and goal in a ski. As I have told many people, and kids that I coach, there are few bad skis, it is just finding the ski that matches up well with you. The Enforcer did not match up well for me.

I have two targets for next years skis, they are a versatile fun carving machine for the local hill that I won't be afraid to beat up coaching and in a slalom course and my long search for an 85-88 all mountain carving specialist. I am on this site because I value peoples opinions on this site and when they have skied on a ski that I have owned it gives me a good reference point to evaluate a future ski purchase. I bought the Blossoms based on this sites comments versus the Stockli AX and AR which I demoed. My original post was to get further clarification and to indicate the style of ski that I am looking for.

Finally, for the previous comment that has got me riled up. Why give snide remarks? Yes I own eleven pairs of skis and have used nine this year (all except the Enforcers and an older Rossignol GS Master 23's). I can take a picture, but what for? I buy skis like some people buy golf drivers and putters. I used the CARV data to describe my skiing style, not to brag. I know there are countless skiers better than me so what would the purpose of bragging be? I said "Off Topic", I wasn't trying to compare the SCs to the Peaks, I was just trying to give props to the Stockli SCs and to quantify my skiing style. I have had to use the CARV data to explain to ski shop sales people and ski reps hard data when I demo skis and how some skis I just match up better with contrary to some of their opinions. I apologize and will not use the CARV data again on this site. And finally, yes I have verifiable web based credentials to support my skiing ability if the site admin would like them. I met him at a ski shop at Aspen/Snowmass last spring with my rock damaged Augments.

Great stuff. I wish I'd at least skied the Peak 88, and preferably back East, to be able to really give you a definitive answer. But most Peak buyers appear to be out West. This ski is built to carve, however, while having a really modern and unique take on how it does that, and on how it then can handle fresh snow and chop/crud so well, with the Keyhole form of dampening, and with a sidecut that is more like a race ski, designed to flex and turn more than just follow the turn radius. If you were in the Rockies, or on the Pacific Coast, I'd say this ski was a pretty safe bet for you, as you describe your profile well. But back East, on hardpan/ice, not sure. Someone will have to take the risk and post an Eastern review - but since these skis are direct to buyers, that someone will have to be an individual or reviewer set up, not a ski shop. A high risk/potential high reward situation, seems like.

Have you demoed the current Rossi Experience 86 ti? Lots of people like this ski. It might be a safer bet - or interim bet. When I demoed it, at 176, it felt like a bit of a throwback to the old Experience 88: very strong carve engagement that reminds me of that classic ski, that specifically handles mild bumps very well, while it carves up a storm on medium short turns on groomers. Unlike the Enforcer 88, this ski has a "go to" carve, while being an all mountain ski. It feels heavier, more damp.

But I passed on it. In that ski category, I'm on the last version Brahma 8x, the '21 Faction CT 1.0 90/184, and then skis with frontside bias. The ski I'd add next in that width and all mountain type would be either the Augment (only available next season, and way expensive), or the Peak 88.

The current fashion in all mountain skis is for them to be lighter weight, great in the park, off piste pivoters, that aren't too bad at carving, and don't get tossed too badly since they are not heavy and damp. But it sounds like you too would resist this trend.

 

[ski otter 2]

@CDR114 , have you tried putting a ~1/3 tune on your Blossoms, instead of roughly a 1/2 or so?

After sleeping on it, I suspect the Peak 88 might not be so good for MidWest or back East;
specifically, where there is hardpan ice on uneven terrain and bumps, not sure it's damp enough.

This morning, I skied my Peak 110s on a snowing day, 2-3" of fresh snow on crust.
Where the Peaks could engage their flex and edge, it was fine;
but no so great where it was uneven or mild bumps off piste, ice underneath.
It felt a bit like I had to resort to "quick feet/happy feet" skiing a bit.

I was relieved when within an hour or so the surface wet snow fused with the ice/crust underneath,
and the crust disappeared. The 110 Peak skis got much better.

These skis feel pretty light, don't have the dampness of a heavier ski; and the alternate dampening
of the Keyhole tech and the flex doing the turn in place of extra sidecut, take some getting used to, at least for me this time, today.

 

[KingGrump]

Both @A Grump (5'/10", #240 27 yr) and I (5'/6", #155, 68 yr) been on the Peak 88, 176 cm at Jackson this week. It's a very capable ski. Groomers ranged from soft fresh to hard pack. Bumps were similar with the addition of some chicken heads in the Hobacks.
The feel is a bit glassy when sliding around hard packs in low speed. The glassy feel disappears once on edge. Good top end on the groomers. Good edge grip.

He like the ski well enough to keep it. I still like my 2023 Kendo a bit better.