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My wife — who would probably rather die than hassle with demoing skis — absolutely loves here OG Black Pearl 88s in 159. The more she skis them, the more she skis them. She’s about your size at 5’2″ and skis very well, but does NOT ski fast anymore, for a variety of reasons.
Her current wider ski is an OG Atomic Century. Any thoughts on the new BP 98 as a replacement? Just right? Too close in size to her 88s? Looking to burn up some REI dividend dough during the spring sales!
Thanks!
Hi, I’m 5’9”, 140lb, and an intermediate/advanced skier. Would you recommend the 166 or 173 length?
Thanks!
Hi Leslie- I think it depends on what you are use to skiing. The ski is somewhat stiff and tends to ski its true length (i.e. it doesn’t have that much of a early rise in the tip so most of the stated ski length is in contact with the snow). With that said, if you are use to a ski in the upper 160s I would say the 166 would be more comfortable especially if you like to either ski moguls or make shorter turns on groomers, but at 5’9″ I think that if you are use to skiing a relatively stiff ski in the 168 and up length, then the 173 would not feel too long. Happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Leslie –
I’m an expert skier (grew up near a ski area) about your size, 5’8” 135. Ive skied a lot of Blizzard skis – Black Pear 88 and 98 (both at 166), Bonafide (166 and 173), Rustler 10 (172) – in search of a new all purpose ski. I look to ski soft snow since I live in Colorado so I’m looking for 100ish + under foot. The BP is a toned down version of the Bonifide which is too stiff for me (for what I want soft steeps and soft big bumps) at my desired length (173) but has the right turning radius. I will say they’re great on groomers. If you want to ski groomers (particularly fast) go with the 173. If you want to venture into some tight terrain I’d suggest 166. My two cents. BTW After testing a lot more skis I settled on the JSki Metal (107 under foot) at 173 – very similar to the Rustler 10. Good luck. There are a lot of good skis out there.
Flavia
Hello!
Wondering what size climbing skins you’d recommend for Black Pearl 98 at 166 length? I know that there are lighter ski choices, but that’s what my wife is working with! Thanks for the help!
-Rob
Nice, concise review Sascha. Thanks.
My wife — who would probably rather die than hassle with demoing skis — absolutely loves here OG Black Pearl 88s in 159. The more she skis them, the more she skis them. She’s about your size at 5’2″ and skis very well, but does NOT ski fast anymore, for a variety of reasons.
Her current wider ski is an OG Atomic Century. Any thoughts on the new BP 98 as a replacement? Just right? Too close in size to her 88s? Looking to burn up some REI dividend dough during the spring sales!
Thanks!
Hi, I’m 5’9”, 140lb, and an intermediate/advanced skier. Would you recommend the 166 or 173 length?
Thanks!
Hi Leslie- I think it depends on what you are use to skiing. The ski is somewhat stiff and tends to ski its true length (i.e. it doesn’t have that much of a early rise in the tip so most of the stated ski length is in contact with the snow). With that said, if you are use to a ski in the upper 160s I would say the 166 would be more comfortable especially if you like to either ski moguls or make shorter turns on groomers, but at 5’9″ I think that if you are use to skiing a relatively stiff ski in the 168 and up length, then the 173 would not feel too long. Happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Leslie –
I’m an expert skier (grew up near a ski area) about your size, 5’8” 135. Ive skied a lot of Blizzard skis – Black Pear 88 and 98 (both at 166), Bonafide (166 and 173), Rustler 10 (172) – in search of a new all purpose ski. I look to ski soft snow since I live in Colorado so I’m looking for 100ish + under foot. The BP is a toned down version of the Bonifide which is too stiff for me (for what I want soft steeps and soft big bumps) at my desired length (173) but has the right turning radius. I will say they’re great on groomers. If you want to ski groomers (particularly fast) go with the 173. If you want to venture into some tight terrain I’d suggest 166. My two cents. BTW After testing a lot more skis I settled on the JSki Metal (107 under foot) at 173 – very similar to the Rustler 10. Good luck. There are a lot of good skis out there.
Flavia
Hello!
Wondering what size climbing skins you’d recommend for Black Pearl 98 at 166 length? I know that there are lighter ski choices, but that’s what my wife is working with! Thanks for the help!
-Rob