2023 Women's 90mm All Mountain Ski Comparison with SkiEssentials.com

[@daisyroberts9004]

I just bought a pair of Stance 88s at the end of this past season, and I've loved them! They're super stable through crud, I trust them when carving, and overall my confidence as a skier has just gone way up. I picked the 88 over the 94 just because I ski far more out east than west, so I'm not really getting too many true powder opportunities, but when I do, these babies have worked well enough. Getting the right ski really does make the world of a difference!

[@SkiEssentials]

That sounds just about right! Glad you enjoy.

[@jeb4836]

U rock Alley !

[@kotchaphankruasobjang1878]

Yes i have been waiting for this viedo

[@tonyg3091]

I do not know what the designers of Line Pandora are on but I sure would like some of that stuff :)

[@SkiEssentials]

The rest of the Pandora widths are equally, if not more, impressive than the 94. The 110 definitely got the special sauce.

[@andyram27]

I'm helping my gf pick out skis. She's an intermediate but gaining skills fast and mainly skis groomers, but I want something well rounded so she still has fun on ungroomed trails. She's 5'4 so we narrowed it down to either Blizzard Black Pearl 88 (159cm) or Salomon Lux 92 (161cm). We mostly ski in the northwest but also spend a fair amount of time in the Rockies. Any advice from you guys?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Salomon is just so incredibly automatic. The Pearl is fantastic, but the QST 92 is amazingly fun and simple. So intuitive on both groomers and in the off-piste zones.

[@sofiabursjoo410]

Ex skiracer, live in Åre, Sweden looking for a new touring/all mountain ski! Skied Extrem mother three 95 but it’s just too soft and I can’t rely on it. A tech binding, on a ski between 95-105 preferably, around 168-176 length. Would love for it to be light, since I ski i Lange xt110 allround boot. Fisher ranger? Hustler10? Rossignol new touring ski!? PLEASE help a girl out! 😂 love a quick responding but still calm ski with good edge grip. On pist I ski Head super-shape series and also have a LOT of love for wölk Kenja.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hustle 10 feels like a GREAT ski for you! Light enough for touring, responsive, quick, but still reliable edge grip. I think it's one of the best in its category, that hybrid all-mountain/touring world. Big fan of the Enforcer 104 Unlimited from Nordica too. Hope that helps! Sorry for the delayed response. Busy time of year here but we're working hard to get caught up on these comments.

[@Anonymous-cat]

Hi!! I’m a 5’2 intermediate skier who use to race out east and now I’m skiing more west coast conditions. I’m looking for a ski that will be good on the groomers and be able to handle some carving/ speed as well as be comfortable in powder conditions. I was looking at the Line Pandoras, Armada Reliance, Atomic Maven, and Salomon QSTs and maybe Stance? in this line up. I’m also hoping to add shift bindings to these skis for the odd backcountry trip but plan to stay more on resort / on the trails moguls. Looking for an all in one ski 😂 any advice?

[@SkiEssentials]

Maven, Reliance, and Stance stick out to me as great carvers that have versatility. I think Pandora and QST fall more to the soft snow side of the spectrum. If you're looking for all-in-one, I think the Maven is worth a sharp look because it does a great job in all conditions and has a lighter weight. That ski will pair very well with a shift in that it complements the Maven's lightness. Stance is a bit heavier, and Reliance is right there with it, but that heft adds smoothness and stability.

[@Volteran]

Is there a women's equivalent to the Bent 90? Thanks for the review guys!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Bent 90 is a unisex ski, so, yes and no, depending on how you want to think about it. Certainly no reason a woman can't ski anything in the Bent line!

[@Sokolva]

Love the reviews on all these skis, they go into so much useful detail on construction and feel. Any chance you guys will begin to review and feature Moment Skis this year? They are the largest company that handcrafts skis on the USA and have quite a passionate following, would love to hear your thoughts on how they fit into the market overall.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks for your feedback! We'd love to include Moment, we've just never developed a relationship or line of communication with them. So many skis in the ~20 brands we cover now, sometimes it feels hard to work more in. We're working on some 4FRNT content now, and always happy to add more, just a matter of figuring out the logistics! Hope you're having a great season.

[@Sokolva]

@@SkiEssentialsawesome thank you! Glad to see you are adding new smaller brands, always love the reviews and content!

[@whoisthe1412]

Great review

[@dusky8039]

Hello! I skied a lot when i was a kid but then stopped for a few years and got back into it last season. I'm currently on season nexus skis ( which took me a lot of suffering but managed to figure them out) but found that I enjoy park/tree riding a lot more so I'm looking to switch to a semi beginner/intermediate park ski that can also do trees and some all terrain. I think the Revolt 95s or Oblivion 94s would be my best option but do you think theres another ski that I should look at or one of those better than the other? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

I think you're in the right zone for sure--very fun in the mid-90's for park and all-mountain. I'd say the Oblivion is a bit more park oriented while the Revolt has better all-mountain capabilities. On the slightly heavier side, check out the ARV 96 and the Poacher, but if you're happy with lighter and more maneuverable, I'd stick to Revolt 95. SE

[@dusky8039]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks! Sorry one last question, I'm a little shorter than 5'10 almost 177cm Should I get the revolts in 173cm or 165cm?

[@emlynjones6616]

@@dusky8039 173cm for sure

[@yargh39]

Heya! I'm helping my girlfriend find that perfect all-round ski. She's an intermediate skier pushing on advanced and has a lot of fun in resort skiing. She is also looking to expand more into the backcountry and will definitely be putting a shift binding on whatever she ends up with. Currently, we've narrowed it down to the Captis Birdie and QST Lux 92. However, my primary concern is that the 168 on the Lux will be too short for her at 174cm, as the Black Crows would go up to 172. What do you think? Is the length a critical issue here, would one clearly be better than the other?

[@SkiEssentials]

Hello! I agree that 168 QST 92 might be a bit short. It kind of depends how fast skis skis. High speed stability would be the only major limitation of that length, so certainly something to think about. Also, the "men's" version is the same ski, just a different graphic, so she could go to the 176 men's version. 172 cm Captis Birdie does sound like a really nice sweet spot, however. That ski is a ton of fun, should work great for her ability, and that length feels like a really nice spot for her. Realistically, I think she'd have a great season regardless of which she chooses, but I can't deny that the 172 Captis feels like a good choice. Hope that helps!

[@yargh39]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the input! Do you think either option would be superior touring/off-piste wise? Neither is of course designed with that purpose solely in mind, but this is really meant to serve as that one-ski quiver.

[@SammieGirl516]

@@yargh39 I'd go with whichever is lighter for touring, since both are solid, playful skis. If she's just getting into touring/not a huge hiker, a lighter ski will make the process a lot more approachable. Sticking with the 172cm Captis Birdie, instead of bumping to the men's lengths, would help keep weight down without shortening her skis too much. Here are the weights I found for each ski, per pair: - (Unisex) Salomon QST 92 - 3600 g (Source: Evo store page) - Black Crow Captis Birdie - 6.8lbs, or 3084.4 g (Source: Outdoor Gear Lab 2022 Review)

[@NibbleSnarph]

Wow, I was just making this comparison for my wife as well! The Captis Birdie, and the QST Lux 92. We ended up going with the Captis Birdie in 160!

[@noemievanravenhorst3061]

Hi! I'm a 5'8 advanced skier, what ski would you recommend for someone who skies mostly on groomers/moguls and likes making shorter turns but would like a ski that also does relatively well off-piste? Looking for a one-stop shop kind of ski for next season! Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

There's a lot to like about the Dynastar M-Pro 90W. Nice and sturdy underfoot and through the tail, but smooth and playful in the shovel for bumps and off-piste zones.

[@tiffanychen6333]

Hi I’m a 5’ 4’ 60 kg intermediate skier that mainly skis in Pennsylvania at resorts. Do you have any recommendations for skis? I am considering the Santa Ana, black pearl, and rally bird from my research. But I am open to other options and unsure how long/wide they should be. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

HI Tiffany! I like the sounds of the low to mid 80's skis for your application, so the Santa Ana 84 and the Black Pearl 82 make good sense for where you ski mainly. The Santa Ana is a bit more carvy while the Pearl feels more rounded and a bit easier to turn. I'd think the low to mid 150's for length is the correct zone.

[@RoseAngry]

What would you recommend for someone wanting to spend 50% resort/50% backcountry? Intermediate skier 5'1, 120lbs. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

Volkl Blaze 86 or 94 is a great hybrid option. I'd look to the low 150's for length.

[@TVADGRL]

All mountain almost expert skier - I love going fast fast fast down the groomers but also want to feel confident in heavy Sierra sludge and oft packed out steeps of Mammoth (Avi Shoots, Drop out Wipe out,). Considering the Elan Ripstick 88 or the Stokli Nela 88. Any advice? What bindings would you put on these. I'm liking lighter these days as I'm approaching 57 years young. 168cm length Thank you for the awesome vids!

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're looking for lighter, the Ripstick is a fantastic ski. www.skiessentials.com/2023-elan-ripstick-88-women-s-skis-w-salomon-warden-11-mnc-bindings.html

[@annaweronika4101]

Hello guys! I am 169 cm 56 kg woman rather advanced piste skier and intermediate off piste skier willing to go for some ski touring as well. I want to buy Volkl 94 but not sure whether I should go for 165 length or 172 cm. What would you recommend? Are these skis more piste or off piste or 50/50?

[@SkiEssentials]

I think you're in the right zone for sure with a 50/50 ski that can tour as well! Just skied them the other day and was reminded of what an amazingly versatile and fun-loving ski they are. I'd say the 165 is the way to go in this ski. Have fun! SE

[@alexanderetzel9433]

Hi Guys - may you can help with a little tip. Looking for Ski`s for my 13 year old daughter. She ski`s very well, carving, high speed, bumps all no issues with - and she wants to have fun on skis. We are skiing 70% groomers (packed and icy sometimes) and 30% fresh snow. She`s 5.5 and 45kg, very sporty. May you can suggest something for her. Thanks in advance

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd think the narrower skis make a bit more sense, so something like the Black Pearl 82, Atomic Maven 86C, or the Nordica Santa Ana 84. Once you get to the mid-90's, you're losing that groomer and hard pack performance a little bit. Have fun! SE

[@lexisolt9501]

Hi! I am an intermediate skier who is just about to start my second ski season in the French alps, and am looking for a pair of skis. Whilst I will primarily be on groomers, I would love a pair of skis that can take me off-piste and through powder comfortably too. I am currently considering the Line Pandora 94s, or the Santa Ana 93s, but would love to know your thoughts on this/if you have any other recommendations? Thank you so much! :)

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're leaning to groomer and on-piste performance, then go with the Nordica. The Pandora is better at softer snow and more playful skiing while the Santa Ana is more business-like.

[@itsmoki1649]

Hello! I was looking to get the Elan Ripstick 88W skis. What bindings would you recommend on those?

[@SkiEssentials]

These! www.skiessentials.com/2023-elan-ripstick-88-women-s-skis-w-salomon-warden-11-mnc-bindings.html

[@TM-hg3fp]

What are the differences between Armada Reliance and Armada Declivity?

[@SkiEssentials]

Nothing in terms of construction, just graphics and available sizes.

[@karsenlaugh2272]

I’m looking to buy my first pair of skis and your video was helpful. Im pretty intermediate looking for a forgiving, maneuverable, ski I can easily control while improving my form, not necessarily desiring to haul down the mountain. I mainly ski east coast mountains in Nc and wv so not too much powder and more crud and ice. Based off the video it seemed like the blizzard black pearl 82, k2 mindbender 89, Salomon QST lux 92, and the rossignols were pretty good options, but I’m open to any recommendations that may not be in the video too that I can progress on. Using a pair of 12+ year old k2 true luvs so basically anything would be an improvement lol

[@karsenlaugh2272]

For reference I’m 5’4

[@SkiEssentials]

You're in a great zone here! I do think the Pearl 82 has more to offer when it comes to the firmer snow that you may encounter most of the time rather than the wider QST 92 that may be on the wide side for a daily application. You'll certainly see a lot of improvement with the new skis! For a bit lighter and more mobile ski option, I'd also check out the Volkl Yumi 84. It has metal underfoot for grip and fiberglass frame in the front and back for energy and pop. Dynastar E-Pro 85 is another good one that mixes lightweight energy with solid underfoot grip. I'd look to the mid 150's for length in this range of skis. Have fun!

[@matth3903]

Looking for something for my wife, she used to ski a bit as a kid but hasn't now for 15+ years. Looking for something approachable that a beginner/low intermediate can grow with into a decent intermediate. Live out west so needs to be decent in powder too. She's 5'2 155, unsure about sizing or where to even start. Is the QST Lux 92 too much? I find QST's super easy but not sure for lower level skier.

[@SkiEssentials]

QST is great, and good for a lower level skier, but something narrower will be easier to turn. I'd look at something like the Elan Ripstick 88, Atomic Maven 86C, Volkl Blaze 86, or Dynastar E-Pro 85 just to get the ski up on edge easier. Those will all do fine in deeper snow as well. Have fun! SE

[@matth3903]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you, I found some Mindbender 85's on clearance that should do the job.

[@sarareiswig5300]

I'm an intermediate skier...just started in February but have been going pretty hard since starting. I am looking at getting a fun all-mountain type of ski...I live in the northern midwest so not much deep powder but we do like to travel to CO. So I'm looking for something that can carve on groomers, fun and easy to maneuver in the trees and bumps but also can float across some powder. I'm not a huge fan of powder skiing yet but it's because I haven't had much experience so I would like to have a ski that will help enjoy it. But I am really enjoying skiing trees and bumps. I am kind of liking the Maven 93C...would that be a good choice for me? I'm also not sure what size to go with with...I'm 5'4" (162cm) so would the 156cm be long enough? Or would the 164cm be a better option? Thanks!

[@sarareiswig5300]

I'm currently on a Rossignol Temptation 84 146cm that I picked up cheap right when I started skiing. I loved it compared to the cheap rentals I was use to but I'm definitely ready to upgrade.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Sara! I think that Maven is a fantastic choice--light, quick, and still pretty sturdy. I'd add Elan Ripstick 94 to the mix for all the same reasons. I'd keep it shorter if you're hesitant at all, so 156 should be great. have fun! SE

[@crunchysoup406]

hey I was wondering if you could do a video comparing old pivot bindings to new ones, and how to service them. I’m newer into self servicing and recently got a old set of 2013 pivots on head rev 105s (similar year) and I want to know how to clean them up a bit and make ‘em work like new. thank you! love the vids

[@SkiEssentials]

The nice thing about the Pivot is that they're pretty timeless. The 2013 Pivot 18 is the exact same as it is now, except for the GW capabilities. In terms of servicing bindings, we're not going to touch that for liability purposes.

[@crunchysoup406]

@@SkiEssentials alright and yeah that’s understandable. (wow I did not expect you guys to respond to comments on older videos)

[@CourtneyCooper-ys8eu]

how do the bent 90s compare to the line pandora 94s? can the lines handle high speeds and steeps?

[@SkiEssentials]

They're pretty light for higher speeds, so the skier should have some good balance skills in order to handle it. In the steeps, the carbon helps with grip, but again, still pretty light for aggressive skiing. I could say the same about the Bent, only the Bent is more floaty and smeary and playful.

[@CourtneyCooper-ys8eu]

@@SkiEssentials thank you!! You guys are awesome, I must have watched a dozen of your videos on my search for new skis. If I were doing a lot of chutes, couloirs, and hiking bowls, what skis would you recommend? I had been looking at the Nordica unleashed 98 but not sure about them

[@christophermagnuson1270]

Oh boy is this great !❄️⛷ Only 60 min what I’m I going to do with all my free time

[@SkiEssentials]

It's 78 minutes!