Ski Reviews

2024-2025 Blizzard Anomaly 88, 182 cm

Reviewer Username: Five-Cents

Reviewer Height: 5’11”

Reviewer Weight: 175 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 6 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Mt. Hood Meadows

TEST CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 9/10

FORGIVENESS: 4/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 6/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 3/10

STABILITY: 10/10

SUSPENSION: 10/10

EDGE HOLD: 9/10

PLAYFULNESS: 5/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

I would argue that this ski is somewhat playful (for its category), in the sense that it feels damp and stable without feeling dead and/or lifeless. Not at all playful in terms of feeling balanced in the air or encouraging its rider to throw tricks.

SKI LENGTH: It felt a bit too long (182 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow)

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Advanced-to-expert skiers who are looking for a ski with that will reward their good technique with an engaging and plush ride when conditions are firm and not very forgiving.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

I’ve tried the Salomon QST 92 and the Volkl Kendo 88 (now the mantra 88?). The Salomon QST 92 feels much more easy-going and less precise. The QST 92 is easier to bend into tighter turns and has a much lower swing weight. The Kendo 88, to my memory, feels similar in that it is plush (stable with suspension), but is much less exciting and feels “dead” to me. I don’t prefer those other skis per se, but did want to make comparisons.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

I have brought these skis out a few times over the past few weeks as conditions in the PNW have been very firm. Off-piste conditions have been downright awful, but I still brought them down some scraped-off slopes with irregularly shaped moguls and bumps.

I have not found the speed limit of these skis while on-piste. One thing to note about the Anomaly 88s is that they don’t have a very tight sidecut. I believe the pair I have (182cm) have a 19m radii. So, I wouldn’t describe the Anomaly 88s as “zippy”. Despite that, they are incredibly fun when laying them over. They have a preference for longer turns, I am guessing right around their turning radius. You can perform tighter short-turns on these skis, but you will need a bit of speed and have to apply a fair amount force.

I am impressed by the amount of chatter these skis absorb. Despite awful snow conditions no harsh vibrations have travelled up through the skis and into my legs (and teeth). On the majority of other skis I would have been rattling down the mountain, like an old car on the highway. I have a feeling that the crazy dampening effects of these skis have a consequence of absorbing some of the energy you put into them when performing turns. I do get a bit of rebound and energy back while transitioning from turn-to-turn, but not as much as other models that don’t feature as much titanal in their core. This might be a skill issue (I do not have world-class carving skills), but I suspect it’s a trade-off given the metal-laden layup of the Anomaly 88s.

In moguls, and tighter terrain in general, these skis will fight you if you lean back over the tails. A neutral stance on moderately angled slopes won’t give you problems, but if you’re making your way down a steep bump run you will find yourself needing to lean into the front of your boots to stay in control. It is probably worth admitting that I have occasionally wished I had opted for one size down while skiing more technical terrain.

I would characterize the Anomaly 88s as an all-mountain ski more-so than a dedicated carver. These definitely feel at-home on-piste. Longer turns at mach-loony on these are fun, as the metal-laden layup inspires confidence and a reliable edge to hold onto. Bumps and more technical terrain off-piste terrain are still in the wheelhouse of the Anomaly 88s, but having a capable pilot is definitely advised.