The Arcade has some more energy and heft to it while the Steadfast feels lighter and more mobile. The turn shape is a bit different, too, as the Nordica is a bit cleaner and rounder while the Arcade can mix it up better from short skidded to longer carves. There's a higher speed limit on the Arcade as a result.
Glad I looked back on earlier reviews and caught this episode. Love the sound of these Arcades. Almost pulled the trigger on Rossi Experience 82 ti’s. But really would like something a little more all around…especially for the odd day we ever get real snow here at Bristol in Upstate. I typically ski my Rossi Hero 170’s for beer league races and on the groomers until trails gets beat up around mid day. The Arcades sound great but since they’re new for 2025 they’re a bit $$ for us retired 5’11/180 geysers👴🏻. So what 2024/23 ski would you recommend that has similar capabilities to the Arcades but doesn’t have that new car smell and price?
Amazingly, the new Arcade 84 is $200 less than the Experience 82 Ti that it replaced. If you're looking for an older model at a good deal around the mid-80's, we have Blizzard Brahma 82's and 88's, and Dynastar M-Pro 85's that would work great at a good value.
Very informative review. Just curious as to what you would recommend for a Midwest (Minnesota) ski that is good at carving on hardpack to ice but would also be good out west on groomers? My current skis are 12 year old Atomic Nomad Smoke Ti (123-77-107). Looking mostly at the Rossignol Arcade 84, Nordica Steadfast 85, and also under consideration are the Liberty Evolve 84, Blizzard Anomaly 84, Salomon Stance 84, Dynastar M-Pro 85…yes I have fallen down the rabbit hole.
I think the Stance is an uncommonly good ski for both on and off-trail skiing. Arcade, Steadfast, Evolv are all more on-trail oriented. Anomaly is the burliest of the group, so maybe that's a good thing. M-Pro is a lot of fun but isn't as intuitive as the Stance.
I demo'ed the 84 this morning for a few runs. It was hard packed snow (we got shitty weather recently in the area), so not the best conditions and the ski was a big long for me. Seems a good ski, it felt similar to the experience 82 to me, I got a bit lower ski IQ on my carv app than with my usual Forza 70. I also tried the M-cross 88 and preferred it over the Arcade, probably from the big shovel. I'm still hunting for a all-mountain ski for next year.
Great detailed reviews. I am currently on 2023 Rossi E86 basalt 176cm. I'm 67 years old (time to slow it down a bit) 6'3" 190lbs. Mostly ski Mammoth mtn. Sometimes I feel like 176cm is too short. Thinking of the Arcade 84 at 184cm or should I stay at 176cm. Your thoughts? I would love to demo them first but that never seems to work out.
If you move to the Arcade, the performance difference (uptick) is great enough that you don't have to size up. I'd keep it at the 176 in the Arcade 84. It's a pretty natural feeling ski--one that doesn't really need to be demoed--the more unique they get, then the more you'd want to try before purchase. I think you can get along well with the Arcade 84 without demo.
Could you give some more detail on how these compare with the Stance 84 please? In another comment you said, "Arcade will appeal more to the carver while the Stance is more adventurous." Could you expand on what you mean by adventurous? I can't decide which to demo. Thank you!!
By adventurous, I feel the off-trail stuff is brought in--powder, trees, bumps, etc. The Arcade is happier on groomers and making linked carved turns while the Stance is more versatile in its turn shape and style.
Demo on this ski last week in Australia. Loved it. How would it compare to the 2025 Anomoly 84? I didn't quite pick up the jist of your comments about Pivot binding brake compatibility at the end of the review. Could you possibly explain what you were getting at? Cheers.
The Arcade has more of a traditional shape and style versus the Anomaly 84. I think the Blizzard is more versatile, higher performing, and frankly easier to ski. The Arcade needs to be engaged in a carved turn all the time in order to maximize performance--there's not a lot of drifting or creativity going on here, it's more of a pure carver. The Anomaly is more amenable and accessible for bumps, trees, crud, and other soft snows. For bindings, the mid-80's is a weird spot for Pivot brakes as the 75 is too narrow and the 95 is too wide. I personally wouldn't put a Pivot on an 84 for this reason. Marker Griffon/Jester with 90 mm brake works great.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks. I enjoyed carving the Arcade on firmer snow, which we get most of the time here in Oz. It just sat so securely in the turn. My current ski is the Blackops 98 and looking for a dedicated carver for firm conditions and to get through the bumps and groomers when they are chopped up at the end of the day.
I'm considering the Arcade 84 for next season. I'd like something less demeaning than my Stocklis for Eastern bumps but that can still handle itself at least somewhat on firm snow. I'm on the lighter end of the scale and like the idea of the light swing weight and the ski being less demanding. A few seasons ago I skied the Experience 84 and thought they were okay but a little heavy. Any idea how these would compare?
The new Arcade 84 has about the same weight, but is a bit sturdier. They use a pretty thick wood core profile, and that makes them quite stiff and traditional in terms of camber--lots of it. If you're looking to take a bit off the top, I'm not sure this is the way to go. I'd check out something like the Salomon Stance 84, Volkl Kanjo, or the Dynastar M-Pro 85 for what you're looking to do.
Great review! I own both a set of the experience 82 and the 86 basalt skis. The 86s are noticeably better everywhere. I'm always looking for new skis so would you say the Arcades are as easy to turn/as forgiving as the Experience 86 basalts?
While still easy to turn, I don't think they're terribly forgiving--there's some weight here, and with the thicker core profile, the Arcade 84 is on the stiff side as well.
Evolv is quieter and smoother overall. The Arcade feels more poppy and energetic, and a lot more at home in shorter turns. There's more dynamic feel in the Arcade.
Hello First ,thank you for your good job!very complete and interesting. I like very much your arcades tests,and l will choose the arcade 84 this winter to ski in my station Chatel/portes du soleil France. I don’t know if i will choose 168 or 176;60 Days ski winter,level advanced; i am just surprised by Jeff choose with 176:you are not very tall ,not very heavy.(me:1m73/68kg) Can you explain that to me ? I wish you a nice winter Thank you
The skis have a pretty short turn radius, so if you're in between sizes and you go shorter, then you're really accentuating that shorter arc. With the stiffness and response of the ski, the longer size felt more amenable to different shaped turns, personally.
Great review as always! How does this ski compare to the Experience 82 Ti? I'm looking to improve my carving and linking a variety of turns with good form on groomers.
The big difference is in the camber profile. The Arcade 84 has considerably more camber and less taper than the Experience. By shaping a ski this way, it's more engaged in the turn from tip to tail. The Experience probably is more smooth and powerful overall due to having more metal, but the Arcade is considerably poppier and more energetic due to that camber. Both skis will get you what you need, but if you're looking for better rebound, the Arcade is the way to go.
Arcade is stiffer and more front-side oriented while the M-Cross has more versatility due to a more flexible shovel that's wider and with some decent rocker. The Arcade is shaped and profiled very traditionally with long camber and basically no taper or rocker. If you're looking for a more versatile ski, I'd go M-Cross, but for more precision and power in a carved turn, the Arcade is very impressive.
The Arcade feels more traditional in a snappy and poppy way while the Peregrine is smoother and more sound. I think the Peregrine is more amenable to different turn shapes and styles while the Arcade is happier in the mid-range.
I think the AR is the best because it's so incredibly smooth, strong, and powerful. It's also very heavy so it's not going to be the best for everyone--that one goes to the Steadfast which is approachable, fun, and engaging for a lot of skiers. The Arcade is kind of like a more precise and reactive Steadfast, which is a bit of a boost in performance, but I like the snow feel of the Steadfast a bit more.
You mentioned that it feels like an “elevated Stance 84”. Do you think it fits the same level of skier, but feels higher end? Or do you think it also requires a higher level of skier?
I think it's the same level of skier, but the preference is a bit different. Arcade will appeal more to the carver while the Stance is more adventurous.
Is it fair to assume that fellow westerners don't know what blue ice is ? 😂 About your take on skiing trees when there aint fresh snow. I totally agree, and will push it even further and argue that if there is no fresh snow like at all, a carving ski is better than a lot of the mid fat all mountain skis.
I live in the interior of BC Canada and agree with you we never see blue ice near home and often call any "noisy snow" as icy. I used to think 100mm waist skis as the go to every day ski. Since returning to an enforcer 88 and declivity 82ti, I feel they are very versatile and unless greater than 15cm snow (which is most days), there is no need to go wider.
I suppose you need a lot of rain/freeze cycles like we get in Vermont to know what true blue ice is. Once you learn to go with it, and not to fight it, it actually becomes a lot easier to manage!
@@SkiEssentials yep... them racing course on the east coast 😅 the sound you make on each turn after a few lap practicing 😂 once you've been tru that ice is easier to manage
Would be neat to see speed on the video. Thanks for putting this together.
Looks like a good simple construction making it a good ski. Like it. Nice review guys.
This is not a complicated ski. Energetic wood core, nice camber, full sidewalls, and some minor tech makes it totally satisfying and rewarding!
@SkiEssentials Thanks guys. Great review! When to expect the review of the Arcade 88 please?
It'll probably be a late spring or summer review. Amazingly we're running out of time this winter!
The neon yellow Attack 2's would look dope on that Arcade 84!
Yes!
Thanks for this test ski! Could you compare this Arcade 84 with the Nordica Steadfast 85? Because I hesitate between those two. Thanks guys 👍
The Arcade has some more energy and heft to it while the Steadfast feels lighter and more mobile. The turn shape is a bit different, too, as the Nordica is a bit cleaner and rounder while the Arcade can mix it up better from short skidded to longer carves. There's a higher speed limit on the Arcade as a result.
Glad I looked back on earlier reviews and caught this episode. Love the sound of these Arcades. Almost pulled the trigger on Rossi Experience 82 ti’s. But really would like something a little more all around…especially for the odd day we ever get real snow here at Bristol in Upstate. I typically ski my Rossi Hero 170’s for beer league races and on the groomers until trails gets beat up around mid day. The Arcades sound great but since they’re new for 2025 they’re a bit $$ for us retired 5’11/180 geysers👴🏻. So what 2024/23 ski would you recommend that has similar capabilities to the Arcades but doesn’t have that new car smell and price?
Amazingly, the new Arcade 84 is $200 less than the Experience 82 Ti that it replaced. If you're looking for an older model at a good deal around the mid-80's, we have Blizzard Brahma 82's and 88's, and Dynastar M-Pro 85's that would work great at a good value.
Very informative review. Just curious as to what you would recommend for a Midwest (Minnesota) ski that is good at carving on hardpack to ice but would also be good out west on groomers? My current skis are 12 year old Atomic Nomad Smoke Ti (123-77-107). Looking mostly at the Rossignol Arcade 84, Nordica Steadfast 85, and also under consideration are the Liberty Evolve 84, Blizzard Anomaly 84, Salomon Stance 84, Dynastar M-Pro 85…yes I have fallen down the rabbit hole.
I think the Stance is an uncommonly good ski for both on and off-trail skiing. Arcade, Steadfast, Evolv are all more on-trail oriented. Anomaly is the burliest of the group, so maybe that's a good thing. M-Pro is a lot of fun but isn't as intuitive as the Stance.
I demo'ed the 84 this morning for a few runs. It was hard packed snow (we got shitty weather recently in the area), so not the best conditions and the ski was a big long for me. Seems a good ski, it felt similar to the experience 82 to me, I got a bit lower ski IQ on my carv app than with my usual Forza 70. I also tried the M-cross 88 and preferred it over the Arcade, probably from the big shovel. I'm still hunting for a all-mountain ski for next year.
The M-Cross is a bit more flexible as well, especially in that shovel--it's totally reasonable that you like that engagement vs. the stiffer Arcade.
@@SkiEssentials that makes sense! Thanks for the input!
Great review of what seems to be a great ski! Thanks guys! What size would you recommend to a 178cm/78kg advanced skier please?
Great skis indeed! I think the 176 will be fine based on your stats and application.
Great detailed reviews. I am currently on 2023 Rossi E86 basalt 176cm. I'm 67 years old (time to slow it down a bit) 6'3" 190lbs. Mostly ski Mammoth mtn. Sometimes I feel like 176cm is too short. Thinking of the Arcade 84 at 184cm or should I stay at 176cm. Your thoughts? I would love to demo them first but that never seems to work out.
If you move to the Arcade, the performance difference (uptick) is great enough that you don't have to size up. I'd keep it at the 176 in the Arcade 84. It's a pretty natural feeling ski--one that doesn't really need to be demoed--the more unique they get, then the more you'd want to try before purchase. I think you can get along well with the Arcade 84 without demo.
Could you give some more detail on how these compare with the Stance 84 please? In another comment you said, "Arcade will appeal more to the carver while the Stance is more adventurous." Could you expand on what you mean by adventurous? I can't decide which to demo. Thank you!!
By adventurous, I feel the off-trail stuff is brought in--powder, trees, bumps, etc. The Arcade is happier on groomers and making linked carved turns while the Stance is more versatile in its turn shape and style.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you! Think I'll go for the Stance 84s
Demo on this ski last week in Australia. Loved it. How would it compare to the 2025 Anomoly 84?
I didn't quite pick up the jist of your comments about Pivot binding brake compatibility at the end of the review. Could you possibly explain what you were getting at? Cheers.
The Arcade has more of a traditional shape and style versus the Anomaly 84. I think the Blizzard is more versatile, higher performing, and frankly easier to ski. The Arcade needs to be engaged in a carved turn all the time in order to maximize performance--there's not a lot of drifting or creativity going on here, it's more of a pure carver. The Anomaly is more amenable and accessible for bumps, trees, crud, and other soft snows.
For bindings, the mid-80's is a weird spot for Pivot brakes as the 75 is too narrow and the 95 is too wide. I personally wouldn't put a Pivot on an 84 for this reason. Marker Griffon/Jester with 90 mm brake works great.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks. I enjoyed carving the Arcade on firmer snow, which we get most of the time here in Oz. It just sat so securely in the turn. My current ski is the Blackops 98 and looking for a dedicated carver for firm conditions and to get through the bumps and groomers when they are chopped up at the end of the day.
I'm considering the Arcade 84 for next season. I'd like something less demeaning than my Stocklis for Eastern bumps but that can still handle itself at least somewhat on firm snow. I'm on the lighter end of the scale and like the idea of the light swing weight and the ski being less demanding. A few seasons ago I skied the Experience 84 and thought they were okay but a little heavy. Any idea how these would compare?
The new Arcade 84 has about the same weight, but is a bit sturdier. They use a pretty thick wood core profile, and that makes them quite stiff and traditional in terms of camber--lots of it. If you're looking to take a bit off the top, I'm not sure this is the way to go. I'd check out something like the Salomon Stance 84, Volkl Kanjo, or the Dynastar M-Pro 85 for what you're looking to do.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at your reviews for the Stance 84, Kanjo, and M-Pro 85s.
Yeah, I got tossed too. Thought this was the ski for me but I ended up liking the previous season basalt experience better.
Great review! I own both a set of the experience 82 and the 86 basalt skis. The 86s are noticeably better everywhere. I'm always looking for new skis so would you say the Arcades are as easy to turn/as forgiving as the Experience 86 basalts?
While still easy to turn, I don't think they're terribly forgiving--there's some weight here, and with the thicker core profile, the Arcade 84 is on the stiff side as well.
How would these compare to the Liberty Evolv 84s? Great video as always guys!
Evolv is quieter and smoother overall. The Arcade feels more poppy and energetic, and a lot more at home in shorter turns. There's more dynamic feel in the Arcade.
Hello
First ,thank you for your good job!very complete and interesting.
I like very much your arcades tests,and l will choose the arcade 84 this winter to ski in my station Chatel/portes du soleil France.
I don’t know if i will choose 168 or 176;60 Days ski winter,level advanced;
i am just surprised by Jeff choose with 176:you are not very tall ,not very heavy.(me:1m73/68kg)
Can you explain that to me ?
I wish you a nice winter
Thank you
The skis have a pretty short turn radius, so if you're in between sizes and you go shorter, then you're really accentuating that shorter arc. With the stiffness and response of the ski, the longer size felt more amenable to different shaped turns, personally.
That seems logical. Thank you for your answer 👍
Great review as always! How does this ski compare to the Experience 82 Ti? I'm looking to improve my carving and linking a variety of turns with good form on groomers.
The big difference is in the camber profile. The Arcade 84 has considerably more camber and less taper than the Experience. By shaping a ski this way, it's more engaged in the turn from tip to tail. The Experience probably is more smooth and powerful overall due to having more metal, but the Arcade is considerably poppier and more energetic due to that camber. Both skis will get you what you need, but if you're looking for better rebound, the Arcade is the way to go.
Arcade 84 vs Dynastar M-Cross 88 for a resort ski?
Arcade is stiffer and more front-side oriented while the M-Cross has more versatility due to a more flexible shovel that's wider and with some decent rocker. The Arcade is shaped and profiled very traditionally with long camber and basically no taper or rocker. If you're looking for a more versatile ski, I'd go M-Cross, but for more precision and power in a carved turn, the Arcade is very impressive.
any comparison to the volkl peregrine 82?
The Arcade feels more traditional in a snappy and poppy way while the Peregrine is smoother and more sound. I think the Peregrine is more amenable to different turn shapes and styles while the Arcade is happier in the mid-range.
How do you compare this one compared to Steadfast 85 and Montero AR? And which one you think is best?
I think the AR is the best because it's so incredibly smooth, strong, and powerful. It's also very heavy so it's not going to be the best for everyone--that one goes to the Steadfast which is approachable, fun, and engaging for a lot of skiers. The Arcade is kind of like a more precise and reactive Steadfast, which is a bit of a boost in performance, but I like the snow feel of the Steadfast a bit more.
You mentioned that it feels like an “elevated Stance 84”. Do you think it fits the same level of skier, but feels higher end? Or do you think it also requires a higher level of skier?
I think it's the same level of skier, but the preference is a bit different. Arcade will appeal more to the carver while the Stance is more adventurous.
Is it fair to assume that fellow westerners don't know what blue ice is ? 😂
About your take on skiing trees when there aint fresh snow. I totally agree, and will push it even further and argue that if there is no fresh snow like at all, a carving ski is better than a lot of the mid fat all mountain skis.
I live in the interior of BC Canada and agree with you we never see blue ice near home and often call any "noisy snow" as icy. I used to think 100mm waist skis as the go to every day ski. Since returning to an enforcer 88 and declivity 82ti, I feel they are very versatile and unless greater than 15cm snow (which is most days), there is no need to go wider.
@@chadridsdale9970 interesting! I very much agree
I suppose you need a lot of rain/freeze cycles like we get in Vermont to know what true blue ice is. Once you learn to go with it, and not to fight it, it actually becomes a lot easier to manage!
@@SkiEssentials yep... them racing course on the east coast 😅 the sound you make on each turn after a few lap practicing 😂 once you've been tru that ice is easier to manage