In the world of skiing, the Völkl Blaze 106 Skis and the Head Kore 105 Skis, both 2023 models, are two top contenders. Both skis are praised for their versatility, lightweight design, and impressive performance on various terrains. The Völkl Blaze 106 Skis are known for their wide width, agile and precise feel, and light weight, making them ideal for both resort and backcountry use. On the other hand, the Head Kore 105 Skis are loved for their lightweight but incredibly stiff construction, making them a great choice for heavier skiers. Both skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers, but the final verdict depends on individual preferences and skiing styles.

Völkl Blaze 106 Skis · 2023 summary

The Völkl Blaze 106 Skis are a fantastic one-ski quiver for those seeking versatility. They are designed to handle all terrains well, from the mountains of Utah to the hills of the Midwest. The skis are super versatile and can be taken anywhere on the mountain. They shine late in the day on groomers, carving through crud like nothing. They are also capable of riding the powder when it's there. However, they are not the best on ice as the rocker prevents the ski from really digging in. Carving on groomers can also be a challenge as it's tough to put energy into the ski.

The Blaze 106 is a lightweight, all-wood touring ski that stays true to Volkl's top-notch carving performance while excelling in light snow and on ascents. The Rocker/Camber profile is paired up with tons of other Volkl tech to create a ski that's easy to turn and floats like a gem. The Blaze lineup is known for how surprisingly lightweight they are. At 1,828g, these skis will be a pleasant ride for someone wanting a lighter setup, or someone who wants a ski that can be used both in resort and the backcountry.

Head Kore 105 Skis · 2023 summary

The Head Kore 105 Skis are an excellent choice for advanced to expert skiers who ski primarily out West. The skis are lightweight but incredibly stiff, making them a friendly tool in tight and tricky spots—from the skin track to the resort. The Kore’s lightweight but incredibly stiff construction was a great choice for heavier skiers. It won’t punish too much on the skin track but packs enough punch to be a joy to ski.

The Kore line is pretty directional, and their athletes do some amazing freestyle skiing on them, but they aren’t a twin tip. For the avid switch skier, a dedicated twin tip would be better. The 2023 Kore line does feature topsheet material, unlike previous years. This added some durability over previous models, but the Kore still leaves something to be desired in the durability department.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Blaze 106 Skis and the Head Kore 105 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are praised for their lightweight design. They both excel in various terrains and conditions, making them versatile choices for all-mountain riding. Both skis are also known for their impressive performance in powder and their ability to carve through crud. They are both designed to be easy to turn and float well in light snow. Additionally, both skis are known for their stability and responsiveness, making them a joy to ski on.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl Blaze 106 Skis are ideal for skiers who want a one-ski quiver that can handle all terrains well. They are not the best on ice and carving on groomers can be a challenge, making them less ideal for skiers who primarily ski on these conditions.

On the other hand, the Head Kore 105 Skis are perfect for skiers who ski primarily out West and are looking for a ski that rewards hard skiing. They are incredibly stiff and can be a bit demanding, making them less ideal for less experienced or lighter skiers. They are also not the best choice for avid switch skiers due to their directional design.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in various terrains and conditions. However, the Völkl Blaze 106 Skis might have a slight edge due to their super versatility and ability to handle all terrains well.

In terms of weight, both skis are lightweight, but the Head Kore 105 Skis are known to be the lightest and stiffest skis in the freeride category, giving them the upper hand in this dimension.

For durability, the 2023 Kore line has added topsheet material, improving its durability over previous models. However, it still leaves something to be desired in the durability department, making the Völkl Blaze 106 Skis the winner in this dimension.

Lastly, for performance in powder, both skis are praised for their impressive performance. However, the Head Kore 105 Skis are known for their incredible responsiveness and power in the carve, making them the winner in this dimension.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Blaze 106 Skis and the Head Kore 105 Skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers. They both offer impressive performance in various terrains and conditions, making them versatile choices for all-mountain riding. However, the final verdict depends on individual preferences and skiing styles. The Völkl Blaze 106 Skis are ideal for skiers who want a one-ski quiver that can handle all terrains well, while the Head Kore 105 Skis are perfect for skiers who ski primarily out West and are looking for a ski that rewards hard skiing. Regardless of the choice, both skis are sure to provide an exhilarating skiing experience.