2020 Blizzard Bonafide

[SkiTalk Test Team]

Drahtguy Kevin: A new tip and tighter radius make this perennial powerhouse better for more skiers. The carbon tip leads the ski confidently into the turn, and the same reliable grip is present. The new Bone isn’t as hard-charging and driving, which makes it less demanding than previous model. It still flows nicely from turn to turn with pop without as much punishment for missteps on the rider’s part. The asymmetric top sheet is a nice change.

Insider tip: The new Bone is worth another look.​

FairToMiddlin: The first-generation Bonafide, and Blizz’s Flipcore line, was created with the late Arne Backstrom’s input to be a strong off-piste bruiser. The second generation was more of the same, with a carbon tip that supplied the same power and even more bite at the beginning of the turn. For next year, the 3rd-gen Bone gets a healthy dose of accessibility, to the delight of many and the disappointment of some.

The turn radius gets tightened from 20 m down to 18. It was hard to tell, though, because the tip has been softened, and doesn’t pull into the new turn as aggressively as the old one. On snow, it didn’t feel as connected, just a bit less communication than the previous two generations. In return, it is a bit quicker to maneuver in general, and pivot in particular. This will be desired by a lot of folks, but some of the original demographic may end up haunting Craigslist and eBay for a minty 2nd gen in the years to come. For the most part, however, the Bone remains a competent 98mm off-piste weapon, a great choice for crud and pow -- especially if you are traveling and don’t have the luxury of a big quiver to choose from.

Insider tip: With this incoming generation, the Bonafide is at a fork in the road; if you like the path it is currently on, start stocking up; next year brings a new direction.​