Rossignol ski reviews 2012

With skis like the expanded S series models and those in the new Experience/Tempest collections, Rossignol continues to regain a respect that looked thin not that long ago. The iconic company makes eminently workable skis in all categories.

Check the drop-down list on the right for a list of 2012 models reviewed on our subscription site: more information here

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Experience 76 Aramide 

"A game improvement ski for intermediates. Easy to get into a carve, quick underfoot. Not bad for better skiers either and a great value."

This may be one of those rare lower-level skis that facilitates early technical improvement but also does have enough performance not to be outgrown too quickly.

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Attraxion 8 Echo

Female-specific companion to Avenger 76. Versatile but not for high experts. Good for skill development.

"Great cruising ski," female skiers commented, er, echoing Avenger 76 Carbon sentiments among our men.

"Easy and predictable."

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Avenger 76 TI

Several skiers with exceptional memories heralded the return of another classic Rossi, the famed Z9, which had a remarkably similar shape. In terms of more current models, several testers felt that this ski is more nimble than the Avengers.

"I love this ski; glad to see it back!"

This versatile all mountain carver is equally at home on groomers and in reasonable off-piste conditions.

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Temptation 78

Female-specifc version of the E 78 scored slightly  higher in some characteristics, but generally similar ski.

Probably not a good long-term growth choice for technically improving skiers, but will make getting around easier for leisure skiers who are content to cruise around the groomed and are not taking lessons.

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Experience 88

This is an absolutely wonderful ski, in our opinion the best 1-ski-quiver in the Experience collection. The most popular test ski in the 2012 Rossignol line.

"The best of the Experience family. More horsepower than the 83."

"Very solid feel. Fairly soft flex, but held well."

"Great ski, solid everyday performer."

"Great carving ski. Great edge hold at speed. Quick turning."

"Great for a week's vacation with variable conditions. Solid on hard pack, felt quicker than a big ski should."

"Didn't feel its length or width. Agile and effortless to turn, but nervous in straight line."

"Great improvement over the S 86; more performance, more versatile."

"Very nice surprise. Great all 'rounder. Slight bias toward groomed, but versatile. Levels 7 - 9."

This last from high end technical skier who has not embraced early rise easily.

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S 3 Freeride

In the words of one retail skier, "This ski is solid, an all mountain top dog!"

"Ski works well in deep snow and is surprisingly good on the hard pack, although it needs to get up to speed before it will turn."

Others put it differently: "Back off relax and the ski will carve on firm snow. Fairly effortless in crud, but if you push it, the ski will back you up."

Definitely a better 1-ski-quiver choice for adventure skiers than the 110.

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