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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
These skis span 2 categories (All-Mountain, Carving). Scores reflect each ski's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
Experience W 86 Basalt — intermediate-to-advanced women who carve groomers and want a ski that can also handle mixed conditions. Octo — intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all skis on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | Experience W 86 Basalt | Octo |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 7 | 8🏆 |
| Park | 2🏆 | 2🏆 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 7🏆 |
| Forgiveness | 7🏆 | 6 |
| Stability | 7🏆 | 6 |
| Powder | 4🏆 | 2 |
Intermediate-to-advanced women who carve groomers and want a ski that can also handle mixed conditions. The woman who skis 15-30 days a year and wants one ski that does most things well.
True beginners (get the Experience 78 Carbon instead) or expert women who charge hard and need metal in the layup. Also not for deep powder days.
Intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis.
Ice coast carvers who need maximum edge hold. High-speed chargers. Anyone who ventures off-piste.
The Experience W 86 Basalt is best for intermediate-to-advanced women who carve groomers and want a ski that can also handle mixed conditions. The Octo is best for intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional. The right choice depends on your primary terrain, ability level, and riding style.
The Rossignol Experience W 86 Basalt scores highest in Stability at 7/10, making it the strongest all-mountain option. It handles groomers, chop, and variable conditions without losing composure, so it's the best single-ski choice for skiers who want one pair for the whole mountain.
The Black Crows Octo leads in Carving with a PTO score of 8/10. Its edge grip on hard snow and groomed runs is the strongest in this comparison.
The Rossignol Experience W 86 Basalt is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 7/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest ski to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.