The Black Pearl 82 underwent the TrueBlend make-over last season, a fairly complex process given that the model’s sidecut remained a constant. What changed was how high-density beech and low-weight poplar are scattered across the core to create a perfectly balanced flex for every size. Once committed to this level of customization, Blizzard went ahead and synchronized the baseline, sidecut and flex for every length, which in the case of the Black Pearl 82 is a lot (145cm – 173cm).
A key component in the Woman Specific Design of the Pearl 82 is a dash of Titanal underfoot which helps this off-trail design hold its own on hardpack. Combined with the new flex pattern, the Titanal’s effect on edge grip extends beyond its actual dimensions. While this still doesn’t convert the Pearl 82 into a full-on carver – where is the elevated platform or the tight-waisted shape? – it won’t wimp-out on groomers.
The skier for whom the Pearl 82 is ideal is the woman who is competent on most groomed terrain and impatient to up her game everywhere else. It won’t suddenly confer upon an intermediate off-trail competence in such zones as moguls, trees and light powder, but it won’t impede her development, either. Its Flipcore baseline conforms to irregular terrain far better than a deep-sidecut carver, helping to build confidence in un-groomed terrain.
