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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
These skis span 2 categories (All-Mountain, Carving). Scores reflect each ski's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
Blaze 86 — intermediate skiers who want völkl quality without mantra intensity. Octo — intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all skis on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | Blaze 86 | Octo |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 6 | 8🏆 |
| Park | 3🏆 | 2 |
| Playfulness | 7🏆 | 7🏆 |
| Forgiveness | 8🏆 | 6 |
| Stability | 5 | 6🏆 |
| Powder | 4🏆 | 2 |
Intermediate skiers who want Völkl quality without Mantra intensity. Lighter skiers. The all-day cruiser who values comfort over performance. A solid clearance buy.
Chargers, hardpack warriors, or expert skiers who need authority. For that, step up to the Mantra 88.
Intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis.
Ice coast carvers who need maximum edge hold. High-speed chargers. Anyone who ventures off-piste.
The Blaze 86 is best for intermediate skiers who want völkl quality without mantra intensity. lighter skiers. The Octo is best for intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional. The right choice depends on your primary terrain, ability level, and riding style.
The Black Crows Octo scores highest in Stability at 6/10, making it the strongest all-mountain option. It handles groomers, chop, and variable conditions without losing composure, so it's the best single-ski choice for skiers who want one pair for the whole mountain.
The Black Crows Octo leads in Carving with a PTO score of 8/10. Its edge grip on hard snow and groomed runs is the strongest in this comparison.
The Völkl Blaze 86 is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 8/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest ski to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.