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Expert Comparison: Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis · 2024 vs Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2024

Published on 02/03/2024 · 5 min readCompare Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis · 2024 and Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Henry Kvietok, Ski Expert
Ian Hamilton, Ski Expert
Fiona Orel, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Henry Kvietok, Ian Hamilton, Fiona Orel, Luke H., Phil Chandler and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis · 2024
Out of stock
Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2024
Price
from:$324.98
50% off
$329.97
40% off
The Curated Take

Best for experienced skiers who love high speed, carving, and groomer terrain on icy and hardpack conditions.

Best for skiers seeking a versatile, easy-to-turn ski suitable for any condition.

User rating
--
5(4)
Ski type
All Mountain
All Mountain
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of high-speed, all-mountain skiing, two skis stand out: the Blizzard Brahma 82 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C, both 2024 models. The Blizzard Brahma 82 is a speed demon, designed for icy, hardpack, and groomer terrain. It's a stiff, burly ski that loves to go fast and is best suited for advanced skiers. On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is a versatile all-mountain ski that's forgiving and perfect for carving on corduroy. It's a great fit for skiers looking to progress quickly and those who primarily ski on-piste. Both skis are excellent in their own right, but they cater to different types of skiers. The Blizzard Brahma 82 is for the speed junkies, while the Atomic Maverick 86 C is for those who value versatility and forgiveness.

The Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. These skis are designed for high speed, long arcing carves on hardpack and icy terrain. They are stiff and burly, providing a stable, fast, and quick edge-to-edge experience. However, they are not the most versatile skis and are not designed for off-piste skiing. Instead, they excel beautifully at what they are designed for - going fast on groomed terrain.

The Brahma 82 is a narrow ski with an 82 mm waist, but don't let that fool you. It's a sturdy ski, with a sheet of Titanal metal over the wood core for strong edge grip and a strong, consistent flex. It's approachable for a newer skier who wants something confident and is looking to progress quickly, but it's also a great option for advanced skiers who stick mainly to on-piste skiing and want a carving/all-mountain ski.

The Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are a great fit for skiers who love high speed, carving, and groomer terrain. These skis excel on icy and hardpack conditions, providing stability and a quick edge-to-edge transition. They are not designed for off-piste skiing, but are perfect for those who want a fast and engaging ride.

One of my favorite memories on this ski was ripping down a wide open groomer and dropping real low to the ground. Given that my usual daily driver is a much wider and rockered all mountain ski, this one feels like a race car. It definitely demands your full attention and favors a stronger pilot.

Henry Kvietok
Ski Expert

The Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that's forgiving and perfect for carving on corduroy. They have a lively flex and stability at high speeds, making them perfect for a variety of terrain. The OMatic Construction and Flow Profile make for a lightweight and easy-to-handle ski, making it a great choice for confident skiing in almost any condition.

The Maverick 86 C is a great ski for the progressing beginner all the way to the advanced skier. It’s a great all-mountain, one ski quiver on the East Coast that’s more forgiving than stiffer, more aggressive, metal-based skis. It's a forgiving ski that can do tighter turns without being punishing, and it’s great for somebody who wants a confident, stable ski underneath that’s not too stiff or heavy.

The Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are a great fit for skiers looking for a versatile and forgiving ski. With a lively flex and stability at high speeds, these skis are perfect for carving on corduroy and handling various terrain.

The Maverick 86 C is a great ski for the progressing beginner all the way to the advanced skier. It’d be a great all mountain, one ski quiver on the East Coast that’s more forgiving than stiffer, more aggressive, metal based skis.

Ian Hamilton
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Blizzard Brahma 82 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are designed for all-mountain skiing, with a focus on carving and groomer terrain. They both have a narrow waist, which makes them quick from edge to edge and provides a strong edge grip. Both skis are also versatile, suitable for both newer skiers looking to progress quickly and advanced skiers who primarily ski on-piste. They both offer a confident and stable ride, with a strong and consistent flex.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain skiing, they cater to different types of skiers. The Blizzard Brahma 82 is a high-speed, stiff, and burly ski that loves to go fast. It's best suited for advanced skiers who love carving on icy, hardpack, and groomer terrain. It's not the most versatile ski, but for what it is, it excels beautifully.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is a versatile all-mountain ski that's forgiving and perfect for carving on corduroy. It's a great fit for skiers looking to progress quickly and those who primarily ski on-piste. It's more forgiving than the Blizzard Brahma 82, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediates looking to improve their skills.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to speed, the Blizzard Brahma 82 takes the cake. It's designed for high-speed carving and feels most engaged when going fast. For versatility, the Atomic Maverick 86 C wins. It's a forgiving ski that can handle a variety of terrain and is perfect for skiers looking to progress quickly. In terms of stability, both skis offer a confident and stable ride, but the Blizzard Brahma 82's stiff and burly design gives it an edge. Finally, for forgiveness, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is the clear winner. It's a forgiving ski that's not too stiff or heavy, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediates.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Blizzard Brahma 82 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are excellent skis in their own right. The Blizzard Brahma 82 is a speed demon that's perfect for advanced skiers who love carving on icy, hardpack, and groomer terrain. The Atomic Maverick 86 C, on the other hand, is a versatile all-mountain ski that's forgiving and perfect for carving on corduroy. It's a great fit for skiers looking to progress quickly and those who primarily ski on-piste. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So, whether you're a speed junkie or a versatile skier, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!

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