In the world of women's skis, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 and the Black Crows Captis Birdie are two standout options for 2024. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a versatile, all-mountain experience. The Santa Ana 88 is praised for its agility, maneuverability, and fun factor, especially in the trees and moguls. The Captis Birdie, on the other hand, is lauded for its easy turning, stability, and edge hold on groomers. Both skis are versatile and can handle a variety of conditions, but they shine in different areas. The Santa Ana 88 is a great choice for skiers who love to explore off-piste, while the Captis Birdie is a solid option for those who prefer groomed runs. However, the final verdict will depend on the individual skier's preferences and needs.

Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Nordica Santa Ana 88 skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a versatile, all-mountain experience. These skis have an 88 millimeter waist, making them nimble and agile, and easy to get up on edge. They also have a decent sidecut, which aids in carving through turns. The Santa Ana 88s are equipped with more metal than their 93 counterparts, providing more rebound and a slightly stiffer flex. This makes them more stable at higher speeds and gives them a bit more pop.

The Santa Ana 88s are not just about performance; they also have a fun factor. Skiers have praised them for their maneuverability in the trees and bumps, and their ability to turn on a dime. They are also noted for their playful nature and the enjoyment they bring to the skiing experience. However, they are not the most damp or stable skis out there, and they may not be the best choice for skiers who primarily ski on icier mountains or who like to charge hard and fast down the slopes.

Black Crows Captis Birdie Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Black Crows Captis Birdie skis are a versatile option for skiers looking for a one-ski quiver. They perform well in a variety of conditions, from powder to groomers, and can handle both short turns and longer, faster arcs. The playful rocker profile is balanced by stiffness and camber underfoot, providing stability and edge hold. With a progressive flex and a long effective edge, these skis offer maneuverability and grip at high speeds.

The Captis Birdie skis are also noted for their easy turning and stability on groomers. They are a twin-tip ski, which makes them versatile and easy to turn. However, they are not the stiffest skis out there, and they may not be the best choice for advanced skiers who like to ski at high speeds. They are also not the best choice for powder, as they are only about 90mm underfoot.

Similarities

Both the Nordica Santa Ana 88 and the Black Crows Captis Birdie are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a versatile, all-mountain experience. They both have a similar waist width, with the Santa Ana 88 at 88mm and the Captis Birdie at 90mm, making them agile and easy to maneuver. Both skis are praised for their ability to carve and hold an edge, and they both offer a balance of stability and agility. They are also both noted for their playful nature and the fun they bring to the skiing experience.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and cater to a similar skill level, they shine in different areas. The Nordica Santa Ana 88 is a great choice for skiers who love to explore off-piste, especially in the trees and moguls. They are also a good choice for skiers who prefer a more mellow, moderate speed and who are not looking to charge hard and fast down the slopes.

On the other hand, the Black Crows Captis Birdie is a solid option for skiers who prefer groomed runs. They are easy to turn and hold up well at speed, making them a good choice for skiers who like to carve. However, they may not be the best choice for advanced skiers who like to ski at high speeds or for those who prefer powder, as they are only about 90mm underfoot.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Nordica Santa Ana 88 might have a slight edge due to its superior performance in off-piste conditions. For carving and edge hold, both skis are praised, but the Black Crows Captis Birdie might take the lead due to its stability on groomers. In terms of playfulness, both skis are noted for their fun factor, but the Santa Ana 88 might be a bit more playful due to its agility and maneuverability. Finally, for speed, the Captis Birdie might be the winner as it holds up well at speed and offers good grip.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Nordica Santa Ana 88 and the Black Crows Captis Birdie are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain experience. The Santa Ana 88 shines in off-piste conditions and offers a fun, agile ride, while the Captis Birdie excels on groomers and provides stability and easy turning. The final choice will depend on the individual skier's preferences and needs. Whether you're carving on groomers, exploring off-piste, or just looking for a fun, playful ride, both these skis have a lot to offer. So, get out there and hit the slopes!