Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis Review
The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are an excellent choice for skiers who love to carve on groomed runs but also enjoy venturing into softer snow. With a focus on creating a light yet powerful ski, Rossignol has crafted a model that delivers top-shelf performance without the added bulk of metal. The secret lies in a super-light Paulownia wood core, reinforced with basalt fibers for enhanced strength and vibration dampening. This combination makes for a ski that is both agile and stable. With an 86mm waist width, these skis are versatile enough to handle a variety of conditions, from firm corduroy to light powder. They’re designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a ski that can do it all with a lively, responsive feel.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Core: Paulownia Wood Core
- Laminates: Basalt Fiber
- Rocker Type: Rocker/Camber
- Sidecut: All Trail Sidecut
- Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced
See the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis
Performance on the Slopes
The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt truly shines on groomed terrain. The combination of its All Trail Sidecut and Rectangular Sidewalls provides instant turn initiation and a powerful exit, allowing for smooth, precise carving. The skis feel nimble and quick edge-to-edge, making them perfect for carving clean arcs on corduroy. They have a “snappy” feel, as described by Rossignol, thanks to the lightweight Paulownia core and basalt reinforcement, which gives them a lively and energetic character that advanced skiers will appreciate.
Stability and Dampening
While lightweight skis can sometimes feel chattery or unstable at high speeds, the Experience 86 Basalt’s construction addresses this head-on. The basalt fibers, which are lighter than fiberglass but more elastic than carbon, do an excellent job of dampening vibrations. This results in a ride that feels remarkably smooth and composed, even when you’re pushing the speed limit. The Drive Tip Solution further enhances this by blending directional fibers in the tip with a soft dampening material, absorbing chatter and giving you confident control on varied snow surfaces.
Versatility for All-Mountain Skiing
With an 86mm waist width, these skis are far from being one-trick ponies. While they excel on piste, they are fully capable of exploring off-trail. The rocker-camber profile and moderate waist width provide enough float and maneuverability to handle soft snow, bumps, and even light powder. One verified buyer noted that they are “thick enough to float when needed,” and another praised them as “great all-around skis” that performed exceptionally in powder. This versatility makes them a solid choice for skiers who want a single ski to handle a wide range of conditions without compromise.
Targeted Skier Ability
The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt is categorized for intermediate to advanced skiers. This is a perfect description, as the ski offers a great blend of forgiveness and performance. Intermediate skiers will find them approachable and easy to control, helping them improve their carving skills. At the same time, the ski’s lively and responsive nature provides plenty of performance for advanced skiers to push their limits. A ski instructor, who reviewed the skis, described them as “more than perfect” for their teaching needs, praising their ability to “turn on a dime” in all conditions.
Durability and Construction
Rossignol’s Rectangular Sidewall construction, which layers core materials with full-length vertical sidewalls, ensures excellent edge grip and durability. The laminated top is also noted by one reviewer as being “near bulletproof and scratch resistant,” which is a great feature for a ski that will be used in a variety of conditions. However, one user noted a potential minor flaw with the metal cover at the front of the ski, which can trap snow and may lead to rust if not properly cleaned. This is a small point to consider for those who are meticulous about gear maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and snappy performance
- Excellent carving and edge control
- Great vibration dampening for a smooth ride
- Versatile for a variety of conditions
- Responsive and easy to turn
- Durable top sheet and construction
Cons:
- The metal cover at the tip may trap snow and rust if not cleaned
| Size (cm) | Tip Width (mm) | Waist Width (mm) | Tail Width (mm) | Turning Radius (m) | Indiv. Ski Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 132 | 86 | 120 | 10 | 1600 |
| 158 | 132 | 86 | 120 | 12 | 1700 |
| 167 | 132 | 86 | 120 | 14 | 1750 |
| 176 | 132 | 86 | 120 | 16 | 1850 |
| 185 | 132 | 86 | 120 | 18 | 1950 |
Where to Buy
The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt skis are a popular choice and are readily available from reputable online retailers like Evo.com. Evo is a well-known name in the outdoor sports industry, with a strong reputation for offering a wide selection of gear at competitive prices. They often have sales and provide excellent customer service, making them a reliable option for purchasing skis and other snow sports equipment. It’s always a good idea to check their site for the latest availability and deals on the Experience 86 Basalt skis, as their stock can fluctuate, especially during peak season.
See the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis
Final Verdict
The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt is an exceptional all-mountain ski that successfully blends lightweight agility with solid on-snow performance. It’s an ideal choice for the intermediate or advanced skier who spends most of their time on groomed runs but wants the flexibility to venture into mixed conditions. The ski’s lively feel, strong edge grip, and effective vibration dampening make for a confident and fun ride. While a minor aesthetic issue with the tip cover has been noted, it doesn’t detract from the ski’s outstanding performance. Overall, the Experience 86 Basalt is a highly recommended option for skiers seeking a versatile, responsive, and confidence-inspiring ski for all-mountain adventures.
