2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

This new Anomaly 88 is completely and utterly deserving of being the replacement for the infamous Brahma 88. All the power, all the stability, just more dynamic and refined. It's fantastic.
Written Review: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
1:50 - Initial Impressions
5:15 - Construction
9:00 - Flex & Weight
11:30 - Shape
14:25 - On-Piste Performance
20:45 - Off-Piste Performance
26:30 - Comparisons

Пікірлер: 33

  • @Bushwacked487
    @Bushwacked4873 күн бұрын

    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

    @SkiEssentials

    2 күн бұрын

    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!

  • @bearclaw5115
    @bearclaw51158 күн бұрын

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

  • @karlhardisty1991
    @karlhardisty19918 күн бұрын

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

  • @karlhardisty1991

    @karlhardisty1991

    8 күн бұрын

    Me neither Jeff, me neither…

  • @darinsmith2458
    @darinsmith24588 күн бұрын

    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..

  • @chrisdelorme1986
    @chrisdelorme19865 күн бұрын

    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

    @SkiEssentials

    4 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @malemoza
    @malemoza6 күн бұрын

    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

    @SkiEssentials

    4 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @erichharvey
    @erichharvey7 күн бұрын

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

  • @alupsaiu
    @alupsaiu4 күн бұрын

    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

    @SkiEssentials

    3 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @45shrike
    @45shrike8 күн бұрын

    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

    @src248

    7 күн бұрын

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

  • @SkiEssentials

    @SkiEssentials

    7 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @GregP2024
    @GregP20248 күн бұрын

    How does it compare to the Kendo 88?

  • @SkiEssentials

    @SkiEssentials

    7 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @MaxwellPowers666
    @MaxwellPowers6666 күн бұрын

    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

    @SkiEssentials

    4 күн бұрын

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

  • @paganskier
    @paganskier7 күн бұрын

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

  • @SkiEssentials

    @SkiEssentials

    7 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @stevek9943
    @stevek99438 күн бұрын

    Anomoly 102 or R10?

  • @SkiEssentials

    @SkiEssentials

    7 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @gregorycarr310
    @gregorycarr3108 күн бұрын

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

  • @SkiEssentials

    @SkiEssentials

    8 күн бұрын

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

  • @gregorycarr310

    @gregorycarr310

    8 күн бұрын

    Lol, thanks Jeff. @@SkiEssentials

  • @Sep45

    @Sep45

    6 күн бұрын

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

  • @scollyutube
    @scollyutube8 күн бұрын

    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

    @SkiEssentials

    7 күн бұрын

    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

    @scollyutube

    7 күн бұрын

    @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

    @lassivaatamoinen5468

    3 күн бұрын

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

  • @SkiEssentials

    @SkiEssentials

    2 күн бұрын

    @@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.