I am 6'1" 180lbs and will be looking to use this ski mostly in the BC of Arizona and the Sierra with a couple of Volcano trips mixed in. I am torn between sizes. What do you think, 178 or 185?
Thanks,
Bill
Blizzard Zero G 95 Ski
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Well, the design of the Zero G 95 definitely wasn't broken, but Blizzard still somehow found a way to fix it. The previous Zero G 95 was widely praised for being versatile and reliable across a wide range of conditions and skill levels, yet Blizzard wasn't satisfied. They took their fantastic Carbon Overlay technology and tweaked it to ensure a more reliable and obedient flex, yet still kept it damp and stable. They also altered the core construction, and began to taper the sidewall much earlier. The result is a softer feeling tip and tail with the same rock solid feel underfoot, making it a more easy-going version of itself. Blizzard took a gamble in making changes to a ski that was previously so popular, but their gamble paid off and the updated Zero G 95 is a downright delight to ski.
- The reworked core is protected by durable sidewalls, making your October ski-outing in 8" of fresh slightly less of a bad idea.
- Rocker in the tip keeps you afloat while skinning and also keeps you afloat while descending with a smile.
- Blizzard's own Carbon Overlay provides dampening and adds exactly zero g's extra weight.
- This isn't a technical point, but we really like the new graphics.
Update 2020/21: Some new colors spruce up your 0G life while the build remains the same.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 164, 171, 178, 185 |
|
Weight |
1160g [164] 1215g [171] 1300g [178] 1360g [185] |
| Weight (pair) | 2320g [164] 2430g [171] 2600g [178] 2720g [185] |
|
|
128-95-111.5 |
|
Turn |
19.5m [164] 22m [171] 23m [178] 24m [185] |
|
Skin |
Roundish tips, flat notched tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Mild rocker, camber underfoot |
|
|
Cruising radius w/ arcing tip & tail |
|
|
Sidewall sandwich w/ Carbon Drive |
|
|
Paulownia |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everyday adventures |
| Notes | Full sidewall helps w/ rocks |
| Bottom Line | Workhorse tourer |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
7/2/2021
7/2/2021
Hey Bill, thanks for the question. At 6'1 the 185cm length will land height wise right at the top of your head, so basically either length could work but it really depends on your skiing ability and length preferences. For an experienced skier looking for an everyday backcountry ski, the 185cm for your height wouldn't necessarily be too long but if you are looking for something a bit easier to turn or something for steep skiing I would size down to 178cm. Feel free to give us a shout at help@skimo.co for any other in depth questions!
Answer this question:
4/14/2021
I have been looking for an uphill ski for resort groomed skiing that is stable enough for coming back down on the groomers for an intermediate skier.Do you recommend the G95 for this or a different ski ? Thank you for your advice.
4/14/2021
Ben, thanks for reaching out. The Zero G 95 would be more than adequate for your intended purpose. It would also allow you to break out of the resort and have a great all-around touring ski. If you wanted a ski for just resort uphilling I'd probably go with something a bit narrower like the Dynafit Blacklight 74 or the Atomic Backland UL 78.
Answer this question:
4/6/2021
I am looking at a pair of these for longer days in the cascades where the snow conditions can be quite variable throughout the day. I am around 190lbs 6’ 1”. I would like to pair these with a F1 LT, would the 178 be the best length for me?
4/6/2021
Hi Eric,
At your height and weight, you should have no problems with the Blizzard Zero G 95 in the 178cm length. Compared with the 171, the 178 will have more stability at speed and a longer turn radius. However, the trade-off is that they are heavier, and will be slightly more cumbersome for kick turns. If you have any further questions, reach out to us at help@skimo.co!
At your height and weight, you should have no problems with the Blizzard Zero G 95 in the 178cm length. Compared with the 171, the 178 will have more stability at speed and a longer turn radius. However, the trade-off is that they are heavier, and will be slightly more cumbersome for kick turns. If you have any further questions, reach out to us at help@skimo.co!
Answer this question:
3/27/2021
Any red flags for pairing the Alien 1.1 and the 95’s at 171cm? I’m currently skiing 8 year old 178cm Dynafit Mansalus, with the Aliens and looking for something damper and more responsive with similar weight. Thanks for the help!
3/27/2021
Hey James, as per Scarpa's recommendation using any ski bigger than 65mm underfoot would not be advised. However, there are a fair amount of folks that would consider that combo doable but a ski like the Zero 95 would be pushing the envelope quite a bit and be at the point of breaking the boot in weird situations. Feel free to reach out to us at help@skimo.co for any other questions regarding potential skis.
Answer this question:
I absolutely love these skis. I needed a set of uphill-focused skis (due to inferior fitness, or perhaps a higher-than-average gravity setting around here)...so I bought these a size narrower and a size shorter than I usually would.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered they absolutely RIP! They are responsive, maneuverable, fun, and I have had them up to at least Triple Stupid Speed. I easily run out of bravery before they run out of stability.
They are unbelievably light on the uphill, and EXTREMELY good on the way down. My favorite pair of skis, hands down.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered they absolutely RIP! They are responsive, maneuverable, fun, and I have had them up to at least Triple Stupid Speed. I easily run out of bravery before they run out of stability.
They are unbelievably light on the uphill, and EXTREMELY good on the way down. My favorite pair of skis, hands down.
Comment on this review:
I bought these a few weeks ago to become my do-it-all touring ski. I don't ever take my salomon QST's out anymore. First off, the weight is impressive. Awesome on the uphill - I even started racing on them. My first couple runs I had to get used to how stiff they are, but after a few tours I have really adapted and they feel totally smooth. *Really* surprised with how well they float in powder - much better than my Volkl Mantra's with similar waist (96mm). Holding extreme conditions aside, I can't think of a day that I wouldn't take these out. Nice recommendation to buy these from Eric at the shop. One note: both plastic tail clips from the precut skins broke within a week. Easily fixed with the replacements available from skimo.co but I would just go ahead and purchase replacement clips in advance. The replacements seem to be third-party manufactured and do not break as easily.
Comment on this review:
2/2/2021
I'm a bigger guy (220# with kit), advanced skier, and like to ski fast. My last pair of dedicated alpine skis were Blizzard Cochise (which I loved). The last two seasons I've been on Head Kore 105s (w/ Tectons) as a 50/50 quiver of one. The setup has served me well but it is a bit heavy and I'm now looking to build out a lighter, touring-specific setup for longer days in the BC here in the Wasatch and elsewhere. I don't want to give up too much downhill performance, though. In terms of width, I'd like something that is still fun in mid-Winter powder but could also function well in Spring conditions.
These skis have defintely caught my interest. Would they work for that use case? Anything else you think I should take a look at?
Thanks!
These skis have defintely caught my interest. Would they work for that use case? Anything else you think I should take a look at?
Thanks!
2/2/2021
Scott, great question. If you are looking for a great steep/spring ski then the Zero G's would be a great option, but they lack floatation in soft snow. If you want more versatility I would suggest looking at the Movement Alp Tracks 95 here, which will perform great in soft snow as well as corn and steeps.
Answer this question:
1/25/2021
I see there are new colors for 2020/21. What year was the construction of the ski updated from the prior version (as mentioned in the description)?
1/25/2021
Hi Charlie, this version was introduced in 2019/20.
Answer this question:
1/23/2021
Hi! I want to replace my old pair of these with some new ones. I’m 5’8”, 190 lbs before gear, intermediate/conservative skier in Pacific Northwest. My current pair are 178s, kinda wondering if I can size down to 171s. Thoughts?
1/23/2021
John- You could if you wanted. The factors i would think about is the new version is a little friendlier than the old one. So, the longer length will not be as demanding as what you have now. The other consideration would be if you are skiing with a beefier boot like Zero g 130 you might not, but if you are skiing lighter boot like an F1 then yes you would want to size down to 171cm.
1/23/2021
Thanks @Erick. I'm on F1s, w' Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0s. Sounds like 171?
Answer this question:
12/8/2020
I demod the zero g 95s yesterday. Very impressed. However I felt like the 178 was a bit of a bear to ski in tight chutes and keep speed in check in narrow icy trees. It however have me a shit eating grin opening it up on the faces and fans beneath the steeps. The demo had super heavy bindings (probably around 750g w plates) and I think perhaps my boot was not centered, it appeared maybe 1cm forward which may have affected my experience. Unsure if due to mount or added weight, I felt like it wanted to over steer/rotate on jump turns, more characteristic of a ski with a lower turn radius. I also felt like the tail got in the way for me more on acute kick turns, in spots where I normally don't have a problem even with mid 180s skis.
All this being said, I am torn on getting a 171 vs a 178. 178 obviously has a higher speed limit but I feel like the ski has a long effective edge so that the 171 should feel stable, esp cause of how stiff it is, and also drops about 100grams with a shorter turn radius so hoping it will improve it's versatility for me in narrow spots, and longer days. Thoughts? I could totally go with the 178, just curious if any of your have had similar experiences or think it was possibly due to a slightly forward mount pt.
All this being said, I am torn on getting a 171 vs a 178. 178 obviously has a higher speed limit but I feel like the ski has a long effective edge so that the 171 should feel stable, esp cause of how stiff it is, and also drops about 100grams with a shorter turn radius so hoping it will improve it's versatility for me in narrow spots, and longer days. Thoughts? I could totally go with the 178, just curious if any of your have had similar experiences or think it was possibly due to a slightly forward mount pt.
12/8/2020
Hey Anthony, here at Skimo Co we are big believers in shorter being the way to go! Like you said, that ski is an aggressive ski with a long effective edge so that 171 should work just fine for you and definitely will be more maneuverable as well. Either length would be totally appropriate for you so I think the best thing to do in this case is to just follow your heart!
Answer this question:
11/12/2020
Are you sure the turn radius specs are correct? I think Blizzards website is labeling them a few inches higher. I was thinking of snagging some 171’s but with the 20” radius but if it’s actually 22” might shy away. Thanks for your time.
11/12/2020
Hey Travis, my apologies it looks like you are indeed right! The information we initially got on these doesn't match the current specs on their site and after some digging we have confirmed that the 22 meter radius is the correct number. Thank you for pointing this out to us so we can update our listing!
Answer this question:
11/5/2020
I have been trying to decide on a set of skis for a while now for the backcountry as well as boots. I am not happy with my current setup. I am an expert and a ski instructor so I am very attuned to the response I get from my equipment and have been disappointed with the backcountry boots I have as well as the skis. Bindings are somewhat okay.
I am looking for a ski and boot combination that can provide as close a feel as possible to my resort setup on the downhill (especially when it comes to lateral control and progressive forward flex in the boot) without being too heavy for 7-8 mile hiking days. My current resort setup is the Head Raptors 120 flex and the Volkl Deacon 84 in 167, both from last season).
My current backcountry setup that I am unhappy with is the 2014 Women’s Scarpa Maesrale RS, 2013 Volkl Aura’s, Look/Dynafit HM10 Demo’s. My main complaint about my setup is that the forward flex in my boots combined with bindings feels like I’m standing on my tip-toes and feels extreme compared to my Raptor’s, and when I get bucked forward or backwards by the snow or try to flex forward, it feels like I hit a brick wall with my shins or calves. My instinct is that this is a boot problem, but then I also wonder if the skis could be contributing.
Anyways, long story short, I have been looking to get the Blizzard Zero G 95s hoping they will ski powder better than the Volkl Aura’s and just be a bit more of a predictable ski...and the Técnica Zero G Tour Scouts. I am 5’8” and 140 lbs.
is that combination likely to meet most of my expectations? Or am I expecting too much.
My other thoughts for boots have been: Lange XT3, Scarpa Maestrale RS (the newer versions have less or more adjustable forward lean...but I’m worried that the lateral control won’t be any better), or the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD.
My other thoughts for skis have been:
Volkl Rise Above 88, Volkl BMT 90, and Volkl Blaze 94
(I should add that I don’t have much desire to ski anything wider than 95 because I generally ski most days in Utah on my 84 underfoot and just adjust my technique. Deep days I will go up to 95. I guess it’s a ski instructor thing.
Is there any combination here that might most closely meet my desires?
I am looking for a ski and boot combination that can provide as close a feel as possible to my resort setup on the downhill (especially when it comes to lateral control and progressive forward flex in the boot) without being too heavy for 7-8 mile hiking days. My current resort setup is the Head Raptors 120 flex and the Volkl Deacon 84 in 167, both from last season).
My current backcountry setup that I am unhappy with is the 2014 Women’s Scarpa Maesrale RS, 2013 Volkl Aura’s, Look/Dynafit HM10 Demo’s. My main complaint about my setup is that the forward flex in my boots combined with bindings feels like I’m standing on my tip-toes and feels extreme compared to my Raptor’s, and when I get bucked forward or backwards by the snow or try to flex forward, it feels like I hit a brick wall with my shins or calves. My instinct is that this is a boot problem, but then I also wonder if the skis could be contributing.
Anyways, long story short, I have been looking to get the Blizzard Zero G 95s hoping they will ski powder better than the Volkl Aura’s and just be a bit more of a predictable ski...and the Técnica Zero G Tour Scouts. I am 5’8” and 140 lbs.
is that combination likely to meet most of my expectations? Or am I expecting too much.
My other thoughts for boots have been: Lange XT3, Scarpa Maestrale RS (the newer versions have less or more adjustable forward lean...but I’m worried that the lateral control won’t be any better), or the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD.
My other thoughts for skis have been:
Volkl Rise Above 88, Volkl BMT 90, and Volkl Blaze 94
(I should add that I don’t have much desire to ski anything wider than 95 because I generally ski most days in Utah on my 84 underfoot and just adjust my technique. Deep days I will go up to 95. I guess it’s a ski instructor thing.
Is there any combination here that might most closely meet my desires?
11/5/2020
Hey Serenity,
All of these are great questions, definitely a lot to unpack here. It would be great if you could send us all of this info (copy & paste) to help@skimo.co
From there we can really dive into the nitty gritty.
Also if you're in the Salt Lake City area maybe consider scheduling a bootfitting appointment ,then we'd be able to geek out in person!
All of these are great questions, definitely a lot to unpack here. It would be great if you could send us all of this info (copy & paste) to help@skimo.co
From there we can really dive into the nitty gritty.
Also if you're in the Salt Lake City area maybe consider scheduling a bootfitting appointment ,then we'd be able to geek out in person!
11/5/2020
Hi Serenity, just a few general notes (agreed you should ring us for a deep dive). One, you'll never be judged for erring on the skinny side here! Two, you're likely feeling the fairly steep ramp angle on your bindings, see here for a numerical reference. Three, the Blizzards will ski powder better than your Volkls, but it's not their specialty.
Answer this question:
9/27/2020
I’m deciding between the zero g 95 and the Fischer Hannibal 96. I’m 5 7 , 125 lbs and would say I am a advanced/expert skier. I have read nothing but positive reviews on both but having trouble deciding between the two. In the zero g I would get 164. In the Hannibal I’m not sure. I ski k2 sidestashes now in 167. Would love any insight you may have... as in if one ski is easier to manage than the other. Thanks in advance!
9/28/2020
Hey Laura, of the two the Hannibal 96 is going to be a little easier ski to manage and will be a little more playful so perhaps you'll want to go with that one. The Zero G is a great ski but it's super damp and very rigid. It's an extremely consistent and powerful ski but generally takes a little more work to maneuver.
Answer this question:
9/8/2020
Any comments on how much differently these ski compared to the original version of the 95? Is there much of a perceptible difference between the old and new models?
Looking at the comments from the 85, it seems the old and new version of that ski weren't that much differently. Is it the case for the 95 as well?
Looking at the comments from the 85, it seems the old and new version of that ski weren't that much differently. Is it the case for the 95 as well?
9/8/2020
Hey Michael, last year they did change the 95 from it's original version. They made it less rigid and a little more playful and friendly overall. Since they updated it last year they have not made any new changes to this year's model.
Answer this question:
11/27/2019
I’m a huge Voile fan but these have totally caught my eye for an Eastern Sierra daily AT ski. I have Hyperchargers (tele), Ultravectors (tele), Objectives (AT) and I'm trying to decide between these and the Hypervectors! Can you help shed any light? I think I’d rock 178s for either at 6’ and 160lbs. Also I’m planning on Plum 170s and I’m skiing the Fischer Travers Carbon boots.
11/27/2019
Rory, the Zero G 85 is the Classic Spring ski, this one is more versatile. It is a bit stiffer overall than the Hypervector and should handle Sierra conditions maybe a bit better than the Voiles. As the description says, Blizzard detuned the tips a bit to allow easier turn initiation. Would be a wonderful choice.
Answer this question:
10/8/2019
Any concerns and recommendations for mounting tele bindings to these skis?
10/8/2019
Hello Casey, mounting these with telemark bindings would be fine! I would recommend mounting them a centimeter or two behind the boot center line.
Answer this question:
10/1/2019
What is the recommended mount point (cm from center) on the updated version? Interested in the 178, if it varies by size.
10/3/2019
Hey zjh!
The recommended mount point on the 178's is 98 cm from the tip if you measure in a straight line. The mount point does vary by size and the 171's measure 94.5 cm from the tip in a straight line. Hope that helps!!
The recommended mount point on the 178's is 98 cm from the tip if you measure in a straight line. The mount point does vary by size and the 171's measure 94.5 cm from the tip in a straight line. Hope that helps!!
10/3/2019
Okay, thanks Cole. So that's approx -9.X cm from center (depending on the straight-tape pull of the ski). I was asking because I heard Blizzard moved the mount point forward with updated 0G series. I dislike very traditional mount points, despite understanding it's easier to kickturn with less tail.
10/3/2019
Hey Zak! We had a older 0G that I measured for you and it measured 98.4 cm straight from the tip. Blizzard did move the mount point 4 mm forward from previous years. Hope that helps!!
Answer this question:
Earn store credit by writing reviews. Learn more.
