Whether you want to think of the Experience 84 as being on the low end of the high end or the high end of the low end, either way, you're getting a great ski for front side versatility. Skiers who are looking for that mid-80's underfoot ski for general use will love the composure and precise nature of the Experience 84. You'd think it was more of an intermediate/recreational ski, and it does that, so you'd be correct, but it happens to be so much more as well. It's one of those skis that sneaks right up on you. Easy to turn but you can lean on it if you want, the Experience 84 is building on the technology and build quality of the higher-end models in the line. As such, the ski has a top-end feel but is lighter, quicker, and more accessible for today's intermediate and advanced front-side cruisers. Bumps and trees should be no problem for even moderately experienced skiers, as the waist width is narrow enough to sniggle through some tight lines. Same goes for packed-out woods, especially here in the east where they're more tight than wide open. Very simple to turn, and the 15-meter turn radius only helps in this process. Once again, our testers and contributors loved the easy-turning nature but were also surprised at the high gear that these skis can achieve.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber
CORE MATERIALS
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers, All Mountain
Steve Sulin skied the 176 and found it to be a good length, running true to size. As predicted, Steve's scores were all pretty consistent, showing how versatile this nice ski is. Steve runs our retail, rental, and demo shop here at Pinnacle Ski and Sports, so he sees how many skiers get their enjoyment out of an Experience 84. It's an easy ski to give someone who doesn't really fall on any side of the spectrum. Steve calls it "a great ski that's fun and forgiving. You get a good amount of rebound out of the turn." So, good marks as far as energy and fun is concerned, with Steve also noting that the Experience 84 is "easy to ski but still feels all there." Due to that shorter radius and lighter tips and tails, Steve concludes his thoughts, stating that the skis "like the medium to short turn" radius.
Bob St.Pierre was one of those skiers who was surprised by the high-gear of the Experience 84. At 6'2 and 220 pounds, Bob should at least be on the 184, but alas, the 176 was the only available test length. Always up to make the best of a situation, Bob scored the ski pretty high for some guessable categories. 5's out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness and 4's for stability, edge grip, versatility, and overall experience. Flotation, unsurprisingly gets a 3. But overall, for a ski under his ability as well as too short of a size, those high-scoring categories are signs of extremely bright spots in the ski's resume. Bob calls it a "fun front side ski with more energy than expected. Easy to roll from edge to edge and it had a great turn radius and very consistent flex." We haven't really touched on the Line Control Technology (LCT) much, but it is a pretty effective way to power the ski while keeping it light. The vertical strut in the Experience 84 certainly contributes to the springiness and the energy of the ski. Bob also notes that the Experience 84 "is awesome for intermediates looking to cruise the groomers." Sounds good to us!
Those intermediate cruisers are some of the most fun and often-skied trails at the resort, so it makes sense that Rossignol would make a ski that hits right in the meat of that target. They do a very nice job here with the Experience 84.
