2013 Blizzard Kabookie

While everyone wants every ski they own to be an all mountain ski, reality knows this isn't completely possible. There are a multitude of snow conditions that favor one ski over another, fat skis for soft snow and narrow skis for hard, plus all variations in construction to accomodate different degrees of passivity or aggressiveness. Trying to be all things to all people results in mediocrity.

In spite of that Blizzard's Kabookie does a superb job of blending a lot of conflicting criteria in one package. With a waist width of 98mm it is not the fastest turning ski on the block. It likes medium radius turns but has no problem with popping off tighter turns with a bit more input from the skier, or running straight without getting floppy at speed.

The early rise tip combined with a damp, yet lively wood core make it an absolute delight when plowing through crud or mush. That early rise tip is a major advantage when breaking trail in the backcountry as well.

The only negatives are that it is a tad heavy for backcountry use, but not out of line if you pair it with a Dynafiddle binder. It is also a tad soft for hard charging at high speed, but it does handle the bumps well if you're an above average skier who's aggressive without being psychotic.

A great ski for 60/40 resort/backcountry skiing. More review insight here >>

Product:
Length Tested: 180cm
Dimensions/Turn Radius: 21
Camber: Early Rise, Tip & Tail w/camber
Binding: Demo
Mount point: 1cm forward of chord center (tele)

Environment & Conditions:
Location of Test: Sugar Bowl Backcountry
Number of Runs: 8
Snow Conditions: packed, corn, mush
Demo or Own: Demo

Tester Info:
Username: Dostie
Age: 55
Height/Weight: 5'8" 165lb
Ski Days/Season: 50+
Years Skiing: 40
Aggressiveness: Moderate (Finesse)
Current Quiver: Atomic RT86, BD Aspect, Sportiva RT, K2 Wayback
Home Area: Tahoe Backcountry,Sugar Bowl Sidecountry
Preferred Terrain: off-piste, trees, couloirs

 

Review:

First, this was "officially" not to be a ski for the frontside, it was to be for the BC skier and with the addition of lightness (less metal) it is much for the ski up as it is to be for the decent down (a la Kastle's FX series). With that out of the way..we affectionately call the Kabookie, the "Bonewacker", it is basically a Bonafide shape/mold with a Bushwacker construction..the best of both worlds for a lighter skier. The Woman's Samba is the same ski. 

 

I skied the Bonafide and Kabookie back to back and I really couldn't discern THAT much of a difference until I really pushed the Kabookie real hard and the 150grams saved by removing the metal wasn't even noticed. So for the guys that felt the Bonafide was just a bit much, this might be your ski. The toughest thing about the Kabookie will be trying to find it, not many stores will be stocking it. 

 

Product:

Length Tested: 180cm

Dimensions/Turn Radius:  21

Camber: Early Rise, Tip & Tail w/camber

Binding: Demo 

Mount point: Suggested  

 

Environment & Conditions:

Location of Test: Squaw Valley & Winter Park

Number of Runs: 4

Snow Conditions: packed

Demo or Own: Demo

 

Tester Info:

Username: Philpug

Age: 48

Height/Weight: 5'10" 185lb

Ski Days/Season: 60+

Years Skiing: 35

Aggressiveness: Moderate (Finesse) 

Current Quiver: 13 Blizzard Bonafide, 13 Blizzard Gunsmoke, plus various vintage skis

Home Area: Squaw & Northstar

Preferred Terrain: bumps, off-piste, trees