Ski for East Coast - Blizzard 82 vs 88?

[leisure skier]

I almost forgot about bindings, which I know nothing about! I see some Black Pearl 82's come in an SP model, which includes bindings in a package at a lower price. The rep in our local ski store alluded that this might not be as good as if I were to buy a separate binding. While the guy who sold us the boots last year said that was a good deal to look for.
Is it that much different? It seems too good to pass up if I can find her size.

 

[SarahXC]

I know I read some discussion about whether the sp model had the same construction/ski felt the same as the normal model with not really a definite answer. I’ll see if I can find that thread.

 

[shadoj]

The SP models have a thicker topsheet coating & metal tip protectors, plus the adjustable demo bindings. If your daughter is still having a foot-growth-spurt and might need to upsize boots, that's certainly worth considering.

 

[liquidfeet]

The SP models have a thicker topsheet coating & metal tip protectors, plus the adjustable demo bindings. If your daughter is still having a foot-growth-spurt and might need to upsize boots, that's certainly worth considering.

^^This.

 

[Mudgirl630]

She is between sizes, and could ski the 159 or 166 (she has tried both). Is one better than the other for her height, weight, ability for the northeast? (5'9"/ 115 lbs/ athletic/ advanced skier blues, blacks, occasional double black, a little bit of tree skiing).

No doubt she needs to be on 166.
Being east, 82 would be a lot better.
82 is wide enough that they will be a daily driver for her. Going into trees would not be any troubles with 82. Just put the skis closer and ski if need to be.
When situation changes, you can add another pair later on. There is no such thing as "do it all one pair", but 82 will be close enough.

 

[Mudgirl630]

Does anyone know if there have been any major changes to this ski from 2021/22/23 from year to year? I am seeing some that are at a reasonable price from previous years, and deciding between that, or if the 2023 is a major change then going with that since she will have it for a while.

You can search those skis on SkiEssentials revew videos on YouTube. They got many reviews. You will find the reviews for different year/models.