Ski Equipment Assessment: Blizzard Brahma 88 Model
Blizzard Brahma 88 and Black Pearl 88: Sturdy Frontside Skis for Confident Performance
The Blizzard Brahma 88 and its women’s counterpart, the Black Pearl 88, are two standout skis in the all-mountain category. Both skis are known for their sturdy build and innovative technology, making them reliable choices for riders seeking a confident performance on the frontside.
The Brahma 88, now in its third iteration, is a highly capable frontside ski on hardpack and at high speed. Its distinctive features include a generous camber underfoot, minimal tip rocker, and a mostly flat tail, which provide great edge grip. The ski's densities of wood in the core vary based on length, offering more stiffness for larger and more powerful riders. This design makes the Brahma 88 feel a little longer than expected, but locked in in various firm conditions, including ice, refrozen snow, and corduroy.
The Brahma 88 is offered in lengths at 6-centimeter increments, allowing most riders to choose an ideal size without being caught in between. It's worth noting that the ski is distinctly associated with Blizzard, as it is their model known for the use of two sheets of metal in the construction.
Blizzard also offers a women's-specific version of the Brahma 88 called the Black Pearl 88. This ski shares a lot in common with its counterpart, including the TrueBlend wood construction, dimensions, and the use of Titanal. However, the Black Pearl 88 uses one layer of Titanal for a lighter ride compared to the Brahma 88. The women's Black Pearl 88 is offered in shorter lengths and a different colorway, and it costs $50 less at $650.
The Black Pearl 88 does not incorporate the 88's updated construction and uses a standard poplar and beech wood core. Despite this, we expect the Black Pearl 88 to be a comparable on-piste performer with great edge grip and a confidence-inspiring feel at speed, similar to the Brahma 88.
It's important to note that the Blizzard Brahma 88 does not perform well in deep powder due to its minimal rocker and speed- and grip-focused design. For consistently firm conditions, the Black Pearl 88 is also offered in an 82-millimeter width, without the updated construction.
The Blizzard Brahma 88 is priced at $700, which is relatively high for the width but includes innovative tech and high-quality materials. The Black Pearl 88, on the other hand, is priced at $650 and offers a women's-specific construction.
In conclusion, the Blizzard Brahma 88 and Black Pearl 88 are two dependable skis for those seeking a confident performance on the frontside. Their sturdy builds, innovative technology, and high-quality materials make them worth considering for any serious skier.
