2022 Rossignol Experience 86 Ti

Rossignol’s Experience skis have become quite popular over the last decade. They offer versatile all-mountain performance and the brand does a great job developing different models within the line to work with different level skiers. For 2021/22, they have completely redeveloped the entire collection and we’re psyched about these new skis. Sitting atop the collection is the Experience 86 Ti, essentially the new flagship model. It’s also now the widest Experience ski that Rossignol makes, quite a change from the previous Experience 92 Ti and 94 Ti. Both the shape and construction have changed, leaning a little bit more towards carving and firm snow than previous models, but still retaining some good versatility too. Rossignol uses what they call All Trail Sidecut, which we would describe as extended sidecut, more similar to the Experience shape if we went back 2 generations. The do, however, have more rocker than those skis. The All Trail Profile has camber/rocker lines that are more similar to the most recent generation. Gone are the vertical metal struts in the previous ski, and they’ve been replaced with traditional titanal laminates. We also get Rossignol’s Carbon Alloy Matrix and a new Drive Tip Solution. In Drive Tip, a complex blend of fiber and visco work to absorb impacts and funnel energy from the tip into the mid-body of the ski. If anything, Rossignol has taken these skis to the next level compared to any previous Experience ski, most notably in their power and carving performance.

Jeff Neagle skied the 176 cm length in the Experience 86 Ti and started his feedback by saying “it’s the best experience I’ve ever had on an Experience.” Jeff had some high scores for the Experience 86 Ti too. 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness/edge grip and stability, with quickness/maneuverability, versatility, and overall impression right behind at 4 out of 5. “This is by far my favorite Experience ski Rossignol has ever made. It feels like they kind of blended the 2 previous shapes together, but the construction really takes it to the next level. More traditional metal laminates provide a stronger, damper feel, which I really like. Holds an edge better than before and feels more responsive out of a turn. I do think they’re slightly less versatile than the 2021 skis, but Rossignol has plenty of skis that perform better in soft snow, so to me it makes sense to gear these more towards groomers and carving. You can still ski some bumps on them too, it’s just not quite as forgiving as before.” David Wolfgang skied the 185 cm length and found it to be a relatively easy-going ski that’s willing to turn the dial up to 11 when you feel like it. “If you want to go for a ride this ski will offer smooth predictability. When you want to drive that's when this ski shines. The more throttle you turn on results in a turbo charged experience. Quickness, stability and power abound in this ski.”

Matt McGinnis went for the 176 cm length. All of our testers noted that the Experience 86 Ti skis true to size. No need to size up or down. Matt had very similar scores to Jeff, with stability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression all earning 5 out of 5 scores. Interestingly, from Matt, forgiveness was his next highest mark at 4 out of 5. “Are you someone who loves the feeling of effortlessly making long, fast turns down wide groomers? If that feeling of freedom as you link carves while in complete control appeals to you, then the experience 86 ti is an incredible choice. The 86 ti is an incredibly easy ski to ski in terms of entering and exiting turns. While it does take a little bit of speed before this ski feels at home, once you’re there, these skis are a hell of a ride. Taking a cue from crockpots, the 86 ti embraces a “set it and forget it” approach to carving, where all you have to do is initiate your turn and hold your position for as long as you’d like. Once you’re locked in, the 86 Ti simply holds your carve until you’re ready to transition to the next one which, by the way, is also incredibly easy to do. I’d recommend these skis for anyone looking for a powerful frontside ski that’ll enable them to feel like a pro as they link hard carved all the way down the hill. I will say that due to the Ti construction and medium speed requirement, it’s probably best if the skier using these is at least an advanced intermediate skier.”

We’re thoroughly impressed with Rossignol’s design of these new Experience skis, and the Experience 86 Ti is the best of the bunch if you’re looking to maximize power and versatility. For skiers looking for a little more quickness with the same power, you can move to the Experience 82 Ti, which has very similar characteristics, only a little quicker edge to edge and not quite as much float for softer snow. Regardless of what ski works best for you, we’re pretty darn confident you’ll agree with Jeff and have your best ever experience on a Rossi Experience.