The Experience 80 HD from Rossignol is the perfect introduction for a skier looking to enter the all mountain domain - lightweight, easy to maneuver and has what it takes to do it all, all over the mountain.
We like the price point, they're great value for money and must encourage recreational skiers to purchase their own skis. £385 including bindings, they're a steal. But is there a compromise in performance?
We don't think so, certainly not for the price.
Rossignol seem to have found a core that really works in their lighter weight skis across the whole range, and this model is no exception - quick edge to edge, they have a really snappy feel, especially in the shorter turn, but this is applies to turns at slower speeds.
The Experience 80 HD´s tip rocker turn initiation is super easy, but once into the turn they can lose grip and stability which is clearly a bi product of their low weight. They become flappy and twitchy which increases with the rate of speed - although this is to be expected for skis aimed at the intermediate level. They are not made for skiing at higher speeds, although despite that on flatter terrain they were fun to ride and handled the speed well when not really pushed hard.
More positives thank negatives and for an intermediate skier looking for versatility then they are spot on. Also, they are just wide enough to float in fresh snow as long as it the speed is kept to a minimum and fly through the bumps and variables with ease too.
