2016-2017 Blizzard Samba

Moguls & Trees

Moguls aren’t really my jam, but the narrower waist of the Samba made the sea of endless bumps at Deer Valley seem less daunting. The moguls were sizable and firm, not having seen new snow in 3 weeks, but the stiff tails of the Sambas and the softer, subtly rockered shovels helped me navigate the trenches, biting into the snow and helping to throw me smoothly into the next turn.

The same feel applies to the Samba when exploring trees. The shorter sidecut radius and camber underfoot provided a predictable and stable ride when weaving through the trees in and around Eagle’s Nest at Alta.

Lexi Dowdall reviews the Blizzard Samba, Blister Gear Review
Lexi Dowdall, Eagle’s Nest, Alta Ski Area.

Powder

I haven’t been able to take the Sambas out in anything deeper than a boot-deep powder. Still, I think I have a pretty good idea of what the Sambas can do in fresh conditions. The ski’s rockered tips never dove on me, and I was surprised at how much float it provided at 98mm underfoot, having spent the bulk of the previous two winters on skis that are 105mm and fatter.

While lacking the buttery, planing feel achieved with more dramatically rockered skis like the VJJ, the Samba still floated well and I felt comfortable skiing powder at speed. Again, these skis really just love to go fast, but the wide shovel was effective in staying atop the snow and planing along the surface at both fast and slower speeds in 12-16” of snow. The Samba wouldn’t be my first choice on a day deeper than 10”, but if I only had one pair of skis in my lineup, the Sambas would still suffice.

Lexi Dowdall reviews the Blizzard Samba, Blister Gear Review
Lexi Dowdall, Alta Ski Area.

Chop

Crud is another area where the Samba excels. The ski’s stiffer flex helped to absorb vibrations in the decidedly rougher snow we’ve experienced this past January. Compared to the VJJ, TSTw, or Millennium, the Samba was much more reliable, providing a damper ride. The Moment Bella was the only ski that came close to the stability of the Samba in crud, though the Samba feels significantly more nimble than the Bella.

Drops & Airs

Not nearly as poppy or lively as the VJJ, the Samba is not quite as enjoyable when boosting off natural features or taking airs. The bamboo stringers keep the Samba lively enough, but the VJJ is noticeably more responsive in the air with a much lighter swing weight. The Samba is a bit better in the air than the Bella, largely because the Bella feels quite a bit heavier. I feel more in control and more confident on the VJJ in the air, but the Samba is still enjoyable.

The One Ski Quiver Question: Blizzard Samba vs. Armada VJJ

For the past 3 seasons, the Armada VJJ has been my go-to, everyday ski in Utah. But if I was forced to choose just one pair of skis for a season, I might actually choose the Samba over the VJJ. I love the VJJ, but I think the Samba is a predictable, more versatile option that is well suited to my style of skiing.

I prefer big mountain powder skiing and big sweeping turns, but when the snow isn’t ideal, I love railing down groomers as fast as I can. The Samba is a ski that can deliver better performance than the VJJ on groomers, which isn’t very surprising.

The VJJ is undoubtedly more fun in powder, and will be best for those who like a smeary, buttery, more playful feel. But I came to appreciate the versatility of the Samba in all conditions. I’ll be taking the VJJ out for powder days, but if I could only have one ski, I think I would probably choose the Samba over the VJJ for the sake of performance in all conditions.

Bottom Line / Who’s It For?

I wouldn’t be intimidated by Blizzard’s claim that this ski is for expert females. I think intermediate skiers looking to progress can also appreciate what the Samba has to offer.

And just as Jonathan reported about the Blizzard Bonafide, there wasn’t anywhere or anything I didn’t enjoy skiing on the Samba.

21 comments on “2016-2017 Blizzard Samba”

  1. Nice review, pretty much how I feel about my Kabookie versus my JJ. if I had to pick between the two for a one ski quiver no matter what I honestly would still pick my JJ believe it or not. My wife demoed a Samba a couple weeks ago against her Elysian and she loved it. But not enough to consider giving up her Elysian or going through the hassle of another ski. She loves her VJJ too! Thanks for the good reviews and hopefully other women will start jumping in too.
    Skifreak

    • Thanks for reading Skifreak!

      If pressed, I would definitely go Samba over Elysian, I found it much more enjoyable and responsive than the Elysian, but to each her own : )

      VJJ is great as well, happy to hear she’s stoked!

  2. What a great review! I am one of those “intermediate” skiers who can (mostly) handle the Samba! I love how smooth it is and yet it will really snap the turns. It just begs me to go faster, because it is SO stable and strong. And yet I had no trouble slowing down and putzing around on it, either. This is going to be a great ski for me to grow into.

    • Thanks for weighing in Amy!
      Happy to hear that you too found joy on the Samba! It really is a solid choice!
      Would you mind my asking where or what types of conditions you find the Samba gives you trouble? That may help other readers better evaluate if the Samba will be a good choice for them : )

      Thanks for reading!

  3. Lexi, thanks for the response! I assure you it’s operator error as I just don’t to ski enough days to keep my skills sharp! I’m also moving up from the Black Pearls in a 159–a shorter, softer, narrower ski–which means I still have to adjust my technique to the stronger Sambas (which I have in the 166.) I still like to ski with a narrower stance, too, so if I had to answer your question, I’d blame it on that more than anything. I have yet to pinpoint anything I DON’T like about the Sambas–I’ll be skiing them at Powder Mountain and Snowbasin in a couple weeks so can report back after that :D

  4. A friend is considering this ski. What size would you recommend for a woman 5’5″ and appx 150 lbs? She mostly skis groomers (I’d call it intermediate), but will likely be skiing more in the coming years and beginning to venture off-piste (moving towards advanced). Skiing in Tahoe. Thanks!!

    • Hello Meters,

      Thanks for reading!
      This ski does feel like a slightly shorter ski because the rocker in the tip decreases the effective edge, so it would feel a bit shorter than a non-rockered ski of the same length.
      It’s also fairly lightweight, so swing weight shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve sized up since I’m a fairly aggressive skier, but someone of that size and ability level would most likely be comfortable on the 166cm Samba. Do you have any idea what model ski and length this skier is currently using?

      • Perfect – the 166 was what I was thinking would work too. (I don’t know what she’s on now…but I do know she needs a new set-up!) Thanks!

  5. I want to update my thoughts on this ski for an aspiring intermediate skier after skiing them several days in Utah, including about 8″ of fresh. They are AMAZING! I do not find them too demanding at all, in fact, they are game to go as slow as I want and when I DO want to hit the gas, they are very reliable and will turn very quickly for me! I even hit a wind-sheered (read: rather icy hardpack) black diamond run and they held an edge for me beautifully. These are fantastic, confidence-inspiring skis! I won’t be an upper-level intermediate much longer with the Sambas under foot!

    • Nice Amy!

      Glad to hear you are stoked! (And got some fresh snow!!)
      Thanks so much for weighing in! We absolutely LOVE to hear what other ladies are thinking!
      : ) Shred on…

  6. Hi Lexi,
    I loved your review. I am seriously considering the Samba (taking advantage of the off-season deals). Though I’ve skied out West and New England for 45 years, I only ski 10-15 days/year, split between East and West, and much of it chasing my kids (12 and 15). Otherwise I’m trying to keep up with my aggressive husband on his Line Prophets. So this will be my only pair of skis after I retire my old K-2 Luv’s.
    I am a petite (5’0″, 125 lbs) 52-year-old expert skier. What length would you recommend I try in the Samba?

    thanks,
    Amy G

  7. I recently purchased these Samba’s, but now I need bindings! Any recommendations?
    I’m an advanced skier…I like, and am trying to get better on, the bumps and see a lot of ice since I ski in the Northeast (mainly VT).
    Looking forward to getting out on these babies :)
    Thanks in advance!
    Leah

    • Hey Leah!

      Thanks so much for reading. I highly recommend bindings with a turntable heelpeice.

      Good examples would be the LOOK Pivot 12 binding or the Rossignol FKS 120.
      These styles of bindings help prevent pre-release and knee injury, especially in falls with twisting motion. I’ve been skiing these for years, making the switch because I tore my meniscus in a pre-release situation in a REALLY dumb crash. These bindings help me rest a little easier.

      Just match up the binding width to the 98mm waist (a 100mm brake would be perfect) -and you’ll be set!

  8. Hi Lexi,
    I loved your review. I am seriously considering the Samba (taking advantage of the off-season deals). Though I’ve skied out West and New England for 45 years, I only ski 10-15 days/year, split between East and West, and much of it chasing my kids (12 and 15). Otherwise I’m trying to keep up with my aggressive husband on his Line Prophets. So this will be my only pair of skis after I retire my old K-2 Luv’s.
    I am a petite (5’0″, 125 lbs) 52-year-old expert skier. What length would you recommend I try in the Samba?

    thanks,
    Amy G

    • Hey Amy!

      Thanks so much for reading, I’m glad you liked it!
      You are going to love the Samba, it’s such a versatile ski!
      I am a little bit taller at 5’3″. I would say my legs are pretty strong, stronger than average for someone of my size so I had no problem on the 173cm length. But the average person of my size would probably be most comfortable on the 166cm.

      Depending how in shape your legs are I would probably recommend the 159cm length for your shorter height to ensure you can drive the skis with power and confidence.

      Also how long are your current K-2 LUVs?

      The 166cm could work if your legs are in great shape and you run or cycle a bunch. It all comes down to how comfortable you feel on your current length. That will help you determine if sizing up (or down) makes sense on the Samba which has slight rocker in the tips and tails. This rocker shape gives a shorter effective edge so the ski will feel like a slightly shorter ski when you are initiating turns.

  9. Great review! Thinking of pulling the trigger on these skis, as a do-it-all east coast ski (that will likely travel out west occasionally). Love the trees, off-piste stuff but often end up on groomers due to conditions here. I have a pair of Hart “the one” skis that I LOVE, with a tele setup, and want a similar alpine setup. My Harts are 166, and that is perfect for me for those skis. They are not a rockered ski though. I’m about 5’8” and 160lbs, and am thinking the 166 in the Samba… but from reading other reviews, I’m thinking that may be too short? I’m very athletic (biker/runner) so pretty strong… but worry about a longer ski in the trees. I’m thinking of putting the Marker Griffon on these. Thoughts?

  10. Hi!!

    Wicked review and very helpful!! I am an advanced skier and love skiing in the trees and in all sorts of snow conditions. I also love flying at top speed but I also love bumps and trees. I am considering the Sambas but I have 2 questions and could really use some help:

    1) I have no clue what size to get. I am 5’5 but only 100 pounds. I am an aggressive skier (with a racing background) but am not sure what to base the choice of ski length on (height, weight, aggression…all of the above?). I have been on fairly short skis for a while now (154) and I know I have to get longer skis but I do not want to get something difficult to maneuver. Should I get 159 or 166?? Any guidance in this regard would be awesome.

    2) I have been looking at the Black Pearls too and they have great reviews and seem quite versatile but a number of people keep referring to them as intermediate skis. If you have tried these skis and can offer any points of comparison, that would be excellent. I am also considering them because they are significantly more narrow underfoot, which is what I am used to….

    Any thoughts on the above would be so greatly appreciated!!!

  11. Jackie

    The Black Pearls aren’t intermediate skis necessarily. They have a very similar construction to the Samba. All the Blizzard women’s skis share that construction which makes them light and soft but still with a lot of torsional stiffness. This makes them easy to ski for a lot of different ability levels. A intermediate skier can enjoy the same ski as an advance skier. If you’re used to something closer to the Black Pearl then the Black Pearl is what I would recommend. They do have some tip and tail rocker so you can ski longer. If you want to ski on a little longer ski I would say you would have no problem with the 166 Black pearl.

  12. Great review, love that you respond to questions and input.
    Considering upgrade to the Blizzard Samba for my wife that is sking at an intermediate – advanced level, east coast most of the time, with west coast skiing once a year. She is 5’9″ and weighs approximately 200 lbs. She currently is sking Dynastar agyl 7 RL. Do you think the 166 in the Samba would possibly be the correct choice for her?
    Thanks RDF

  13. Hi, I am looking to replace my one quiver skis from years ago. I live on the east coast now but make several trips to Europe (for work) and CO each year, and also aspire to move to CO in a year or two (likely). Having done ski team growing up on the east coast, I’m a very solid piste skier, and love venturing out any chance I can to experience and improve in powder. I’m thinking to buy the Volkl Kenja (90 mm waist) now as my one quiver ski for East Coast skiing and CO/Euro trips, and then add in a wider ski later if/when I move to Co (I would even love to get into touring) and then have the two types of skis in CO. Would the Samba be a better option? I’m sure but he Kenja would be perfect now but hate for it to sit unused if I move to CO. Would the Samba be a reasonable ski on the east coast as a one quiver ski and be a better choice over the Kenja as the narrower of two types of ski once in CO? Appreciate any thoughts!

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