2023 Rossignol Black Ops W 92

The 2023 Rossignol Blackops W 92 is a new ski for this upcoming year, offering a lighter weight and fun-loving twin tip that handles freestyle terrain, freeride skills, and all-mountain performance equally as well. For a lot of skiers, these low-mid 90’s twin tips are fantastic choices for one-ski quivers for a variety of skier types, terrain, and snow conditions. This is just one of those skis that you can buy sight unseen and really enjoy in an everyday format. While the most aggressive experts may find it a bit too forgiving, or the true beginners might struggle with the width, most skiers on the planet will find a lot of fun to be had here. Built with a paulownia wood core, the skis are snappy, light, and energetic. As a capped ski, the energy is amplified by having the cap serve as a cohesion laminate, allowing the ski to function as one piece. In the 166, the ski measures 91 mm underfoot and delivers a 16-meter turn radius to the snow. Coming in at 1400 grams per ski in that length, it’s certainly on the light side of the spectrum. The length range is worth noting as well, starting at 136 and going to 166, breaking on the 10’s. This affords younger skiers, tweeners, and adults the opportunity to get on these well-rounded and fun-loving skis.

Catherine Ferguson skied the 166, and while she would size up if possible, the length felt true. She gave the ski straight 4’s out of 5 all the way through the card, and that’s pretty impressive for an aggressive expert skier like Catherine to have that type of experience on what could be considered more of a “tweener” ski. “These were very stable on the hard packed snow. They could hold an edge although at higher speeds felt not as stable. They seem like a well-rounded ski that could be used for an intermediate/ expert skier looking for an all-mountain ski. They would be a lot of fun in the trees!” The trees are where skis like these really come alive. The shape combined with the light weight and the twin-tipped design makes it an awesome choice for swiveling around in the tighter glades and woods. Alix Klein is another upper-level skier who, other than this test, likely would find some other skis to use. She noted that the 166 felt short, but still had some high scores to bestow upon the Black Ops W 92. She gave it a top score of 5 out of 5 for forgiveness, and 4’s for overall impression, versatility, playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, and stability. “As an entry level ski, this one rocks. Versatile in its turn radius and style, you can slarve, carve, and pivot down the hill. Keeps up at high speeds and is easily controlled in oh shit situations.” The ability to throw a ski sideways when needed is a highly undervalued trait.

Brooke Mars found the 166 to be just right for her, and she had some high scores to dole out as well. 5’s for flotation, stability, and forgiveness were found at the top of the card, with 4’s for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and overall impression not far behind. A low score of 2 out of 5 was given for torsional stiffness/edge hold, and I don’t think there’ll be general disagreement as to this lower score for this ski. Brooke notes that the Black Ops W 92 “Really excelled in the sugary bumps and would be a great powder ski. Unsurprisingly, not great at holding an edge. Very forgiving in the bumps - where other skis would shoot me out the side of the bumps if I made a misstep, these seemed to catch me and keep me on or at least near my line.” For skiers looking for something easier to control, this ski seems like a great option.

There are quite a few companies coming up with skis like this these days. Some competitors include the K2 Reckoner 92 and the Salomon Spark. Easy to use twin tips that come in a variety of sizes make a lot of sense for a lot of skiers. Whether you’re an emerging freestyle skier or are looking for something playful for the bumps and trees without losing energy or snap on the groomers, the 2023 Rossignol Black Ops W 92 has a little something for everyone.