In the world of women's skis, two models stand out for their exceptional performance and versatility: the Icelantic Riveter 95 Skis (2023) and the Blizzard Black Pearl 97 Skis (2024). Both skis are designed for all-mountain use, offering a blend of power, stability, and agility that can handle a variety of snow conditions. The Riveter 95 is praised for its lightweight wood core, quick and snappy performance, and excellent warranty. The Black Pearl 97, on the other hand, is known for its high-performance capabilities, responsiveness, and adaptability to different terrains. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately depends on the skier's preferences and skiing style.

Icelantic Riveter 95 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Icelantic Riveter 95 Skis are designed for the adventurous woman skier who seeks a versatile, all-mountain ski. One of the key features of the Riveter 95 is its early rise profile, which reduces the length of the effective edge, making for quick and easy turn initiation. This feature also enhances the ski's float over soft snow and uneven terrain, making it an excellent choice for off-piste adventures.

The Riveter 95 has a slightly updated shape for the 2022/23 season, making it more direction-based. Its 95mm waist makes it a great everyday ski, capable of handling a variety of snow conditions. The ski's lightweight wood core and lack of metal keep it extremely lightweight, resulting in a quick and snappy performance. This makes the Riveter 95 an excellent choice for skiers who value agility and responsiveness.

These skis are not only beautiful but also functional. They are designed to carve the morning corduroy with grace and style, hit the trees and trails, and float above fresh powder. The Poplar Core gives these skis power and snap, allowing them to conquer any condition on the mountain. The Rocker/Camber/Rocker profile means that the 155 will actually ski like a shorter ski, making it a perfect length based on how much of the skis is directly on the snow.

Blizzard Black Pearl 97 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Blizzard Black Pearl 97 Skis are a high-performance ski designed for any condition. The brand has made several updates to the ski, including reducing one millimeter from the core to decrease the weight and removing the rubber dampeners. These changes have resulted in a ski that is softer, lighter, and easier to control.

The Black Pearl 97 is one of the most popular women's skis on the market, and for good reason. It's incredibly responsive and versatile, capable of handling a variety of terrains and snow conditions. This ski is particularly suited for all-mountain terrain, trees, and light powder, making it an excellent choice for West Coast conditions.

The ski's TrueBlend Flipcore design ensures that the ski maintains its shape, enhancing its rebound capabilities. Despite being the widest of the Black Pearls, the 97 still performs well on groomers, although it truly shines off-piste. It's a fairly stiff ski that holds up well at speed and doesn't chatter much, making it a solid choice for advanced skiers.

Similarities

Both the Icelantic Riveter 95 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 97 are designed for all-mountain use, offering a blend of power, stability, and agility that can handle a variety of snow conditions. They both feature a lightweight wood core, which contributes to their quick and snappy performance. Both skis are also praised for their versatility, with the ability to handle groomers, trees, and powder with ease. They are both designed with a women's specific design, ensuring they are tailored to the needs and preferences of female skiers.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain use, they cater to slightly different personas. The Icelantic Riveter 95 is ideal for skiers who value quick and easy turn initiation, making it a great choice for those who enjoy off-piste adventures. Its early rise profile and lightweight design make it a nimble and responsive ski, perfect for skiers who love to explore and conquer any condition on the mountain.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Black Pearl 97 is a high-performance ski that excels in all conditions. It's particularly suited for all-mountain terrain, trees, and light powder, making it an excellent choice for West Coast conditions. Its TrueBlend Flipcore design and reduced weight make it a solid choice for advanced skiers who value stability and control at high speeds.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Icelantic Riveter 95's early rise profile and lightweight design give it a slight edge in terms of agility and responsiveness.

In terms of performance in all conditions, the Blizzard Black Pearl 97 stands out. Its updates, including a reduced core and removed rubber dampeners, have resulted in a ski that is softer, lighter, and easier to control, making it a high-performance ski that can handle any condition.

For durability and warranty, the Icelantic Riveter 95 takes the lead with its 3-year warranty, which is considered one of the best in the business.

Finally, in terms of aesthetics, both skis are beautifully designed. However, the Icelantic Riveter 95's handcrafted design and stunning topsheet graphics give it a unique edge.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Icelantic Riveter 95 Skis and the Blizzard Black Pearl 97 Skis are exceptional choices for female skiers seeking a versatile, all-mountain ski. The Riveter 95 stands out for its agility, responsiveness, and excellent warranty, making it a great choice for adventurous skiers who love to explore off-piste terrains. On the other hand, the Black Pearl 97 shines for its high-performance capabilities, stability, and control, making it a solid choice for advanced skiers who value performance in all conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the skier's preferences, skiing style, and the conditions they typically ski in.