You 2 are amazing at explaining how a ski feels. I’ve skied a few skis after your explanations. I am sure I know near exactly how this ski feels without ever skiing it.
I just dropped off my Brahma 82s to be tuned and watched this when I came home. It was interesting to hear the comparison from guys with vastly more experience on different skis. I like the Brahmas because they do very well doing long radius turns on hard-packed/icy groomers but concur that this is also what the skis want to do.
I'm a heavy guy skiing a Brahma 88. My weight helps push the ski without taxing me too much, but I can attest to minimum speed limit. I am not in the market for a few years, but I like idea of taking the edge off. I also appreciate the sensibility of buying a ski for the skiing you do rather than the skiing you wish you did.
@@SkiEssentials his is so true even in the west. So many people here at Lake Louise skiing on 110 and bigger as their only ski when in truth it is icy more than powder here. Ski what you are on, not what you hope for. I have said something similar before, I can hammer a nail with a wrench but why wouldnt I use a hammer?
I've been spending some good time on the 88 in softer snow and I am impressed. In general, 4 mm of underfoot width isn't going to make or break a powder day, but I do like having the extra surface area when carving deep turns in less than firm snow. That said, the 84 is awesome in bumps and tight spaces, it just works better if the snow is packed--otherwise it can get caught up, especially underfoot. In general, the 84 is slightly more maneuverable than the 88, but not by a whole lot.
While Steadfast has one sheet of metal vs. Anomaly's two, the Steadfast still has more of a front side shape to it, so it's an easier carver with a lower high end. There's longer camber and less taper in the Steadfast, and this makes more married to an on-trail format, although a skilled skier can eke out some versatility for sure. Anomaly operates with a higher octane feeling for the most part, and the more versatile tip and tail shape bring in off-piste performance with greater authority and confidence. In general, Steadfast is a more moderate on-piste carver while the Anomaly fits better into the high-performance narrow all-mountain category.
I love the review. I obviously will want to try before I buy. I ski at Smuggs and currently ski RTM 81. I am looking for a little more flex and a little lighter. What do you think about the Anomaly 84 or Pregrine 82. What are the differences
The Anomaly is a little heavier and a little stiffer, so I'm not sure that fits your process. Peregrine 80 is the one to focus on here. The 82 is similar weight and style, but stiffer than the RTM 81. While expensive, the Stockli Montero AX at 80 mm is more flexible than you may think in the shovel--that's worth a look if possible. A bit wider, also check out the Salomon Stance 84.
How does the 84 compare to the Kendo? I know they’re not the same width .. just curious. Intermediate / advanced skier mostly groomers in Quebec. Love short and medium turns at medium speeds. Cheers!
The Kendo still feels more precise and a bit more powerful than the Anomaly due to the frame build. The Anomaly, even though it's narrower, felt very well-rounded and versatile, even when compared to the wider Kendo. I really had a great time and a positive experience on the Anomaly 84.
Hi SkiEssentials! Anomaly is now in stock on some sites, but not on yours. Will you get them soon? I’m 33, 5’9” 148lb and skiing a 76mm width K2s for over 15 years. I commonly ski in Ohio and New York, but I’m looking for a new ski that can handle trips to Colorado/Utah. Would the anomaly 84 or 88 be good for trips to the Rockies? I’m hoping to ski like you guys do a blend of carving, jumping, and a few twists or spins like you do in your videos on small jumps. I’ve been waiting for Anomaly since I was leaning towards Brahma before.
It looks like a mid-July shipment to us here in VT. Personally, I was most impressed with the capabilities of the 88, but I also loved the 84. The 88 feels more capable in the softer snow for mixing the Ohio and NY skiing and the western trips. I felt that the 84 could be versatile, but it was happier in an on-trail format, and it certainly excelled in that realm. The 88, though, was a standout for me here at Stowe.
The Anomaly has a quieter and denser overall feel while the Mantra 88 is a bit more pingy on firm snow. I like the sturdy feel of the Anomaly and it benefits from the slightly narrower waist. Neither are particularly friendly or accommodating in an off-piste or soft snow format, but the Mantra 88 does have a flatter overall profile that makes it slightly easier to pivot if needed.
Love these vids! I have skied a Brahma 88 for years and currently own a rustler 9. Do you think going for the Anomaly 84 for mostly on-trail skiing in the alps would be a good fit? Or would you opt for the 88? I'm 174cm and weigh 78kg. Concider myself an advanced/expert skiier.
I would say the 84/Rustler makes a better complementary quiver now with the new shapes, especially if you're looking for on-trail specific. I'd look at the 170 or 176, depending on how you feel about your Rustler size--I'd go similar.
With true blend blizzard dials in the use of wood for each length of ski, making assumptions about the height, weight and skill level of the skier for each length. With this in mind, which length may be most appropriate for an advanced intermediate, 6’ tall, 175 lbs. Thanks guys.
I'd say the 182 is slightly on the long side, making the 176 a great option for your stats and application. These skis feel great in slightly lower than head-high lengths.
How’s the anomaly 84 and 88 compare to the kendo 88? I love the kendo as a “nothing phases me, go fast as hell” ski, but I sometimes wish it had just a little more edge hold and more tail engagement.
You might see a bit of an increase with edge hold and tail engagement with the 84, but I don't think the 88. There's more rocker and taper in the new Anomalies than in the outgoing Brahmas, adding to the versatility. They're still very strong and stout, but I found the new 88 to be a more all-mountain ski than the Kendo. Since the 84 is narrower overall, it's also more torsionally stiff and slightly more planted. This will be a better on-trail option than the 88, but still not quite as precise as the Kendo. We just did a review on the new Rossignol Arcade 88--that ski has more of a traditional tip to tail feel to it and might be worth checking out as well.
Hey just has a question that I think it right up your alley. What are your thoughts on the Head oblivion 102 181cm compared to the 2024 Liberty 96 182cm. I've skied the 2019 liberty 96 for over 100 days before it delaminated on me and had a ton of fun on it. I'm looking for something that's chargy where I can drop a cliff into hard pack and straightline it to the next feature while still being fun in the bumps. Wouild love your thoughts!
The Oblivion 102 is a pretty crisp ski that uses carbon for power and energy. It will stand up to some serious use and we've loved the mix of carving and bump performance to go along with more creative and aggressive skiing.
I was really surprised when looking for comparisons with 80s waisted,, metal and not race oriented, i.e all mountain, you didn't mention the Declivity 82ti? Done 4 days in Zermatt this week on the 174s so far. I'm Jeff's weight and these have been solid, very fun, while hitting around 50mph plus most runs according to the tracker, and so quick to throw around grip and go........ I usually ski an Enf 88 at home, but I'm not feeling undergunned so far.
I happen to have the same quiver... an enforcer 88 186cm ( I should have bought the 179cm) and a declivity 82ti 182cm. I think the enforcer is better in refrozen chunks, harder packed snow and speeds over 50mph. But how often are we really going that fast? The 82ti is much better in powder, way easier to get high edge angles at lower speeds. It's better in moguls. I won't say it's a better ski than the enforcer 88, but it sure is a lot of fun. I love it!
There's a lot of skis--it's tough to remember them all! But certainly the Declivity enters this conversation for sure. Compared to Anomaly 84, the Armada is lighter with longer camber and less rocker, making it a very poppy, peppy, and energetic ski in this range. The Anomaly feels a bit more versatile in softer snow and more grounded at higher speeds.
Not really because Anomaly's is all longitudinal. The Blade's metal is a mix of diagonal and longitudinal in order to increase torsional stiffness to the wider points of that ski. The FluxForm attributes of Anomaly function more in a fore/aft mentality as well as emphasizing having more metal over the edges.
I may have missed it, but have you talked about binding position? Does it have a more traditional binding position like a Mindbender and Kore? Or a more forward position like a Rustler? Thanks!
For east coast choppy snow in spring like conditions at moderate speeds (sometimes slow with kids) how would you compare this to a rustler 9? Mostly on piste but late day chop amd maybe soft moguls.
The 84 is a lot more amenable to firmer snow conditions and groomed terrain although there is some versatility here--certainly more so than the older Brahma's used to have. That said, the Rustler 9 is a lot more at home in spring snow, soft moguls, and choppy conditions. The width and rocker help a lot.
The Armada has a pretty long and high camber profile, and when paired with lighter caruba wood in the core, this makes for a very peppy ski. The Divus feels smoother overall, but doesn't have the same high-octane feel of the Anomaly. Since the Blizzard is the one with the most metal and the sturdiest wood core, it's not too surprising that this is the highest performer of the three. In the bumps, I think there's a lot to like about that Divus while the Anomaly is the strongest groomer ski.
I have the brahma 88 @183cm and the declivity 82 @174cm. I find the Declivity pure frontside skis, they're good when the snow is a bit soft and I choose them over the nordica Spitfire 72 @ 168cm (which I also own) for this specific use; I don't like them for deeper snow as they don't float and I think that is partly because they do not have enough rocker. Brahma 88 are longer, wider, and with a bit more rocker, they float better in a bit deeper snow but definitively they require to get to certain speed to get alive and float and if the groomer is hardpacked or icy they do not stand the value of the spitfire or declivity. The brahma, at least at this length, are harder to turn at low speed especially in moguls. As I 'm a bit tired of carrying several skis in my car and exchange them during the day following snow conditions and my whim for the terrain to ski, I was wondering if the Anomaly 84 or 88 @ 170 or 176 cm would bridge the declivity and brahma in one set of skis. I would keep the Spitfire anyway as they offer the best experience on groomers for the majority of winter days exept after snowfalls and in spring days. Thank you
I am very impressed with the 88's versatility. It's ability to move seamlessly between firm snow and soft snow is totally amazing. What I liked about the 84 was its quicker-turning capacity in an off-trail situation, but I didn't feel like it had enough surface area or rocker to make it as much fun as the 88. If you're front-side focused and want a bit of soft snow compliance, then the 84 is great. If you're truly looking for one ski that does it all very well, then I'd lean to the 88.
Kinda choppy. Eastern chop. I found the rocker to be more amenable to handling adverse conditions and terrain than the Brahma 82. That ski really preferred groomers. Anomaly is more versatile yet still rips carves.
The AR is a more direct comparison for sure while the AX is a lot crisper and shorter of a carver--more like an all-mountain slalom ski than the AR. The Anomaly holds up pretty well to the AR when it comes to GS style carves, but is considerably more versatile when it comes to moguls and off-piste. So a slight edge to the AR in carving and smoothness, and a decent jump in off-trail capabilities with the Anomaly.
@@SkiEssentials To add more information: I am a senior Colorado skier, about Bob’s size. I ski a 177 cm Stormrider 88 as my everyday ski. I’m looking for better firm snow carving performance, but retaining all mountain capability, including moguls. I skied Bonafides for about four years, but prefer the SR88 for their better agility. I have also skied Brahma 88 and Laser AR on piste, and both were great on firm snow. The AX appeals to me due to the 80 mm waist, vs the SR 88. I will keep the SR88 for softer days. Thanks for your comments.
This is a fantastic comparison. The Anomaly has a bit more rocker and taper and a flatter overall profile. The Experience has a lot of camber and feels a bit heavier as a result. I think the lighter and more mobile swing weight of the Anomaly puts it into a slightly more versatile category than the Experience while full-on hard chargers may still prefer the ruggedness of the Rossignol. I'd rather ski the Anomaly in bumps and in shorter more poppy turns while the Experience is smooth and powerful in longer and more drawn-out turns. Lighter skiers may have less success with the Experience in an off-piste situation.
Hey guys, how many of your comments translate over to the 102s? Your mention of your friend doing questionable stuff on them sounds right up my alley lol
I find the 102 to be not as turny as the 84. No real surprise here, but the 102 felt like it wanted to track straighter through choppy snow, kind of like a Salomon Stance 102 more than a Mantra 102, which is still a very strong carver.
The 84 is more versatile than either of the Brahma widths due to an increase in rocker, especially in the tail. I'd rather ski the 84 in bumps and trees vs. the Brahma 88, but I'd rather carve very fast turns on groomers and ice on either of the Brahmas.
There's more similarities with purpose, but the feel and design are quite different. Anomaly is stouter and stronger for sure, with two full sheets of metals while Ripstick relies on lighter construction and carbon to generate power, but it doesn't feel as damp or powerful as the Anomaly. That said, at the end of the day, they're both fantastic all-mountain skis, the Anomaly is just heavier, stiffer, and more amenable to aggressive and high-performance skiing.
That is excatly what I was figuring and why they pay you the Big Bucks to be ski Sommeliers. Would a Ripstick Black edition ski a bit like the Anomaly? I have tried the Bramha and was impressed with the speed and power, but didn't find it playful like my Ripstick 88. My friend who is extremely experienced is raving about his Anomaly 84 in a 180. Loves them!@@SkiEssentials
At first, the 94 was my jam. Then I skied the 88 for a few days here at Stowe and loved it. Then the 84 at Pico. Now I'm super confused as to which is my favorite. For me, the 102 doesn't quite hold the same cache as the others, and I feel like there are some more complete skis in that width around these days, especially if you include the new Enforcer 99 and 104. Did you ski the Armada Declivity X 102 while you were there? That was another that jumped off the snow for me in that wider range.
@@SkiEssentials I didn’t get on the 88 or 84 but plan to at Waterville. The 102 definitely didn’t have the same wow factor especially on the mellow terrain. I’ve tried the Declivity before and was pretty impressed. Very fun skis.
There's a bit of overlap here but not a ton. If you have the Serpo already, and are looking for something more groomer/carving focused, I'd move narrower to something like the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 at 76 or the Nordica Spitfire 74 to really hook into the frontside power of the ski. If you're building from scratch, the Anomaly makes a great front side option, but I'd go a bit wider with the second--the Justis from Black Crows at 100, or something like the Nordica Enforcer 99--just to keep at least 10 mm of difference in the skis.
Our research indicates that they're well-made skis with specific intents, and we appreciate that about the 1000's. Since they're direct to consumer, we don't have as much incentive to review them as we do not sell them, so they don't get bumped up on our priority list as a result.
The Anomaly is more versatile, especially in the shovel. If I were to spend most of my time on trail and focusing on technique, I'd go Deacon, but for general all-mountain skiing, I still like the Anomaly.
I have Deacon 84’s that I love but off trail and in bumps I’m working pretty hard. If the anomaly’s are matching the piste performance but bringing in better off-piste and bumps performance I’d go Anomaly.
@@Sep45 I have the Deacon 84 too and feel the same way. There is always a trade off though. The Volkl Peregrine 80/82 look interesting. Reviews seem to say they are more forgiving than Deacon 84. I also have the BC Serpo which work well for a more playful ski to complement the D84.
Not very. The Elan is considerably lighter and more maneuverable, although this one is a lot closer than the Brahma 82 or 88 ever was. The Anomaly's two sheets of metal makes it a very powerful ski and quite stable. The Elan is a lot of fun and has some good pep, but it doesn't quite hold up when it comes to on-piste carving and smoothness at speed.
@@SkiEssentials on a similar note I want something that “surfs” through the relatively tight glades of Bolton, MRG and Mansfield. I’m going to throw a touring binding on it. What should I buy? You sold me on the dipstick 96, but now I want to expand the quiver upward. Thanks!
Look this is what i think "power skis" are misnamed, they should be called "super" skis. Because they make you feel like superman, do we call superman "powerman"? no, because he is more than that, he is super. Bonafides are powerful but they are more than that, they are super. We all miss superman and those of us fortunate enough to click into the super skis will miss the super skis as well.
Pretty soon we'll be doing 2026! The Steadfast has less metal but more of a front side shape and profile. I find it to be better in moderate carves especially in an on-trail format. You can get some versatility out of it, but that's not its strength. Anomaly is more powerful and sturdy overall and operates better at higher speeds on-piste with more versatility for non-carving skiing. The skier type is a bit different, too, with the Steadfast 85 being more amenable to intermediate skiers who are looking to link carved turns while the Anomaly has a higher ceiling for more aggressive skiers.
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You 2 are amazing at explaining how a ski feels. I’ve skied a few skis after your explanations. I am sure I know near exactly how this ski feels without ever skiing it.
Thanks! That's the idea, glad it works for you!
I just dropped off my Brahma 82s to be tuned and watched this when I came home. It was interesting to hear the comparison from guys with vastly more experience on different skis. I like the Brahmas because they do very well doing long radius turns on hard-packed/icy groomers but concur that this is also what the skis want to do.
I'm a heavy guy skiing a Brahma 88. My weight helps push the ski without taxing me too much, but I can attest to minimum speed limit. I am not in the market for a few years, but I like idea of taking the edge off. I also appreciate the sensibility of buying a ski for the skiing you do rather than the skiing you wish you did.
Thanks for sharing that great feedback, and I think the Anomaly (or a similar ski from Blizzard) will be there when you're ready!
@@SkiEssentials his is so true even in the west. So many people here at Lake Louise skiing on 110 and bigger as their only ski when in truth it is icy more than powder here. Ski what you are on, not what you hope for. I have said something similar before, I can hammer a nail with a wrench but why wouldnt I use a hammer?
How would you compare the 88s vs the 84s for off-piste skiing? Is one more maneuverable than the other?
I've been spending some good time on the 88 in softer snow and I am impressed. In general, 4 mm of underfoot width isn't going to make or break a powder day, but I do like having the extra surface area when carving deep turns in less than firm snow. That said, the 84 is awesome in bumps and tight spaces, it just works better if the snow is packed--otherwise it can get caught up, especially underfoot. In general, the 84 is slightly more maneuverable than the 88, but not by a whole lot.
@@SkiEssentialsThank you for the reply! Love the content
Bob looked great going off piste..
Nice preview, how do they compare to the Nordica Steadfast 85?
Good question...I was thinking same.. shape looks a bit different
Yes what are the major comparisons
While Steadfast has one sheet of metal vs. Anomaly's two, the Steadfast still has more of a front side shape to it, so it's an easier carver with a lower high end. There's longer camber and less taper in the Steadfast, and this makes more married to an on-trail format, although a skilled skier can eke out some versatility for sure. Anomaly operates with a higher octane feeling for the most part, and the more versatile tip and tail shape bring in off-piste performance with greater authority and confidence. In general, Steadfast is a more moderate on-piste carver while the Anomaly fits better into the high-performance narrow all-mountain category.
Thanks for your reply 👍@@SkiEssentials
A slope, grass showing, no problem and always a fun run. Thx for the review as I am considering this one to come in as a narrower ski from my Bonafide
So fun, and definitely my type of skiing! I think we'll see this 84 become a pretty standard "complementary" ski to a lot of people's wider options.
I love the review. I obviously will want to try before I buy. I ski at Smuggs and currently ski RTM 81. I am looking for a little more flex and a little lighter. What do you think about the Anomaly 84 or Pregrine 82. What are the differences
The Anomaly is a little heavier and a little stiffer, so I'm not sure that fits your process. Peregrine 80 is the one to focus on here. The 82 is similar weight and style, but stiffer than the RTM 81. While expensive, the Stockli Montero AX at 80 mm is more flexible than you may think in the shovel--that's worth a look if possible. A bit wider, also check out the Salomon Stance 84.
How does the 84 compare to the Kendo? I know they’re not the same width .. just curious. Intermediate / advanced skier mostly groomers in Quebec. Love short and medium turns at medium speeds. Cheers!
The Kendo still feels more precise and a bit more powerful than the Anomaly due to the frame build. The Anomaly, even though it's narrower, felt very well-rounded and versatile, even when compared to the wider Kendo. I really had a great time and a positive experience on the Anomaly 84.
Amazing, thanks for the reply. You guys rock! @@SkiEssentials
"The sign doesn't say what the filmer's ability should be"... You guys are so refreshing to watch from the chairlift chats to the studio.
Thanks so much, this was a fun one to do and it's nice skiing somewhere else to keep things fresh!
Hi SkiEssentials! Anomaly is now in stock on some sites, but not on yours. Will you get them soon?
I’m 33, 5’9” 148lb and skiing a 76mm width K2s for over 15 years. I commonly ski in Ohio and New York, but I’m looking for a new ski that can handle trips to Colorado/Utah. Would the anomaly 84 or 88 be good for trips to the Rockies? I’m hoping to ski like you guys do a blend of carving, jumping, and a few twists or spins like you do in your videos on small jumps. I’ve been waiting for Anomaly since I was leaning towards Brahma before.
It looks like a mid-July shipment to us here in VT. Personally, I was most impressed with the capabilities of the 88, but I also loved the 84. The 88 feels more capable in the softer snow for mixing the Ohio and NY skiing and the western trips. I felt that the 84 could be versatile, but it was happier in an on-trail format, and it certainly excelled in that realm. The 88, though, was a standout for me here at Stowe.
Awesome video (as usual), I'm curious as to how this would compare to a Kendo 88 (Mantra 88 now) ?
The Anomaly has a quieter and denser overall feel while the Mantra 88 is a bit more pingy on firm snow. I like the sturdy feel of the Anomaly and it benefits from the slightly narrower waist. Neither are particularly friendly or accommodating in an off-piste or soft snow format, but the Mantra 88 does have a flatter overall profile that makes it slightly easier to pivot if needed.
Love these vids!
I have skied a Brahma 88 for years and currently own a rustler 9. Do you think going for the Anomaly 84 for mostly on-trail skiing in the alps would be a good fit? Or would you opt for the 88?
I'm 174cm and weigh 78kg. Concider myself an advanced/expert skiier.
I would say the 84/Rustler makes a better complementary quiver now with the new shapes, especially if you're looking for on-trail specific. I'd look at the 170 or 176, depending on how you feel about your Rustler size--I'd go similar.
With true blend blizzard dials in the use of wood for each length of ski, making assumptions about the height, weight and skill level of the skier for each length. With this in mind, which length may be most appropriate for an advanced intermediate, 6’ tall, 175 lbs. Thanks guys.
I'd say the 182 is slightly on the long side, making the 176 a great option for your stats and application. These skis feel great in slightly lower than head-high lengths.
How’s the anomaly 84 and 88 compare to the kendo 88? I love the kendo as a “nothing phases me, go fast as hell” ski, but I sometimes wish it had just a little more edge hold and more tail engagement.
You might see a bit of an increase with edge hold and tail engagement with the 84, but I don't think the 88. There's more rocker and taper in the new Anomalies than in the outgoing Brahmas, adding to the versatility. They're still very strong and stout, but I found the new 88 to be a more all-mountain ski than the Kendo. Since the 84 is narrower overall, it's also more torsionally stiff and slightly more planted. This will be a better on-trail option than the 88, but still not quite as precise as the Kendo. We just did a review on the new Rossignol Arcade 88--that ski has more of a traditional tip to tail feel to it and might be worth checking out as well.
Hey just has a question that I think it right up your alley. What are your thoughts on the Head oblivion 102 181cm compared to the 2024 Liberty 96 182cm. I've skied the 2019 liberty 96 for over 100 days before it delaminated on me and had a ton of fun on it. I'm looking for something that's chargy where I can drop a cliff into hard pack and straightline it to the next feature while still being fun in the bumps. Wouild love your thoughts!
The Oblivion 102 is a pretty crisp ski that uses carbon for power and energy. It will stand up to some serious use and we've loved the mix of carving and bump performance to go along with more creative and aggressive skiing.
I was really surprised when looking for comparisons with 80s waisted,, metal and not race oriented, i.e all mountain, you didn't mention the Declivity 82ti?
Done 4 days in Zermatt this week on the 174s so far. I'm Jeff's weight and these have been solid, very fun, while hitting around 50mph plus most runs according to the tracker, and so quick to throw around grip and go........
I usually ski an Enf 88 at home, but I'm not feeling undergunned so far.
I happen to have the same quiver... an enforcer 88 186cm ( I should have bought the 179cm) and a declivity 82ti 182cm. I think the enforcer is better in refrozen chunks, harder packed snow and speeds over 50mph. But how often are we really going that fast? The 82ti is much better in powder, way easier to get high edge angles at lower speeds. It's better in moguls. I won't say it's a better ski than the enforcer 88, but it sure is a lot of fun. I love it!
There's a lot of skis--it's tough to remember them all! But certainly the Declivity enters this conversation for sure. Compared to Anomaly 84, the Armada is lighter with longer camber and less rocker, making it a very poppy, peppy, and energetic ski in this range. The Anomaly feels a bit more versatile in softer snow and more grounded at higher speeds.
Fantastic ski!
Hey guys...
Sounds interesting...is this new technology similar to the gas pedal metal in my line blade?
Not really because Anomaly's is all longitudinal. The Blade's metal is a mix of diagonal and longitudinal in order to increase torsional stiffness to the wider points of that ski. The FluxForm attributes of Anomaly function more in a fore/aft mentality as well as emphasizing having more metal over the edges.
I may have missed it, but have you talked about binding position? Does it have a more traditional binding position like a Mindbender and Kore? Or a more forward position like a Rustler? Thanks!
It's more traditional. I would not move it or talk about it because it felt so natural.
Hi guys, let me ask a dumb question-- how does a Blizzard Anamoly compare to a Black Pearl? Inquiring minds want to know.
For east coast choppy snow in spring like conditions at moderate speeds (sometimes slow with kids) how would you compare this to a rustler 9? Mostly on piste but late day chop amd maybe soft moguls.
The 84 is a lot more amenable to firmer snow conditions and groomed terrain although there is some versatility here--certainly more so than the older Brahma's used to have. That said, the Rustler 9 is a lot more at home in spring snow, soft moguls, and choppy conditions. The width and rocker help a lot.
Would love to hear you compare it to the declivity 82ti and the divus. On groomers and in the bumps.
The Armada has a pretty long and high camber profile, and when paired with lighter caruba wood in the core, this makes for a very peppy ski. The Divus feels smoother overall, but doesn't have the same high-octane feel of the Anomaly. Since the Blizzard is the one with the most metal and the sturdiest wood core, it's not too surprising that this is the highest performer of the three. In the bumps, I think there's a lot to like about that Divus while the Anomaly is the strongest groomer ski.
I have the brahma 88 @183cm and the declivity 82 @174cm. I find the Declivity pure frontside skis, they're good when the snow is a bit soft and I choose them over the nordica Spitfire 72 @ 168cm (which I also own) for this specific use; I don't like them for deeper snow as they don't float and I think that is partly because they do not have enough rocker. Brahma 88 are longer, wider, and with a bit more rocker, they float better in a bit deeper snow but definitively they require to get to certain speed to get alive and float and if the groomer is hardpacked or icy they do not stand the value of the spitfire or declivity. The brahma, at least at this length, are harder to turn at low speed especially in moguls. As I 'm a bit tired of carrying several skis in my car and exchange them during the day following snow conditions and my whim for the terrain to ski, I was wondering if the Anomaly 84 or 88 @ 170 or 176 cm would bridge the declivity and brahma in one set of skis. I would keep the Spitfire anyway as they offer the best experience on groomers for the majority of winter days exept after snowfalls and in spring days. Thank you
I'd say the Anomaly 84 is the way to go here in the 170. Kind of best of all worlds when it comes to carving and all-mountain performance.
From the versatility perspective, which would you recommend between Anomaly 84 and Anomaly 88?
I am very impressed with the 88's versatility. It's ability to move seamlessly between firm snow and soft snow is totally amazing. What I liked about the 84 was its quicker-turning capacity in an off-trail situation, but I didn't feel like it had enough surface area or rocker to make it as much fun as the 88. If you're front-side focused and want a bit of soft snow compliance, then the 84 is great. If you're truly looking for one ski that does it all very well, then I'd lean to the 88.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you!
Hey. Did you get into any chopped up snow and did it deflect more than the Brahma 82? Thanks.
Kinda choppy. Eastern chop. I found the rocker to be more amenable to handling adverse conditions and terrain than the Brahma 82. That ski really preferred groomers. Anomaly is more versatile yet still rips carves.
Can you comment on feel and range vs Montero AX and AR? Both on piste and in moguls. Thanks
The AR is a more direct comparison for sure while the AX is a lot crisper and shorter of a carver--more like an all-mountain slalom ski than the AR. The Anomaly holds up pretty well to the AR when it comes to GS style carves, but is considerably more versatile when it comes to moguls and off-piste. So a slight edge to the AR in carving and smoothness, and a decent jump in off-trail capabilities with the Anomaly.
@@SkiEssentials To add more information: I am a senior Colorado skier, about Bob’s size. I ski a 177 cm Stormrider 88 as my everyday ski. I’m looking for better firm snow carving performance, but retaining all mountain capability, including moguls. I skied Bonafides for about four years, but prefer the SR88 for their better agility. I have also skied Brahma 88 and Laser AR on piste, and both were great on firm snow. The AX appeals to me due to the 80 mm waist, vs the SR 88. I will keep the SR88 for softer days. Thanks for your comments.
Jeff what kind of neck tube/ balaclava do you wear?
LeBent!
How do these compare to the Rossi Experience 86 TI?
This is a fantastic comparison. The Anomaly has a bit more rocker and taper and a flatter overall profile. The Experience has a lot of camber and feels a bit heavier as a result. I think the lighter and more mobile swing weight of the Anomaly puts it into a slightly more versatile category than the Experience while full-on hard chargers may still prefer the ruggedness of the Rossignol. I'd rather ski the Anomaly in bumps and in shorter more poppy turns while the Experience is smooth and powerful in longer and more drawn-out turns. Lighter skiers may have less success with the Experience in an off-piste situation.
@@SkiEssentials Sounds more similar to the Kastle FX86 TI, lighter, more playful and versatile on the mountain.
@@blakeramick The FX is quite light and with a very short turn radius. I wouldn't put that ski on the same levels as the Experience or Anomaly.
Would be curious to know which skis weren’t holding on that top section, whenever you’re allowed to tell us!
OK, How many folks advanced right to Run 4: Bob off-piste? : ). Great reviews as always.
Thanks! It was a fun one to make, especially the extreme danger of the off-piste zones!
Hey guys, how many of your comments translate over to the 102s? Your mention of your friend doing questionable stuff on them sounds right up my alley lol
I find the 102 to be not as turny as the 84. No real surprise here, but the 102 felt like it wanted to track straighter through choppy snow, kind of like a Salomon Stance 102 more than a Mantra 102, which is still a very strong carver.
@@SkiEssentials Sounds enticing, thanks for the info!
How to you compare these to the Brahma 88 and 82
The 84 is more versatile than either of the Brahma widths due to an increase in rocker, especially in the tail. I'd rather ski the 84 in bumps and trees vs. the Brahma 88, but I'd rather carve very fast turns on groomers and ice on either of the Brahmas.
Hey, are these kinda similar in feel and design purpose to Ripstick 88?
There's more similarities with purpose, but the feel and design are quite different. Anomaly is stouter and stronger for sure, with two full sheets of metals while Ripstick relies on lighter construction and carbon to generate power, but it doesn't feel as damp or powerful as the Anomaly. That said, at the end of the day, they're both fantastic all-mountain skis, the Anomaly is just heavier, stiffer, and more amenable to aggressive and high-performance skiing.
That is excatly what I was figuring and why they pay you the Big Bucks to be ski Sommeliers. Would a Ripstick Black edition ski a bit like the Anomaly? I have tried the Bramha and was impressed with the speed and power, but didn't find it playful like my Ripstick 88. My friend who is extremely experienced is raving about his Anomaly 84 in a 180. Loves them!@@SkiEssentials
Fell in love with the Amomaly lineup at Pico.
94is 🔥
At first, the 94 was my jam. Then I skied the 88 for a few days here at Stowe and loved it. Then the 84 at Pico. Now I'm super confused as to which is my favorite. For me, the 102 doesn't quite hold the same cache as the others, and I feel like there are some more complete skis in that width around these days, especially if you include the new Enforcer 99 and 104. Did you ski the Armada Declivity X 102 while you were there? That was another that jumped off the snow for me in that wider range.
@@SkiEssentials I didn’t get on the 88 or 84 but plan to at Waterville. The 102 definitely didn’t have the same wow factor especially on the mellow terrain. I’ve tried the Declivity before and was pretty impressed. Very fun skis.
I’m 1,80m 75kg what length of. 84 do you suggest?
I'd go with the 176 based on your stats.
Hello. How do these pair with the Serpo for a quiver of two?
There's a bit of overlap here but not a ton. If you have the Serpo already, and are looking for something more groomer/carving focused, I'd move narrower to something like the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 at 76 or the Nordica Spitfire 74 to really hook into the frontside power of the ski. If you're building from scratch, the Anomaly makes a great front side option, but I'd go a bit wider with the second--the Justis from Black Crows at 100, or something like the Nordica Enforcer 99--just to keep at least 10 mm of difference in the skis.
@@SkiEssentials Great thanks. I already have the Serpo. I’m thinking the Deacon 80 could give me an easy going front side option.
Did my own research.....never mind.
Day 1 of asking the ski GOAT's to review the 1000 ski's!
Our research indicates that they're well-made skis with specific intents, and we appreciate that about the 1000's. Since they're direct to consumer, we don't have as much incentive to review them as we do not sell them, so they don't get bumped up on our priority list as a result.
Compared to the Deacon 84?
The Anomaly is more versatile, especially in the shovel. If I were to spend most of my time on trail and focusing on technique, I'd go Deacon, but for general all-mountain skiing, I still like the Anomaly.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you 🙌
I have Deacon 84’s that I love but off trail and in bumps I’m working pretty hard. If the anomaly’s are matching the piste performance but bringing in better off-piste and bumps performance I’d go Anomaly.
@@Sep45 I have the Deacon 84 too and feel the same way. There is always a trade off though. The Volkl Peregrine 80/82 look interesting. Reviews seem to say they are more forgiving than Deacon 84. I also have the BC Serpo which work well for a more playful ski to complement the D84.
@@stevek9943 Cool. I’ll have to look at those too.
how close is this ski to the ripstick 88 black edition?
Not very. The Elan is considerably lighter and more maneuverable, although this one is a lot closer than the Brahma 82 or 88 ever was. The Anomaly's two sheets of metal makes it a very powerful ski and quite stable. The Elan is a lot of fun and has some good pep, but it doesn't quite hold up when it comes to on-piste carving and smoothness at speed.
@@SkiEssentials on a similar note I want something that “surfs” through the relatively tight glades of Bolton, MRG and Mansfield. I’m going to throw a touring binding on it. What should I buy? You sold me on the dipstick 96, but now I want to expand the quiver upward. Thanks!
Was Bob on a 182cm? Or 176?
182 for bob!
I see why people make fun of east coast "double black" runs now :P
We're hoping the silliness comes through!
I will defend the pitch of that patch, though, as steepness does NOT show on camera.
Look this is what i think "power skis" are misnamed, they should be called "super" skis. Because they make you feel like superman, do we call superman "powerman"? no, because he is more than that, he is super. Bonafides are powerful but they are more than that, they are super. We all miss superman and those of us fortunate enough to click into the super skis will miss the super skis as well.
They have an Anomaly 94 and 102, plus the Rustler 9 at 96/98. There's really no need for another 98
I enjoy this take! Please do not sleep on the Anomaly 94 as a super replacement.
Oh boy is this great !❄️⛷ 2025 ski reviews in 2024.
Need a steadfast comparison
Pretty soon we'll be doing 2026!
The Steadfast has less metal but more of a front side shape and profile. I find it to be better in moderate carves especially in an on-trail format. You can get some versatility out of it, but that's not its strength. Anomaly is more powerful and sturdy overall and operates better at higher speeds on-piste with more versatility for non-carving skiing. The skier type is a bit different, too, with the Steadfast 85 being more amenable to intermediate skiers who are looking to link carved turns while the Anomaly has a higher ceiling for more aggressive skiers.