Zero g 88 w review

Overview

The Zero G 88 W is the lighter, narrower women's touring ski in Blizzard's Zero G line for 26/27, sold under the slogan "quick up, safe down". It shares its shape with the unisex Zero G 88 and uses the same Trueblend Tour 2.0 core with an ash insert under the foot, but in a W.S.D. (Women Specific Design) layup that Blizzard says is 9.7 per cent softer than the men's ski. It comes in 150, 157, 164 and 171 cm with radii of 16 to 19 m, a sidecut of 117-88-101 mm at 164 cm and listed weights of 1,000 g per ski at 150 cm and 1,080 g at 164 cm. Like all Zero G skis it is flat, with Blizzard recommending a Pintech touring binding, and it is made in Austria.

On-snow performance

The 88 W is the Zero G for skiers who count grams and ski a lot of firm, steep snow. At around one kilogram per ski the swing weight is low enough for long days and fast kick turns, and the 88 mm waist with camber underfoot keeps skins narrow and edges quick to grip on hard tracks. Blizzard's Trueblend Tour core uses more poplar and less carbon than earlier Zero G generations, which on paper should make the ski calmer and less jittery than typical sub-1,100 g tourers, while the ash insert under the binding adds torsional stiffness exactly where edge hold is decided. The 5 Radius Sidecut gives a straighter middle section for steep or icy terrain and softer transitions at tip and tail, so the ski should release easily in soft snow without hooking. Riders of the unisex 88 report strong edge hold for the weight and a predictable, directional feel; the limits are the ones you expect at 88 mm: limited float in deep snow and little damping in heavy chop.

Construction & specs explained

• Construction: W.S.D. Trueblend Tour with Ash Plate Insert.
• Core: W.S.D. Trueblend Tour 2.0, poplar and paulownia, with an ash insert under the foot for torsional stiffness and power transfer.
• Reinforcement: less carbon than earlier Zero G generations, per Blizzard; no titanal.
• Sidewall: Partial ABS.
• Profile: Early Rise Tip and Tail, Camber Under Foot.
• Sidecut: 5 Radius Sidecut; 115-88-99 mm (150 cm), 117-88-101 mm (164 cm).
• Radius: 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 m at 150 / 157 / 164 / 171 cm.
• Weight: 1,000 g (150 cm) and 1,080 g (164 cm) per ski.
• Bindings: flat ski, Pintech touring binding recommended.
• Factory tune: 0.9° base, 87.5° side edge. Made in Austria.

Who it's for & comparisons

Blizzard describes the audience as women who are past the basics and comfortable on piste, up to expert skiers who tour in all terrain and conditions. It suits tourers who prioritise ascent speed, firm-snow grip and ski mountaineering over powder float; for softer snow and more surface area, the Zero G 96 W is the wider sister. The unisex Blizzard Zero g 88 has the same dimensions and weight (1,080 g at 164 cm) in a 150–178 cm run with a stiffer flex, and the earlier Blizzard Zero g 085 w was the Carbon Drive 3.0 predecessor at 85 mm. Outside Blizzard, the Volkl Rise above 88 w (88 mm, about 1,190 g at 170 cm, 149–170 cm) is the direct rival with full sidewalls and a 3D Radius sidecut, and the K2 Wayback 89 womens (89 mm, about 1,150 g at 160 cm) brings more tip and tail rocker for a looser feel.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Around 1,000–1,080 g per ski for fast, efficient ascents.
• Ash insert and camber underfoot for edge hold on firm, steep snow.
• Wood-forward Trueblend Tour core should feel calmer than carbon-heavy rivals.
• Women-specific flex in a 150–171 cm length run.

Cons

• 88 mm underfoot limits float in deep snow and damping in chop.
• Four lengths only, nothing above 171 cm.
• Flat ski, so budget for a pin binding.
• Softer W flex may feel too forgiving for strong, heavy skiers, who should consider the unisex 88.

Verdict: The Zero G 88 W is the ascent-focused pick in Blizzard's women's touring line: light, directional and built for firm snow and ski mountaineering. If your days include more soft snow than steep spring tracks, step up to the Zero G 96 W.