Volkl Blaze 86W Review: A Lightweight All-Mountain Ski for Progressing Skiers

Introduction

The Volkl Blaze 86W is the next width up from the Blaze 82W, and that extra width is what gives it a little more versatility across the mountain. It is built as an affordable, lightweight freeride ski with all-mountain capabilities, which makes it a straightforward option for skiers who want their equipment to support their progress rather than complicate it.

Who This Ski Is For

The Blaze 86W is aimed at progressing intermediates who want to work on their skills and technique and build confidence all around the mountain. It is not limited to that group, though. The design also suits advanced skiers, and it is not tied to one style of skiing.

Because the ski is lightweight and forgiving, it works well for skiers who are still developing turn shape and edge control. The same qualities make it comfortable for anyone who wants an intuitive ski that stays forgiving when a turn does not go quite to plan.

Main Strengths

Two construction choices define how the Blaze 86W behaves on snow: a multi-layer wood core and a suspension tip and tail design.

Lightweight Construction and Ride Quality

Volkl builds the Blaze 86W around a multi-layer wood core. That construction supports maneuverability and gives the ski a snappy, lively energy, while also keeping overall weight low. On top of that, the suspension tip and tails use a rubber insert that reduces chatter and creates a smoother, more even ride.

The combination is what makes the ski feel manageable over a full day. Low weight and the chatter-reducing inserts keep the ride smoother and more even, and the ski is light enough to work as a touring option as well.

Shape, Rocker, and Turn Versatility

In the 166cm length, the Blaze 86W measures 129mm at the tip, 86mm underfoot, and 111mm at the tail. The wide shovel is the standout part of the shape: it contributes flotation and helps turns start smoothly. Underfoot there is positive camber, paired with long, low rocker lines in both the tip and the tail.

The 3D sidecut is the other half of the story. Volkl applies different radii along the ski: 25 meters at the tip, 13 meters in the center, and 21 meters at the tail in this length. The longer radius toward the tip supports wider, longer-arcing turns, while the shorter center radius makes quicker, snappier turns easier to achieve. The practical effect is that the skier stays in charge and can move between a range of turn shapes and styles.

Terrain and Conditions That Suit the Blaze 86W

With 86mm underfoot and rocker at both ends, the Blaze 86W is designed as an all-mountain ski rather than a single-terrain specialist. The wide shovel and rockered tip support flotation and smooth turn initiation, while the camber underfoot and the shorter center radius keep the ski quick and snappy when you want tighter turns.

Its low weight also makes it a strong candidate for skiers who want one ski to cover a lot of ground, including light touring use. That flexibility is the main reason the Blaze 86W appeals across such a wide range of ability levels.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The Blaze 86W is built around versatility, so it makes the most sense for skiers who want one ski to handle a broad range of days. Skiers who already know they want a highly specialized setup for one narrow use case may find a more focused design suits them better.

The lightweight, forgiving build is tuned for maneuverability and ease rather than a heavy, demanding feel, which is worth knowing if you prefer a very stiff platform underfoot.

It is also worth matching the ski to the length and radius you actually want, since the tip, center, and tail radii differ noticeably and shape how the ski turns.

Buying Advice

If you are a progressing intermediate who wants to build confidence and technique, the Blaze 86W lines up well with that goal. The lightweight wood core, the chatter-reducing suspension tip and tails, and the 3D sidecut all work toward a forgiving, intuitive ride that still offers a wide range of turn shapes.

Advanced skiers who want a light all-mountain ski, and skiers who want a budget-friendly option that can also serve as a touring ski, will find the same set of strengths useful. The main thing to confirm before buying is the length, since the 166cm option pairs a 25-meter tip radius with a 13-meter center radius and a 21-meter tail radius, and that combination shapes how the ski feels.

Conclusion

The Volkl Blaze 86W keeps things simple: a lightweight multi-layer wood core, a suspension tip and tail that smooths the ride, and a 3D sidecut that covers a wide spread of turn shapes. For progressing intermediates and advanced skiers who want an affordable, forgiving, intuitive all-mountain ski that can also work for touring, it is a well-rounded choice.