2021 Rossignol Evo XT 55

For a great value and an entry point to the world of R-Skin grip technology, the Rossignol Evo XC 55 R-Skin is a strong contender for sure. Best suited for beginner and recreational skiers who are looking to spend most of their time in the track and are budget-conscious skiers, the XC 55 is an amazing choice. Built with Rossignol��s LDC core and Active Cap Construction, these skis are light, maneuverable, quick, and easy to use. A bit straighter than some of the more off-track skis, the XC 55 features a sidecut of 55/48/52, ensuring that you’ll be able to make a turn if you must, or that you’re just getting some good control out of the ski, even though it’s light and easy to ski. The R-Skin technology is another one of the big stories here, allowing for less overall surface area to get taken up by the grip section, keeping you in control of the ski’s ability to glide and grip appropriately. As a good entry level into the skin grip, the XC 55 is a versatile ski that loves to be used in the track. For a good combination of value and performance, with a few high-end features to boot, the Rossignol Evo XC 55 R-Skin is an awesome setup that’ll make a lot of Nordic skiers, both new and experienced, quite satisfied.

Jeff Neagle skied the 185cm, or Large sized ski, and had a lot of really nice things to say about it. He had a great overall impression, with that category earning the coveted 5 out of 5. A 4.5 out of 5 for versatility is impressive, as is a 4 for stability. Speed and maneuverability got his low scores of 3, but for a mid-range ski, this is still a pretty fair evaluation. Jeff notes the value involved here, “these are pretty awesome for around $200. That’s a huge value. They have plenty of grip, but also glide well too. Good in the tracks and fresh soft snow too. Really good story within the Evo line, now.” This ski, with its skin grip and narrower, yet friendly shape, is poised to make a lot of skiers fall in love with the sport and take their skiing to the next level.

Marcus Shakun probably could have gone with the XL, or 195, but he found the 185 to be fine nonetheless. His top score was a 5 out of 5 for weight, and while it’s not a race-weight by any stretch, it’s still a relatively light product that has a ton of versatility. All of his other scores were 4’s out of 5, showing the well-roundedness and surprising higher end for skiers looking to advance and progress. “Nice light ski with impressive glide with the skin. On the shorter side for me, but with the binding at –2, it kicked really well and improved the glide. More in track than off. Had better glide when in compacted snow. Fresh snow seemed to slow it down. Maneuverability was great and super-mellow flex will make it a ski for everyone due to its user-friendliness. These are mainly for someone in the track or Nordic center.” In other words, not the best for backyard, field, or golf course skiing, but rather groomed and tracked skiing at a cross-country spot.

If you’re looking to get more of an athletic ski that’s built to take on longer distances and with a more high-end feel, the Rossignol Evo XC 55 R-Skin has all you’ll need. Narrower, but still with a bit of a sidecut, these skis are built primarily for in-track and groomed skiing, and mainly for skiers who are looking for fitness and progression. A great option at a tremendous value, these skis with their R-Skin technology are priced to sell and get people out there skiing.