2024 Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

[@dalle99ad]

Hiya, About to buy these as a new pair of every day skies. The relevant sizes are 176 and 185. Would love some input on what length to choose! Stats down below: Height: 185cm Weight: ~80kg Level: Experienced On piste: 75% Off: 25% (however may lessen when riding with gf on piste) Mostly prefer quicker and smaller turns on easier rides, however like to speed up and rip on steeper lines :)

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go a bit shorter than head high given your stats and application and go with the 176. Should be great for shorter turns and quickness.

[@theblindsaint7513]

How much of a differnce is this from the older 88 ti's?

[@SkiEssentials]

The 86 Basalt is considerably lighter than the older 88 Ti's, and is better suited for intermediate and advanced skiers while the Ti version was more of an advanced/expert ski. The application is mainly the same in that they're both wonderful all-mountain skis, but the 88Ti had a higher performance ceiling.

[@bm5799]

How would you compare these to the Maverick 86C? If get either in 176cm.

[@SkiEssentials]

I find the Rossignol to enjoy cleaner and rounder turns while the Atomic is better with the shorter and more skidded style. Personally, I prefer the style of the Rossignol. Not a whole lot of difference in terms of off-trail performance.

[@iamapopsicle9457]

180cm, 90kg. Done maybe 10 days first time skiing, maybe into an intermediate now skiing blues and just touched onto black. A pair might be available for a really great price. Should I go the 176cm?

[@SkiEssentials]

I think that'll be a fine length for that ski based on your stats and application.

[@AriPerlman]

I've currently got 2019 Atomic Vantage 79c and was thinking about shifting up to the 2023 Experience 86 Basalt. The Atomic's were my first pair of skis - would these be a big step up, or not different enough to notice a difference for an intermediate skier?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not that big of a jump--the Experience will be wider and more of a stable platform to stand on, which is a big benefit, but it's still pretty easy to turn. If you're not looking for a big jump in performance, I think Basalt 86 is a great ski.

[@AriPerlman]

Thanks! I guess I am really asking if it will be enough of a change to be worth it. If not, any different skis you would recommend for a developing intermediate skier coming off of the Vantage (or just stick with them)?@@SkiEssentials

[@asv0984]

Hello there, I'm seriously thinking about getting a pair of those for the next season. I'm an intermediate/advanced skier which wants a ski to begin offpiste(never done before) when conditions are fine and also enjoy tracks. I'm 168cm and 64kg so I think 167 would be a bit long for me, so better the 158cm version. But in your opinion, do you think this length would cause a handicap against 167cm version when skiing off piste or not so much? If there is another ski that you recommend, I'll be pleased. Thanks 🙂

[@SkiEssentials]

They're pretty light so I don't think the 158 would be the best option here. I'd go 167 in that ski!

[@anshub]

Thank you. Love your videos. How do feel this compares to the Elan Wingman 86 TI?

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! First off, huge fans of both skis. I do feel that the Rossignol has a greater upside overall, but especially when it comes to off-trail performance and versatility. The Wingman is very comfortable in a carved turn and makes some of the cleanest and roundest turns out there. Rossignol is very smooth and nimble on the groomers--loves speed with precision, but also has more of an all-mountain feel to it with more rocker in both tips and tails.

[@h.p.3571]

Hello Skiessentials, Thinking about to buy these as a new pair of every day skies. The available sizes the shop has: 167, 176 and 185. Would love some input on what length to choose! (sorry for the most copy paste from the guy above me, but i'm in same situation). Stats down below: Height: 173cm Weight: 72kg Level: Intermediate On piste: 90% Off: 10% (however may lessen when riding with GF on piste) Mostly prefer quicker and smaller turns on easier rides, however like to speed up and rip on steeper lines :) too If there are other skis you can recommend me, I'd appreciate it, just keep in mind I live in Europe and don't have access to USA market ski equipment, thanks.

[@SkiEssentials]

We ship internationally all the time! I'd go 167 in that ski based on your stats and application. I'd also check out the Armada Declivity 82 Ti, Blizzard Brahma 82, and for a bit more of a front side shape, the Volkl Deacon 84.

[@RamiroRodríguezGallo]

Hey guys! I really love your videos, really helpful. I am going to buy new skis and I´m between this Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt and the Head Kore 87, which one do you recommend? Thank you!

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! Personally, I prefer the Kore 87 to the Experience 86 B for a few reasons. You get a higher end from the Kore both on and off-piste. The edge grip and energy of the Kore is off the charts and they're super light. For such a light ski, it's impressive how well they handle higher performance skiing with stability and power. Nothing wrong with the Experience--that ski works great for progressing intermediates who spend most/all of their time on-trail in search of a cleanly carved arc.

[@RamiroRodríguezGallo]

@@SkiEssentials thank you so much for the answer, I will go for the Head Kore!

[@henryschumacher4047]

Thanks for the review looking foward to try these skis out this winter and see what they can do out there. 😁👍👓🎿

[@SkiEssentials]

Have fun!