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Expert Comparison: Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis · Women's · 2024 vs Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024

Published on 02/09/2024 · 6 min readCompare Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis · Women's · 2024 and Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Charlotte H, Ski Expert
Jessica Whittam, Ski Expert
Peter Locke, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Charlotte H, Jessica Whittam, Peter Locke, Sara Beeken, Elias Lawson and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis · Women's · 2025
Out of stock
Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis · Women's · 2024
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from:$244.99
50% off
User rating
5(2)
5(10)
The Curated Take

Best for skiers who want a versatile all-mountain ski that performs well on groomers and powder.

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 for their exceptional performance and versatility: the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88. Both skis are designed for the 2024 season and are geared towards intermediate to advanced skiers. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is a powerful, stiff ski that excels in carving and freeriding, while the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski that shines on groomers and in light powder. Both skis are praised for their stability, responsiveness, and edge hold. However, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is more demanding and requires a forward stance, while the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is more accessible and easy to turn. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is recommended for East Coast and all-mountain skiers, while the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is a great choice for Midwest or East Coast skiers who prefer groomers. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis are a revamped version of Salomon's old Lux model, designed with extra power and stability in their tips. These skis are stiff and packed with power, making them a more demanding ski that requires a forward stance and a good amount of energy to get turning. However, once they are turning, they are incredibly fun and rewarding.

The QST Lux 92 skis have a little bit of extra rocker through their tips, which makes them easier to initiate turns with. In contrast, they have a lot of camber underfoot, allowing you to really lay into a turn without sliding out. They also have excellent edge hold and can plow through variable, choppy, uneven terrain at any speed.

These skis are not the most playful due to their weight, but they can be fun for someone who knows how to power through them. They are not recommended for skiing switch or for the park, but they can handle jumps and are stable upon landing.

In terms of freeriding, the QST Lux 92 skis are not ideal for powder due to their 92mm underfoot width, but they excel in uneven terrain and chunder. They are moderately maneuverable in the trees, but they require a forward stance and a good amount of energy to turn.

The Salomon QST Lux 92 skis are recommended for East Coast and all-mountain skiers, and are not suitable for beginners due to their weight and demanding nature.

I was really impressed and surprised by these skis. I wasn't expecting them to be as powerful as they are. It took me a little bit of time to get used to the amount of power that they have packed in their tips. But after a couple of runs, I was really loving them.

Charlotte H
Ski Expert

The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Skis are a popular choice among women skiers for their versatility and performance. They are easy to turn and have a strong grip on groomers, making them ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers.

The Black Pearl 88 skis have a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which makes them versatile and suitable for a variety of terrain. They are more directional than their bigger sister, the Sheevas, and excel on groomers and in light powder.

These skis are incredibly smooth thanks to Blizzard's proprietary Flipcore technology. They also feature Trueblend technology, which adjusts the stiffness of the skis according to their length. This means that smaller skis will be softer than longer ones, providing a tailored skiing experience for each skier.

The Black Pearl 88 skis perform well at high speeds and are able to navigate through narrow trees and tighter turns. They handle chop and chunder well and are moderately maneuverable in the trees. However, they are not ideal for deep snow due to their 88mm underfoot width.

The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 skis are recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers, and are not suitable for expert skiers who prefer a more responsive and powerful 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.

Jessica Whittam
Ski Expert

Similarities

The Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 share several similarities. Both are designed for women and are geared towards intermediate to advanced skiers. They both have a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which makes them versatile and suitable for a variety of terrain. Both skis are praised for their stability, responsiveness, and edge hold. They are also both capable of handling chop and chunder, and are moderately maneuverable in the trees.

Both skis are not ideal for deep snow due to their underfoot widths (92mm for the Salomon QST Lux 92 and 88mm for the Blizzard Black Pearl 88). They are also not recommended for beginners due to their demanding nature and the amount of energy required to turn them.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 share several similarities, they also have key differences that make them suitable for different types of skiers.

The Salomon QST Lux 92 is a powerful, stiff ski that requires a forward stance and a good amount of energy to get turning. It is more demanding and is recommended for East Coast and all-mountain skiers who are not beginners. This ski is perfect for skiers who love to carve and freeride, and who are not afraid to put some power into their turns.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is more accessible and easy to turn. It is a versatile all-mountain ski that excels on groomers and in light powder. This ski is ideal for Midwest or East Coast skiers who prefer groomers, or for those who want a reliable and durable ski that offers a classic performance.

In terms of persona, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is for the adventurous, power-loving skier who loves to carve and freeride, while the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is for the versatile skier who enjoys cruising on groomers and exploring light powder.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88, the winner depends on the specific dimension being considered:

  1. Power and Performance: The Salomon QST Lux 92 takes the lead in this category. Its powerful and stiff design allows for aggressive carving and freeriding, making it a thrilling choice for advanced skiers.

  2. Versatility: The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 wins in terms of versatility. Its easy turn initiation and strong grip on groomers make it a great all-around ski for a variety of conditions.

  3. Accessibility: The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is more accessible and easier to turn, making it a better choice for intermediate skiers looking to advance their skills.

  4. Durability: Both skis are known for their durability and long-lasting performance, making this category a tie.

Overall, the choice between the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 depends on the skier's personal preference, skill level, and the type of terrain they prefer to ski on.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 are exceptional skis that cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is a powerful, stiff ski that excels in carving and freeriding, making it a great choice for advanced skiers who love to push their limits. On the other hand, the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski that shines on groomers and in light powder, making it a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a reliable and durable ski that can handle a variety of conditions.

In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and skiing style. Whether you're a power-loving skier who loves to carve and freeride, or a versatile skier who enjoys cruising on groomers and exploring light powder, there's a ski out there that's perfect for you. So get out there, hit the slopes, and have fun!

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