SKI CANADA TEST 2022
BLIZZARD THUNDERBIRD R15 WB * ON-PISTE
BEST FOR: A ripper at home on the frontside.
To create a carving ski that’s not too demanding of its driver, Blizzard gave the Thunderbird the works. The wood core is a complex blend of beech and poplar to create a progressive flex: stiff under the bindings for edge grip, medium on either side of centre for control, and soft at the ends for turn initiation and exit. Strategically placed carbon smooths out the ride. Two sheets of Titanal add power and bite, and the top one is exposed along the edges to armour the topsheet from nicks. Finally, there’s a multi-radius sidecut to improve versatility in turn shapes. On snow it adds up to knife-like precision and a stable ride. “The faster you go, the better it gets,” wrote Chris Grover. It performed best in a medium arc, but could do it all from long to short, fast to slow. While it’s more approachable than other skis in this category, it’s still a lot of ski, especially on anything but groomed runs. Consider it an advanced to expert carving ski.
LENGTHS: 158, 166, 174, 182
DIMENSIONS: 126/76/107 @ 174
RADIUS: 15 @ 174
OTHER MODELS: R15, Sport TI, Sport CA
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $1000
