Blizzard Thunderbird WB R15 ski test 2021/22

[@jbean7952]

The thunderbird is the best ski I’ve ever been on - and i own quite a few frontside carvers. This one is superior to all. It’s similar to the hrc which is an awesome ski but it’s more “useable” in that the hrc doesn’t like anything less than perfect corduroy. That’s my experience with the hrc, others may disagree. It’s better than my nordica dobermann and it destroys my stockli laser ar, which is a massively overrated ski. Phil is always spot on with his reviews and this ski is just incredible in my opinion.

[@stuartbrock7586]

How tall are you? How much do you weigh? What length of ski are you skiing? Is it a really stiff ski? I like being catapulted, it tells me the ski is giving me back all the energy I put into it. How do all the other Thnderbirds compare. They have an alphabet soup of model names that make it impossible to figure out how the skis compare.

[@Bloomwealth]

Great ski review. I love my Blizzards. Love your mustard color suit. Can you let me know the brand?

[@donaldcapecci9580]

Phil love your reviews , always insightful on how a ski really skis for advanced skiers. How do you view the Thunderbird Sport Ti compared to the WB or to other similar skis ? Thanks

[@skitownbrossard]

It is possible to ski them in a more relaxed way than the Thunderbird Sport Ti, but if you push it hard it can perform almost as well.

[@maximfournier-giguere5780]

At 145lbs, I feel like the 174 is a bit long and the 166 is a bit short. What would you recommend?

[@klauspeters7434]

Phil, do me a favour and try the Salomon S/Max 12, please - you will love it 😃

[@tabarnak3364]

Super!

[@1mtis]

I’ve been really interested to know what is the difference between the HRC and these R15W ? They both seem to be very similar other then the true blend core. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

The HRC is offered with a World Cup race plate. Also the HRC has a Marker Xcell binding which a race binding. The HRC has the real deal race construction as the other Race skis. The HRC is a full camber ski and the Thunderbird R15 WB has 2 mm of camber to help you get in and out of turns. The race construction and other features make the HRC more expensive. It is basically a WC race ski that is more versatile in non race conditions. The Thunderbird R15 WB is basically replacing the Firebird Competition 76 and creating a new series of recreational skis for skiing on piste.

[@1mtis]

@@thomasmedeiros5722 thanks, I purchased the 76 competitions the other year and was disappointed in they weren’t stiff enough under foot and flexed too easy. I picked up a pair of the HRC and love them. Probably one of the best skis I’ve ever owned.