SKI REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST
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Rossignol 2017 ski reviews

Reviewers' score
18.8
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

After several difficult seasons when the brand's products found it hard to convince the reviewers, since last year, Rossignol has been back with a vengeance with an excellent selection of products. Already picked out last year and selected again by PROSKILAB™ in the 2017 review, the Rossignol Elite LT (for Long Turn), fitted with the Konect plate, displays the same qualities...with the same results.

From the very first ride, you grasp all the generous character of this ski, judged as "very easy" and "immediately under control" by the PROSKILAB™ reviewers. It's also a remarkably comfortable model. It cushions the terrain, smoothes out any lumps and bumps to perfection... Read on

Reviewers' score
18.3
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

Once again, we noted how a change of plate can alter a ski's performance by playing on the stiffness of the waist.

During a discussion with the brand about the model to be reviewed in this category, we decided to test the Hero Elite ST (for Short Turns) that features a composite 'Race' plate (called R21 racing) and this choice proved highly judicious.

The Hero Elite ST has a standard "Konect" plate and is a good ski, but we did not feel its performance was quite good enough during the pre-reviews for this "Slalom" category.
The R21 plate provides the additional stiffness and performance that was lacking, putting it in first place, mainly due to the excellent... Read on

Reviewers' score
17.5
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

There's no getting away from it: the Hero Master with its R21 World Cup aluminum plate thrilled the reviewers.
The level of performance is extremely high and the ski is a real powerhouse. This model from Rossignol is incredibly incisive with fast turn initiation and great precision. Turns are carved with a scalpel and, once anchored, the Hero Master is absolutely unshakeable. Grip and stability are quite simply exceptional. The ski feels like it's fixed on a rail, totally steady even in dynamic turns on hard pack at very high speeds. The reliability of the push-off ("a solid ski under foot" as one reviewer said) in all situations is one of the main reasons for the enjoyment you get out of... Read on

Reviewers' score
15.4
AWARD

AWARD

In this category, we're looking for skis that will help riders make progress from their early steps (snowplough and skid turns) to more technical rides. The skis therefore need to be very accessible, with easy rotation, reassuring and consistent in skid turns, and requiring little physical engagement. They should also be able to retain their grip and stability at a faster pace, end ensure the transition to carving or even carved turns.

The Pursuit 600 Basalt unfortunately does not have what it takes to fulfill the first part of the contract. A very (too) good performer and relatively stiff for this category, it's not accessible enough for less technically skilled riders. In particular, the ski... Read on

Reviewers' score
13.4

Rossignol's Soul 7 is one of those skis like the Ripstick or the H105 that aims for accessibility in a more technically difficult area.

Off-piste, the ski's excellent flotation is a pleasant surprise (true, the 106mm waist and large rocker helps), considerably reducing the skier's muscle work. Its agility in the powder is really good. It's wicked linking short turns on this type of snow on intermediary slopes.

However, the ski is not rigid enough to cut tracks through difficult snow or to handle hard pack on steep slopes... For the same reason, at high speeds, its performance is less clearcut and less reassuring.

We find the same qualities and weaknesses on the groomed... Read on

Reviewers' score
13.3

The reviewers agreed that the Experience 88 HD's performance had made great strides compared to its predecessors. The ski is enjoyable, reassuring and instantly manageable. The first rides are smooth and stress-free thanks to its well-balanced and healthy behaviour. The Experience 88 HD responds well and is docile. It's especially happy when carving, and on soft snow it's a real treat!

Off-piste, it will take riders wherever they want to go, although it fails to excel because of the shape which is too sharply carved (extremely narrow waist). However, its overall behaviour and, above all, performance in the crud had improved significantly compared to previous models.

In more demanding... Read on

Reviewers' score
11.3

The Famous 8 from Rossignol displays sound and efficient behaviour that drew compliments from the reviewers. The ski is globally enjoyable, efficient and stable, even if we noted some loss of pressure in very dynamic carved turns.

Similar to Dynastar's Intense 10 (even if the sidewalls differ), turn entry is also hampered by the rocker which seems to hold back edge turn entry. Turn initiation requires substantial engagement, which is incompatible with this category. It's a shame because it reduces the ski's accessibility, comfort and agility, otherwise it would be perfect.

We therefore have mixed feelings about the Famous 8 whose basic behaviour seems sound, but which suffers... Read on