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Explo 86
$799.95
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size Guide
Choose a length between your chin and the top of your head. If in doubt, go one size up for more stability, or one size down for more maneuverability.
| Ski size | Skier size |
|---|---|
| 156 cm | 152–162 cm |
| 162 cm | 162–168 cm |
| 168 cm | 168–178 cm |
| 174 cm | 178-191 cm |
Indicative values. Weight, style and terrain influence the choice—if necessary, launch the Ski Finder.
Pickup available at Ski Michel - Backstore
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Complete your setupTurnkey service delivered to your door!−10 %
Binding Mounting (Includes skin cutting)
Made in the workshop before shipping. A form to complete will be sent to you automatically after purchase.
$50.00
Selected Extras
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The Explo 86 in detail
L'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.
For whom
The right skis for the right terrain
The Explo 86 is built for the slopes, ready for adventure.
Groomed resort
Rigid tile hook
Undergrowth
Agile & maneuverable
Variable snow
Stable & accurate
Range
Where is Explo 86 located
The Explo 86 is designed for resort skiers who love to carve on hard-packed snow and occasionally venture into glades or go alpine touring.
| Template | Ski waist width | Land | Radius | Mass | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL-free 74 - 165cm | 74 mm | 100% firm snow | 13 metres | 1650 g | Firm snow and ice |
| Explo 86 - 168cm You are here | 86 mm | 70% firm snow / 30% powder | 14 m | 1410 g | Firm snow |
| Explo 96 - 172cm | 96 mm | 50% firm snow / 50% powder | 15 m | 1,590 g | Off-piste |
| Template | SL-free 74 - 165cm | Explo 86 - 168cm You are here | Explo 96 - 172cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski waist width | 74 mm | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Land | 100% firm snow | 70% firm snow / 30% powder | 50% firm snow / 50% powder |
| Radius | 13 metres | 14 m | 15 m |
| Mass | 1650 g | 1410 g | 1,590 g |
| Profile | Firm snow and ice | Firm snow | Off-piste |
Are you hesitating between two widths? Launch Ski Finder →
Specifications
Technical specifications
The Explo 86 is an all-terrain freeride ski designed in Beaupré and made in Canada. In 168 cm: 1410 g per ski, 14 m radius, dimensions 123-86-111 mm. Bas-Saint-Laurent poplar wood core, titanal plate, two layers of carbon, Entropy Super Sap bio-based epoxy, and 50% bio-based topsheet. 3P camber with front and rear rocker.
| Ski size | 156 | 162 | 168 | 174 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front spatula width (mm) | 122 | 122 | 123 | 124 | |
| Skate width (mm) | 86 | 86 | 86 | 87 | |
| Rear spatula width (mm) | 110 | 111 | 111 | 112 | |
| Department | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 15 | |
| Weight per ski (g) | 1315 | 1370 | 1410 | 1475 |
Stiffness profiles
Striking a delicate balance between weight and stiffness, the Explo 86 achieves a more balanced torsional stiffness compared to the Explo 96. This balance ensures excellent grip on snow while providing an intuitive riding experience. With shorter rockers and a longer turning radius than its wider counterpart, the Explo 86 stands out as a versatile and stable all-mountain ski.
Bending Stiffness
How difficult it is to flex the ski (Nm²)
Torsional Stiffness
How difficult it is to twist the ski (Nm²)
Geometry
Durable and waterproof surface, 50% bio-based. Protects the structure and carries the ski graphic.
Fibers aligned along the ski's axis for maximum rebound and responsiveness, without adding weight.
45° diagonal fibres that reinforce torsional rigidity: the edge remains precise in turns.
Three fibre orientations for consistent strength and a forgiving ride.
High-strength aluminum alloy mounting plate, integrated under the binding area. It ensures impeccable screw retention and direct energy transmission to the edge.
Poplar core harvested less than 100 km from the factory. Light, lively, and resistant — the soul of the ski.
Three fibre orientations for consistent strength and a forgiving ride.
Tape that binds the quarters to the rest of the structure and improves the durability of the joint.
Hardened steel for a clean bite and prolonged edge retention on hard snow and ice.
High-density polyethylene base: fast glide, good wax absorption, and abrasion resistant.
Imprint
Life cycle analysis
We measure the complete carbon footprint of each ski, from raw material to factory gate. Transparency is part of engineering.
24.4kgCO₂eq
Average carbon footprint of Explo 86 — equivalent to the emissions of a small car driven approximately 129 km.
Carbon Footprint Overview
Material footprint
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Explo 86 and the Explo 96?
Both skis share the same all-mountain DNA. In both cases, these skis offer quick edge-to-edge transitions and good grip on hard or icy snow. The Explo 86 (86 mm) is more suitable for firm snow and groomed runs, while the Explo 96 (96 mm) offers better float in deep snow.
- The Explo 86 is designed for 70% groomed runs and 30% off-piste use. Its preferred terrain is firm snow and light powder. Perfect for going anywhere on the mountain and geared towards groomed runs/firm snow.
- The Explo 96 is designed for 50% groomed runs and 50% off-piste use. Its preferred terrain is firm snow and powder. Perfect for going anywhere on the mountain and designed as the perfect all-rounder ski.
- These 2 Explo models are designed for high performance all over the mountain. They are also perfect for alpine touring thanks to their lightness and versatility. Choose the 86 for more on-piste use and the 96 for more float in powder.
What is the difference between Explo 86 and SL-free 74?
These two skis are designed for groomed slopes and hard-packed snow. The SL-free 74 is the most aggressive ski in the range on hard-packed snow, while the Explo 86 is designed to perform well all over the mountain (on hard-packed snow as well as in glades and for alpine touring).
- The SL-free 74 performs better when carving on groomed slopes; it’s stiffer, more precise, and designed for fast, tight turns.
- The Explo 86 is more versatile across the whole mountain and is easier to ski in all types of snow conditions. It’s perfect for light powder, glades, and alpine touring due to its lightness and all-terrain performance. The Explo 86 is better suited for a beginner skier than the SL-free 74, as it’s a little easier to ski and turn.
- The SL-free 74 is narrower and more specialized for on-piste performance, while the Explo 86 is an all-mountain ski oriented towards groomed slopes.
Is this ski good for alpine touring or telemark?
Of course!
The Explo 86 was designed to be light enough for ascents while remaining stable and high-performing on descents. Its lightweight construction (poplar core, Scalium® mounting plate, and two layers of carbon) makes it an excellent choice for resort or backcountry touring. It is also used for telemark skiing thanks to its short radius, stability, and predictable behavior on firm snow.
Is this ski versatile enough for all types of snow conditions at a resort?
Yes!
Its construction makes it versatile and ideal for all snow conditions, such as groomed trails, cold snow, hard snow, crusted snow, and light to medium powder. It performs well in all these conditions.
This is the ski you take when 5 to 15 cm of snow has fallen and you ski as much on groomed trails as off-piste.
For deep powder, opt for the Explo 96, the Pionnier 104 2.0, or the Surfeur 112.
