2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

[@Bushwacked487]

Guys, I love that you’ve added a “comparisons” section at the end. Contrasting a given ski against the comparable skis in its class is the most helpful way to understand what the ski does. If anything, it would be great to spend even more time doing it!

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes, it does seem to help kind of wrap things up as well. We want to be slightly careful, though, if you've watched any of our 2-hour comparison videos, it can kind of go off the rails if we're not paying attention!

[@TyinAlaska]

This might be the best video y'all have made!

[@SkiEssentials]

Glad you think so!

[@bearclaw5115]

The 'BRUSTLER'! That's good stuff right there for us ski aficionados.

[@twomedicine]

You guys do such a great job with these. Thank you!!!

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! This was a fun one to do as the Anomaly 88 is clearly one of the better skis of the 2025 group.

[@jerl.980]

The guy with the red jacket is one strong skier, he is really using that ski the right way speed and turn shape. 👏👍

[@clancy688]

Hi, I'm 184cm/6ft and consider myself an advanced skier, but more frontside and carving focused, though I want to use this to hop off piste as well when possible (skiing in the European alps) Would you recommend I take 176 or 182 here?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say 182. I am 6/2 225 and love that length.

[@clancy688]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks!

[@SimonSchöberl-o5e]

Hi guys, amazing review you’ve really nailed it again this time. I’m an intermediate going on advanced skier in Europe. I’ve got 2 questions for you or any experts in the comments: at 6‘1, 188 lbs what length should I get? And, what bindings do you recommend? Thanks in advance!

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go 182 in that ski and we pair them with either the Marker Griffon or the Tyrolia Attack 14.

[@harrygrey1625]

Bought one last pair of Bonafides from you all back in April , but keeping my eyes on these for an addition here soon. So am always interested in getting more info on these. Love the content.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say this Anomaly was my favorite of the 88-90 mm skis from this past year, and perhaps one of the best overall. Incredibly smooth, intuitive, powerful, and versatile.

[@MrThaibox123]

How does this compare to a SR88 for on piste and crud / chopped up snow. Many thanks as always for amazing videos

[@SkiEssentials]

The Stormrider is a bit lighter and more flexible in the shovel. This makes it easier to drive with a friendlier character. Still strong and high-performance, though, but it doesn't quite match the sturdy and powerful nature of the Anomaly. If speed is more of your thing in variable conditions and terrain, the Anomaly will stand up better to more rigorous and aggressive skiing. The Stockli is smoother and quieter overall, though, with a very damp feel for the lighter weight.

[@ScottGreen-hl3oc]

I currently ski brahma 82. I am looking for a quicker turning, more playful ski that can still ski past and does well on ice and at end of day conditions. Might replace the brahmas or be a second ski. Which do you recommend? I ski mostly on trail but want something better in moguls also

[@darinsmith2458]

My guess is that I would probably love that ski.. I would probably use it in the same conditions that I use my 2016 Stormrider 88s.. It did look like you all got on and off your edges faster than I do with my Stormriders.. With that being said I might be able to ski those early season.. I am kind of thinking about getting some old Lasers or maybe even some Monteros for early season..

[@Salted45]

Are those Griffons? How are the bindings set up for 'Bob's best carves'? Specifically the toe-heel height delta. Did the factory recommended any particular binding and/or delta set up? Awesome upload! Agreed about carve quality!

[@SkiEssentials]

It's a Griffon demo, and we just ski them how they come to us. Fortunately, the stars aligned for this one! Great tune as well.

[@karlhardisty1991]

“I don’t own too many directional skis in this category…” 🤣

[@karlhardisty1991]

Me neither Jeff, me neither…

[@ailinsaiz8655]

How would you compare these to the Kästle Mx 88?

[@johnlorenz8421]

Hey guys, thanks for all the great ski reviews, I appreciate the time and effort you put into these. I am 6 feet 175 lbs, 72 years old, advanced skier. Used to ski Stowe some 35 years ago but now ski Whistler. Looking for an all mountain, do everything ski with both carving ability, stability, and probably most importantly ease of short turns off piste. I have a Head 68 mm carver, and a DPS powder fat ski. Would the Anomaly 88 at 170 be a good choice? Seems like it would but could you recommend any other skis in that category that might be a bit more forgiving and lean towards slower speed, short turn off piste capability. I am also thinking about the Head 85X. Thanks for any advice you can provide - John, North Vancouver, British Columbia

[@SkiEssentials]

We had an awesome time on the Anomaly 88 this year. The Kore X 85 is considerably lighter duty--I think there's some middle ground here. I'd check out the Salomon Stance 90, Atomic Maverick 88, and the Dynastar M-Cross 88.

[@nicktaylor7680]

Love your knowlegable reviews that really go beyond the marketing blurbs. Want to buy the Anomaly 88 and not sure what size -previosly skied Brahma in 180 and enforcer 88 in 179 and loved them both as they pushed me as a skier (in a good way)- should I go 177 or 182 in anomaly?

[@SkiEssentials]

If you've been in the 179 Enforcer and 180 Brahma and liked it, I'd go 182 in Anomaly.

[@thomasalderson6662]

You mentioned that the declivity 92ti is a quite different ski. What are the differences between the anomaly 88 and declivity 92? Thanks and great vid!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Armada is a bit smoother, quieter, and easier to use thanks to the lighter build, flatter shape, and wider profile. The Anomaly requires a bit more work on the skier's behalf to get to the upper ends of the performance spectrum, and has a higher carving ceiling. I do think the 92 operates better in trees, wider bumps, and powder while the Anomaly tears it up on groomers.

[@BillMarshall-q7b]

Great review, I wish I could walk into your shop and talk with you in person. I’m skiing on a pair of Rossignal Experience 83 (168 cm length). I ski mainly groomers. I am 5’6” and 140 lbs. I am very fit but the years keep adding up and I’ll be 70 this year. In your opinion is the Anomaly 88 a bit too much of a ski for someone my size and age? I know the Black Pearl is primarily a woman’s ski but I’m wondering if it might be a better fit.

[@SkiEssentials]

We have no hesitation putting a guy of your size and age on the Pearl skis. Blizzard's female athletes and designers are all ripping skiers who use those skis to extraordinary heights. You get a lighter feel and more agile character than the Anomaly, but less of a confident ceiling. If you don't plan on reaching the ceiling of these skis then there's no real reason to look past the Pearl from a skiing perspective.

[@Matt-pt5hk]

A great video as always. 57yrs old, 6ft/194lbs currently skiing a 180cm Brahma from 16/17 and Head Supershape Titan 170cm from 17/18. Like the increased versatility of the anomaly88. Would you recommend 176 or 182cm? Also looking at getting Rustler 9 in a 180cm. Binding Recommendations for both the A88 and R9? Many thanks.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go 176 in the Anomaly in order to maximize turning potential and fun. We pair those skis with either the Marker Griffon or Tyrollia Attack 14 and they work great.

[@simongibbons1052]

Is it too stiff for an advanced intermediate 150lbs 5’8”? Would you go Anomoly 94 or 88?

[@SkiEssentials]

It's on the stiff side for an advanced intermediate, but it's also okay to go shorter if necessary. I don't think the move to the 94 is warranted unless you're more off-trail than on. I'd say the 170 is a good length here.

[@juliodominguez4750]

Great review!! Question: Which ski is replacing the Bonafide ? Or the closest to the Bonafide performance?

[@SkiEssentials]

Matt and I talk about that in Part 2 of the 100 mm All-Mountain comparison. It's kind of a toss up, but I think the Anomaly 102 is the closer ski than the 94 but not by much!

[@StephenKenna-zv3qp]

I currently own the Serpo and Deacon 84. Thinking about replacing the Deacon with something as strong but more versatile. I like the Serpo and want to keep as an easy going option, but add something that is strong like the Deacon but also a no-brainer to bring out west. Would the Anomaly 88 work for this application?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes I think you're in the right spot here with a strong 88. Nordica Enforcer 89 and Volkl Mantra 88 are right there as well.

[@kenthmagnusson1662]

Thanks for your great work! I'm 60 years old, 177 cm and 172 lb at advanced level, still pretty strong legs but has lost some quickness with age. Have been on Kendo 90 18/19 177cm the last years and looking for something more all round and less demanding in moguls and off piste. Have tried Faction Dancer 2.0 which a really liked, less planky but still enough grip. I was also surprised with Rustler 9's capacity. But I think Anomaly will be my new choice. Probably 88 but with length should I go for? 170 or 176?

[@SkiEssentials]

The new Anomaly 88 is awesome. It's not too far away from your older Kendo in terms of weight or stiffness, but it is more rockered and more lively. I do think a downsize here is warranted based on your stats and application, as well as your noting that you're looking for less demand in moguls and off-piste.

[@chrisdelorme1986]

Great video as always! In watching the Blizzard Product Manager describe the layup the construction looks very similar to the Rustlers. Is there a construction difference between the two (wood core) maybe? Or is it truly just a shaping difference between Anomaly vs Rustler?

[@SkiEssentials]

More metal in the Anomaly--two full sheets as opposed to a partial laminate in Rustler. Also the core in the Anomaly uses beech and poplar while the Rustler uses beech, poplar, and lighter paulownia making the Anomaly a denser overall core.

[@charliejabbour9976]

Hi. I live in Australia, which has similar snow to east coast. How would you compare this to the Elan Wingman 86 CTi. Strong intermediate low advanced skier. Which would be less demanding

[@SkiEssentials]

They're differently demanding. The Wingman is tougher to wrangle in softer snow and in variable conditions but it's a lot easier to carve a clean and round turn. The Anomaly is considerably more versatile yet it takes a bit more power to get it to make the same shape and style carve as the Wingman.

[@tfull3021]

5'8 163 lbs. I like to ski everything. Advanced to expert skier. I prioritize stability and speed, should I go with the 170 or 176. I have always skied longer skis then suggested but I am leaning towards the 170. What are your thoughts?

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the 176 is the place to be if you are prioritizing stability and speed and are on the aggressive side of the spectrum. That said, I do not think the 170 is too short.

[@malemoza]

Thanks for the review- I've owned 2 prior Brahma's, last one a 2019 in 180cm length and looking to get the anomaly 88 this year. 5'10" and 200lbs, advanced west coast skier looking for on-piste/crud performance- would you recommend 176 or 182 in length?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'm 6/2 225 and I really liked the 182. I think going slightly shorter on this ski is fine as the build is still quite rugged. I bet you'd fall more in line with the 176 in this ski.

[@ceglarz-vk9tb]

Would you pick those anomaly 88 or maverick 88 ti? I mostly ski on-piste

[@SkiEssentials]

I personally prefer the Anomaly as it's a smooth, sturdy, and predictable ski. The Maverick is great, but has a pretty stiff tail that isn't as versatile as the new Anomaly's profile.

[@alupsaiu]

I’m looking to replace my old Stormrider 88s with a narrower ski that’s more stable when skiing faster through variable conditions all over the mountain, but not as punishing as the Brahma, which I thought was too much ski for a daily driver (to be used on lower snow days out west). These seem just about perfect?

[@SkiEssentials]

Totally, other than this 88 being narrower than your Stormrider 88. Check out the Anomaly 84 if you want this type of ski in a slightly narrower format.

[@alupsaiu]

@@SkiEssentials Sorry one last question! Would you rather take the Anomaly 88 or the new Declivity 92 (with the denser wood core) off trail? It looks like the Anomaly 88 now has longer tail rocker than the Declivity?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@alupsaiu I'm taking the Anomaly 88 over pretty much anything else in this range these days, including the Declivity. On-trail and off.

[@boltzfan95]

@@SkiEssentials Wow, that's high praise! Does that include the montero AR and AX?

[@todd5012]

88 and 84 have the same stiffness? I have k2 super charger and looking for something so hard charging with high speed carving abilities, but more versatile in soft pist conditions.

[@SkiEssentials]

The 84 feels stiffer, but they have the same construction. I think it's more of an increase in torsional stiffness due to the narrow shape that we feel, but that also means that the 88 is more amenable to softer snow conditions and off-piste terrain. I am incredibly impressed with the Anomaly 88 in all types of applications.

[@todd5012]

@@SkiEssentials Does 84 have longer camber?

[@gmorissett2022]

Hey guys, just like Jeff, I intend to become one of the coolest dude on my mountain next winter as I want to add to my Blizzard quiver this Anomaly 88. 😊😊Last winter I bought the new Rustlers 10 which I absolutely love. I’m 1.74M tall so I chose the 174cm length. I’m wondering if I should go 170cm or 176cm on the Anomaly. I’ m 67 years old but I’m still quite agressive on those babies. What would you suggest ?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'm not going to talk you out of longer skis if that's what you are interested. If you want more mobility and access to a shorter turn style, then the 170 will handle that nicely but the 176 will be smoother and more eager for speed.

[@ScottGreen-hl3oc]

I meant to mention I am considering the anomaly 88 and the enforcer 89

[@MOWFWDU]

Do you have a weight for the 176 cm yet? Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

We have not weighed the 176 yet but we can do a rudimentary calculation based on the 182 at 2060 g/ski. That equates to 11.31 g/cm, so that times 176 equals 1990.56.

[@45shrike]

I demoed the Anom 88 against the Volkl Mantra (Kendo) 88; K2 Mindbender 89Ti; and Rossignol Arcade 88 in March. I expected the Anomaly to blow me away; it was just kind of dead. The MB89Ti and especially the Kendo skied with way more energy and edge hold.

[@src248]

That's surprising, the 102 and 94 both felt very energetic to me

[@SkiEssentials]

Agree about the Kendo having more hold and the K2 being a very poppy ski at the tail. Where I think the Anomaly separates is in the off-trail capacity. I loved the carving power and overall on-trail performance, but was very surprised at how well it handled adverse conditions and terrain--certainly with more fluidity and ease than I was expecting, and considerably more well-rounded than the other skis on your list here.

[@jberczi6]

6'3, 235lbs, advanced - would you recommend 182 or 188cm?

[@SkiEssentials]

The 188 feels like its reserved for skiers who are very large, or for those who simply know they prefer longer skis. I'm 6/2 225 and love the 182. I haven't skied the 188 in the 88, but the 188 in the 102 felt pretty long.

[@jberczi6]

@SkiEssentials Makes sense - I'd imagine the 182 is probably better for me then. 184-185 would be probably be perfect lol, but alas

[@PaulMillwood]

I’m 6’2 250. Athletic and strong. Been absolutely ripping on the 188 cm Brahma for several years. What would I gain going shorter?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@PaulMillwood Agility, quickness, and I'd say some versatility come with the shorter length. You may miss out on the top 5% or so of the smoothness and stability at speed, but how long are you at those speeds?

[@PaulMillwood]

@@SkiEssentials Appreciate the response! It’s so funny you ask how long I’m at those speeds. I recall seeing your reviews where you said the Brahmas have a “minimum” speed. I couldn’t agree more and simply cannot resist ripping on every run. They are so fun to ski! If I want to “relax” I switch over to the 186 M-Pro 99’s.

[@paganskier]

I was thinking about upgrading my MB90Ti to the MB89Ti until seeing this review. Now what?

[@SkiEssentials]

The 89 Ti has a bit more dynamic of a release phase in the tail, but other than that the Anomaly is more solid and more versatile than the K2.

[@FlimFlamvanHam]

I love Jeff and Bob and their reviews, but I do have some differing takes on some skis. I love 88's and am always curious about the nuances of the more "traditional" (metal; some beef; rearward biased mount) models like the Kendo and Brahma. I own both of them in their latest iterations and will also be on the Anomaly 88 (have yet to actually see and flex a pair) this season and a pair of Mindbender 89ti's (not yet skied but now in my possession). The coolest aspect, to me, about the MB is the actual tighter radius. 130-89-114 with more taper than a Kendo or Brahma = about a 2m actual tighter radius than either of them in similar length. Its flex pattern is also very, very similar to the Kendo through the shovel to the tip of the tail: it is only the tip that is quite soft on the MB. The weight is also so close between the K88 and the MB call it a draw. Only going on what Jeff and Bob have told us about the Anomaly it seems that Blizzard have kept the weight the same (2kg per ski in the 176/7); the 128-88-110 shape the same; the tapers the same; added more camber and made the ski longitudinally stiffer yet given it more flexibility at lower speeds and off piste through the more pronounced rocker profile. It'll be interesting to see if they actually are stiffer once they are on shop racks because if it were me designing it, I'd surely have kept the flex the same, tip to tail, as the Brahma... or gone softer, but not stiffer. But WTH do I know? My point in all this blather? there are too many variables in skier skillsets and snow conditions to call a ski better than another without incorporating those variables into the equation.

[@GregP2024]

How does it compare to the Kendo 88?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Mantra 88 feels a bit more knife-like and sharp than the Anomaly. The Anomaly still has a great on-trail character but is unlocked to meet the needs and wants of more off-trail skiing. I found the Anomaly to be considerably more versatile than the Anomaly.

[@mbal4052]

@@SkiEssentialshave you been drinking? 😂

[@SkiEssentials]

@@mbal4052 Oops. Replace last Anomaly with Mantra 88.

[@stevek9943]

Anomoly 102 or R10?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Rustler pivots and smears considerably better than the Anomaly 102, while they both have a more similar on-trail character. There aren't many skiers who will be able to access the top end of the Anomaly. Our ski friend Ryan can do it and he loves the ski, but he's got a college racing background. For most skiers, the Rustler 10 will offer more opportunity, and more importantly, fun.

[@philiplacey5430]

I would say that this ski made Jeff, Bob and Matt all ski better. Matt especially was railing those turns.

[@SkiEssentials]

This is true on all accounts. Not only do I feel we looked better on video, but it's also clear that we all felt better on these skis as well. Thanks for noticing!

[@philiplacey5430]

@@SkiEssentials I've watched enough Ski Essentials videos to pick Jeff and Bob out from the chairlift and I don't know either one of you.

[@stant1347]

i live in salt lake area, would i find this as the best all mountain ski i could buy, im 5'11 190 lbs advanced, but 73 years old

[@SkiEssentials]

"Best" is different for everyone. I will say that it is a very good choice for advanced skiers looking to mix on and off-trail terrain with a variety of snow conditions. It leans more to on-trail and smoother snow while the wider skis in this range, the 94 and the 102, will fare better in deeper snow.

[@erichharvey]

Can't wait to see the Rustlers, if they were a car, they'd be the Subaru WRX of skis

[@MaxwellPowers666]

The beginning sounded like a hostage video. Like Austrian gangsters working for the Tecnica cartel were off camera with guns. "No, we swear we like the Anomaly. Promise!"

[@SkiEssentials]

All experiences and reactions were 100% authentic. No terror involved!

[@gregorycarr310]

I think i am gonna get these, i need a no snow, boiler plate ripper. Also, Bob"s calves! Holy shit!

[@SkiEssentials]

It'll fill that role nicely!! Also yes, this if Jeff speaking, and Bob's leg strength is off the charts.

[@gregorycarr310]

Lol, thanks Jeff. @@SkiEssentials

[@Sep45]

Bob doesn’t skip leg day at the gym, lol

[@FlimFlamvanHam]

Well that was unexpected. Except the weight. I knew they'd be at least the same as the Brahma in comparable length. I owned a 21/22 red Brahma and still own a 22/23. As well as a Kendo 88 amongst others. I'm actually a bit obsessed with 88's and am on one at least 90% of any given season. I thought Blizzard softening up the tails on the last iteration of the red Brahma was a good move (ie '23 vs '21 model) because that tail was unnecessarily stiff (IMO) especially when compared to the rest of the ski's flex. And whenever I am asked about the Brahma I still say the same thing: "the tail is very 'present'". So it's very interesting to see the tail rocker on the Anomaly. I definitely think this was an aspect they could have compromised on the Brahma for more off piste potential and they did it. What you guys said about turn radius was interesting. The Brahma carves longer than what is printed on the tails. If I was blindfolded I'd say the 177 was 19m and certainly not 16m. The interesting part is that you guys felt the Anomaly carved tighter and with more variance than the Brahma while being a longitudinally stiffer ski with a marginally straighter sidecut. Folks often ask about the Enforcer 89 in comparison. I've never got on wth the shape of Enforcers as I much prefer a traditional (rear biased) mount and I have no need for all that shovel off the snow like the Enforcer has. I had heard the Anomalys had a more progressive mount point than the Brahmas/Bonafide. Any advice on that?

[@SkiEssentials]

The line is in the same place, but the alterations to the profile will make it feel more progressive. I don't think this will be a selling point like it is in the 2025 Enforcer, but yes, it does feel like a more central stance.

[@scollyutube]

Seems like a cross between a toned down Brahma or stronger Rustler. Always thought a Rustler 8 was coming if they kept the Brahma. So...... Enforcer 89 comparo beckons big time, even more than a Kendo.

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes, but it's still stiffer and heavier than the Brahma--it's really only the profile that makes it feel less demanding than a Brahma. Definitely stronger than a Rustler 9. Interestingly, I had more similar experiences on the Anomaly 88 as I had on the Enforcer 94--the 89, even though more similar in shape and style, felt more on-piste oriented to me while I really found the off-trail capacity of the Blizzard to be a standout component. I just don't feel that comfortable on the 89 when off-trail.

[@scollyutube]

@SkiEssentials interesting as Enforcers are narrower at the front and wider at the back and inbetween aize wise. I have both Brahma and Enf 88 and are different enough to ski for sure on the appropriate days. A Declivity 88ti as Jeff said would be an interesting ski too. I really enjoy the 82 and 92 as have them also. 82ti was amazing on our Europe holiday for me this year.

[@lassivaatamoinen5468]

@@SkiEssentials interesting! Comparing to the outgoing Enforcer 88, would you also consider Anomaly 88 more off-piste capable?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@lassivaatamoinen5468 Yes. Basically in the 88 range, I think the Anomaly is the most versatile. The Enforcer is not the stiffest and strongest carver of the group, even compared to the outgoing Enforcer 88.

[@ziggymatuszewski2803]

You guys talk about this ski with such excitement .... you shouldn't be doing that, it will make a lot of people run to the stores and buy them right away. there will be nothing there left for me :))

[@SkiEssentials]

We will not contain our excitement! Hopefully people will run here to get them: www.skiessentials.com/products/2025-blizzard-anomaly-88-skis-8a423200001?ski%2520size=182

[@MOWFWDU]

where is my last comment?

[@SkiEssentials]

Was it a comment or a reply? Also, if you include anything that looks like a link, YT sometimes blocks it. Feel free to re-submit your comment!

[@BillMarshall-q7b]

Great review, I wish I could walk into your shop and talk with you in person. I’m skiing on a pair of Rossignal Experience 83 (168 cm length). I ski mainly groomers. I am 5’6” and 140 lbs. I am very fit but the years keep adding up and I’ll be 70 this year. In your opinion is the Anomaly 88 a bit too much of a ski for someone my size and age? I know the Black Pearl is primarily a woman’s ski but I’m wondering if it might be a better fit.

[@SkiEssentials]

There's a huge untapped market for skiers like yourself ending up on Black Pearls or Santa Anas. The top end women's skiers on the Blizzard and Nordica development and testing side are total rippers who can push a ski to its limit. Unless you're super big, hefty, and aggressive, these skis will offer you more to like with less work. I don't think that's a bad thing at all.