2021 Rossignol Delta R-Skin Comp

In the mid-range of the Rossignol Delta R-Skin classic lineup is the Comp. Lighter than the Sport, but less high-end than the racing Course model, the Comp will attract a wide range of classic skiers who are looking for upper-end feel and performance, but without the race pricing. As a result, the Delta R-Skin Comp is a highly versatile ski with a ton of responsiveness without a ton of weight. Skiers looking to step up their game in the kick and glide format will love the shape, construction, and mid-value range of the R-Skin Comp. The skin technology has been a big improvement with classic skis over the past few years, and it makes a lot of sense in many formats. The skin takes up less room on the base of the ski versus a fish scale grip, allowing for a more natural glide and feel to the ski. The smaller grip zone allows for smoother transitions between glides and faster descents on the downhills. Personally, I miss the high-pitched whine of the fish scales on icy days that let me know I was going too fast, but I’ll take the quiet speed of the skin, too.

Peg Lackey skied the 198 and had lots of good, high scores to show her appreciation for the ski. 5’s were given for speed, stability, glide, weight, and overall impression. 4’s for maneuverability and versatility show that the skis are more of the one-dimensional, in-track skis built primarily for true classic skiing, and at a high-level at that. “Given the mixed snow conditions—wet, ice, pellets, the skin did not grab in an even way. Stable on the downhill with a great grip on the uphill.” In terms of the ability of the ski to keep its speed up, Peg notes that there was “no sacrifice in glide with the skin.” And while for most Nordic skiers without a competitive background, the R-Skin Comp will be more than enough in terms of classic performance, Peg notes that the R-Skin Comp is a “good intermediate entry in the skin/waxless category.”

Also on the 198, Carol Van Dyke notes the strong recreational target audience that the Delta R-Skin Comp carries with it. Again, the shape is borrowed from the higher-end skis in the Rossi line, with the Comp fitting in the mid-range, but still with a high-end ceiling. Carol’s scores bounced back and forth between threes and fours, with the 4’s for stability, weight, versatility, and overall impression. Threes for speed, maneuverability, and glide fit in with the overall character of the ski, and should come as little to no surprise. With a heavier weight, they’re going to be a bit more stable, but with that, comes a bit less maneuverability. It’s all about give and take. Carol notes that the R-Skin Comp is a “nice recreational skin ski. Good for the intermediate skier who wants a reasonably priced skin ski that performs adequately. I would like to try it in icier conditions but they worked well in the mid-day softer snow.”

For a balanced ski, both in terms of performance and value, the Rossignol Delta R-Skin Comp is a fantastic choice. Capable and willing to perform for intermediate classic skiers who are looking for a higher-end feel but in a reasonable price will love the blend of these attributes in the ski. The straight classic shape and the mid-range flex pair well with the skin in this application, making it easy and fun for skiers to access the performance and compliance of the R-Skin Comp.