Blizzard Black Pearl vs. Viva 8.0

[forest_trail_racer]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to retire my '09 K2 Lotta Luvs (which are awesome!) and have narrowed it down to 2 Blizzard skis: the Black Pearl and the Viva 8.0.

The 8.0 seems like it's more of an all-mountain/carving ski and close to the width underfoot of my k2s (but with enough rocker to stay on top of powder).

But I hear the Black Pearl is just as good (though might not be as good of an all-mountain ski). I really do want to avoid having to get a separate pair of skis just for powder...which is why the Black Pearl seems to fit, but I don't want to lose any of the speed and carving edge of something thinner like the 8.0.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these? Any info would be great!!! (including which bindings to get)

I'm looking to demo this weekend (though I can't seem to find anywhere in town that demos the 8.0. They all seem to have the Black Pearl only).

I am an advanced female skier who loves carving and going fast, but also loves to wallow in the powder from time to time (I'm just sick of sinking in it!).

[skibum4ever]

Have you checked out the folllowing woman-only forum: http://www.theskidiva.com ?

Asking about skis on that forum will generally get you a whole bunch of good recommendations.