Rossignol Nordic Program Winter 2002 to 2003

The SNEWS team got a lengthy and detailed look at what Rossignol is bringing to the Nordic market while we were at the SIA show.

Recreational Skiing

Their new Evo line is comprised of compact skate and classic skis in small, medium and large sizes that are that are 20 cm shorter than traditional counterparts. Evo skate has a Cobra (46/44/44) sidecut profile. Evo classic has a 53/45/50 sidecut profile. Along with an Air Tech lightweight, durable core, both skis feature an ABS sidewall/edge and an integrated binding plate.

The Evo line is aimed at the recreational skier who wants to learn and master skating and classic without getting into hyper-technical gear. The skis also appear to be well suited for young skiers looking to make tricks in Nordic terrain parks.

Racing Skis

In racing, there’s the new X-ium II skate ski line. There are four models in the line: TS for soft snow; TS Ultra for soft snow/high speeds; TH for hard snow and TH Ultra for hard snow/high speeds.

The X-ium skate boot gets new padding on the inside of the upper cuff for comfort, and a new waterproof/breathable lace cover. There’s also a new quick-dry lining.

Touring Boots

In touring, there are upgrades in many existing boots in the line. For the backcountry enthusiast, there’s a whole new line of boots. The flagship of the line is the BC X8 with a 75mm Vibram sole and Rossignol’s “cockpit” technology. BC X8 also features a unique new lacing system, Thermo Adjustable fit, and high gaiter lace cover. The new BC X6 and BC X3 also incorporate many of these features and come with either a 75mm or NNN-BC sole.

Poles

The pole line sees the addition of four new models. All use the new Quickset technology (works like the skewer on bicycle wheel) that allows instant length adjustment.

There are two-section and three-section touring poles in the line. All come with a new lightweight micro cell grip. The two-section pole has a carbon/aluminum shaft. The three-section poles have aluminum shafts. For backcountry skiers, the BC Adjustable pole is a two-section aluminum shaft pole that adjusts from 110 to 160 cm.

Telemark Skis

The Mega Bang and Big Bang names remain but with changes. Mega Bang gets a new paint job. Big Bang gets a total overhaul with Dualtec, V-Flex, and Free-Ride V.A.S. technologies and a new, 107/74/100, shape. A new addition to the line, Hell Razor, uses the same technologies as used on the new Big Bang with a 104/67/88 sidecut profile. This ski is aimed at beginners and price-point shopper.

Alpine Touring

Alpine touring sees the introduction of the Enduro boot. It uses Rossignol’s proprietary Soft technology. The boots is half plastic and half fabric in its upper with a Vibram sole. It can only be used with AT bindings.