Sporty, fun, and easy to turn, the new Rossignol Forza 50 takes front side skiing to the next level. By using an oversized sidecut, a shorter radius, and a manageable build, This ski is poised and ready to take intermediate and advanced carvers to the next level. It’s even suitable for progressing beginners who are looking for a bit of a challenge, but overall, this ski is a very well-rounded option for those looking for a confidence-boosting front side ski. Rossignol takes a fun approach to these Forza skis, applying an intended edge angle to the name rather than a waist width. 50 would be a pretty darn narrow ski, but it makes for an awesome intended edge angle for progressing skiers. As one of the narrower and more approachable skis in the Forza range, the 50 has a broad audience, but mainly appeals to the enthusiasts who are looking to link carved turns and get from one carve to the next when it comes to front side skiing.

We’re loving the use of a poplar wood core in this ski, as it creates an excellent blend of light weight and sturdy feel. It’s got some chops to it, keeping it readily available to intermediates who are looking to improve. The addition of V-Carbon Alloy Matrix makes it stiffer and more responsive without adding weight. This use of carbon and basalt in the stringers helps out a whole lot when it comes to rebound and energy. When the stringers are placed in a vertical manner as they are in this ski, it makes the pop really come to life, making the Forza 50 a lot more energetic than it may let on. In the 171, we’re looking at 1400 grams per ski without the binding or plate, so it’s pretty darn agile and maneuverable. They’ve done a great job keeping it light and snappy for a front side ski for sure.

In that same 171, the ski hits 75 mm underfoot, which is about as grippy as it gets for a recreational front side ski. Sure you’ll see more race-oriented skis get narrower waists, but those can be very challenging to balance on. The mid 70’s is a great place to be for most on-trail skiers who are looking to blend easy turning with a stable platform. The 128-mm tips and 111-mm tails combine to create a 14-meter turn radius, and while this is on the short side, that’s been the move these days in the industry. With a shorter radius, skiers have a better chance of making a clean and round turn. It’s easier and more fun to be able to get up on those edges and feel the energy of the ski pull you through the carve. While there’s some tip rocker to speak of, it’s mainly to assist with the smoothness of the initiation. In reality, there’s not a lot of emphasis on the off-trail aspect of the ski.

All this being said, the Rossignol Forza 50 V-Cam is an amazing choice for those that are looking to get more committed to the art of the perfectly carved turn. You don’t have to be any particular level, but you do have to have the desire to let it rip when it comes to on-piste adventure. The snap and pop that’s added to the ski through the use of carbon makes a lot of sense and pairs very well with the poplar wood core and short turn radius. If you’re looking to make your mark on the corduroy, the new Rossignol Forza 50 is a fantastic place to start.