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Expert Comparison: Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis · Women's · 2022 vs K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023

Published on 02/10/2024 · 4 min readCompare Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis · Women's · 2022 and K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Gunnar O, Ski Expert
Matt G, Ski Expert
Hunter Williams, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Gunnar O, Matt G, Hunter Williams, Dawn Littleton, Ruth R. and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis · Women's · 2022
Out of stock
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023
Price
$358.93
49% off
$199.98
50% off
User rating
--
5(3)
Ski type
All Mountain
All Mountain
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Beginner, Intermediate
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Tail profile
Flat
Partial twin tip

In the world of women's skis, the Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis and the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are two top contenders. Both are designed for strong skiers who want a versatile, playful, and lightweight ski. The Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis, a 2022 model, is a carving and groomer-oriented ski that uses Basalt in place of metal for vibration absorption. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis, a 2023 model, is a versatile ski with an 85mm waist width and All-Terrain Rocker, providing easy turn initiation and floatation in soft snow. Both skis are excellent choices, but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

The Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis is a phenomenal carving and groomer-oriented ski designed for strong skiers who want to ditch the weight of a metal ski. Rossignol uses Basalt in place of metal for vibration absorption, resulting in a lighter, more playful ski that can still hold a strong edge on groomed runs. This ski is better suited to tighter, more controlled turns, but with an 86 mm waist, it can still play in the softer sides of the groomed runs. This ski is a top pick for women skiers due to its softer ski compared to the men's version. It's a nice lightweight option from Rossignol that is perfect for intermediate and advanced ladies looking for a carving ski for the whole mountain.

The Rossignol Experience 86 is a lightweight ski with a layer of basalt that loves to carve the entire mountain

Gunnar O
Ski Expert

The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis is an incredibly versatile ski for the intermediate to advanced skier. K2 uses an 85mm waist width with their All-Terrain Rocker to produce a ski that provides easy turn initiation on groomed snow and floatation in soft snow. They also have a lightweight Aspen Veneer Core that will keep you on the mountain as long as you want to. K2 uses a short turning radius on this ski, for a skier who prefers controlled, shorter turns. However, they can still hold their own on those longer turns. This ski is perfect for beginners getting out of rentals all the way up to lighter, more advanced skiers that don't want a difficult driver.

The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are a great fit for female skiers who want a versatile ski for both groomed and off-piste terrain. With a 85mm waist width and All-Terrain Rocker, these skis provide easy turn initiation and floatation in soft snow

Matt G
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis and the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are designed for strong skiers who want a versatile, playful, and lightweight ski. They both provide easy turn initiation and are well-suited for groomed runs. Both skis are also designed to be more playful and lighter than traditional metal skis, making them a great choice for skiers who want to ditch the weight of a metal ski. They both have a similar waist width, with the Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis having an 86mm waist and the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis having an 85mm waist. This allows both skis to perform well in softer snow conditions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for strong skiers, the Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis is more carving and groomer-oriented, making it a great choice for skiers who prefer tighter, more controlled turns. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis is more versatile and is designed for skiers who prefer both groomed and off-piste terrain. The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis also has a shorter turning radius, making it a great choice for skiers who prefer controlled, shorter turns.

The Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis is a great choice for intermediate and advanced ladies looking for a carving ski for the whole mountain, while the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis is perfect for beginners getting out of rentals all the way up to lighter, more advanced skiers that don't want a difficult driver.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to weight, both skis are lightweight, but the Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis uses Basalt in place of metal for vibration absorption, making it slightly lighter. In terms of versatility, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis takes the lead with its All-Terrain Rocker and ability to perform well on both groomed and off-piste terrain. For turn initiation, both skis perform well, but the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis has a shorter turning radius, making it slightly better for skiers who prefer controlled, shorter turns. Lastly, in terms of suitability for different skill levels, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis is a more versatile option, suitable for beginners to advanced skiers.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis and the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are excellent choices for strong skiers who want a versatile, playful, and lightweight ski. The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a strong skier who prefers carving and groomer-oriented skiing, the Rossignol Experience 86 W Skis would be a great choice. If you're a skier who wants a versatile ski that performs well on both groomed and off-piste terrain, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis would be a better fit. Regardless of your choice, both skis are designed to provide a fun and enjoyable skiing experience.

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