The Evo XC 50 R-Skin from Rossignol is a great option for those who are looking to take their Nordic skiing both on and off the groomed track. The XC 50 R-Skin can gracefully handle the groomed trail and the untouched snow. The XC 50 R-Skin has a relatively soft flex, which gives the skier increased control when the conditions get harsh. The XC 50 R-Skin has a built-in mohair track which eliminates the need for waxing while offering amazing grip.
Marcus Shakun tested the 196 cm XC 50 R-Skins and found them to be a great option for beginner to intermediate skiers. The Rossignol XC50 R-Skin offers lots of stability for people getting into classic skiing. This is a great ski for those looking to slowly start investing more money into high quality skis. Markus would recommend this ski to those who are not looking to purchase a full-on classic ski, like the Rossignol Delta, but would like a ski that can still kick and glide like a true classic ski. Markus found the XC 50 to have more weight and less glide than the Delta but if you are a true intermediate the XC 50 will not hinder your abilities.
Josh Wolfgang tested the 196 cm XC 50 R-Skin and found them to “glide really well, however the kick required some additional skill.” The skin aspect of the XC 50 R-Skin might be challenging for a beginner. When Josh was able to lock down his technique, he found the skin delivered good kick. Josh struggled to go up some of the steeper hills on the XC 50 R-Skin skis as he felt the skins just did not have enough grip to give him a good kick. Thus, intermediates might enjoy this ski more than those just starting their Nordic career. They do, however, have the IFP plate so skiers can move the binding forward to generate more grip on the climb.
Jeff Neagle tried the 186 cm Rossignol XC 50 R-Skin to provide him plenty of kick. Jeff tested these skis on fresh snow which most likely improved the performance of the kick. Jeff found the kick to be comparable to the Rossignol XC 59 skis that he also tested. Jeff thinks the XC 50 R-Skin would work well for a basic level cross country skier or beginner high school Nordic ski racer.
Jeffrey Siegel tested the 196 cm XC 50 R-Skin. He found the skis to be very similar to the Rossignol fish scale XC 50. Jeff found the biggest difference between these two skis is that the “skin requires better technique to get the skin to grip.” Jeff found that if you stay in an active position, the skin will grab really well. He found the XC 50 R-Skin to glide better than its counterpart, the XC 50 with the fish scales.
For those looking for a ski at a low price point that can deliver good grip and better glide the XC 50 R-Skin is a great option. The supple flex in the tips and tails of the ski will allow you to confidently navigate tough conditions while the mohair skin eliminates the need to wax your skis as which will save you time and energy. You will not be disappointed with the XC 50 R-Skin skis.
