The 2023 Rossignol Sushi blends the best of both worlds, giving riders a taste of surf and snow. There’s nothing quite like the weightless, floaty feel of riding a wave or coasting along powder, which is why Rossignol designed this board to give you the sensation of both. Featuring a throwback, directional fish shape, we see a resemblance from the Japow slashing style, allowing for effortless float thanks to the enlarged nose, wide waist and most of all, the swallowtail shape. Inspired by three-time Freeride World Champion Xavier De Le Rue, the Sushi combines his ideal attributes in a board to encompass a big mountain, powder-focused, freeride oriented feel. With a moderate 6/10 flex, you receive a responsive but maneuverable flex plus a super rockered nose that allows you to lean back and float like water. For when you encounter firmer conditions, the 80% camber profile is there to provide you with on-demand edge control for a smooth and confident ride. So, whether you’re slashing up groomers or surfing through deep powder, the Rossignol Sushi board will not disappoint.
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Powder, Big Mountain, All Mountain
Each one of our testers who rode the Sushi chose the 144 in length and found it to be true to size. Nick Aswad and Jarrod had almost identical scores in each category, with the exception of two. While Nick found playfulness and versatility to be a strong suit, Jarrod felt the opposite. He dished out a 2 for playfulness and a 3 for versatility, leaving him feeling that the Sushi was “really for soft snow but can surf around the hill pretty easily. The large volume nose is very stiff so it has good edge hold.” Based on the fact that he found the board to be more soft-snow oriented, it makes sense why he found it lacked in those two categories. A stiffer board that prefers soft snow won’t necessarily feel particularly playful in firmer conditions. Nick on the other hand awarded 4s and 5s across the board and felt that “this was my favorite board that I tested. Coming from a full camber 156 Fish as my usual Powder board, I didn’t think I would like riding such a short board, especially on groomers. But it was amazing. It held an edge really well, even in the hard stuff. It felt very surfy, but it didn’t feel too loose and I never felt out of control. I would not recommend the sushi to beginner riders as it might not help with progression. If you are looking for a versatile board with a ton of float and amazing grip, this is it. I didn’t want to give this board back!”
Justin Connelly awarded a 5/5 for playfulness, with 4’s for flotation, stability, maneuverability, versatility and overall impression. Where he found the Sushi board lacked was in forgiveness and torsional stiffness, earning a 3/5. He commented “I would normally ride a 52/54 but this 44 felt like all I needed. Was super playful even on the groomers. Would love to see what it can do in the pow. The wide nose and small fish tail design gave it a unique feel. I would recommend for a more advanced rider or someone looking for a playful powder board.” While it sounds like Justin surely had a good time on the Sushi, we do hope that he can someday take it out in some deep snow! For Tim, we see 4’s and 5’s scattered about in each category, showing that he found a lot to like about the Sushi board. In his words, “Love this board, that wide nose Floats! One of my favorite tree boards, short and easy to turn. But oh yeah groomers are a blast too, slashy yup, I do that, surfy? sure that too! Spring corn, plow through! Slash it! What you’re 220 with a size 12 boot? I can take it. More of a quiver board but worth having. Intermediate to advanced will enjoy.” Sounds like Tim found the Sushi board highly capable and worthy of handling various types of riders, terrain and conditions.
The Rossignol Sushi board has a lot to offer as far as freeride focused performance with a touch of big mountain and powder surfing as well. Offering a unique and timely shape and design, this board inspires pro-like riding for all ability levels.
