Blossom fans

[Tom K.]

I am close to pulling the trigger on my first pair of Blossoms and an on the fence between the AM77 and No. 1 RC

I have the Pure 99, which isn't what you're looking at, but I can report that they do NOT ski short, if that's of any help.

Also, I wouldn't hesitate to reach out directly to @Premier Skis (Mike) with questions. IME he's been super-responsive and helpful.

 

[tomahawkins]

Any reports on the on snow performance of the XCs?

Yep, pretty awesome.

2023 Blossom Numero Uno N*1 RC

Updated from previous season: Philpug: The Blossom Numero Uno N*1 RC is an old soul and very well could be one of the oldest ski molds that is currently on the market but don't tell that to it. The ski was as fresh as its modern graphics. It shows that a well designed and constructed ski is...

www.skitalk.com

 

[mulva28]

How would you compare the skis in terms of confidence at speed. What about hard snow, ice grip?

No question, RC wins here. I have more confidence with bigger angles and at higher speeds on the RC.
RC is the racier ski but it won't beat you up. Lots of fun on the refreeze days we see too often in VT. If you're looking for a strictly groomer day ski that will handle east coast ice and some low and mid angle bumps. I'd pick the RC. We see too many refreeze days in VT and I'll take my RC over my AM77 whenever I expect icy conditions. Your Enforcer 100 can handle all the other days; so for 2 ski quiver you have ice > powder covered.

 

[Belichick]

No question, RC wins here. I have more confidence with bigger angles and at higher speeds on the RC.
RC is the racier ski but it won't beat you up. Lots of fun on the refreeze days we see too often in VT. If you're looking for a strictly groomer day ski that will handle east coast ice and some low and mid angle bumps. I'd pick the RC. We see too many refreeze days in VT and I'll take my RC over my AM77 whenever I expect icy conditions. Your Enforcer 100 can handle all the other days; so for 2 ski quiver you have ice > powder covered.

Thank you. This is exactly my thinking and the feedback I was looking for on the RC. I think I can rule out the AM77. I'm looking for a ski I would have ridden in NVT so far this week.

Of course the longer I ruminate on this, now the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB has also popped onto my radar to fill this need. It's looking like I couldn't go wrong with either of them though.

 

[Dougb]

I have the Pure 99, which isn't what you're looking at, but I can report that they do NOT ski short, if that's of any help.

Also, I wouldn't hesitate to reach out directly to @Premier Skis (Mike) with questions. IME he's been super-responsive and helpful.

Agree on the Pure 99s, but I will also say that they are very easy to ski and smoooooth.

Also agree Mike at @Premier Skis is super responsive and helpful!

 

[Tom K.]

Agree on the Pure 99s, but I will also say that they are very easy to ski and smoooooth.

The 188s were just too much horse for this aging cowboy's knees.

But certainly as smooth as silk.

You know, what Stockli aspires to be.

 

[Philpug]

The 188s were just too much horse for this aging cowboy's knees.

But certainly as smooth as silk.

You know, what Stockli aspires to be.

The 188 is long in that ski. IMHO, they need to abandon the 10cm increments and go to 6cm, 166, 172, 178, 184. Maybe next generation.

 

[Tom K.]

The 188 is long in that ski. IMHO, they need to abandon the 10cm increments and go to 6cm, 166, 172, 178, 184. Maybe next generation.

Yup. A 182-ish in this ski would have suited me just right.

The 188 is LONG.

 

[mulva28]

The 188 is long in that ski. IMHO, they need to abandon the 10cm increments and go to 6cm, 166, 172, 178, 184. Maybe next generation.

I would get a 172. This is the Goldilocks size for me in a ski like a Pure99/Namaste/Lightning Bolt Enforcer.

 

[Tom K.]

I would get a 172. This is the Goldilocks size for me in a ski like a Pure99/Namaste/Lightning Bolt Enforcer.

I just need to find my 15 year younger equivalent, and get these 188s to him at a freaking unbelievable price.

 

[Speedfreak]

I just need to find my 15 year younger equivalent, and get these 188s to him at a freaking unbelievable price.

If you're looking to offload those 188s, I know a guy...

 

[Tom K.]

If you're looking to offload those 188s, I know a guy...

Gone to @jmills115

 

[late4gates]

Does anyone have experience on the No 1 GS?

 

[Jeronimo]

Is there anyway to demo Blossom's yet? I literally cannot afford all the skis I have an appetite for anymore and I'd love to try out the XC's and the AM77's.

 

[Philpug]

Is there anyway to demo Blossom's yet? I literally cannot afford all the skis I have an appetite for anymore and I'd love to try out the XC's and the AM77's.

As with most Direct to Consumer brands, there are no reps or dealers and those savings in profit margins are passed along to the consumer. The cost is the savings is no ability to demo.

 

[Jeronimo]

As with most Direct to Consumer brands, there are no reps or dealers and those savings in profit margins are passed along to the consumer. The cost is the savings is no ability to demo.

I get it, but that's a bummer. I've now bought 2 "premium" skis with MSRP's over $1k that I'd honestly not buy again if I had the chance to try them first.

 

[Tony S]

I get it, but that's a bummer. I've now bought 2 "premium" skis with MSRP's over $1k that I'd honestly not buy again if I had the chance to try them first.

Yes, unfortunately paying more for a ski does not, in itself, IME, significantly increase the likelihood that you will click with it.* So much has to do with personal style and hard-to-articulate preferences. If you are going to the New England gathering in March there is a good chance someone with Blossoms will be there. FWIW.

* Obviously if you already like a ski in a brand's lineup and they come out with a new version or a big/little brother/sister ski, your chances of liking THAT ski are higher than average.

 

[Jeronimo]

Yes, unfortunately paying more for a ski does not, in itself, IME, significantly increase the likelihood that you will click with it.* So much has to do with personal style and hard-to-articulate preferences. If you are going to the New England gathering in March there is a good chance someone with Blossoms will be there. FWIW.

* Obviously if you already like a ski in a brand's lineup and they come out with a new version or a big/little brother/sister ski, your chances of liking THAT ski are higher than average.

I may just try to do that. That is, if there's any stinkin snow left by then... *grumbles*

It's really not that big of a deal though if I'm being honest. Textbook 1st world problems situation here. Just really enjoy using products from the little-er guy that deserves some love.

 

[tomahawkins]

I get it, but that's a bummer. I've now bought 2 "premium" skis with MSRP's over $1k that I'd honestly not buy again if I had the chance to try them first.

This may just be my biased perception, but is seems harder to mess up with Blossom than other brands. How often do you see a Blossom ski up for sale here? How many times had a Blossom “just not clicked” with a tester? Not too often. You might not get the perfect ski (btw, they don’t exist), but chances are you’ll end up with a ski that is really good.

The AM77 was my first Blossom ski. It’s a little light and soft for my tastes, but I still enjoy skiing it. Then I got on the XCs, which are a near perfect ski for me.

 

[Belichick]

Then I got on the XCs, which are a near perfect ski for me.

There is so little information out there on the XC. I appreciated your previous initial impressions of this ski. Any comments on the XC you would be willing to share since your Jan 2 post? I am nearing a decision on a frontside ski and would greatly appreciate any insights.