Expert Comparison: Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2023 vs Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $389.99 40% off | from:$244.99 50% off |
User rating | -- | 5(7) |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for intermediate to advanced women skiers who prefer groomed runs. |
Ski type | All Mountain | All Mountain |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of women's skis, two models stand out: the Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis. Both are designed for advanced to expert female skiers who love to push the speed limit. The Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis are fast, stable, and reward the bold with extreme stability and edge hold. They are perfect for those who live on the East Coast/Midwest or stay on the frontside in the Rockies. On the other hand, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are versatile, easy to turn, and have a strong grip on groomers. They are ideal for Midwest or East Coast skiers, or for those who prefer blue/black groomers out West. Both skis are fantastic options, but the Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis are more suited for advanced to expert skiers, while the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are more accessible for intermediate skiers looking to advance their skills.
The Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis are a phenomenal match for the advanced to expert female skier who loves to push the speed limit. These skis are FAST and reward the bold with extreme stability and edge hold. They are 88mm underfoot, allowing them to excel on fresh groomers and even on ice. However, at this waist width, they are weaker performing in off-piste conditions.
The Santa Ana 88 is a fantastic option for the advanced to expert woman who lives on the East Coast/Midwest or stays on the frontside in the Rockies. They are built with a wood core, carbon, and a sheet of terrain-specific metal, which dampens any vibrations while enhancing edge hold for a smooth and balanced ride.
The biggest downside to these skis is they will easily overpower an intermediate skier. But for those who are up for the challenge, these skis offer strong power delivery, incredible speed, and no chatter. They are the "made by women for women" sister to the wildly popular men's Nordica Enforcer, known for their versatility in skier types and handling in all different types of snow conditions.
These skis are FAST and reward the bold with extreme stability and edge hold. They are 88mm underfoot, allowing them to excel on fresh groomers and even on ice. The biggest downside to these skis is they will easily overpower an intermediate.
These skis are FAST and reward the bold with extreme stability and edge hold. They are 88mm underfoot, allowing them to excel on fresh groomers and even on ice. The biggest downside to these skis is they will easily overpower an intermediate.
Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are a very accessible option for women skiers looking to advance their skills. They are easy to turn, and they have a strong grip on groomers. This ski truly excels in frontside conditions. At 88mm underfoot, there is something to be desired for off-piste skiing.
The Black Pearl 88 is a great match for an intermediate to advanced woman. Experts will find this ski a bit too easy to drive, and it lacks the strong responsiveness someone of this ability level would expect. Overall, this ski is a good choice for a Midwest or East Coast skier, or for someone out West who wants to stay on blue/black groomers.
These skis are also incredibly smooth thanks to the Flipcore technology, which is proprietary to Blizzard. It is really cool because it means that they're the only ones who have this. One of the cool features of these skis is called Trueblend technology, which means in the varying lengths of the ski, the stiffness is going to be adjusted.
I loved the Black Pearl 88's. They're the best women’s ski on the market for a reason, and I can absolutely see why this ski is owned and beloved by so many women. It just carved so well, and there's just so much you can do on this ski.
I loved the Black Pearl 88's. They're the best women’s ski on the market for a reason, and I can absolutely see why this ski is owned and beloved by so many women. It just carved so well, and there's just so much you can do on this ski.
Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are designed for women skiers who are intermediate to advanced in skill level. They both have a waist width of 88mm, making them ideal for groomed trails and hardpack conditions. Both skis are known for their stability, responsiveness, and excellent carving abilities. They are both versatile skis that can handle a variety of snow conditions and terrains. Both skis are also praised for their smooth and balanced ride, thanks to their unique construction and technology.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are designed for women skiers, they cater to slightly different skill levels. The Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis are more suited for advanced to expert skiers who love to push the speed limit. They are fast, stable, and reward the bold with extreme stability and edge hold. They are perfect for those who live on the East Coast/Midwest or stay on the frontside in the Rockies.
On the other hand, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are more accessible for intermediate skiers looking to advance their skills. They are easy to turn, and they have a strong grip on groomers. They are ideal for Midwest or East Coast skiers, or for those who prefer blue/black groomers out West.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to speed and power, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis take the lead. They are designed for advanced to expert skiers who love to push the speed limit. They reward the bold with extreme stability and edge hold, making them the winner in this category.
In terms of accessibility and ease of use, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis come out on top. They are easy to turn and have a strong grip on groomers, making them a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to advance their skills.
For versatility and ability to handle a variety of snow conditions and terrains, both skis perform well. However, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis have a slight edge due to their strong power delivery and incredible speed.
Finally, in terms of durability and construction, both skis are built with high-quality materials and technologies that enhance their performance and longevity. It's a tie in this category.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are excellent choices for women skiers. They both offer stability, responsiveness, and excellent carving abilities. However, they cater to slightly different skill levels. The Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis are more suited for advanced to expert skiers who love to push the speed limit, while the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are more accessible for intermediate skiers looking to advance their skills. Regardless of your skill level, both skis offer a smooth and balanced ride that will enhance your skiing experience.
