2023 Rossignol Experience 82 Ti

The 2023 Rossignol Experience 82 Ti is a carry over model from last year’s renovation. The new collection is more focused on firm snow performance than ever before, while still retaining a versatile feel. This Experience 82 Ti is the narrower of two skis that use metal. Differing from the skis they’re replacing; the Experience 82 Ti skis use more traditional horizontal metal laminates as opposed to the vertical metal struts in the previous skis. We also get a full poplar wood core and Rossignol’s new Drive Tip Solution. This new tip construction uses a complex combination of fibers and visco that works to turn vibrations and harsh terrain into a smoother feel and useable energy. The shape of the new Experience 82 Ti is interesting as it seems to blend the two previous generations of these skis. The rocker profile is relatively similar to the previous generation, while the sidecut shape (what Rossignol calls All Trail Sidecut) is more extended like the earlier and first generations of these skis. It makes a lot of sense given the fact they’re a little more focused on firm snow. By keeping the rocker, Rossignol allows for smooth turn initiation and a touch of versatility, but by extending the sidecut and especially in combination with the new construction, they’ve increased overall edge grip and stability.

Dana Allen tested the 176 cm length in the Experience 82 Ti. He mentioned that ideally, he would choose a longer length, but that the 176 also didn’t feel tremendously short. Dana awarded the Experience 82 Ti some impressive scores, including full 5 out of 5 marks for torsional stiffness/edge grip. That’s something Rossignol really did a good job with the Experience line. Especially the Ti models just feel glued to the snow when you’re in a turn. We also got a 5 out of 5 score for quickness and maneuverability. Right behind that were 4 out of 5 scores for stability and overall impression. Those characteristics are exactly what we’re looking for in a narrower all-mountain/carving ski with metal. “If you want a ski that you can roll edge to edge with practically no effort, set the edge, and rail through a turn with speed and stability, this ski is perfect. Definitely on the stiffer end of the spectrum longitudinally, it is not especially forgiving, but will reward an attentive, strong skier. From short to medium radius turns the ski is perfect. Even for a longer radius turn, especially in a longer length, it’ll do just fine. It will definitely serve you well. Not a super versatile ski in that bumps, soft snow, or powder, would not be ideal. For front side groomers and things like that, super fun and appropriate.” In our testing, we found the 86 Ti feels a little more versatile for off trail conditions, while the 82 is quicker edge to edge and very precise.

Michael Roone calls his 176 cm tester an “Upper intermediate ski, loves to turn and quite forgiving. Handles mixed conditions very easily. Bends easily when you pressure it to make that turn.” Michael had all 4’s and 5’s on his scorecard, with 5’s given for overall impression, stability, quickness, maneuverability, versatility, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. This is an impressive spread of scores from Michael here, who brings his front side expertise and experience to the test for sure.

We’re loving the stability, stiffness, and edge hold from the Rossignol Experience 82 Ti. There’s a lot of room for strong front side skis that aren’t too overpowering or race-like, and that’s where this ski fits in quite nicely. Best-suited for intermediates who want something stable all the way through experts who love the feeling of a clean and quick carve.