Völkl presents new blaze models for versatile freeriding

BLAZE 104 AND BLAZE 94: NEW RADIUS CONCEPT FOR GREATER TURN VARIABILITY AND GREEN CORE TECHNOLOGY FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION

Making powder turns on virgin terrain, exploring virgin slopes on mixed surfaces, or making power turns on groomed slopes: the new Blaze models from Völkl contribute to the excitement of skiing on all types of terrain. For the 2024/25 winter season, Völkl enhances the new Blaze 104 and Blaze 94 with its Green Core technology and introduces the 4 Radius Drive sidecut for the first time. The result is a perfect blend of agility, control and precision in variable snow conditions, perfect for on- and off-piste adventures. The new models in the Blaze freeride range are the ideal choice for all-mountain skiers looking for a playful, easy-to-handle alternative to titanic skis like the Mantra or Secret. Völkl has emphasized sustainability in both models, with increased durability, a base made from recycled materials, FSC-certified wood used in the core, and innovative Green Core technology, used for the first time on the Blaze 114.

4 Radius Drive: Völkl ushers in a new era of turn dynamics

With the Blaze 104 and Blaze 94, Völkl introduces for the first time the 4 Radius Drive geometry - the new generation of the 3D Radius Sidecut, a unique Völkl innovation. The brand's engineers have set new standards with this technology by strategically placing different spokes along the length of the ski to revolutionize turn variability and combine easy maneuverability with rock-solid stability. The addition of a fourth spoke in the front tip area enhances precision and agility in firm snow, and dramatically increases maneuverability in short turns. All this is particularly impressive for freeride skis of this width.

This technology is named after the four different radii along the length of the ski, which create a unique combination of tip precision, resilience and agility:

- Tip / R1: To achieve maximum precision and agility, a tighter radius (approx. 20 m) is incorporated into the tip, promoting a more immediate response to the skier's initial edge movement. - Front / R2: The open radius (approx. 40 m) of the front section, located between the tip of the ski and the tip of the binding, improves the ski's resistance to disturbance, resulting in greater stability at high speeds. - Center / R3: A tight radius (approx. 15 m) in the camber zone confers increased agility, reacting quickly to the skier's slightest edge movements, facilitating the accumulation of energy needed to execute short turns or trenching carves. - Tail / R4: The moderate radius (approx. 25 m) at the tail of the ski facilitates controlled dynamics adapted to the situation at the end of the turn, offering optimum support for a smooth transition into the next turn.

Völkl emphasizes sustainability in ski production

The two new models join the Blaze 114 in their use of sustainable materials, including Green Core technology. Green Core technology uses FSC-certified wood with recycled plastic from PET bottles incorporated into the core. Whereas previous models used an ISO core, this approach avoids the use of new plastic, reducing the consumption of fossil resources while retaining the same lightweight, flexible properties. To further reduce the use of virgin plastics, the skis feature a recycled sole. The ultra-light Tip-to-Tail wood core runs the entire length of the ski, offering advantages in terms of performance and durability. The complex method of gluing different types of lightweight, stable wood together delivers excellent dynamic performance at low weight. Weighing in at 1,455 g (Blaze 94 @ 165 cm) and 1,800 g (Blaze 104 @ 179 cm), these skis are light enough for touring while retaining great maneuverability.

Thanks to innovative material technologies, the product developers have also improved the durability of these models. What's more, the entire production process runs on renewable electrical energy, with the Straubing plant powered entirely by the local Danube hydroelectric plant in Kagers. Since January 1, 2024, the company has also been using CO2-compensated gas to actively reduce climate-impacting emissions and move towards climate neutrality.

Blaze Your Trails: key technologies for versatile skiing pleasure

To ensure agility and reliability, the Blaze is equipped with Titanal only in the binding zone, in the form of a thin 0.3 mm Titanal plate. This improves the direct transmission of power and allows pressure to build up quickly on edge, resulting in precise response when initiating turns. The absence of Titanal in the tip and tail preserves the desired liveliness and flexibility.

For all models in the Blaze range, including the new Blaze 104 and 94, Völkl uses suspension tips and heels. This technology ensures smooth turn initiation, excellent maneuverability and exceptional resistance to interference, even in difficult and changing snow conditions. Elastic rubber inserts on the tip and heel edges cushion initial contact with the snow. Especially on hard, wind-groomed or tracked snow, Suspension Tips & Tails act like shock absorbers, for a smoother, more harmonious ride.

Discover the new Völkl skis !