There isn’t a more viciously competitive market segment than the Women’s All-Mountain East genre, where a ski is expected to excel in any and all conditions. As the women’s 88 Ti evolved in lockstep with the men’s ski, the version of the E88 W that was introduced last year shifted from a principally on-trail ski to one with an off-trail orientation. With less bite on edge than the best carvers in the genre and not as smeary and playful as the top off-piste players, the Experience 88 Ti W slipped into a no-woman’s land where it failed to find traction.

Which isn’t to say that there isn’t a certain someone who fits its performance profile. She’s probably most confident on soft groomers, but her proficiency drops off as soon as she’s confronted with clumpy moguls or tracked-up powder. The Experience 88 Ti W is all about making the more difficult conditions less daunting. Ladies who prefer their turns short and their speed held in check will find the E88 Ti W a match for their skill set.