2021 Rossignol Black Ops Blazer

It's not a new ski but certainly a new name and a new target. Built in smaller sizes than the male counterpart, the 2021 Rossignol Blackops Blazer is a twin of the men's Holyshred. Available in a 160 and a 170, the skis still offer the 98 mm waist and the fun-loving construction and attitude. For a wider twin-tip ski, the Blazer has a lot of versatility built in.

Built with a wood core, vertical sidewalls, a metal plate underfoot, and rubber dampers in the tips and tails, the Blazer is more than just a simple ski. Shaped with that turned-up tail and a moderate amount of rocker and taper, they do a great job smoothing out the inconsistencies of the snow as well as floating on top of it. Not to mention, that metal plate underfoot is more than just a binding retention plate, it definitely helps with the torsional stiffness under the center of the ski. This, in turn, makes for better edge grip and carving power. For a ski that's nearly 100 mm underfoot and with a mostly wood build, it carves and holds remarkably well. Park skiers will love the butterability of the ski, while all-mountain freeriders will enjoy the playfulness and the trick-making ability of the Blazer. There's really not a whole lot that this ski can't do, and now that it's got a bit more of a backing behind the name, we'd expect more skiers to find their way to clicking in to it. Steeps, bumps, trees, groomers, or pow, the 2021 Rossignol Blackops Blazer is the perfect choice for one-stop shoppers when they're looking for a playful and versatile all-mountain ski.

The 160 was a bit short for Allison Ruschp, but she had fun on it anyway. Hard not to with a ski like this. For years, Rossignol kept the Blackops skis and their ingredients offline but now that they've gone more mainstream, we get to see and talk about what's inside. All 4's and 5's from Alli in regards to the Blazer including a 5 for overall impression. With consistently high scores like this, the ski should be a fan favorite come next winter. Alli was "very impressed-not normally a twin-tip skier, but was very comfortable and confident on these. Also though they might be short, but I was able to power turns with lots of energy and dampness. I was impressed with the edge hold and stability at speeds." And in terms of terrain choice, Alli notes that she "would love to ski the woods on these-easy tail release and great maneuverability." Sounds like all you could ask for in a versatile freeride-oriented ski. "The metal underfoot really helps keep the ski stable and not chattery while providing the power under the midpoint. The construction of the tips and tails make for a light-feeling and fun ski. I think this ski will be great for women looking to mainly ski groomers but like the ability to pop into the trees and have some fun."

It's a good thing, we think, that Rossignol lifted the veil on the Blackops line, and not only that, they also added to it. As far as a lineup of freeride skis, Rossignol's is as deep, varied, and fun-loving as any out there. If you're looking for that fun ski that carves, floats, and doesn't take itself too seriously, definitely check out the Blackops Blazer.