Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis 2022

The Bonafide 97 keeps the iconic name and builds on the reputation. It's still every bit the all condition charger just now with smoother control thanks to the True Blend Woodcore: smash through the crud, carve up the pistes and glide cleanly in powder. By integrating different densities of wood this new construction loses none of the power and drive from the underfoot area of the ski, but it means the tip and tail can be slightly softened to improve the handling in rougher snow with no loss of performance.Terrain Type & Ability LevelTerrain Type This is an all terrain ski that wants to be skied in softer or deeper snow but performs equally well when the conditions are rougher or firmer, or the terrain is tighter and more technical. The reality is that it will be in less than perfect conditions the majority of the time, and the Bonafide's versatility is what makes it such a good ski. It was always known as a powerful ski but the TrueBlend has added better handling and control by tweaking the flex at the tip and tail, making it easier to ski when conditions aren't nicely groomed or fresh and soft.Skier TypeStrong all condition skiers who want a powerful and precise ski to tackle any terrain at fast or slow speeds. They want to be skiing everywhere on the mountain, the dream is fresh snow and clean turns but the reality is less perfect and whatever the conditions everything is seen as potentially skiable and they need a ski that performs equally well whether in trees, on pistes or exploring further away from lifts.OverviewShape97mm in the waist works for a variety of terrain for anyone with an off-piste focus. It makes the most of the construction so that it rips on hard snow and packed pistes, yet it has enough width and the tip and tail rocker to provide excellent stability in softer and mixed conditions. The shape has been tweaked for 20/21 and different sizes added, resulting in a slightly changed radius but at 18.5m (183cm) it's still ideal for all terrain use, long enough to feel balanced without losing the ability to carve tighter turns when required.RockerBlizzard's Rocker/Camber/Rocker uses specifically designed rocker in the tip and tail with camber underfoot. The camber increases the carving character on groomed trails while the rocker at the extremities maintains floatation and ease of turning off the slopes.CoreWood core with twin Titanal sheets running full length and bi-directional carbon in the tips and tails. The core is made using a new method for 20/21 called TrueBlend (more on this below). The wood ensures good durability and liveliness, the metal stabilises the ski and the carbon reinforces the rocker for better precision.ConstructionSandwich Compound Sidewall uses the tried and tested traditional method for the best performance. This means layers to build the impressive core, with sidewalls to produce the grip and precision that a ski like this requires. The top sheet has rounded finish to protect the surface of the ski from scratches.Key FeaturesTrueBlendTrueBlend uses an exclusive blend of woods to provide 3 areas of density, meaning Blizzard can control the flex precisely through the whole length of the ski. The result is the same natural and dynamic flex for all sizes. For the skier it means more relaxed handling, better balance and precise control. To achieve this complex wood core structure required new production and manufacturing techniques. Using different types of wood makes it possible to modify the characteristics of the ski right at the core. For example, a ski should be stiffer in the area under the binding and softer towards the ski tips. This is why Blizzard builds the wood core with very small pieces of wood that are glued lengthwise. In the area of the binding, layers of harder wood are incorporated and softer, lighter wood is used towards the tip and tail. This elaborate construction gives the core different areas of stiffness with precisely adjusted flex properties, which creates a more harmonious ride.Carbon FlipcoreA revolutionary rockered ski production that incorporates bi-directional carbon fibre in the tips and tails of the ski to stabilise the rockered areas, reducing weight and vibrations. This process delivers more precision and performance, creating a smoother, calmer ride in an easy to ski package. The result is a perfect combination of pressure distribution, floatation, power and stability.eB tester’s comments: Mark (Trainer) They are so stable in all conditions. Perfect for smashing down tracked out off piste and they give you absolute confidence to charge through crud and open out the turns for some speed.Technical SpecificationsSize (cm)Tip Width (mm)Waist Width (mm)Tail Width (mm)Radius (m)Weight (g)171136.597118.5162120177136.597118.5172200183136.597118.518.52320189136.597118.5202410General InformationSkier Ability: Advanced/expertTerrain Type: Freeride Rocker: Tip/Tail RockerRadius: MediumBase: SinteredBindings: Ski sold flatDIN: n/aConstruction: Full SidewallCore: Wood, Carbon, Titanal LaminateDemo: NoSizing Description: Forehead to over head height. The increased length ensures better grip, stability and floatation and is essential to making the ski work to its full potential. Large rockers at the tip mean it is important not to size down.