Gone, but not forgotten! Blizzard felt it time to freshen the line-up and they did it in big way.
As the 2024/25 ski season approaches, Blizzard has unveiled the new Anomaly 88, replacing the highly popular Brahma 88. If you've been a fan of the Brahma or are considering your next all-mountain ski, you’re probably wondering: how does the new Blizzard Anomaly 88 stack up against its predecessor? Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which ski suits your needs this season.
1. General Overview
Blizzard Anomaly 88: The Anomaly 88 is Blizzard’s latest all-mountain ski, designed for skiers looking for versatility across varied terrain. Built for stability, speed, and edge hold, it targets intermediate to advanced skiers, much like its predecessor.
Blizzard Brahma 88: Known as the go-to ski for hard-charging, all-mountain enthusiasts, the Brahma 88 had a reputation for being stable and aggressive, particularly excelling on groomed runs and hard snow. For years, it was Blizzard’s most popular option for East Coast skiers or those who like to rip on firm surfaces.
2. Construction and Core
Anomaly 88: Blizzard updated the Anomaly 88’s construction, incorporating more advanced materials. The ski features Blizzard’s TrueBlend Wood Core technology, blending different wood densities to enhance both power and forgiveness. This tech creates a smoother flex pattern for a balanced feel, while still providing the necessary stability to charge through a variety of conditions. It also integrates carbon inlays to reduce weight and improve overall responsiveness.
Brahma 88: The Brahma 88 also utilized a wood core, but its Dual Titanal Layer construction gave it a stiffer, burlier feel. While this made the Brahma excellent on hard snow, it could feel unforgiving for lighter skiers or those less aggressive in their skiing style. The Brahma’s construction was built for maximum power transmission but lacked some of the playfulness that the Anomaly aims to offer.
3. Performance on Snow
On-Piste Performance:
Anomaly 88: The new design allows for easier initiation in turns and a more playful ride. While still maintaining strong edge hold on groomers, the Anomaly 88’s slightly softer flex compared to the Brahma makes it more approachable for a wider range of skiers, especially those who prefer a mix of carving and cruising.
Brahma 88: The Brahma excelled on groomed runs and hard-packed snow, offering a stable ride with aggressive edge hold. Its stiff construction, however, made it less forgiving when trying to relax into a more playful skiing style.
Off-Piste and Mixed Terrain:
Anomaly 88: Thanks to the more refined flex and lighter construction, the Anomaly 88 offers better maneuverability in mixed snow conditions like crud and light powder. Its wider tip profile also helps it float slightly better than the Brahma in softer snow, though neither ski is designed as a powder-specific tool.
Brahma 88: While the Brahma 88 could handle off-piste terrain, it required more effort to drive through bumps and soft snow. It had a tendency to punch through softer conditions rather than float over them, making it better suited for hard snow enthusiasts.
4. Flex and Feel
Anomaly 88: One of the most noticeable changes is the Anomaly’s more moderate flex. This provides a more versatile feel, allowing the ski to be both playful and strong. It has a touch more forgiveness for skiers who like to vary their style or who don’t ski at full throttle all day. It’s still a high-performance ski but is more versatile than the Brahma.
Brahma 88: The Brahma had a stiffer overall feel and was aimed at advanced to expert skiers who demanded power and precision. The ski was less forgiving, making it ideal for those who like to push the limits but potentially overwhelming for intermediate skiers or those who preferred a more playful ride.
5. Target Audience
Anomaly 88: With its blend of performance and playfulness, the Anomaly 88 will appeal to a broader range of skiers. Intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a ski that performs well in a variety of conditions—without requiring too much effort to control—will likely appreciate the Anomaly’s balance of versatility and ease of use.
Brahma 88: The Brahma 88 was a go-to for aggressive, confident skiers who prioritized edge hold and stability on harder snow. If you were the type who liked to ski fast and didn’t mind the ski being less forgiving, the Brahma was perfect.
6. Final Verdict
Blizzard Anomaly 88: The Anomaly 88 steps in as a worthy successor to the Brahma, offering a more versatile, approachable ski for all-mountain conditions. It retains Blizzard’s reputation for performance, but with improved maneuverability and playfulness, making it more suitable for a wider range of skiers.
Blizzard Brahma 88: The Brahma 88 had its place as a powerhouse ski for hard-charging skiers who wanted stability and precision. However, its stiffer flex and heavier construction limited its appeal to a specific type of skier.
Conclusion
If you loved the Brahma 88 for its uncompromising power and edge hold, you might miss its more aggressive characteristics in the Anomaly. But if you’re looking for something that’s easier to ski in variable conditions, yet still offers solid performance, the Anomaly 88 is the fresh new option to try this season. Whether you’re bombing groomers or venturing off-piste, the Anomaly brings a little more versatility to your ski quiver.
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