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Reviewers' score
18
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

Rossignol Hero Master R21 WC review 2018

BEST SKI
Best ski 2018

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

All the reviewers agreed: like the Speedzone Master from Dynastar, Rossignol’s Hero Master R21 WC is a "fighter jet"... a real Giant ski, carved for very high speed and long turns. It's hard to find a better performer in this category if you don’t include FIS competition skis. The Hero Master R21 WC is striking for its great grip and stability, both judged exceptional by the reviewers, so you can zip down the runs at speeds you previously only dreamt of. Once in the turn, the ski is incredibly stable and grippy. As one reviewer said, it’s as if you’re on rail tracks. The fast and easy turn entry and very energetic exit rounds off the picture nicely. It’s a must. However, offsetting the incredible delivery and excellent behaviour in long turns, the Hero Master R21 WC is less happy in short and skid turns. It’s a true Giant ski, an excellent tool that's highly recommended for good to expert riders/competition skiers aiming above all for performance, but who don’t necessarily want an FIS ski.

Review: Pros

  • Excellent overall performance
  • Good grip and turn performance, exceptionally reliable push-off
  • Incredible stability
  • Easy turn initiation

Review: Cons

  • Requires good technical and physical dexterity to be exploited correctly
  • The very grippy tail hampers good skid turn performance
  • More demanding in short turns

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
18.5
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
18.5
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
19.5
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
19.0
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
16.0
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
18.5
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
13.8
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
15.8
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
16.0
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
17.5
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
17.0

Who's it for?

Very good → Expert

Manufacturer's remarks

Developed in the Rossignol race room workshops, the HERO MASTER is the best on the market for its piste performance and output. There are strict rules governing the shape and sidecuts of FIS skis, but for the MASTER skis there aren’t any!!
The HERO MASTER, which often wins awards in the specialised press, is a real treat to use, especially with its Prop Tech technology (with lots of colours to make the skis more attractive and help identify the radius).
They offer incredible turn initiation, with precise steering and exceptional rebound coming out of turns! With perfect stability and power, the ski is still playful and user-friendly for good and very good riders. Whether on steep slopes or ice walls, you’re going to push your limits and for a moment you’ll imagine yourself to be HENRIK KRISTOFFERSEN, slicing out carves to the nearest millimetre.
Aimed at experts but also recommended for former racers (all those who’ve put away their competition numbers but still don their helmets!), unfortunately this long turn ski can’t be used for FIS races (R>30m next season).
Delivered exclusively with the new LOOK SPX 15 RockerFlex bindings (with a short mounting zone and semi-suspended heel for enhanced ski flex) or SPX 14 RaceFlex or, since this year, with a HENRIK KRISTOFFERSEN Limited Edition SPX 12 in the four emblematic LOOK colours.
Mounted with an R21 World Cup interface for perfect energy transmission, the metal inserts provide fast coupling and release of bindings for ski upkeep and frequent travelling.

100% piste - 0% off-piste
NB: To get the most from our skis on the slopes, we recommend Rossignol ski shoes and LOOK bindings.

Features of the Hero Master R21 WC

Brand : Rossignol
Model : Hero Master R21 WC
Year : 2018
Family : Giant slalom
Size tested : 180 cm
Tip size : 116 mm
Waist size : 70 mm
Tail size : 98 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : Not available
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Your review

Rossi Hero Masters R21 WC 2018

I loved my Volkl Carver Motion skis but after sixteen years the edges wouldn't cut it so I replaced them with Rossis. I was drawn between their Hero LT or Hero Masters, eventually settling on the latter due to me being tall (183cm) and quite heavy (92kg). They're a little more demanding in the turn initiation, requiring precise angulation and pivoting pole plants but once in rhythm their rock solid and effortlessly float from one short turn to the other. At high speed you can perform dynamic long carving turns and hang on for the ride. All in all these skis are fabulous and perform majestically on morning icy pistes!

Howard
le 07/07/2019 à 10:31:48

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Logo La Clusaz

Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2017