Tempest 88 review

Overview

The Tempest 88 is the narrowest ski in Icelantic's brand-new women's all-mountain line for 26-27, sitting alongside the men's Torrent series. Verified sidecut at 169 cm is 132-88-116 mm with a 14 m radius, and Blister measures roughly 1620 g per ski at that length. It shares the same core recipe as the Torrent — a poplar and birch wood core with the new V12 Carbon Matrix in place of titanal — and targets the intermediate-to-advanced woman who wants a directional, snappy all-mountain ski without the heft of a titanal frontside carver.

On-snow performance

The 88 mm waist and 14 m radius at 169 cm make the Tempest 88 a natural medium-radius carver on groomed snow with an easy short-turn bias when you want it. Blister's roughly 1620 g measurement at 169 cm is decidedly lighter than most titanal-built women's 88s — closer in feel to a Head Kore 87 Ti W — so it swings and pivots without the fight some heavier rivals put up. The V12 Carbon Matrix delivers rebound out of the turn rather than mid-turn damping, which pairs well with a centered stance. Off piste the narrow waist holds edge in packed snow and light crud but wants deliberate technique in variable conditions.

Construction & specs explained

Poplar and birch make up the wood core, with V12 Carbon Matrix stringers running in a V shape through the tip and tail — same recipe as the Torrent 88 but tuned to a lighter women-specific flex. Sidecut at 169 cm is 132-88-116 mm, 14 m radius — a genuine medium-radius carver rather than a slalom shape or a long-line frontside ski. Verified lengths include 155, 162 and 169 cm; longer options may follow the Tempest 94's 176 cm at retailer request. Base is sintered.

Who it's for & comparisons

Compared to the Head Kore 87 Ti W the Tempest 88 shares the light, carbon-driven ethos but leans a touch livelier out of the turn thanks to the V12 stringers. Against the Icelantic Riveter 85, which stays in the range as the freeride-leaning women's 85, the Tempest 88 is more piste-oriented and directional. Buyers who want a more taper-driven, playful shape at similar width should still look at the Riveter first.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Verified light weight (~1620 g at 169 cm) makes short turns and long days effortless.
• V12 Carbon Matrix delivers snappy release out of medium turns.
• 14 m radius at 169 cm is accessible for medium-turn carving.
• Approachable enough for a strong intermediate woman to grow into.

Cons

• Less damping than titanal rivals in heavy crud and high-speed chop.
• Narrower length range than the Tempest 94 — no verified sub-155 or above-169 cm options.
• Directional shape limits switch or park work.
• Resort binding only — no touring compatibility.

Verdict: A light, snappy 88 mm women's frontside all-mountain ski that swaps titanal damping for V12 Carbon Matrix pop. Best for advanced-intermediates and up who want an easy medium-radius carver with room to grow.