[Editor’s Note: In the interest of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, we’re posting here some of our measured specs and manufacturer details, and will update in the future. Take a look, and let us know in the Comments Section below what questions you’d like us to answer.]

What Ferreol says about the Explo 86

“The Explo 86 is a versatile and agile ski, with an even greater emphasis on performance on firm snow than the Explo 96. As a narrower version of its big brother, it prioritizes edge grip and stability. It offers better handling, precision and control on varied terrain. You’ll feel faster, more precise turns on groomed trails.

The ski’s balanced rocker makes it well suited to navigating undergrowth and variable snow, offering a responsive and enjoyable experience.

This ski has been designed to be light enough for easy ascent, yet stable and powerful when it’s time to descend.”

Flex Pattern

Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Explo 86:

Tips: 7.5-8
Shovels: 8-8.5
In Front of Toe Piece: 9-10
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-8
Tails: 8.5

Overall, this is a pretty strong flex pattern (particularly the tips and shovels), and it doesn’t feel dramatically stiffer through the back than the front.