Extrem Formula 88 – Review

Extrem’s Formula 88 is a lively, do‑it‑all frontside/all‑mountain ski with an unusually short turn radius (11 m in 166/174, 12.5 m in 182) and tip‑and‑tail rocker. A poplar core keeps it energetic and light, while a narrow Titanal insert underfoot adds bite and composure. The blend makes for addictive short turns on groomers, confidence in trees and bumps, and honest edge hold—without the brick‑heavy feel of full‑metal chargers.

Who is it for?

Skiers who love quick, dynamic turns, fast edge‑to‑edge response, and a playful ride across the mountain.
Tree, mogul and side‑hit enthusiasts who want grip on hardpack but don’t need race‑room stability.
Less ideal if your priority is high‑speed GS arcs and maximum damping (see Blizzard Brahma 88 or Salomon Stance 90).

On‑snow performance

Carving & groomers: The 88 mm waist and 11 m sidecut practically pull you into slalom‑style arcs. The Titanal strip delivers solid edge bite; it handles medium turns fine, but absolute top‑end speed is limited by the light build and twin rocker.
Bumps & trees: Low swing weight and rocker make it easy to pivot and stay centered. Forgiving in zipperlines; in heavy, chopped snow the tip can deflect if you’re late.
Mixed snow & crud: Rubber inserts temper chatter and the metal underfoot calms the ski, but true bulldozer stability is the domain of heavier 88–90 mm skis.
Park & switch: Raised tail and the rearward mount (‑60 mm) still allow fun switch laps and small‑to‑medium features. Durable base and edges help. Not a pure park ski, but happy to dabble.
Powder: Rocker helps, yet 88 mm is still narrow; fun up to ~10–15 cm before you’ll want more width.

Construction & quality

Poplar wood core for snap; narrow 0.4 mm Titanal insert (~65 mm wide) underfoot for torsional stiffness and grip.
Prepreg fiberglass and 1.5 mm racing rubber in tip/tail to reduce vibration.
Extra‑thick steel edges and an Isospeed 7515 race‑grade base with an arrow grind for speed and durability.
CNC‑milled beech binding plate boosts screw retention and damping.
Built in Åre with renewable energy and recycled materials highlighted in several components.

Mounting & tuning

Factory line is around ‑60 mm from true center—great as a directional, all‑mountain mount.
Park‑leaning skiers can go +1 to +2 cm. A light tip/tail detune and 1°/2° (base/side) edge tune works well for mixed resort use.

Sizing advice

166 cm: lighter/shorter skiers or those who want maximum bump agility.
174 cm: best all‑round length for most (approx. 5'7''–6'1'' / 170–185 cm).
182 cm: heavier/faster skiers (80+ kg) or more open terrain.

Comparisons

Blizzard Brahma 88: much damper and more composed at speed; Formula 88 is lighter, quicker, and easier in bumps/trees.
Atomic Maverick 88 Ti: more directional and stable on edge; Formula 88 has a shorter radius and is more playful for trees and park laps.
Atomic Bent 90: looser and more freestyle‑oriented; Formula 88 offers stronger edge hold and on‑piste power.

Specs and what they mean

Waist width (88 mm): rapid edge‑to‑edge with enough platform for daily use; limited float in deeper snow.
Turn radius (11 m in 166/174; 12.5 m in 182): encourages short, energetic turns; the 182 adds a touch more calm.
Rocker‑camber‑rocker: easy initiation and release with camber rebound and grip underfoot.
Weight per ski (166: 1600 g; 174: 1740 g; 182: 1880 g): lively and maneuverable; less mass means less plow‑through stability.
Dimensions (166: 129‑88‑115; 174: 131‑88‑116; 182: 132‑88‑117): slightly wider tips as length increases for smooth engagement.
Mount point (‑60 mm): directional balance by default; move forward for a more playful feel.
Base/edges: Isospeed 7515 base and extra‑thick edges for speed and durability.
Damping: 1.5 mm rubber in tip/tail cuts chatter without killing the ski’s energy.

Key takeaways

Short‑radius fun: slalom‑style turns on tap, anywhere.
Light yet secure: Titanal underfoot adds real grip and precision.
All‑mountain with a park streak: switch laps and side‑hits encouraged.
Not a pure charger: stable, but not Brahma‑level damping.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who is the Extrem Formula 88 for?
A: All‑mountain skiers who want lightning‑quick turns, strong edge hold for an 88 mm ski, and a playful feel in trees and bumps. If you mainly crave high‑speed GS arcs, look elsewhere.

Q: How does it handle ice and hard morning groomers?
A: The Titanal strip and torsional stiffness give confidence on hardpack. True boilerplate still favors heavier metal skis, but the Formula 88 remains precise and predictable.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: 166 cm for lighter/shorter or bump‑focused skiers; 174 cm for most riders; 182 cm if you’re heavier/faster or ski open terrain. When in doubt, size up for stability.

Q: Can I use it in the park and ride switch?
A: Yes. Tip/tail rocker and the tail shape make switch and small features enjoyable. Consider mounting +1 to +2 cm for a more balanced park feel.

Q: How does it compare to the Blizzard Brahma 88?
A: Brahma is damper and more composed at speed. The Formula 88 is lighter, quicker, and easier in bumps/trees, while still offering impressive edge hold for its class.