Board: Rossignol XV
Size: 159
Camber Option: Amptek Elite. A 60% camber under foot with 20% rocker in the nose and tail.
Bindings: Rome Black Label
Stance: 21.5 Wide 15 Negative 12 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10
My Weight: 200lbs
Resort: Copper Mountain
Conditions: The day after a snow squall came through with a winter storm resulting in a couple inches of snow to wind loaded areas of a foot or more, cold temps, some wind, and light snow on the groomers.
Flex: Lets be real we all know this thing is stiff it’s Xavier De La Rue’s board so there’s no qualms about it. What’s nice though is the reverse directional flex meaning stiffer nose progressively getting softer in the tail. This changes the whole power dynamic of the board. There is torsional flex but you really have to twist it to feel it.
Stability: It’s stable and that’s all that matters. High speeds on a groomer very minimal chatter. Running through a rutted out run and worried about getting bucked around? Don’t be, it’s got you covered it’ll plow through everything it has.
Ollies/Pop: This board has snap, tons of it. I actually forgot how much it has. That reverse directional flex, cam rocker camber profile, and how the rocker meets the camber make it easy to engage and just boost. You can send it with this thing with ease.
Butterability: High speed, lots of power, and fresh snow. That’s my advice for buttering on this, otherwise why bother?
Carving: The Serrated Edges grip and lock in on firm and icy snow. You can feel it slice through it with ease. When on fresh corduroy you can lay this board over and know that it’ll leave a trench in its path. Short quick turns or long hard drawn out ones it doesn’t falter. What’s nice is you can just plow through anything in your path when on edge.
Rider in Mind: Hard charging freeride pow guy.
Personal Thoughts: I think they slightly made this board a little stiffer in the nose than it’s been since the last time I rode it, or maybe it’s just been that long. But overall this board never disappoints it just charges hard and lets you utilize all the power you have. Popping small powder pillows is a blast just like laying a huge spray in wide open terrain.
Comparable Boards: Jones Stratos, Burton Straight Chuter, Ride Commissioner
