Skiershop.com

Words: Erme Catino

While this is Skiershop’s comeback year with Rossignol, Rossi has been around since before your parents learned how to ski – 1907 to be exact. Knowing that they have a storied past, Rossi is already looking towards the future. Their recent S series and resurgence of the FKS binding show that they are keeping tabs on what skiers are looking for. Needless to say Skiershop is psyched to bring Rossi back into the store. This first review highlights what’s currently en route to the shop. We’ll drop Part 2 of the Review by 10/1 – so you can plan your gear setup!

S7: 145/115/123 (168cm, 178cm, 188cm)
Features: AmpTek Technology, WRS (Weight Reduction Technology), and a Sandwich Construction Wood Core (Rossi’s wood cores derive from renewable tree farms) of poplar/ash with carbon stringers.

The S7 was designed between a collaboration of Rossi and former Rossi athlete Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, and since has become one of most popular pow skis on the market. The AmpTek Technology provides progressive rocker in the tip and tail, camber underfoot, with reverse sidecut (spatula tip with a pin tail). The ski has incredible float, turns/smears with ease, and will hold on hardpack. Additionally, the Rossignol S series highlights topsheets designed by selected artists – the S7 is designed by Caia Koopman. I’ve been skiing on the S7 for the past two seasons and can’t say enough good things about it…the ski absolutely kills it and is so much fun!

Super 7: 145/117/127 (195cm)
A limited release last year, the 195 aka “The Super 7”, is the S7 with a wider waist (117mm) and metal laminates in the construction, though it’s turn radius is still only 22.5m compared to 17.5m on the S7.

Don’t think you can’t shred some of these rockered out fatties if you aren’t on the west coast? Check out Ski The East’s Electric Slides.

S110W: 140/110/118 (159cm, 168cm, 178cm)
Features: AmpTek Technology, Sandwich Construction of Poplar Wood Core with Carbon, Kevlar & WRS Fiberglass, and F.I.T. (Feminine Intuitive Technology).

The S110W – topsheet designed by Caia Koopman – is constructed from the same mold as the popular S7, but with a slightly different core to reduce weight. This ski follows suit from last seasons Voodoo Pro BC 110, and is a women’s dream pow board. Take all of the qualities of the S7 and combine them with women specific attributes, and you too will be stoked on this ski, just don’t be surprised when your other skis get left on the wall. Also to note is since this ski is offered in a few different sizes, Rossignol made sure that each length is slightly narrower underfoot to improve agility. They also used Rossignol’s Feminine Intuitive Technology to create a lighter, more maneuverable ski. Women…go get some!

S3: 128/98/118 (159cm, 168cm, 178cm, 186cm)
Features: AmpTek Technology, Sandwich Construction of Poplar Wood Core, and WRS.

Think of the S3 as the S7’s little brother. With a topsheet also designed by Caia Koopman, the S3 has a similar build as the S7, but with a narrower waist. Taking advantage of the AmpTek Technology, the S3 handles anything thrown in its path. It has progressive rocker in the tip and tail with camber underfoot and is also a great touring ski given its versatility.

S86 Freeride: 130/86.5/116 (162cm, 170cm, 178cm, 186cm)
Features: AmpTek Technology, Sandwich Wood Core with 2 Layers of Titanium, and a slight raise in the tail.

Another S series ski inspired by Caia Koopman, the S86 Freeride is an all mountain carver that has your back when you venture into the unknown. Featuring AmpTek with traditional camber underfoot and early rise in the tip and tail, the S86 turns with ease, dices through pow and crud, and rails groomers. This is a do it all ski for those who won’t be getting into the uber deep.

S4 Jib: 116/84/109 (160cm, 168cm, 174cm, 181cm)
Features: Wood Core, WRS, and rocker in the tip and tail.

You probably have already seen the S4 Jib since Rossignol riders Kevin Rolland and Xavier Bertoni crushed the competition in the X-Games. The S4 is Rossi’s pipe and park slayer, but can also rip the whole mountain. With an eye popping graphic designed by Andy Howell, the S4 Jib will get you noticed as you send-it in the park.

FKS 180 Bindings:
Last summer rumor was out that Rossignol was bringing back the highly regarded FKS binding, this was a huge deal since this binding was so popular and legit that parts and older models sold like hot cakes on the internet. The new FKS 180 arrived in December last season and finally had a XXL wide brake option for fat skis, which meant no more bending the L brake as in years past. What makes this binding so awesome are a lot of things such as and all metal construction, 8-18 DIN, turnable heel which reduces unwanted pre-release, amazing elastic travel, extra wide AFD for fat skis, XXL wide brake option, shorter mounting zone, and a bright orange color.

Freeski2 120XL and 120L Bindings:
Rossignol’s Freeski2 120 bindings have a range of 2.5-12, and also feature two brake size options, the XL comes with a 100mm brake and the L has an 80-90mm brake. It also features a wide AFD for power transmission to fat skis, and contains a Dual Action toe piece that has a multi-directional 180 degree release. The heel has titanium lateral arms and has 25mm of elastic travel – the longest of any binding currently on the market. This is a great option for lighter folks who aren’t in the market for an FKS.

Axial2 Race 100s:
A great binding for the groms, the Axial2 Race 100 Solar Ski Bindings have a DIN of 3-10 and brake width of 80mm. They feature the same 25mm elastic travel as the Freeski2 bindings as well as the Dual Action toe piece, so your kid can rally down the mountain and you won’t be worrying about if his/her kid specific binding is legit.

As always feel free to contact us: Ask an Expert, or call the shop (1-800-996-8398).