The 2023 Rossignol Hero Master ST is one of those skis that makes a whole lot of sense, but not for a ton of skiers. In its own lane, though, it makes some of the cleanest and roundest turns on the planet. With more of a race-room style of build than the Hero Elite versions, but with a turnier shape, the Hero Master ST starts with an Ash wood core in the longer 165, or a beech core in the 150 and 156, so it’s interesting how they treat the FIS SL length a bit differently than the shorter ones. In that 165, the skis and their 66-mm waist width produce a 13-meter turn radius, so these things are built and shaped to turn and carve just like their World Cup counterparts, but more for a Masters racer or an expert looking to have that race-room feel. In addition, the graphics of these skis are literally fire. I’m not sure that matters all that much, but for whatever it’s worth, I think they look fantastic, especially when paired with the Rossignol/Look Forza master bindings.
ROCKER PROFILE
Camber
CORE MATERIALS
Line Control Technology
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers
Mike Anglin calls the 165 true to size, scoring it 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. Versatility is an interesting one here, as these skis are generally thought of as more one-trick ponies than anything all-mountain. He gave 4’s for stability and forgiveness, noting that the “Hero Master ST is my jam. If you love making turns, then these are your skis. Great dimensions, a 13m side cut, and some sweet torsional stiffness make this a SL ski that brings the heat.” As a former racer and high-end instructor, Mike does know a thing or two about making turns.
Greg Petrics was also on the 165, and it’s great getting his feedback because he skis most/all of Rossignol’s on-trail and race skis. I actually got the pleasure of following Greg down a filming run on these, and it’s pretty clear that his collegiate racing background brought these skis right to life. He was a bit more hot/cold with his scoring, giving the Master ST a 1 out of 5 for flotation and a 2 out of 5 for versatility. Bookending those lower scores were high marks of 5 out of 5 for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, and stability. Greg “absolutely loved this ski. It's built with all the meat of a FIS SL ski at 165, but something in the tip and tail is just a touch softer, and allows for more forgiveness and more playfulness. I did NOT want to give this ski back. The ski has more stability than I expected, and allowed me to let the radius open up way past FIS SL rules, and yet the ski wasn't chattering in GS speeds. This ski is obviously only for the front side, but boy oh boy will you have fun on that front side. Get a pair of these, drop your hip to the ground, and enjoy the firm days.”
If short turns and slalom racing sound like something you're into, make sure the Rossignol Hero Master ST is on your list. Thanks to the shape, profile, and construction, these skis make excellent options for racers who are looking for sharp, precise skis to match their skills.
