Head Discovery 86 Pro Skis Review
The Head Discovery 86 Pro skis are a versatile all-mountain setup built for men who want one pair to handle groomers, chopped-up snow, and everything in between. With an 86 mm waist and a tip-rocker profile, they offer a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride across variable conditions. Head packs in Auxetic Tech, Superframe Construction, and a full wood core, so the skis flex naturally at slower speeds but stiffen and support you when you really commit to a carve. Paired with Tyrolia PROTECTOR EVO PR 11 GW bindings, they are ready to help you explore more of the mountain.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Dimensions: 130 / 86 / 113 mm (tip / waist / tail)
- Sidecut Radius: 13.7 m (163 cm) to 18.3 m (184 cm)
- Camber Profile: Tip rocker with flat tail and regular camber underfoot
- Core & Construction: Full wood core, Superframe Construction, Auxetic Tech, Graphene, fully wrapped fiberglass
- Bindings: Tyrolia PROTECTOR EVO PR 11 GW, DIN 3–11, Alpine (ISO 5355) and GripWalk (ISO 23223) compatible
Auxetic Tech and Superframe Construction
Head’s Auxetic Tech is the standout feature of the Discovery 86 Pro. At slower speeds the ski flexes naturally and feels forgiving, but as you push into a carve the structure stiffens and gives you a platform to lean against. Combined with Superframe Construction, which boosts torsional strength, the skis stay stable even when the snow gets churned up. The result is a ski that grows with your ability rather than fighting you.
The fully wrapped fiberglass structure distributes pressure evenly along the length of the ski, which translates to predictable control and maximum stability. Whether you are making short, quick turns or opening it up on a wide groomer, the construction keeps the ski composed and responsive.
Wood Core and Graphene
A full wood core provides natural strength and responsiveness, and it is the foundation that lets the Superframe and Auxetic Tech do their job. As you push harder, the core stiffens along with the rest of the build, making the Discovery 86 Pro dominate groomers. Off-trail, the wood core keeps the skis lightweight and ready to tackle whatever you decide to ski.
Graphene is used strategically to make the skis incredibly strong while keeping them light, tuned to a wide range of riding styles. The durable Structured UHM C base, made from the same top-quality material used in Head racing skis, has a special texture that performs well in all snow conditions.
Rocker Profile and On-Snow Feel
The tip-rocker profile with regular camber throughout the rest of the ski is equally at home on bulletproof snow as it is in powder. Early rise in the tips helps the ski float and initiate turns easily, while the camber underfoot maintains edge grip and energy on hardpack. The flat tail finishes turns cleanly and supports a neutral stance.
With an 86 mm waist, the Discovery 86 Pro is comfortable on fresh snow and chopped-up conditions without feeling sluggish on groomed terrain. It is a balanced all-mountain shape that favors confident, versatile skiing over specialization.
Bindings and Boot Compatibility
The skis come with Tyrolia PROTECTOR EVO PR 11 GW bindings, with a DIN range of 3 to 11, which suits a broad range of skiers from intermediates to advanced riders. The bindings are compatible with both Alpine (ISO 5355) and GripWalk (ISO 23223) boot soles, so you can use the setup with most modern boots without swapping bindings.
At roughly 6 lbs. 12.9 oz. per pair, the package stays reasonably light for an all-mountain ski with bindings included. That makes it easy to manage on lift rides and in varied terrain while still feeling solid underfoot.
Who It Is For
The Head Discovery 86 Pro suits men who want a single all-mountain ski that performs on groomed runs and holds up when conditions get variable. Its blend of early-rise tips, camber underfoot, and a stiffening flex pattern makes it a strong choice for improving intermediates and advanced skiers who like to carve but still want off-trail versatility.
If you spend most of your time on groomers but want the freedom to explore fresh or chopped-up snow, this ski delivers an approachable yet capable ride that supports improvement.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Auxetic Tech flexes naturally at slow speeds and stiffens when carving; Superframe Construction adds torsional stability in churned snow; lightweight wood core and Graphene keep the package manageable; bindings included with Alpine and GripWalk compatibility; versatile 86 mm waist handles groomers and variable conditions.
- Cons: DIN 11 ceiling may limit aggressive, heavier advanced skiers; 86 mm waist is not a dedicated deep-powder ski; flat tail and camber focus favor frontside performance over soft-snow playfulness.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Use | Downhill Skiing |
| Ski Terrain | Groomed |
| Tip Width | 130 millimeters |
| Waist Width | 86 millimeters |
| Tail Width | 113 millimeters |
| Sidecut Radius | 163 cm: 13.7 m; 170 cm: 15.2 m; 177 cm: 16.7 m; 184 cm: 18.3 m |
| Ski Camber | Tip Rocker |
| Tail Type | Flat |
| Core | Full Wood Core |
| Bindings Included | Yes — Tyrolia PROTECTOR EVO PR 11 GW |
| Boot Sole Compatibility | Alpine (ISO 5355) and GripWalk (ISO 23223) |
| Lowest DIN | 3 |
| Highest DIN | 11 |
| Gender | Men’s |
| Weight (Pair) | 6 lbs. 12.9 oz. |
| Construction | Superframe Construction, Auxetic Tech, fully wrapped fiberglass, Graphene |
| Base | Structured UHM C base |
Where to Buy
The Head Discovery 86 Pro skis with Tyrolia PROTECTOR EVO PR 11 GW bindings are available at rei.com and evo.com. Both retailers list the men’s 2026–2028 model, so you can compare pricing, sizing availability, and any bundled offers before you commit. REI is a solid option if you value its return policy and member benefits, while evo often has detailed product pages and seasonal deals. Check both sites for current stock across the 163 cm, 170 cm, 177 cm, and 184 cm lengths to find the size that matches your height, weight, and skiing style.
Final Verdict
The Head Discovery 86 Pro is a well-rounded all-mountain ski that punches above its price point thanks to Auxetic Tech, Superframe Construction, and a full wood core. It is forgiving at slower speeds, stiffens when you carve, and stays stable in chopped-up snow, making it a great companion for improving intermediates and advanced skiers who want one ski for groomers and light off-trail exploring. The included Tyrolia bindings and broad boot compatibility add real value. If you want a versatile frontside-focused ski that grows with your ability, the Discovery 86 Pro is worth a serious look.