 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi SnowHeads,
Considering a ski change here. I'm 185cm tall, weigh 88kg, and classify myself as an intermediate/advanced skier. Currently, I'm on Volkl Mantra's (2012) at 170cm and 96mm underfoot.
Local ski shop has a 40% off on all 2023 skis, and I'm eyeing the Blizzard Brahma 88 at 172cm. Priced at 430 EUR (without bindings). No chance for demo testing in the Aussie summer, so it's a bit of a leap before my March ski trip to Zermatt and 3V.
I like my Volkl Mantra's but tempted by the offer. Thoughts?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I would consider changing, but not for the reason you might think...
At 88kg and an advanced intermediate, I think you have been skiing on something a little short...and if leaving the Piste, very short.
If you stay On Piste, you should be on at least 177.
Rather than take my word for it, talk to the shop and see what they say...but for me, the only reason to change would be to get on a longer ski.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Are your Volkl Mantra’s worn out?
For mostly piste skiing, in variable snow conditions, with occasional off piste, Blizzard Brahma 88 is my favourite.
I’m a bit shorter and lighter than you but I’d be looking for 177 cms length.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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you need longer planks anyway, may as well go all in and get Brahama at about 177-180.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Malbec85 Brahma in 183cm
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Malbec85, as said above your skis are too short.
Mrs U (who is admittedly a very good skier) has been on 177cm Mantras for ages but weights less than 60kgs...
I don't think the Brahmas as a ski will be too different (obvs narrower) - maybe a wee bit more damp? But the 2012 Mantra was pretty damp itself iirc. (We had the 2011 model year).
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@under a new name, I have always thought her skis are too long, as you know!
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@zzz, she knows her own mind 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I have both M5 and Brahma although I regretted getting them slightly. Nothing wrong with either (in fact both are excellent) it's just that they are very similar skis. Mantra is a bit stiffer and Brahma floats better for me in powder despite them being thinner. Disclaimer I have tele set up on both so the stiffness is more pronounced for me (you might not feel that much of a difference).
On length I think it's a trade off between stability and maneuverability and it's a personal preference.
IMO you can't go wrong with either so I guess the question for you is if you would be happy to buy another set of skis that are similar to M5 or would you want to be more adventurous and get different skis (e.g. carving or some fat skis).
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Rent longer skis in Europe.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Malbec85, what is the mileage on the Mantra's? And what are the bindings? Might be coming to end of natural life anyhow.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Malbec85, Volkl Kendo 88 in 177cms - Done! 
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Thanks everyone for your great suggestions. I've decided to make the most of the offer and went for the Brahma's in 177cms.. I will now need to purchase bindings, so I welcome everyone to suggest any particular bindings. (I know nothing about the topic)
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You know it makes sense.
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@Malbec85, binding ways you pay for what you get. The more you pay the better the materials used.
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