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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.
Anomaly 94 — upper-intermediate to expert skiers who drive the ski actively and want one pair for the whole mountain - long arcs on firm snow, enough width and metal to plow crud, and a tail that releases in bumps and trees. 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 | Anomaly 94 | Octo |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 8🏆 | 8🏆 |
| Park | 1 | 2🏆 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 7🏆 |
| Forgiveness | 3 | 6🏆 |
| Stability | 9🏆 | 6 |
| Powder | 3🏆 | 2 |
Upper-intermediate to expert skiers who drive the ski actively and want one pair for the whole mountain - long arcs on firm snow, enough width and metal to plow crud, and a tail that releases in bumps and trees. It suits skiers who want both ends of the deal: stable and damp at speed, but still able to be slashed and pivoted rather than one or the other.
Intermediates who want a light, soft, forgiving ski that turns for them: the Anomaly 94 is heavy and stiff, and independent reviews steer intermediates away even though Blizzard's official rating starts there. Powder-first skiers should look at the wider Anomaly 102 - 94mm and a metal build get through soft snow but do not float. Skiers chasing maximum charge through big, high-speed crud should note the softer tip is a genuine point of disagreement; a fuller, stiffer-tipped charger holds together better at the very top end. And freestyle skiers should choose something else: this is a directional, stiff ski, not built for jumps, switch landings or buttering.
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 Anomaly 94 is best for upper-intermediate to expert skiers who drive the ski actively and want one pair for the whole mountain - long arcs on. 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 Blizzard Anomaly 94 scores highest in Stability at 9/10, 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 Blizzard Anomaly 94 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 Black Crows Octo is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 6/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest ski to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.
