Expert Comparison: Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2024 vs Blizzard Black Pearl 82 Skis · Women's · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$350.00 50% off | from:$324.98 50% off |
The Curated Take | Best for female skiers seeking a powerful frontside ski with versatility for all-mountain terrain, offering excellent edge grip and smooth carving. | Best for progressing intermediate level skiers seeking versatility and maneuverability. |
User rating | -- | 5(2) |
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, the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 82 are two standout options for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a blend of performance and versatility that can handle a variety of conditions. The Kenja 88 is a playful, directional ski that excels on groomers and offers a stiffer, heavier ride that rewards aggression. The Black Pearl 82, on the other hand, is a versatile all-mountain ski that offers a smooth, stable ride and excels in long radius turns. Both skis have their strengths and are well-loved by experts, but the Kenja 88's tailored Titanal frame and the Black Pearl 82's rocker-camber-rocker shape set them apart. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the skier.
The Völkl Kenja 88 Skis are a playful, directional ski designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. They feature a tailored Titanal frame and a tailored carbon tip, which provide a stiffer, heavier ride that rewards aggression. The skis also have a shorter turn radius than previous models, making them more responsive and nimble.
The Kenja 88's are designed to perform exceptionally well on groomers, with excellent edge hold and dampness that prevents chatter in any condition. They are also surprisingly playful and poppy, with the ability to hop easily from edge to edge. However, they are not as well-suited for powder conditions, as they are primarily designed for groomers.
The skis are also designed with a tailored Titanal frame for each size, meaning that as you go down in size, there's less metal, making the skis lighter and more nimble. This makes them a great option for skiers who want a ski that can grow with them as they progress from intermediate to expert level.
However, beginners and those who ski a lot of powder may want to avoid the Kenja 88's, as they are a burlier groomer ski and are not as light and nimble as some other beginner options. They are also not as wide underfoot, making them less ideal for powder conditions.
My overall impression was that this is a really playful directional. This is a really playful groomer ripper. My overall impression of the ski is that it's a really fun intermediate-to-advanced groomer ripper. These are reinforced with the Titanal frame, which means that these are going to be a bit stiffer than other groomer beginner-to-intermediate options.
My overall impression was that this is a really playful directional. This is a really playful groomer ripper. My overall impression of the ski is that it's a really fun intermediate-to-advanced groomer ripper. These are reinforced with the Titanal frame, which means that these are going to be a bit stiffer than other groomer beginner-to-intermediate options.
Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2024
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The Blizzard Black Pearl 82 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. They feature a Trueblend core and a Carbon Flipcore, which provide stability and control on both hard-packed and soft snow. The skis also have a rocker-camber-rocker shape, which allows them to stay on edge easily while carving and float in powder with its tip rocker.
The Black Pearl 82's are most at home in long turns, offering fantastic edge hold and a smooth, stable ride. They are also relatively lightweight, making them ideal for skiers who are looking to progress and improve their skills. However, they do have a speed limit and can feel a little chattery and unstable at higher speeds.
The skis are not designed for freestyle skiing or skiing switch, but they can handle some jumps and offer some energy and pop. They also struggle in heavier, wetter, or deeper snow due to their 82 underfoot width, but they handle uneven terrain and chunder well.
The Black Pearl 82's are a great choice for skiers who love wide open groomers and want a ski that can handle various terrain with ease. However, they may not be the best choice for beginners, expert skiers who like speed, or skiers who want to ski off-piste or in the trees.
Upon testing these skis, there are certainly major pros and cons for me for this ski. Personally, I think it does really well for someone who likes to stick to the groomers and make medium and longer radius terms. I like to ski on groomers, bumps, and in trees, and I struggled to get them around through tighter areas.
Upon testing these skis, there are certainly major pros and cons for me for this ski. Personally, I think it does really well for someone who likes to stick to the groomers and make medium and longer radius terms. I like to ski on groomers, bumps, and in trees, and I struggled to get them around through tighter areas.
Blizzard Black Pearl 82 Skis · Women's · 2024
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- Returnable
Similarities
The Völkl Kenja 88 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 82 share several similarities. Both are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are built to perform well on groomers. They both offer excellent edge hold and stability, making them great options for skiers who love carving turns on groomed trails.
Both skis also have a rocker-camber-rocker shape, which allows them to stay on edge easily while carving and provide some float in powder. They are also both relatively lightweight, making them ideal for skiers who are looking to progress and improve their skills.
Finally, both skis are highly regarded and have been praised by experts for their performance and versatility. They are both seen as skis that can help skiers progress and improve their skills, making them great options for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 82 share several similarities, they also have some key differences. The Kenja 88 is a bit stiffer and heavier, making it a better choice for aggressive skiers who want a ski that rewards their aggression. It's also a bit more playful and nimble, making it a great option for skiers who like to mix up their turns and play around on the mountain.
On the other hand, the Black Pearl 82 is a bit softer and more forgiving, making it a better choice for skiers who want a ski that's easy to control and maneuver. It's also a bit more stable at high speeds, making it a great option for skiers who love to carve long, fast turns on groomed trails.
In terms of persona, the Kenja 88 is a great choice for the aggressive, adventurous skier who loves to rip up groomers and play around on the mountain. The Black Pearl 82, on the other hand, is a great choice for the skier who loves to carve long, fast turns on groomed trails and wants a ski that's stable and easy to control.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When comparing the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 82, the winner will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.
- Performance on Groomers: Both skis perform well on groomers, but the Kenja 88's playful nature and ability to rip up groomers gives it a slight edge in this category.
- Versatility: The Black Pearl 82's rocker-camber-rocker shape and ability to handle various terrain with ease make it the winner in terms of versatility.
- Progression: Both skis are designed to help skiers progress and improve their skills, but the Kenja 88's stiffer, heavier ride that rewards aggression makes it a better choice for skiers looking to push their limits and progress to the next level.
- Stability: While both skis offer excellent stability, the Black Pearl 82's stability at high speeds and excellent edge hold make it the winner in this category.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 82 are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers. The Kenja 88's playful nature and ability to rip up groomers make it a great choice for aggressive skiers who love to play around on the mountain. On the other hand, the Black Pearl 82's versatility and stability make it a great choice for skiers who love to carve long, fast turns on groomed trails and want a ski that can handle various terrain with ease.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the skier. So whether you're an aggressive skier looking for a playful, nimble ski or a skier who loves to carve long, fast turns on groomed trails, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Blizzard Black Pearl 82 have something to offer.
