Playtime
I haven’t had enough time on the Peacemaker in this department yet (or any other ski this season), so for now, this section will be short, and all of my reviews will see updates in the coming weeks.
From my experience so far, the Peacemaker is an aggressive, freestyle-minded, all-mountain skier’s dream.
Gnarly in-runs and funky take-offs feel much smoother than they do on most other skis in this category. The ski’s swingweight is average to slightly above average, certainly not as light as that of the 188cm Rossi Soul 7 or 184 Line SFB, but fairly similar to the 190 Salomon Rocker2 108 and 190 Line SFB. Once I dialed in the mounting location, nose and tail presses were also predictable and smooth. Much like the Gunsmoke I rode late last season, the butter-ability has been a bit of a surprise, given the feel of the firmer flex while skiing otherwise.
In soft conditions there is no question I would prefer to be on either the Soul 7 or 184 SFB for all-out playfulness, but if you are looking for a ski that is able to throw-down well in all conditions, the Peacemaker would be my first recommendation, especially for an experienced, aggressive driver, with a home mountain that has great terrain separating airs.
Mount Location
The “recommended” line on the Peacemaker is at ~ -6cm from true center. Honestly, at that location the ski felt borderline terrifying on firm, wide open slopes, such Alta’s High Rustler after a long stretch of high pressure. From this position, the skis offered very little support through the completion of each turn, and offered little energy in the transition to a new turn.
And in terms of freestyle performance, at around -6cm, the ski wasn’t really playful at all; the swingweight felt super unbalanced, nose presses were nearly impossible, etc. It was just off. So, after a couple days of familiarization, it was time to start moving the bindings around, and I jumped up to +1, +2, and maxed out the Jester demo track at +2.5cm from the recommended line over the next few days.
From my somewhat limited experience, if I were mounting these skis up for myself as an all-mountain tool, I’d probably aim for 2.5cm in front of the recommended line (-3.5 from center). Here, I still found the skis provided enough float in 10-12” of new snow, I felt comfortable motoring through crud, and the skis were still playful—they felt good in the air, and I could nose and tail press with approximately the same amount of effort in either direction.
For anyone who is more freestyle-oriented and thinking they’d like to go further forward toward center, all I can say is that at +2.5 I definitely didn’t feel like I had reached the limit (besides that of the binding adjustment), so take that for what it’s worth.
I wouldn’t recommend that anyone mount much behind +2 from recommended. (If you are looking for a directional ski to charge on and want to mount the Peacemaker a mile behind center, you are looking at the wrong ski; if you want a more traditional, yet still light and playful ski, take a look at the 182 Black Diamond Zealot.)
Comparison Summary: Blizzard Peacemaker vs. Line SFB vs. Rossi Soul 7
With the currently available skis that I’ve ridden, I find myself breaking my favorites skis of this playful 100-110 underfoot category into snow conditions. For primarily powder and soft crud, I’d choose to go out on the Soul 7; for firm conditions, unquestionably I’d reach for the Peacemaker; and if I had to pick one of the skis to cover the most of those two areas, including riding park, it would still be the 184cm LINE Sir Francis Bacon.
Bottom Line / Who’s It For?
More aggressive / powerful skiers than myself will definitely love the addition of the Peacemaker to this 100-110mm freestyle, all-mountain twin category.
And anyone who found the Rossi Soul 7, Salomon Rocker2 108, or the Line Sir Francis Bacon a little too weak, the Peacemaker may be what you are looking for.
And lighter skiers who like the feel of the Cochise or Bonafide, but wished they were a little looser and offered a bit more forgiveness, this is your ski.
You can now read Will Brown’s 2nd Look on the Peacemaker, with comparisons to the very similar Moment PB&J.
NEXT: Rocker Profile Pics
Jason,
In regards to the amount of time you have spent on the soul 7 and seem to really like the ski have you spent much time on any form of JJ’s over the years? JJ and AKJJ? Looking at possibly replacing my four year old JJ with either the soul 7 or maybe even waiting to see what updates they did to next years JJ. You spent time on SFB, soul 7’s, etc, but don’t recall you ever reporting on a JJ and your skiing style seems very similar to mine. Prefer lighter swing weight skis, playful, poppy, etc..
I haven’t been able to get on any version of the JJ, but it is a ski that has always been on my radar. Hopefully I’ll have an opportunity soon!
Jason,
You’ve used the sickle as your reference for some time. I have a pair myself and love it. And many of these newer skis are contrasted to its performance. I appreciate your thoughts on the peacemaker as well and found it a very competent ski – though like you I found it harsh in firm bumps. Most skis you recommend seem to “jive” with my preferences so I’ve learned to really value your thoughts. One question ive always had is your opinion on the old bibby pro 184 and 190. It’s well loved my many on this site. But I don’t recall ever hearing your thoughts on it in contrast to the sickle or other skis that you like.
Thanks in advance for the time you take to converse with us regular dudes.
Adam,
I’ve been begging to ride the 184 Bibby Pro for years, but unfortunately haven’t had been able to get a pair under my feet. I have spent a little time on the 190 Bibby Pro, and although I liked it, it’s not a ski I’m dying to have in my quiver. I found it to feel very smooth rallying off-piste, as well as offering a very solid landing pad, but I found the 190 to be just a bit too “plankie” for me to have the time of my life on. I REALLY wanted to get my hands on the 184 since it has to be more playful, while still offering a great deal of stability off-piste. Maybe someday Moment will bring back the old Bibby Pro and I’ll get my chance on the 184.
Jason,
Also a quick followup question regarding the peacemaker. Do you have any advise regarding tuning/detuning it? Will detuning help make it more “playful” like the soul7 in certain conditions. Like you, I found the soul7 super playful and fun in virtually ALL conditions except on firm (Not as solid as the peacemaker by a long shot) and at higher speeds. So part of my hope with the peacemaker is that by detuning it properly, I could have the its advantages (charging, power, hardpack performance, etc), but make it a bit more “playful” like the soul7. Is that wishful thinking? Or should I be looking at a different ski altogether?
Detuning the tails past the point where it transitions to camber will give the ski a little looser feel. I wouldn’t take much off the tips since the skis aren’t overly ambitious to initiate turns as they are. Keep in mind, performing such a detune on the tails will have a big impact on the skis hard snow charging ability, and (obviously) will not change the flex or shape of the ski. I personally wouldn’t go too crazy with the detune- I’d learn to appreciate where and when these skis rock, rather then trying to get them to ski like something they are not.
peacemaker vs jeffery?
Hey Jason, great review.
I have narrowed down my search for skis I believe (and it was no easy task, but thanks to you guys’ reviews, its been much easier that it would have been), and I have concluded that I would like to go with either the 183 TST or the Peacemaker. But I am not sure what size to go for the peacemaker……179 or 186. I am 5’8″ and weigh 155-160 and am a fairly aggressive skier.
I like your comments regarding this skis “chargeability” but am kind of concerned about your thoughts on its hard, off pist, snow performance.
I would really like a ski for just an everyday ride at the Bird/Alta when the snow isnt fresh (potentially quite hard this season), something that can charge if need be and still stay playful in all the everyday, “NON Powder Day” conditions. What are your thoughts on these two rides and what size should I maybe shoot for if I were to pic the Peacemaker?
Thanks again, and as always, keep up the solid reviews!!
-P
Patrick,
Although I haven’t ridden the TST, it does seem like you have picked out a couple skis that are fairly different from one another. After reading the reviews of the TST by Will and Brett, I would guess you would find the TST to be a bit more forgiving and soft snow oriented than the Peacemaker. At your weight, which is nearly identical to mine, you may find the Peacemaker a bit harsh if you’re trying to charge over rough hardpack, but if it’s relatively smooth (or you can see the random bump coming) they are super fun.
Length will depend on what’s important to you: The 186 will be perfect for skiing aggressively at the Bird and Alta, and the 179 will be perfect for playing in the tight trees or on the jump lines at each resort. I wouldn’t say the Peacemaker feels/skis super short, like many skis today, because of the swing weight and traditional sidecut shape.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Hey Thanks Jason!
I guess in regards to your comment, I would like to do both with the ski.
My only concerns are in regards to stability/maneuverability of the skis at both those lenghts. Im not really a tall guy, and at 160Lbs I wouldnt want the 186 to feel to long and sluggish to maneuver. But I also wouldnt want the 179 to feel to short and squirly. Any advice on a choice to make the best of both worlds?
Jason how many 186 sickles do you have in your garage? Me and my buddies were wondering why there are no 186 sickles left online, on ebay or any retailers, and why you couldnt find them all last year either? Do you have like 600 pairs in your garage, because Rossi is never going to bring them back? Lemme get a pair.
I am having a difficult time choosing length as well. I am 5’10 165 advanced skier and I prefer skiing off trail, jumps, and moguls. I live in the northeast so concerned about bad conditions and the 179 feeling too short to hold an edge when I need too. However, I am concerned the 186 will feel too sluggish in the trees and in the park. I am very conflicted. Any advice you can give me would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks for the great reviews. I’m trying to chose between the 186 Peacemaker and the 185 Cochise for next season. I have been skiing the Blizzard Answer for the last few years and love them, but it’s time to reload. Any comments on the main differences between the Peacemaker and Cochise would be appreciated. I like an all mounting do everything ski, to concerned with deep powder.
Hey Jason – could you do a quick compare and contrast with the Peacemaker and the Mantra? They sound like they have similar characteristics.
Thanks,
Charles
Hi Jason,
Big fan of the reviews you guys do and figured i’d go ahead and ask for your advice! I’m currently very torn between both the Line Sir Francis Bacon 190cm and the Blizzard Peacemakers 186cm. I know you rate them both highly and i was wondering if you could point me towards one of the two. I’m 6ft 165lbs with a background in racing but over the last several years have had much more of a freestyle focus. What I’m looking for is the best blend of playfulness across the mountain and stability for skiing fast in the chopped up, firm conditions often found over here in Europe.
I currently own the Line Opus and love how much fun it is around the mountain but my only niggle with it is the width and the lack of backbone for when snow conditions deteriorate. Out of the two which do you reckon has the best blend of charging in all conditions while still being fun everywhere?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Bump!
Apart from that I’m slightly shorter, I’m in the exact same situation, and facing the same choice between the Blizzard Peacemakers and Line SFBs. I suppose it will come down to AB-ing them, but it won’t be easy to hold of both skis throughout most of Europe.. Have you tried them both in the meanwhile, or decided on either of them?
Thank you in advance, especially to the Blister Gear Review team. I only recently found this website and its incredibly helpful, without a doubt the best ski-related review site I’ve come across!
Best regards,
Alex
I just received a pair of 2015 Blizzard Regulator, the little brother to the Peacemaker. At 94mm underfoot. I got the 186. I’m 5’11” and 170lbs. I like to ski aggressively. Speed is my friend. I don’t make too many short turns. I like to be playful in all terrains. That said, I read your piece on the mounting location more times than I can count. I’ve got the 2015 Marker Griffon bindings ready to be mounted but reading your review makes me think I should do the same — mount them at +2.5cm from the recommended line. I know these are not the same skis, but aside from the underfoot width being slightly narrower, my 186 Regulator is the same build and construction as your Peacemaker you reviewed. Your thoughts on where I should mount my bindings?
Hi Jason,
Just wondered if you have skied the regulator and what your thoughts of it were? Also if you had any thoughts on the mounting position like Dave P’s comment??
I have suggested this ski to a friend of mine. Skis Bridger Bowl and Big Ski. He is 6’4″ and 200 pounds. He is an expert skier. He does not do any jibbing or tricks. What line would you recommend him mounting the bindings?
-2
I’m 6’2″ 210 and keep things facing down the hill at all times and I like the 186 best at
-2 from recommended
Hi Jason/ or Will,
I am going to be buying a pair of Peacemakers in the next couple of days (waiting to pick them up)
I currently ski Salomon Twenty Twelve with the bindings mounted centre as per Mike Douglas Advice for all mountain and park. I have no problem skiing them mounted centre.
I just wondered if you have skied the Peacemaker any more since your review and if you have tried the mounting point any further forward than your review?
I would like to know if you have experienced any loss of performance in powder or anywhere else by mounting them further forward and what is the maximum you would go with?
Many Thanks
Adam
In need of help!
Jason I am looking to get my 13 year old son some new skis. His park skis from this year will work next year but he needs a new all-mountain ski. He loves to play and throw tricks and he is an expert skier with 40+ days on the mountain each year. I am thinking by this winter he will be 5’6″ and 140 pounds. So I am trying to figure out if I should get him the 179 Peacemakers or the 178 Bacons. Keystone is his home mountain but he gets plenty of days at the rest of Summit County and Vail. Open to other suggestions as well.
I am looking to add a fourth ski to my closet and thinking of the Peacemaker. I currently have the 189 Scott Punisher a ski I love but it is sometimes a bit much in the bumps. I have a pair of 186 Moment Tahoe that I am not sure how much I love them at this point even after several days on them. I also have a pair of Megawatts that I enjoy on deep days. I am looking for ski that will be easier to ski in tight places and the bumps and thinking the Blizzard Peacemaker might fit the bill. At 6’4″ and 230 pounds and a excellent skier will I over whelm the Peacemaker? Need help with finding a ski for 1 to 6 inches of powder and chop without getting bucked around and one I can ski the bumps. Something in the 102 to 106 range with shovels that are not to big.
Thanks!!!!
I have skied the Peacemaker for several days from groomers, bumps, crud, and powder. I have the ski mounted on the recommended line. I am 6’4″ and 250 pounds and an advanced skier. I took the ski to Breckenridge and skied the entire top of the mountain from imperial chair all the way over to hiking to the top of Peak 6 for those of you who don’t know this is steep above the tree line skiing. The ski performed OK in a bunch of different snow conditions and on Peak 6 I was able to get it in some old untracked snow. Granted I am big, The ski did OK without to much tip dive but I did have to really stay centered in the snow. I would have really preferred to have been skiing on my 189 Scott Punishers on all of the runs I took from Imperial to Peak 6. I then skied off the E Chair On Tom’s Baby, Tom’s Mom, Nuggets, and Devils Crouch. E Chair offers some steep narrow bump runs that are alleys through the trees. The skied performed OK but I found myself fighting often not to be thrown into the back seat. I have had a lot of trouble with this ski throwing me into the back seat in the bumps and when navigating steep off piste terrain. I would have preferred my narrower Moment Tahoe’s in the bumps and even my much larger Scott Punishers. I don’t find the ski to be any quicker than my Scott Punishers either. The Peacemaker definitely has a speed limit on and off Piste. Because the Peacemaker always wants to throw me into the back seat I will admit I have a hard time really pushing the ski with confidence. I really wanted to like Peacemaker so this past weekend I skied my Scott Punishers at Keystone with 9 inches of fresh snow and hit the bumps and the trees hard and had a great time. The next day with 6 more inches of fresh snow I skied the Peacemaker on the same runs and did not find the ski any quicker and was always getting thrown into the back seat in the bumps. Right now I am at a loss of what to do with the Peacemaker should I move the mount position forward? or just give up on them . I have a buddy in Crested Butte who has the Peacemaker mounted on the recommended line who is 6’2″ and 180 pounds who likes the ski but also has had issues with getting thrown in the back seat.
Picked up a used pair but when i got to the mounting I got a bit confused. From what I can read it should just be a wood core but when i check the old drill holes it looks like there could have been metal ringt under the binding. So, should I go with 4mm drill bit or 3,5?
There is a metal mounting plate on almost all Blizzard skis. Drill with a 4.1×9.5. It should say this on the top sheet.
Thank you! I have been looking like crazy but not being able to find anything about drill size