Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
FREE THE BIRD
Not quite FIS but not far off, the Blizzard Firebird SRC skis are designed for ex-racers and anyone else who craves going silly fast on-piste. The Titanal and wood-core skis also use stringers of carbon to help dampen the inevitable vibration at high speed, helping the edges stay engaged with the snow. (from $700; blizzardsports.com)
BLIZZARD FIREBIRD SRC
$1,000 * BEST FOR: The racecourse and training for it.
LENGTHS: 155, 160, 165, 170 * RADIUS: 12.5@165 * SIDECUT: 121/68/105
The top model in the Firebird line, the SRC is just a flinch below Blizzard’s World Cup skis. Two carbon construction technologies, two sheets of Titanal, and a full sidewall for stability and power, the SRC is damp, stiff and precise. It required not only a powerful skier at the helm, but a lot of attention and energy to get it to perform. “Felt a bit heavy to initiate, but when I skied it more aggressively, it really came through,” said Andi Ciotti. “Once I increased the speed a bit, it felt stable and secure.” Less powerful and technical testers found it too much to handle, but anyone with some racing background said it was fun and fast.
