There are so many reasons to love the Rossignol Black Ops 98 W, with its fun-loving, freeride demeanor and high-performance ceiling, and we’re thrilled that it’s back for the 2024 season. The truly ideal twin tip ski with exceptional all-mountain capabilities, it tackles all terrain and conditions with strength and power while also excelling in the park and transforming natural features into a freeride playground. Inspiring confidence and creativity, this ski is full of energy and playfulness, leaving the skier in charge of how they want to approach the terrain. While the shape can sometimes deter people for fear of less edge grip or power, Rossignol took that into account and constructed this ski with advanced technology and a sturdy foundation to deliver a strong carving, powerful twin tip ski with freeride flair. That said, there are a lot of skiers out there who search for a wider-bodied twin tip with equal parts strength and playfulness.

Given its high level of performance, it has a pretty simple construction. Rossignol uses a PEFC poplar wood core, which lends a nice balance between dampness, stability, and energy. A layer of Diago fibers was incorporated, as well as a titanal beam underfoot for added stability where it’s needed most. In the tip and tail, Rossignol’s signature Damp Tech technology, which uses rubberized material that acts as suspension by absorbing vibrations and reducing unwanted chatter. The end result is a noticeably smooth, stable ride from tip to tail, enhancing performance and allowing for confident control. This does, however; add a bit of heft to the ski, bringing the weight in the 160 cm length to 1800 grams. Decently heavy for a ski that does not contain metal, it certainly adds to the level of stability and power that is achievable without it feeling overly demanding. It’s clear to see that the construction takes the lead as far as determining the overall feel and resulting performance from this ski. The shape and profile are what give it such fun, energetic maneuverability.

From a visual standpoint, it’s plain to see that this ski is going to be fun, especially given the 98 mm waist width. As modern freeride trends lean heavier into shapes featuring rocker in the tips with a directional tail, it puts the Black Ops 98 W in its own arena. In addition to the rocker in the tips, we’re also getting a moderate amount of taper, which enhances flotation and adds to its playful nature in softer snow conditions. In the 160 cm length, it generates a 14-meter turn radius which allows the skier to make quick yet smooth turns at slow to medium speed with the option of opening it up into wider, arcing turns given the lower profile. Overall, the freeride-oriented shape gives way to easy, predictable turn initiation with an impressive finish and generally fun-loving behavior.

It’s easy to see why Rossignol carried the Black Ops 98 into the 2024 season with the same great build and characteristics plus a graphics refresh. Wider-bodied twin tips are a well sought after ski for many freeriders, especially when they exhibit such strong and powerful capabilities. A highly versatile ski with ample stability and grip that delivers fluidity and dampness with a fun-loving personality, the entire mountain is your playground on the Black Ops 98.