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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.
Arcade W 78 + Xpress 10 GW — beginning-to-intermediate women who want their first real ski. 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 | Arcade W 78 + Xpress 10 GW | Octo |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 6 | 8🏆 |
| Park | 1 | 2🏆 |
| Playfulness | 6 | 7🏆 |
| Forgiveness | 9🏆 | 6 |
| Stability | 4 | 6🏆 |
| Powder | 2🏆 | 2🏆 |
Beginning-to-intermediate women who want their first real ski. You're done renting, you want your own gear, you're skiing green and blue groomers and starting to link parallel turns. Also works for the once-or-twice-a-year skier who wants something light, easy, and not intimidating.
Confident intermediates who already carve — you'll be bored in a week. Not for off-piste, not for speed, not for Mt. Hood's variable spring conditions. If you're already comfortable on blue runs and pushing into blacks, look at the Arcade 84 or Experience W 86 Basalt instead.
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 Arcade W 78 + Xpress 10 GW is best for beginning-to-intermediate women who want their first real ski. 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 Black Crows Octo scores highest in Stability at 6/10, 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 Arcade W 78 + Xpress 10 GW is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 9/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest ski to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.