Blizzard Quattro 7.7 (2017)

Rating: / 5
Price: $600.00
Year: 2017
Level:
Gender: Female
Waist Width: 77
Tip/Tail/Waist: 123-77-105
Lengths: 153, 160, 167, 174

The 2017 Blizzard Quattro 7.7 is the second-least-expensive ski in the 10-model Quattro line of narrow groomed-snow carvers. It’s identical in construction to the ultra-value Quattro 7.3, but it’s slightly wider (77 mm), for more buoyant soft-snow performance, and its light and economical 10-DIN binding is fixed to the ski with a free-floating platform that lets the ski bend freely for round arcs with no flat spot under the boot. Like the 7.3, it’s lightweight and soft-flexing, appropriate for moderate speeds and a novice- or intermediate level target ability. And generous tip and tail rocker (6 mm) make it easy to skid and steer for the non-carver.
The massive new Quattro line, comprising 10 models for men and six for women, highlights the 2017 offering from Blizzard. Where the brand has succeeded in recent years with popular wide-waisted freeriders like the Bonafide and Cochise, the Quattro line turns the focus to narrow-waisted carvers aimed at a broader, frontside-skiing public. With “street prices” ranging from $400 to $1,100 for men and $400 to $700 for women (all with binding), the broad line ranges from low-end models aimed at cautious intermediates who stick to the groomed up to racy high-performance carvers for experts who might already have a fat ski and want a pure carver for groomer-day fun. All are built for edge-to-edge quickness and secure edge grip on narrow waists ranging from 72 to 84 mm. All men’s models are wood-core, vertical-sidewall laminate constructions for optimal edge grip on hardpack, with differing reinforcements according to target ability, target use, and budget. All feature Blizzard’s IQ binding interface, which is integrated into the frame of the ski for enhanced power transmission to the edge and is attached with one central screw so that the ski can flex roundly, with no flat spot under the boot. Bindings range from a heavy-duty, high-tech 14-DIN suitable for high speeds and an aggressive attack down to a lightweight and affordable 10-DIN suitable for less-aggressive intermediates. Rocker profiles vary from slight or none, for maximum edge grip and rebound energy, to as much as 6 mm of tip and tail rise for easy steering and and soft-snow pivotability. All have full-length sidecut for optimized hook-up on turn entries and strong finishes.
Blizzard, founded in 1945, is based in Mittersill, Austria, about 15 minutes from Kitzbuehel. It’s part of the Tecnica Group, which includes Tecnica and Nordica (also Rollerblade, Lowa, and Moon Boot). The Mittersill factory produces both Blizzard and Nordica skis, as well as some skis for other brands.