In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Blaze 86 W and the Atomic Maven 86 C are two standout options for the 2023 season. Both are versatile all-mountain skis, designed to handle a variety of terrains and snow conditions. The Blaze 86 W is praised for its agility, lightweight design, and ability to handle demanding terrain, while the Maven 86 C is lauded for its nimbleness, versatility, and strong performance on groomed runs. Both skis are great for intermediate to advanced skiers, but the Blaze 86 W might be a better fit for those who enjoy backcountry skiing, while the Maven 86 C is a strong choice for those who prefer tighter, more controlled turns on groomed runs.

Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis are designed for women who crave versatility and agility on the slopes. These skis are lightweight, making them easy to handle and maneuver, even in demanding terrain. They feature suspension tips and tails, which offer increased flotation and protection when skiing off-piste. The full tip-to-tail wood core provides ease in ascents and a pleasurable descent, making these skis a great choice for backcountry skiing.

The Blaze 86 W is a versatile all-mountain cruiser, capable of forgiving turn initiation in various snow conditions. It offers good float in deeper snow and quick edge-to-edge transitions on firm snow. The absence of titanal in its construction makes the Blaze 86 W a lively ski with lower weight and more pop. It can perform short turns while maintaining a long high-speed carve, thanks to its three side cuts. The slightly flared out tips and tails give the ski plenty of float in off-piste conditions and the ability to handle some powder.

Atomic Maven 86 C Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Atomic Maven 86 C Skis are designed to be a nimble and versatile front-side tool, perfect for improving all-mountain performance. These skis are built for the skier who likes to ski it all in one day, from steep bumps and tight trees to fresh powder. The Rocker/Camber/Rocker shape with a short turning radius makes these skis highly maneuverable.

Atomic built the Maven for intermediate female skiers looking to up their game off-piste, but also for more advanced skiers looking for a strong and confident ski for cruising the groomed blues and blacks of their local mountain. The Maven utilizes carbon in the construction as opposed to metal in order to keep the ski not just lighter, but more approachable and easier to turn. This makes it a delight in both trees and while navigating moguls, and the healthy camber underfoot results in a surprisingly strong edge hold for tight turns on groomed runs.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Blaze 86 W and the Atomic Maven 86 C are designed as versatile all-mountain skis, capable of handling a variety of terrains and snow conditions. They are both lightweight and agile, making them easy to maneuver on the slopes. Both skis are designed with a focus on providing a forgiving and enjoyable skiing experience, with features that allow for easy turn initiation and good float in deeper snow. They are both aimed at intermediate to advanced skiers, offering features that can help skiers improve their skills and tackle more challenging terrains.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and agile, they cater to slightly different skiing styles and preferences. The Völkl Blaze 86 W is a great fit for those who enjoy backcountry skiing, thanks to its lightweight design and full tip-to-tail wood core. It's also a good choice for skiers who prefer a lively ski with more pop and the ability to perform short turns while maintaining a long high-speed carve.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maven 86 C is a strong choice for skiers who prefer tighter, more controlled turns on groomed runs. It's built for skiers looking to up their game off-piste, with a construction that makes it lighter and more approachable. It's also a delight in both trees and while navigating moguls, making it a versatile weapon in a forgiving package.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Völkl Blaze 86 W might have a slight edge due to its ability to handle demanding terrain and its suitability for backcountry skiing.

In terms of agility and maneuverability, both skis are highly rated, but the Atomic Maven 86 C's short turning radius and carbon construction might give it a slight advantage.

For skiers who prefer a lively ski with more pop, the Völkl Blaze 86 W is the clear winner due to its absence of titanal in its construction.

However, for skiers who prefer tighter, more controlled turns on groomed runs, the Atomic Maven 86 C comes out on top, thanks to its healthy camber underfoot and carbon construction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Blaze 86 W and the Atomic Maven 86 C are excellent choices for women skiers looking for a versatile, agile, and high-performing ski for the 2023 season. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style. If you're a fan of backcountry skiing and prefer a lively ski with more pop, the Völkl Blaze 86 W is a great choice. If you prefer tighter, more controlled turns on groomed runs and a ski that's light and approachable, the Atomic Maven 86 C is the way to go. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!