Depending on whom you ask, the Soul 7 HD may or may not have been the original rockered, tapered, full-fat powder slasher. But it is certainly the one that sold the most. The Soul’s explosive sales have been a huge win for Rossi and have brought newschool powder technique to the masses. It’s easy to imagine that lots of mainstream skiers made their first smeared powder turn on a Soul—and had their lives changed by it. Early versions absolutely required powder conditions to bring out their best. Lately Rossignol has tweaked the design (see HP versions, with their strong/damp carbon/basalt-weave laminates) to bolster the Soul’s all-terrain, everyday-conditions versatility—with some success, though testers agree it remains happiest in soft snow. The Soul’s signature technology, honeycombed Air Tip fore and aft, is updated to be better integrated and cooler looking this year. Air Tip still works to concentrate the mass of the ski underfoot, reducing swing weight in a way that makes it a lot quicker and easier to pivot than you expect from a ski so wide. Yes, even Rossi admits that the Soul has lost some of its cool factor, which is what happens when a ski is so successful that everyone owns a pair. But for powder fun—whether you’re an intermediate looking to master the basics or an expert looking to charge with impunity—it’s still a benchmark.
Testers said:
Joe C. : “Awesome quiver ski for deep-snow days; will push you to do new things and go faster than you used to. Also an ideal everyday-easy ski for skidding around on the groomed and in bumps. Really broad ability range.”
Karly A. : “Really fun in soft stuff. Cuts through heavy snow, but skis light. Great for an advanced skier who wants to ski it all.”
Marcus S. : “Tons of versatility in soft snow, with round, consistent medium-radius turn shape. Great for an advanced intermediate or an expert who wants a soft floaty ride in powder. Not for hard snow or high-speed groomer arcs.”
Mike A. : “New construction really brings the ski together as one underfoot. Loves a variety of turn shapes and has a lively personality. Intermediates to high-experts, blues to double-blacks.”
Kris D. : “Playful and nimble. Not its best on hard snow and ice, but great for powder and crud.”
Bob St. P. : “A powder specialist. Wonderful in fresh snow.”
Mike T. : “Skis short, quick, and nimble, playful and forgiving. Likes to be skied neutral: tip and cruise. A lightweight ski that’ll be a forgiving partner for quick turns. Big guys might have to back off on the power and aggressiveness.”
