2026 Blizzard Thunderbird R15 82 & R15 82 LTD On Snow First Impressions with SkiEssentials.com

[@Ekim1976]

Agree with your analogy on the width. Perfect width for all around. The ski looks smooth and strong. Holds an edge really well nice. Good ski.

[@MADHIKER777]

My daily driver is last year's R15 WB at 76mm underfoot and I love them on the East coast. I have QST's for snowy days.

[@darinsmith2458]

I really like these videos.. It looks like both those skis have a specific purpose..

[@src248]

Some nice filming from Matt there! Hopefully I'll be able to give these (or the current versions) a go tomorrow, but carving skis are pretty rare at the demo events here. Been interested in them for a while now, they seem like fantastic skis and I like the extra width!

[@shtoonkeygseers]

Would you say that the new QST Blank skis short at all? I am 175 cm tall (5'9") and trying to decide between the 178 and 186. I currently ski a 177 Nordica Enforcer.

[@alexhowe639]

It would be great if you’d dial the volume down on your opening stinger. It’s so loud compared to the dialogue especially on indoor portions. Blows my eardrums out. Thanks for the encyclopedic content, however!

[@sgoldie3235]

I really enjoyed this on slope review! I am loyal to Blizzard for some reason... great skis! I am curious how you would compare the LTD version to the HRC, which is what own? I mainly ski very firm groomers and enjoy carving

[@SkiEssentials]

The LTD is still a build step down from the HRC, so racing enthusiasts will still lean to the HRC. The new 82, though opens up groomer skiing to accommodate softer or more variable conditions. Without saying it's more versatile, the 82 can handle more adversity but isn't as precise or powerful in a race-style turn.

[@aamgdp]

Patiently waiting for Rossignol collection... I wanna see the direction theyre takingg the arcade series

[@SkiEssentials]

We'll be getting there! The new Sender Free 100 is a lot of fun, and it looks like their new Arcade 94 features the same build as the 84, just wider overall.

[@valentinmakeev5856]

There are so many good skis!! Have you skied new Stormbird 82 DTI? If yes what is the difference between these two?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not yet! It was right there in the tent next to the Thunderbirds. They look like they'll be more on the recreational carving level as opposed to high end like these skis.

[@emptyplenty4730]

When you coming to central oregon to do some bachelor laps and volcanoes?

[@SkiEssentials]

We did not have volcano skiing on the schedule this year but it sure sounds fun and interesting! One of our former colleagues is now a Mt. Hood skier and his pics and posts are amazing.

[@adamlockhart1577]

Is there a new thunderbird r18 review coming?

[@SkiEssentials]

Is there a new Thunderbird R18 ski coming out?

[@cartersmith4459]

Hey guys, I am looking to upgrade my camera for skiing, as I have a GoPro Hero 7. what camera/setup are you guys using? I really likt the way you can see the steepness and dimension of the trails.

[@SkiEssentials]

We just got a new GoPro 13, but this video was shot on a 12. We're continually impressed with how well these cameras work and hold up.

[@jason_voorhees224]

Hey. I’m an intermediate skier just getting back into skiing and am looking for something that can be used for all mountain, carve well on piste with more of a playful feel and can handle some pow that Vermont gets. Hoping you could help as I find my self choosing between a lot of skis. Mostly the prodigy 2s

[@forallyall6143]

I just got ripstick96 , i usually ski stormrider 88, the ripsticks are everything you say you want and more, if there is any amount of fresh snow on slope , i am grabbing those ripsticks, they are absolutely effortless, the storm riders are my ice and slush ski., ripsticks are fine in slush , but if on super hard frozen groomer you can feel everything lol the longer i have done this experience has taught me that is if you ski quite a bit you need 2 sets

[@SkiEssentials]

I do think the mid-90's is a good place to be for all-mountain skis that can handle on and off trail stuff here in VT. The Prodigy 2 may be on the wide side, I'd look to the Volkl Blaze 94, Elan Ripstick 96, and K2 Mindbender 96 C.

[@nicksava]

Just bought my first pair last season. Any feedback on the Blizzard XCR?

[@SkiEssentials]

It's more of a mid-range ski for advancing skiers, but it's not quite the same octane level as these Thunderbird models.

[@digvt]

How's it compare with the spitfire now that Technica group has actually delineated the two?

[@SkiEssentials]

This Thunderbird feels denser as it uses two sheets of metal vs the one of the Spitfire. The Spitfire is more engaging and electric while these feel more planted on the snow.

[@patrion6028]

Am i right to assume that these will round up the Blizzard offering and R15 (75) WB is going to stay?

[@SkiEssentials]

Correct. I think we keep the narrower R13 as well, but yes, the 75 stays and is bookended with this new 82.

[@Ekim1976]

Blizzard is consistent with offering awesome dependable skis for good skiers. Good skiers being those who are technically efficient. Higher end market ski. Why blow $ on Stockli?

[@SkiEssentials]

We always say that Stockli skis don't necessarily out perform other brands or models, they just go about it quieter and damper, so you're paying for the silence and smoothness with a Stockli, not outright performance.

[@Sep45]

Peregrine 82 comparison??

[@SkiEssentials]

More power and a race-like feel in the Thunderbird, while the Peregrine is a bit shiftier and easier to use in different styles and types of turns. The Thunderbird is pretty locked-in while the Peregrine can be looser and more versatile.

[@Sep45]

@ Thanks! You guys are the best.