Buying used Black Pearl skis from 2017?

[aiweima]

Hi,

I found these Blizzard Black Pearl 88 skis for cheap on marketplace in great condition with storage wax applied (listed as like new on fb marketplace). But they are from 2017. Is it worth buying old skis like this? Would the bindings or ski itself be compromised from age and potentially bad storage?

I have bindings from my current skis that I could potentially swap onto these, would that be a better idea?

It’s being sold for $100.

Also, are the skis very different from the more modern 2025 or 2026 Black pearl skis?

 

[Jilly]

They have seen some use.....not "like new" to me.

The bindings are demo's I believe @SnowHot? So, these skis might have been in demo fleet at one time and we're sold off.

I think I'd steer clear of those myself.

 

[marzNC]

Also, are the skis very different from the more modern 2025 or 2026 Black pearl skis?

The design of the BP88 has evolved more than once since 2017. While BPs are fun skis, in my experience they aren't built to last that long. I have an older BP88 and it was clearly losing camber after 3-4 seasons.

For what it's worth, when I consider used skis I rarely even look at skis more than 3 years old unless the seller is a Diva.

 

[aiweima]

They have seen some use.....not "like new" to me.

The bindings are demo's I believe @SnowHot? So, these skis might have been in demo fleet at one time and we're sold off.

I think I'd steer clear of those myself.

Yeah I think those are demo bindings. Found similar skis here https://www.powder7.com/Blizzard-Black-Pearl-Skis-166cm-Used-2017/for-sale.

If I replace it with the bindings on my current beginner skis, do you think it would be worth it? Just looking for something for the season that has a bit more stability and width than my current skis.

 

[aiweima]

Adding to this, the seller told me these were stored in the basement with storage wax and used 10 times on the slopes. Also, said the base is perfect no dents/wear. The picture shown is just the scuffing from the storage wax.

 

[Jilly]

I think you're wasting $100 + binding install on those.

2017 - are these the flappy ones? Anyone remember?

 

[Aerlind]

Yeah I think those are demo bindings. Found similar skis here https://www.powder7.com/Blizzard-Black-Pearl-Skis-166cm-Used-2017/for-sale.

If I replace it with the bindings on my current beginner skis, do you think it would be worth it? Just looking for something for the season that has a bit more stability and width than my current skis.

“Probably not” is my guess, since you’d likely spend about $100 to have the bindings remounted. I’d also be wary: the seller may only have used them 10 times, but the demo bindings lead me to think they were used before that. And it only takes one rock to create some edge dulling and core shots (as I can attest from last weekend….)

That said, I was skiing on some Solomons from 2006 until 2023. They were intermittently used in that time, but nobody died…and I sold them on to a casual-skier friend who was on them last weekend. They still go down the hill. The bindings still released when he fell. However they weren’t even that great in 2006….I was noticeably happier on the hill with new skis!

 

[marzNC]

Paging @diymom

 

[Aerlind]

Without knowing your height/weight/ability and basing my search entirely on width similar to the BP88s, length similar to the 159s you found, and your comment of bindings on “beginner skis”, here are a few budget options from Powder 7 (a very reputable shop, and for anything with
bindings they’ll remount for free if you know your boot sole length, which is listed on the boots)

New, would need bindings, and a beginner ski, but $250

2024 Armada Reliance 82 C 166cm Skis - Powder7

2024 Armada Reliance 82 C 166cm Skis are now on sale with fast shipping from our Golden, CO ski shop. If tearing up the front side, but not tearing up y...

www.powder7.com

$400, used, but the Head “Joy” line seems to be popular with east-coast based skiers here? I feel like I read about them a lot. I personally have no experience with them.

2024 Head Total Joy 158cm Used Demo Skis w Bindings - Powder7

2024 Head Total Joy 158cm Skis are now on sale with fast shipping from our Golden, CO ski shop. Designed for versatility, the Total Joy can handle the e...

www.powder7.com

$369, a slightly narrower Black Pearl, if that’s a direction you’d like to go.

2021 Blizzard Black Pearl 82 166cm Used Demo Skis w Bindings - Powder7

2021 Blizzard Black Pearl 82 166cm Skis are now on sale with fast shipping from our Golden, CO ski shop. After joining the Black Pearl family last seaso...

www.powder7.com

Do keep looking as I was able to find a brand new still in plastic set of skis on Marketplace for $250, the prior season’s model. Also keep an eye out for local ski swaps!

 

[aiweima]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I decided not to get these as they are too old. Will be on the look out locally!

 

[PinkSkiR]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I decided not to get these as they are too old. Will be on the look out locally!

The previous post suggested some used skis from Powder 7. Their storefront is about 4 miles from me. Aerlind is correct, they are a very reputable shop with knowledgeable staff. The are privately owned and trustworthy if you do find something you might be interested in there. As a Black Pearl note, I have the first iteration of the BP that I'm still skiing although I've moved to use Santa Ana more last season. They were my only ski for 20+ days a year for years. They are still in great shape. The newer versions are far more forgiving than the original. I think it is a great all-around ski if you do end up finding some a bit newer. They did change the ski last season. I've not skied the new version.

 

[SnowHot]

Hi,

I found these Blizzard Black Pearl 88 skis for cheap on marketplace in great condition with storage wax applied (listed as like new on fb marketplace). But they are from 2017. Is it worth buying old skis like this? Would the bindings or ski itself be compromised from age and potentially bad storage?

I have bindings from my current skis that I could potentially swap onto these, would that be a better idea?

It’s being sold for $100.

Also, are the skis very different from the more modern 2025 or 2026 Black pearl skis?

I can't tell from the pictures if they are beat up but that particular demo binding is (I think) the one that has a negative delta so you may want to consider replacing the binding if you do get them.

At that price, I'd just be concerned about the condition of the skis themselves.

As to your point about the current Black Pearl 88, They made a change for the 2024-25 year(and currently). The current model is more responsive. That version from 2017 was a tad more sluggish, but still a nice ski.

 

[polino991]

$100 is a steal for Black Pearls if the bases are clean. I’d grab them.

The 2017s are classics but the 2025/2026 models definitely feel smoother and less "chattery" on ice because they changed the core recently. Still, for that price, they're great backup skis.

Just a heads up: check if those bindings are still on the "indemnified" list at a local shop. If they’re too old, a tech won't touch them for safety reasons. Swapping your current ones over is probably the move anyway!

 

[HuntersEmma57]

I think you're wasting $100 + binding install on those.

2017 - are these the flappy ones? Anyone remember?

Note that remounting is sometimes not possible on boot center and can change the characteristics and performance of the ski. I frankly do not recommend anyone use any demo/rental bindings. They do not provide the same stability -- kinda sloppy, TBH.

 

[SnowHot]

$100 is a steal for Black Pearls if the bases are clean. I’d grab them.

I get what you're saying but I think those skis are beaten up a bit and will need a new binding. She's better off looking for a new ski or at least a ski without a binding or with a newer binding

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Ski age becomes a major factor when skis have not been in climate controlled storage. Garages and attics and storages sheds are awful for skis.

Even leaving wet skis in the vehicle or in a car top carrier overnight exposes them to freeze thaw cycles that can weaken bindings and mounts. We bring our skis inside every night.

If you use exterior mount ski racks, skis are exposed to road salt and schmootz as well as rock chips so they can look pretty beat is a short time.

Mine are babied and last for years. But I am fortunate enough to have a quiver, so the wear and tear is spread. Lastly, get the binding release check before the start of every season.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

I get what you're saying but I think those skis are beaten up a bit and will need a new binding. She's better off looking for a new ski or at least a ski without a binding or with a newer binding.