Rossignol Experience 88 Ti
Dimensions: 127-88-117
Radius: 16m@180cm
Sizes: 159, 166, 173, 180, 187
Size tested: 180cm
Design: All New
Rossignol is offering the biggest change to the Experience collection since its introduction almost a decade ago. The Experience 88 has been the focal model of the collection, always bookended by a wider version and a few narrower models. Through the generations, we have seen a couple of small (but important) evolutions, most notably the addition of Air Tip to the construction and the softening and rounding of the tip profile. Even in this progression, the Experience 88 has been one of the most frontside-biased skis in the 88-90mm category. All of this will change for 2019, not only for the men’s skis but the women’s, too (formerly the Temptation and now called the Experience W).
Like the outgoing model, the new Experience 88 Ti stands out visually on the ski wall. First of all, the tip profile is much more gradual and elongated and dramatically different. The Air Tip, which was introduced in the outgoing model, carries over but with a much different integration. The tail still has some flare but is also more tapered at the extremity. The dimensions of the two skis are quite different, from 135-88-124 to a more modern 127-88-117, but the turn radius gets slightly smaller, going from 17m to 16m in the 180cm length -- Reason 237 that you shouldn’t get hung up on the numbers because of different contact points on the new ski.
Construction of the new Experiences is (mostly) all new, as well. The Air Tip carries over, but the Carbon Matrix has been eliminated. Rossignol is now offering Line Control Technology (LCT), which was taken from its race skis. What does that really mean and, more importantly, why should you care? Well, LCT is a vertical Titanal power rail that extends from tip to tail and is sandwiched with absorbers in order to eliminate counter-flexing, thus creating a solid feel on the snow. In working some mixed turn shapes and drifting or smearing turns, the new 88 Ti definitely created less vibration than the older model.
Initial impressions of the ski really translated accurately to what I expected when on the snow. The new 88 is lot more relaxed than the out going model; it is significantly more versatile without losing the tenacious grip of the old Experience. Previous models had one turn shape that they wanted to make all day; the new one can make that same middle-radius turn but many others, as well. The new 88 skis rings around the outgoing skis in cut-up snow and mixed conditions. Where the old model would steer away from moguls, the new one has you scouting them out. Now, I am not saying that a week on this ski will get you ready for the Freestyle World Cup, but anyone who can ski confidently down a mogul trail will really appreciate time on these skis.
I also like that these new Experiences are available with or without the SPX Konect Dual system binding, which accommodates alpine, GripWalk, and WTR.
Dimensions: 127-88-117
Radius: 16m@180cm
Sizes: 159, 166, 173, 180, 187
Size tested: 180cm
Design: All New
Rossignol is offering the biggest change to the Experience collection since its introduction almost a decade ago. The Experience 88 has been the focal model of the collection, always bookended by a wider version and a few narrower models. Through the generations, we have seen a couple of small (but important) evolutions, most notably the addition of Air Tip to the construction and the softening and rounding of the tip profile. Even in this progression, the Experience 88 has been one of the most frontside-biased skis in the 88-90mm category. All of this will change for 2019, not only for the men’s skis but the women’s, too (formerly the Temptation and now called the Experience W).
Like the outgoing model, the new Experience 88 Ti stands out visually on the ski wall. First of all, the tip profile is much more gradual and elongated and dramatically different. The Air Tip, which was introduced in the outgoing model, carries over but with a much different integration. The tail still has some flare but is also more tapered at the extremity. The dimensions of the two skis are quite different, from 135-88-124 to a more modern 127-88-117, but the turn radius gets slightly smaller, going from 17m to 16m in the 180cm length -- Reason 237 that you shouldn’t get hung up on the numbers because of different contact points on the new ski.
Construction of the new Experiences is (mostly) all new, as well. The Air Tip carries over, but the Carbon Matrix has been eliminated. Rossignol is now offering Line Control Technology (LCT), which was taken from its race skis. What does that really mean and, more importantly, why should you care? Well, LCT is a vertical Titanal power rail that extends from tip to tail and is sandwiched with absorbers in order to eliminate counter-flexing, thus creating a solid feel on the snow. In working some mixed turn shapes and drifting or smearing turns, the new 88 Ti definitely created less vibration than the older model.
Initial impressions of the ski really translated accurately to what I expected when on the snow. The new 88 is lot more relaxed than the out going model; it is significantly more versatile without losing the tenacious grip of the old Experience. Previous models had one turn shape that they wanted to make all day; the new one can make that same middle-radius turn but many others, as well. The new 88 skis rings around the outgoing skis in cut-up snow and mixed conditions. Where the old model would steer away from moguls, the new one has you scouting them out. Now, I am not saying that a week on this ski will get you ready for the Freestyle World Cup, but anyone who can ski confidently down a mogul trail will really appreciate time on these skis.
I also like that these new Experiences are available with or without the SPX Konect Dual system binding, which accommodates alpine, GripWalk, and WTR.
- Who is it for? Skiers looking for all-mountain performance. This is an 88 that is not limited to the groomers; it wants to explore.
- Who is it not for? Lazy skiers. The new Experience wants some input from you; it is not a park-and-ride ski.
- Insider tip: Unless you are looking to play with mount position or sharing skis and need flexibility in BSL adjustment, bypass the SPX Konect Dual binding and put on the all-new Look Pivot 14 AW Forza; the orange will pop and you will reduce some swing and static weight.