Help! Nordica Santa Ana 98 vs Blizzard Black Pearl 97

[badger1993]

Hi! I need some advice on skis!

I demoed the Santa Ana 93 (151) while I was in whistler and loved them! but then we had a few big powder days and I wanted to try a wider ski in those conditions so I switched to the Blizzard Black Pearl 97 (153). I really liked the black pearl but felt they didn't have the same "bounce"/energy when carving/turning. Otherwise, I really loved them. I ended up buying the Santa Ana 98's 2024 (151) without trying them because I could get them heavily discounted in Whistler ($200 for brand new skis!) but I am just a little nervous about having bought them without trying.

Do you think I made the right call based on your experience? Of note, I am 5'3 and an intermediate/advanced skier (mostly blues and blacks) in Seattle Washington. I ski west coast - mostly Stevens/Crystal on weekends and go to Whistler for 1 week a year - I also have friends I visit in Colorado to ski with. I feel more comfortably on a wider ski, but I want a ski that can handle both powder days and ice/slush. I ski mostly groomers (about 75% groomers and 25% off piste) but I know that on our more powder/snow days out here, sometimes our groomers don't stay that "groomed".

I found someone selling slightly used Black Pearl 97's (153) and am wondering if I should buy these and return my Santa Ana 98's before I mount them. I just can't decide what to do and would really appreciate any input!

 

[contesstant]

The SA 98 does everything the 93 does, but a little better. I owned both and the 98 will be more versatile for powder days (especially in the PNW.) I skied the BP 97 and found them to be a lot of work and not much fun. I actually regret selling my SA 98s, even though I didn't use them that often. When I did, they were fantastic.

 

[badger1993]

The SA 98 does everything the 93 does, but a little better. I owned both and the 98 will be more versatile for powder days (especially in the PNW.) I skied the BP 97 and found them to be a lot of work and not much fun. I actually regret selling my SA 98s, even though I didn't use them that often. When I did, they were fantastic.

Wow! Thank you so much! I am starting to feel better about my purchase!

Out of curiousity - why didn't you use your SA 98's that often? I am hoping to use them as an all mountain ski - one that can handle typical groomers but also the occasional powder days we get here in the PNW/Whistler/Colorado.

 

[contesstant]

Wow! Thank you so much! I am starting to feel better about my purchase!

Out of curiousity - why didn't you use your SA 98's that often? I am hoping to use them as an all mountain ski - one that can handle typical groomers but also the occasional powder days we get here in the PNW/Whistler/Colorado.

I prefer a narrower ski for my daily ski and only bring out the wider skis on powder days. I can get around on an 88 under foot in most conditions, and go even narrower at times. I do have a Sheeva 9 now which is 96 under foot.