2021/2022 Blizzard Brahma 88 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

The Blizzard Brahma 88 received the same updates that we talked about in our 2021 Bonafide 97 review, but we thought we'd take some time to talk about it specifically and how much the changes have affected its performance. The ski carries over from this year to the 2021/22 with no changes to its shape, construction, or graphics.
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[@rorymells3405]

Absolutely amazing skis, I picked up the 171cm. These are the best skis I've ever carved on, buttery smooth and incredibly responsive. The more aggressive and better you ski on these they will reward you in return, and then some. You can feel yourself on edge the whole time you're carving, so awesome!! Thank you Blizzard!!

[@jons7e]

I really like the new review format mixing on mountain reactions and studio content with additional details

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks Jon!

[@mpstenz3520]

I have last years Brahma 88. For a 70year old they are great...

[@panoptijohn]

You guys are the best in the business. Bob's on-mountain description of the Brahma was genuinely informative, particularly for a neophyte like myself. You have a big fan here in Nagano.

[@SkiEssentials]

Wow, thanks!

[@urbanrunoff]

long time brahma rider and i agree with Bob i like to ski them shorter than other "all mountain"skis. same size as my sports/race carvers which keeps them nimble in more technical terrain.

[@powslayer4025]

"way more forgiving than the previous models" 9:18 The fore body of Bobs Brahma flexes slightly less than his tibia. Created an account just to post comments. You Two are awesome. Every review, every top 5 friday. Don't ever change. Bob what flavor of poles are you running?

[@SkiEssentials]

Thank you! Pretty sure Bob's using a pair of Volkl Phantasticks from a few years ago. We used to have a ton of those poles, but I think they're all gone now.

[@MichiganJohn]

Totally agree... it is easier to ski, but still retains all the previous gen Brahma power. I have the previous gen Black Bramha 88 and i prefer the new Red model.

[@SkiEssentials]

Totally, and I think that's really important. If they took away any of its power, it just wouldn't be the Brahma anymore.

[@wallstreetoneil]

You two are honestly amazing with your reviews - and you should have 100k+ subs easily. I've commented on many of your videos, and this comment is from a condo at Tremblant in whiteouts rocking the Enforcer 88s, but I now think I might buy these skis as almost an old man's Master's GS ski given your comments. The biggest surprise is Big Bob's liking the shorter length than usual - that is a quite a positive endorsement for them beefing up the longers skis.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks Paul!!

[@Jolinator]

I notice you mention the Brahma is stiffer than the Enforcer 88, which sizes did you guys compare? The 172cm E88 is way stiffer than the 173cm Brahma( last years) Especially in the tail. Love your review guys!

[@SkiEssentials]

177 vs 179 and 183 vs 186. I (Jeff) ski the 177 and 179 in the Brahma and Enforcer 88, Bob the 183 and 186. We both think the Brahma feels stiffer in both of those lengths.

[@Jolinator]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the reply guys! I have the Black 173cm brahmas and the 172cm E88s the tails on the enforcers are super stiff compared to my brahmas and i note blister said something similar " Compared to the Blizzard Brahma, the Enforcer 88 is again a bit stronger through the entire ski, with the most notable difference being in the tails" I actually find my E88s too stiff for their size they dont come alive until warp speeds, which is funny because some of the bigger guys below said they found it a little soft in the longer lengths! i certainly don't have the power or skills of you or Bob. i love my E88s in all terrain they are just a little hard to manipulate turn shape. Had my pinnacle 88tis out for a blast yesterday and forgot how fun a softer ski can be throughout the performance envelope. Thanks again for all your hard work you guys are the gold standard for ski videos, Have a great weekend.

[@davidborof607]

I particularly appreciate this review, gentlemen! I have skied every generation of Brahma since they first came out as my daily driver (before that it was the Bonafide). I have not skied this one yet (damn you, Covid!). I have skied the 178, 173 and 166 before ultimately settling upon the 173. I love the way the old ones carve and appreciated them on ice, both smooth and refrozen glop. I didn't always love them in bumps, as they are stiff. Tried older versions of Rustler 9: better in bumps, but tail could wash out carving. Didn't like the Enforcer 93 as well for carving. Question: Which is better: New Brahma or New Enforcer 88 for ice, carving and bumps?

[@scollyutube]

I have both but last years Brahma vs this one. Enforcer I ski 179 and Brahma 173, Enforcer skis like it has more rocker which it does and for me Enforcer is more fun over a wider range of surfaces as easy to change the turn shape more, but Brahma is better on piste if going fast I.e it performs slightly more hard core. This new Brahma sounds a bit closer to the Enf 88 now in feel but still with more effective edge % for its length comparatively. Hope that helps. P.S Nice kick off the trail side Jeff.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think it's fair to say the Brahma has more edge grip on icy snow conditions. It's a close comparison, but I'd give to the Brahma. The Enforcer feels more forgiving in bumps to me because of its slightly softer flex pattern and more rockered tips and tails. It's hard for me to pick a winner for "which one carves better." They're both really, really good, they're just different. Enforcer 88 comes across the fall line more easily, but then Brahma does have this raw power that feels like it wants to just go faster and faster and faster without flinching. Realistically, they are very similar skis, but those are the differences that feel most evident to me.

[@lcgilbertson4791]

Question: I have a pair of Brahma 88s. They're the best skis I've ever owned. Been skiing over 30 years. I've used them in ice, crud, soft and heavy. They own all but one condition, deep powder. They ski it, but now as well as all other conditions. I can usually be found skiing in the trees where quick tight maneuvering is required. What kind of skis are closely comparable to the brahma 88s but are designed for deeper powder?

[@SkiEssentials]

Blizzard Cochise 106 would be the most comparable ski to the Brahma, while being designed for softer snow conditions. That said, you might prefer something like the Rustler 10 or Rustler 11. The Cochise can be a fairly demanding ski when skiing tight terrain in deep snow. Rustler 10 and 11 have much easier edge release and are less fatiguing, and still have that Blizzard feel you know you like.

[@lcgilbertson4791]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the reply. Great job on all the content you put out.

[@thomasjn9725]

Brillant review ! I am 178 cm for 78kg, advanced skier in the alps. Would you recommend a 171 or the 177? I do more on piste than off. Thanks !

[@SkiEssentials]

177 feels like the way to go in my opinion, especially if you're spending most of your time on piste.

[@MadelnMachines]

I wish I had the 183cm 88 now that I have my dedicated piste ski back. It really can't come anywhere close to a dedicated

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

I wish I could take a few runs with you guys, for a more complete analysis of my skiing style. I can't try all the sizes. I suppose I should come to Stowe. 🤷‍♂️

[@SkiEssentials]

If you do make it to Stowe, our brick and mortar shop Pinnacle Ski & Sports has a HUGE demo fleet with a ton of lengths.

[@benbarron4239]

Thanks for the review! Just wondering if you could give me a size recommendation? I'm an advanced skier, 6'3 and about 82-85kgs. I like to ski a mix of on piste / off piste.

[@SkiEssentials]

183 cm is probably the way to go. You could go 189 if you're super aggressive, but 183 feels like a good choice to me.

[@matiasfaundez649]

Great review! Would they perform ok with a touring set up? I like to skin up here and there but nothing major

[@klauspeters7434]

How would you compare them to the Enforcer 88 ? Thanks a lot ... BR

[@SkiEssentials]

Very similar skis and come up a lot in questions and comments here. The Brahma is going to feel stiffer and more precise due to its longer effective edge. The Enforcer is a little more forgiving and has a slightly softer flex pattern, but both absolutely rip!

[@glincho]

I demoed these skis and was really impressed. My first thought was “oh my, they are like a Ferrari” ... My first upgrade after 16 years. I just ordered a pair, I am thinking to mount Tyrolia attack2 13 GW bindings 95mm. Is that a good choice?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup! Attack 13 is a great binding for the Brahma. Enjoy! Far better than any ski from 16 years ago, that's for sure.

[@riptape]

Hey Jeff! Im adding another 120+ twintip to my quiver. I bought a couple of Noctas, which were light and great, but simply way to stiff for me. Sold them to a friend. So im looking more for something freestyle buttery like the Revolt 121 and especially the reckoner 122. Any thoughts or inputs? :D Chris

[@SkiEssentials]

Both of those skis would achieve what you're looking for. The Reckoner feels a little softer in the tips and tails in my opinion, but both are very buttery, smeary, etc.

[@evank875]

Brahma or rustler 9 for the east coast?

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I have last years Rustler 9 which was my everyday driver at Alta last season. I bought the new Brahma 88 for the East this season when I decided to stay in New England this season. The Rustler 9 has lots of rocker, one titanal laminate, firm underfoot and flexible at tip and tail. Designed more for soft snow. The new Brahma 88 has two layers of titanal with moderate rocker and a tip taper designed to turn on firm snow. Definitely Brahma for the East.

[@SkiEssentials]

Depends what you're looking for. As Thomas pointed out, the Brahma has way more edge grip and is more stable/powerful. The Rustler is designed more for soft snow, maneuverability, and versatility. It's a lot easier to ski in trees and other tight terrain. We have plenty of skiers here in the Stowe area that ski the Rustler 9 as a daily driver, but we're fairly unique among east coast mountains in the sense that we get a lot of snow.

[@evank875]

@@SkiEssentials Since we don’t get much powder in the PA area, I guess I’ll skip the Rustler. Compared to the Kendo 88, mind bender 88ti and experience 88ti , which would you recommend? Btw I’m pretty advanced and like to rip steep stuff while also going in the trees. Thanks for the help!

[@mikethornton2497]

Hi Guys - thanks again for a great review, really awesome stuff you are doing! If I may, i'd love to ask you to do a slightly different review at some stage. I have noticed that most (not all) but most of your reviews are tailored to strong intermediate to advanced level skiers (appreciate that is the large demographic of your audience) however I would love if you could put together say a top 10 list of skis ranging from say 80mm up to 100mm for more beginner/intermediate level riders. I am struggling to find a good review on KZbin of ski's which are more tailored to those of us that are not quite yet "hard charging" down the mountains! I for example am living in Japan, I am 32, 1.83m and weigh approx 88-90kgs, I have skied a handful of times and likely to remain on groomers for the next year or so but would like a ski which maybe I could dabble in some shallow powder if I accidentally find myself off the piste and something that I can grow into without it killing me in the mean time! Thanks so much and keep doing what you are doing! Cheers!

[@scollyutube]

I would suggest with your requirements an Enforcer 88, or more for Japan's snow the 94 instead, which you can still enjoy but develop into. They are just so versatile in turn shape and edge control, and while definitely offer advanced performance, are fairly generous for any users ability from Intermediate and upwards. You won't outski them, and they won't kill you. At your height and weight the 179 I'd suggest while advancing skills.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Mike! We will certainly keep that in mind! We do try to talk about beginner/intermediate level skiers whenever relevant, and you'll find a lot of that info in our Ski Test videos, as well as the mid-80 all-mountain ski comparison. In fact, that would be a really good video for you to watch, lots of good options in there for someone in your position. If you need help deciding between certain skis, don't hesitate to reach out with some questions!

[@laurasplicer712]

200 lb plus advanced skier between this and enforcer??

[@SkiEssentials]

Both are great for a heavier skier like that. Very stable, very supportive. The difference is more in their performance and feel. Enforcer feel a little looser in terms of releasing the tail edge. Easier to pivot, easier in soft snow. The Brahma is more precise and has a little more edge grip, especially noticeable at higher speeds, but it's harder to get the ski to break free into shorter, pivoting turns. That makes it a little less versatile, or more fatiguing, depending on the skiers and their ability level, but you gain that power and precision. Hope that helps!

[@philippefagnant1841]

I had a 88 in the longest lenght in like 2017.before true blend and narrower version.This was way to much ski for me and im 6.3 350lbs.Your a much better skier than i am because i taught that this ski was fighting me all the way and never could get the thing to flex.

[@SkiEssentials]

It's such a burly ski! The new one for me in the 183 is right on the money, but even then, it takes a bit to get it going. The 189 is a rocketship.

[@ProfessorSteez]

How does the Brahma 88 or 82 stack up to the Deacon 84? I love my RTM 84. I think I might like something that releases a bit easier to handle trees/bumps but still carve some big G turns. Or, maybe two skis where one is better for the bumps/trees/off-piste and then a pure groomer ripper. I’m sure the Deacon has the higher speed limit (which I love), but are the Brahmas far behind? Would I have trouble in the bumps at the 183 length?

[@SkiEssentials]

I actually think it's the opposite. The Brahma 82 and 88 feel heavier than the Deacon 84. The Deacon feels more energetic and responsive, but not as much raw power as the Brahmas. They're fairly similar in moguls in overall performance, it's just that the Brahmas feel more fatiguing as they're heavier, so require a little more skier input than the Deacon.

[@kennethbuchnoff8161]

Did you ski these with the recommended mount points?

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I work as a binding technician and we usually mount this ski at the factory recommended line. The Brahma 88 is a directional ski designed to carve on firm snow. This is not a ski designed to ride switch or ride rails in the Park. This is not a Freeride ski that you take into the side or backcountry to play and land or take off switch. There are other models of Blizzard and other manufacturers that are designed to be skied center or near center for Park style or Freeride . I am skiing on the New Brahma 88 and love how it carves turns. It’s very stable at speed.

[@glincho]

@@thomasmedeiros5722 is mounting the tyrolia attack2 13 GW bindings 95 mm a good match?

[@MilesAshton]

@@thomasmedeiros5722 They are great reviews aren’t they - and I love the Brahma. Thomas, what ski would you recommend for a blend of 4 hours carve, 2 hours on the side, and 1 hour riding switch and in the park with my son! Is there such a unicorn!? Kanjo 84 more suited?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yeah, pretty much always right on the recommended mount point when skiing/testing the Brahma. I've never felt a reason to move it.

[@SkiEssentials]

Miles, maybe Nordica Soul Rider? I spend a lot of time on that ski and am consistently impressed with how well it carves. The switch skiing is kind of what's making it a tricky recommendation, although it sounds like you're probably not doing a ton of crazy switch skiing? If that's true, The Rustler 9 would be a pretty darn perfect choice for that. You can dabble with some switch skiing on that ski just fine.

[@philippefagnant1841]

I bought a pair of 2019,im a good skier on groomer and a ok skier in the rest of the terrain 34 pretty aggresive im 6"3 and 350 lbs.In the 188 lenght you would have to go likes 60 mph to put somme liveliness in those things and where exosting tk ride,flat out dislike them.Should i steel try true blend and go 183 like bob?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yeah, I would try the 183. Bob was surprised how much he liked that length and it sounds like you might find more benefits to it than the longer lengths too.

[@philippefagnant1841]

@@SkiEssentials thank's ,again!!!

[@albusdumbledore5875]

As an intermediate-advanced skier would these be suitable?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Brahma 88 is a lot of ski. Stiff, heavy, etc. I don't generally recommend it to an intermediate, but an advanced intermediate who is relatively athletic should be able to handle them without issue.

[@albusdumbledore5875]

@@SkiEssentials that's me, too easy. Cheers

[@gizzardlips2]

Does anyone have a comparison between the new Brahma 88 and the Fischer RC One 86 GT? Are they equivalent when you are trying to bit into ice? And how about bumps - I see the Brahma may not be the best for moguls. Will the 86 GT be the same or is it a little bit better? In the end, I am looking for giant slalom turns, a ski that can hold onto ice, and fair well in the bumps. Figured one of these two skis would work?

[@SkiEssentials]

Both skis are far better carvers than they are bumpers. The Fischer is one of the heavier skis in the industry, and while that translates quite well to the groomed terrain and hard pack, it doesn't do much for mogul performance. The Brahma is slightly better at bumps and slightly worse at GS turn on ice than the Fischer. They're both awesome skis, just not so much in the moguls. I'd take a look at Stockli Laser AR, Elan Wingman 86, and Rossignol Experience 86 Ti as slightly more capable bump skis than the Brahma and Fischer.

[@dwaynedilley1875]

That's not carving dude.

[@csmith0244]

First comment get a free pair?

[@SkiEssentials]

Haha, how cool would that be? Maybe someday we'll be in a position to give a pair away every time we do a review...

[@csmith0244]

Waiting patiently lol. Awesome reviews