Best Men’s Carving Skis of 2022: Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB
Find out what SKI Magazine's Testers thought about the all-new Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB carving ski for 2021-'22's winter season.
Brand: Blizzard
Model: Thunderbird R15 WB
Overall Ranking: #4
Overall Score: 3.98 / 5
Specs
Tip / Waist / Tail (mm)
126-76-107
Lengths (cm)
158, 166, 174, 182
Radius (m)
15 (174 length)
Waist Width (mm)
76
Gender
Unisex
Level
Advanced/Expert
Rocker Technology
Yes
Core Material
Wood, Titanal
Sidewall Construction
Sandwich
Stability at Speed
4.46 / 5
Quickness / Maneuverability
4.21 / 5
Playfulness
3.75 / 5
Forgiveness
3.96 / 5
Hard Snow Performance
4.43 / 5
Crud Performance
2.75 / 5
Binding Included
Yes
Designed to be a more approachable carving line than the race-ready Firebird skis, Blizzard’s all-new Thunderbird skis are still great carvers that are much more user-friendly compared to their burly big brothers. To make the Thunderbird more approachable, Blizzard incorporates its Trueblend wood core in these skis, which maps out harder woods closer to the mounting area of the ski and softer woods in the tip and tail. Testers of all stripes appreciated how balanced the Thunderbird R15 WB is as a result. “Blends quickness, whipped-cream smoothness, and strength,” commented tester Bob Gleason. “These deliver at all speeds and shine at the top end. Shorter turns are electrified.”
Testers who are ski instructors praised the Thunderbird’s consistent turn shape and supple feel, and everyone commented on the ski’s versatile 15-meter turn radius. “The Thunderbird is more than willing for you to punch into the front and have it hook up to make that last-second turn, to make a gate, a run change you missed, or to not hit a kid,” says tester Otto Gibbons. “With mild pressure to the front, the ski will happily carve through some GS turns. If you like a tight turning ski, here you go.”
With the highest score in Forgiveness of the skis that made it into the Gear Guide in this category, the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 RB should be on the shortlist for any skier who is ready to master a carve, those who love carving and want something easy to do it on, or any ski instructor looking for a ski that’s perfect to demonstrate proper technique with. But advanced and expert skiers will also find something to love about the Thunderbird. “Stable as they come,” says tester Todd Casey. “Look for the next open space to let it go. Fun and powerful with a strong, accessible edge hold.”
- Strengths: Forgiveness (2nd in category), Overall Impression (2nd)
- Weaknesses: Quickness/Maneuverability (6th), Playfulness (6th)
Buy the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB Carving Ski Now: Skis.com
More great options: The Best Carving Skis of the Year
See More of Blizzard’s Top Skis for this Season
More Info: Blizzard-Tecnica.com
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