2021 Blizzard Black Pearl 78

The Black Pearl 78 is the narrowest ski in the Black Pearl all-mountain collection. It's approachable for intermediate skiers, but still has a high performance ceiling thanks to the fact the technology and engineering in the wider models trickles right down to this 78. Blizzard's Carbon Flipcore construction results in a ski that's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and very responsive and energetic too. With the 78 mm waist width, this ski is arguably the quickest of the bunch, which is great for skiers who love precision, while also helping developing skiers achieve a higher edge angle in their turns and better carves.

Susan Dorn skied the 156 cm length and thought the Black Pearl 78 was a "nice all around ski for an intermediate skier. Easy to turn and set on edge." That narrower waist width makes it easier to get the ski up on edge than a wider ski. It takes less leverage, which is beneficial for an intermediate level skier. Some nice scores from Susan in her feedback too, with stability, forgiveness, and torsional stiffness all earning high 4s and 5s out of 5. We always like when a ski can achieve high scores for stability and edge grip, while still remaining forgiving and approachable. It's important for a developing skier to feel comfortable and confident, and a ski that always feels like it's going to wash out or doesn't feel supportive does not inspire confidence. The fact that the Black Pearl 78 holds an edge well, while still being forgiving, is a very beneficial trait. "Very stable even at speed. Even keeled. Nothing upset this ski. Good for staying smooth!"

Allison Ruschp skied the 163 cm length in the Black Pearl 78 and had a similar reaction as Susan. 4 out of 5 score for stability and overall impression, with quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness all earning the 5 out of 5 score. "Lightweight, forgiving, and fun! With no metal in the ski, it's very forgiving and likes to turn. Perfect for intermediate skiers that stay on the frontside." Ariel Aidala also skied the 163 cm length and started her feedback with an interesting thought, "great value." She's certainly not wrong. The Black Pearl 78 performs really well, yet its price falls well below some of the heavy hitters in the women's all-mountain world, and well below a system carving ski. Considering its performance and how well it carves, maybe a $499 Black Pearl 78 would be a better choice than a $999 system carving ski. We'll leave that up to you to decide. "This ski is like a little black dress. Easy to turn and maneuver. Not much effort needed to turn."

The easy-going nature of the Black Pearl 78 is definitely one of its highlights. As we've said, it's a great choice for an intermediate, but it's the type of ski that an intermediate could buy and keep for years and years to come as their skiing improves. Its high performance ceiling means even an expert level skier can get on it and have a good time. It's also a good ski to consider as an alternative to a frontside carving ski, especially for skiers who prefer being lower to the snow surface rather than picked up off the snow with a system carving ski.