Expert Comparison: Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024 vs Atomic Maven 93 C Skis · Women's · 2023

Published on 02/05/2024 · 5 min readCompare Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024 and Atomic Maven 93 C Skis · Women's · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Jessica Whittam, Ski Expert
Lauren Dobbins, Ski Expert
Sara Beeken, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Jessica Whittam, Lauren Dobbins, Sara Beeken, Peter Locke, Henry Kvietok and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024
Out of stock
Atomic Maven 93 C Skis · Women's · 2023
Price
from:$244.99
50% off
$388.93
40% off
User rating
5(9)
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The Curated Take

Best for intermediate to advanced women skiers who prefer groomed runs.

Best for intermediate to advanced women skiers seeking stability at high speeds and easy maneuverability in various conditions.

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 Blizzard Black Pearl 88 and the Atomic Maven 93 C. Both are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. The Black Pearl 88, a favorite among many, is known for its exceptional carving ability, smooth ride, and versatility across various terrains. The Atomic Maven 93 C, on the other hand, impresses with its stability at high speeds, easy maneuverability, and capability in all conditions. While both skis have their strengths, the Black Pearl 88 is more suited to groomers and light powder, while the Maven 93 C is better for higher-snow areas. The final verdict? It depends on your skiing style and preferred terrain. But one thing's for sure: both skis will take your skiing experience to the next level.

The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. These skis are the most popular women's ski out there, and for good reason. They're versatile, catering to intermediate and advanced skiers, but also accessible to aggressive beginners looking to improve their skills.

The Black Pearl 88's are designed with a rocker-camber-rocker profile, making them more directional and excellent on groomers and light powder. They also feature Blizzard's proprietary Flipcore technology, which makes the skis incredibly smooth. Another cool feature is the Trueblend technology, which adjusts the stiffness of the ski according to its length.

These skis excel on groomers, with excellent edge hold and responsiveness. They can handle high speeds and are also capable of navigating through narrow trees and making tight turns at slower speeds. Despite their narrower width compared to other big mountain skis, they perform phenomenally in the trees and crud.

The Black Pearl 88's are recommended for intermediate to advanced riders, as well as aggressive beginners looking to progress. They're not ideal for deep snow due to their narrower width, and they may not be the best choice for those looking for a playful terrain park type ski or a freestyle, freeride ski that excels in powder.

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.

Jessica Whittam
Ski Expert

The Atomic Maven 93 C Skis are a game-changer for women skiers. They're designed to be stable in chop and at high speeds on groomers, and they're exceptionally easy to turn in moguls. This makes them a great match for any intermediate woman looking to advance her skills, as well as for advanced skiers.

At 93mm underfoot, the Maven 93 C is geared towards higher-snow areas like Colorado and Utah. However, experts might find the ski a bit too dull and perhaps too narrow. Despite this, the Maven 93 C is a ski that many women would find impressive.

The Maven 93 C features Atomic's Omatic Core Construction, a mixture of titanium and fiberglass that allows the ski to be extra snappy and strong while powering through chundery hard pack. Its rocker-camber-rocker construction allows for easy turn initiation, and the 93mm width will have you on your edge ripping a sick turn in a split second.

The Maven 93 C is not ideal for expert skiers, but it's a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced women skiers who want a versatile ski that excels on groomers and can handle some off-piste skiing.

I tested the Atomic Maven 93 C for the first time this season, and I was seriously impressed! This ski was stable in chop and at high speeds on groomers. It was exceptionally easy to turn in moguls as well.

Lauren Dobbins
Ski Expert

Similarities

The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 and the Atomic Maven 93 C share several similarities. Both are designed for intermediate to advanced women skiers, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. They both feature a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which allows for easy turn initiation and excellent performance on groomers. Both skis are also praised for their stability at high speeds and their ability to handle a variety of conditions. They're both lightweight and responsive, making them easy to maneuver and fun to ski on.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 and the Atomic Maven 93 C have many similarities, they also have key differences that make them suitable for different types of skiers. The Black Pearl 88 is narrower at 88mm underfoot, making it more suited to groomers and light powder. It's also recommended for aggressive beginners looking to improve their skills, in addition to intermediate and advanced skiers.

On the other hand, the Maven 93 C is wider at 93mm underfoot, making it better for higher-snow areas. It's also considered to be a bit too dull for expert skiers, making it a better fit for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to advance their skills.

In terms of persona, the Black Pearl 88 is perfect for the ambitious beginner or intermediate skier who wants a ski that can grow with them as they improve. The Maven 93 C, on the other hand, is ideal for the adventurous skier who loves to explore different terrains and conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 and the Atomic Maven 93 C, the winner depends on the specific dimension being considered.

  1. Versatility: Both skis are versatile, but the Black Pearl 88's narrower width makes it more adaptable to various conditions, from groomers to light powder. Winner: Black Pearl 88.
  2. Performance on Groomers: Both skis perform well on groomers, but the Black Pearl 88's exceptional carving ability gives it the edge. Winner: Black Pearl 88.
  3. Performance in High-Snow Areas: The Maven 93 C's wider width makes it better suited for higher-snow areas. Winner: Maven 93 C.
  4. Accessibility for Beginners: The Black Pearl 88 is more accessible to aggressive beginners looking to improve their skills. Winner: Black Pearl 88.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 and the Atomic Maven 93 C are excellent choices for women skiers looking to advance their skills. The Black Pearl 88 stands out for its versatility, exceptional carving ability, and accessibility for beginners. The Maven 93 C, on the other hand, shines in higher-snow areas and offers impressive stability at high speeds. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your skiing style, preferred terrain, and skill level. But no matter which one you choose, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!

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