Rossignol "30-Second" ski reviews

These reviews are of new and updated 08/09 models. More detailed reviews of many more models, current and past, are now available on the subscription site.

Classic CS 70As did Salomon several years ago, Rossignol has made a commitment to wood cores, away from what loosely might be called "infamous foam." The new skis have been well received, not least the new CS 70 front-side race carver. This is not a ski for the less skilled, but strong technical skiers who live for carving will find this near the top of the list. This ski must be skied, not ridden.

Classic CX 80One of our favorites among the new crop of Rossis. The 80 is an extraordinarily versatile all mountain carver that skis with solid stability, great snow feel and is equally at home on and off-piste. Quick in the fall line, steady in big GS turns. Rossignol's top all mountain 1-ski-quiver.

Phantom SC 80 SystemCross between Bandit B2 and B3 with a new name. While the Phantom skis more in the traditional Rossignol mold, our skiers generally preferred the CX. The rounded tail on the Phantom helps some skiers in deeper snow, but we feel the CX is the better ski for most good all mountain skiers and those aspiring to become good all mountain skiers.

Zenith 15 MutixRossignol's new top-of-the-line off-piste biased all mountain ski scored well, although a number of test skiers indicated a preference for the CX 80. One commented that the 15 "feels heavy, but skis light at speed"  and another noted that it required "high energy all the time." Strong, fast and aggressive backside skiers will probably fare best with the Z15 than will more leisurely skiers.

Phantom SC 95Descendant of the B4 and, again, our skiers generally preferred the CX 80, which, true to its name, shows signs of becoming a Rossignol classic. Granted, the 95 will float slightly better in truly deep snow, but not better enough to offset other advantages. Skiers who will prefer the 95's rounded tail, large footprint and solid landing platform include dedicated free ride hucksters, but most skiers who face forward and love carving on the groomed and swooping huge floaters off-piste should look to the CX 80.

S3 PommierThe more relaxed of the crossover S skis and the most well balanced. More versatile and less demanding than the S5, but still capable of supporting backside mastery. Solid choice for those desiring an all around crossover although, interestingly, Rossignol doesn't label it as a freestyle ski.