2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops

The 2027 Rossignol Super Blackops gets a graphic update but yet again, returns structurally unchanged. This year we get a Bandit B3 tribute graphic dating back to 2005. The green flames look wicked sharp on these skis and accentuate the fun-loving character that we’ve loved from the Super Blackops model for quite some time now. This ski works great for skiers who are looking to prioritize adventure, playfulness, and versatility. It does it all with a smooth and composed character and turns very well when asked.

Length162 · 172 · 182 · 192cm

Side cut

131/98/121 mm

at 182 cm length

Turn radius

19 m

at 182 cm length

Recommended terrain: Freeride, All-Mountain, Park
Ability level: Advanced, Expert
Rocker profile: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Construction: Poplar Wood Core, Titanal

We get the same built as we’ve seen for a while. Built with a poplar wood core, a metal laminate underfoot, and rubber sections in the tips and tails, the Rossignol Super Blackops has a smooth and sturdy overall feel. We’ve often marveled at how smooth and quiet this ski feels and how mobile it is in trees and bumps. There’s an even and progressive flex here as the Blackops utilizes the thinner overall core profile in order to be friendlier and more approachable. In the 182 cm length, the ski has a stated weight of 2000 g/ski keeping it slightly on the heftier side of the spectrum, but with that weight comes stability. Tester Matt McGinnis states that “This ski is just overwhelmingly fun. It’s damp, but playful, and with a twin tip design it’s capable of incorporating freestyle elements into any run. What impressed me most about this ski is that it has a really wide range of abilities. It can be surfy and pivoty when needed - skiing through steep icy bumps in the trees for example - but can also lay a pretty solid carve down at higher speeds. I do think this ski has a high-end speed limit, but for a vast majority of skiers, this ski is going to be incredibly fun in any situation you throw at it.”

The Rocker / Camber / Rocker profile of the 2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops

We really like this shape and footprint for everyday skiing here in Vermont. At 98 mm underfoot, these skis are well-rounded and have a high capacity for multi-valent skiing and performance. While somewhat accessible as a softer snow ski, it’s still on the hefty side which will keep some lighter or less experienced skiers at bay. The 182 uses measurements of 131/98/121 to generate a 19-meter turn radius, so the shape and style of the turns is very much in the hands of the skier. You can get some good drift due to the lower camber and you can also let them run down the fall line if you feel more aggressive. Overall, this is a skier’s ski that can handle whatever the pilot can conjure. Tester Jake Webber notes that “This ski is playful and encourages creativity on snow. It felt stable at all speeds. This ski can handle most conditions. It holds up on all but the firmest groomers and should offer enough float to comfortably handle all but the deepest of powder days.”

It holds up on all but the firmest groomers, and should offer enough float to comfortably handle all but the deepest of powder days.

Jake Webber

Each year, we find one more thing to like about the Super Blackops construction and shape. This year at the ski test, we had a lot of firm snow, and those days reminded us just how good this ski holds up to ice and hardpack. It helps if you have a good skillset to lean on when it comes to making it carve on ice, but if you do, that’s just one more box to check for these amazingly well-rounded skis.

Tester Reviews

7 testers reviewed the 2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops

tester:

Jake Webber

Ability: Expert
Height: 5 ft 11 inches
Weight: 205
Days / Year: 30-50
Age: 33
Years Skiing: 31

Fast and fluid

Ski:

2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondola groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This length feels just right. I’d recommend either sizing up or staying true to size for this ski.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:4/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski is playful and encourages creativity on snow. It felt stable at all speeds.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski can handle most conditions. It holds up on all but the firmest groomers, and should offer enough float to comfortably handle all but the deepest of powder days.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced skiers will get the most out of this ski. Intermediate skiers experimenting with different turn shapes and freestyle progression will also enjoy it.

tester:

Jose Darias

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175
Days / Year: 100+
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 30

Fluid, powerful and charging; looking for natural takeoffs on freeride features

Ski:

2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied a lap off the Gondola at Stowe, hitting a wide variety of terrain with some steep trees, more mellow trees, groomers, icy moguls and some soft snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski feels longer than the 182 length would suggest. The tail is flatter than it seems and the effective edge feels really good when tipping the ski over into a carve.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is a great ski. Rossignol has a bit of a marketing issue on their hands because this Super Black Ops is the ski that the Sender 100 was always supposed to be. The Super Black Ops has a pretty standard twin tip style shape but has a rocker profile that feels a bit more directional. Its construction includes a better list of materials than the Sender 100 with metal and better use of rubber in the tip and tail of the ski to improve stability at high speeds. It’s powerful, it has a real back bone to it but still has a playful nature. It was my favorite ski in the super icy moguls found on Perry Merrel and Gondolier during the test this week. It was remarkably maneuverable through the hard moguls making it feel like I could be smoother and more consistent than other skis I’d been on. It wasn’t a fantastic carver but it does well enough and excels in freeride terrain and very mixed conditions to the point where the carving performance doesn’t bother me in the least bit.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I want to ski the Super Black Ops in the trees, in the moguls and jumping and playing off any features on the mountain. It’s a powerful, yet versatile all mountain ski.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This is tricky. The Super Black Ops can ski slow and small but it feels really good skiing it faster in technical terrain. I would say it’s an intermediate to advanced ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Again, this is the right 100ish ski from Rossignol. The Sender 100 isn’t a bad ski but with 98 underfoot, a much better construction and a slightly different but equally playful shape and rocker profile makes the Super Black Ops infinitely better. Any advanced skier that’s looking at a Sender 100 needs to pick up this Super Black Ops instead, I’d be very confident that they’d prefer the Super Black Ops for nearly any kind of terrain and conditions.

tester:

Matt McGinnis

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 180
Days / Year: 65
Age: 36
Years Skiing: 24? 25?

Solid technical skills, mixed with a park background. I'm not the sendiest guy on the hill, but I'll take my share of calculated airs. It's all about finding small transitions and controlling speed for me. Rather than chargey, I'd describe myself as surfy. Lots of edge work and turning skis sideways to manage speed. I enjoy working with the flex pattern of a ski as much as the camber/rocker profile or sidecut of it.

Ski:

2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

I started my run taking these though the icy, bumpy Tombas chute, then followed up with a high speed, firm gondola lap.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski felt just right to me - exactly the size I would choose.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski is just overwhelmingly fun. It’s damp, but playful, and with a twin tip design it’s capable of incorporating freestyle elements into any run. What impressed me most about this ski is that it has a really wide range of abilities. It can be surfy and pivoty when needed - skiing through steep icy bumps in the trees for example - but can also lay a pretty solid carve down at higher speeds. I do think this ski has a high end speed limit, but for a vast majority of skiers, this ski is going to be incredibly fun in any situation you throw at it.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Really all mountain. The limitations of this ski would be specialty use cases - like deep powder or pure park uses. For the skier who wants a ski that they can take just about anywhere on any given day though, the Super Black Ops would be an incredible choice.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Probably mid-intermediate and up. A true intermediate could certainly get on this ski, but the real beauty of it is just how fun it is. It’s not that it’s difficult to ski or anything, an intermediate could certainly ski it, it’s more that advanced skiers will have a blast putting it this thing through the paces and learning more about its personality with each run.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Overall, this ski is just fun. It’s not “too” anything - it’s simply very good at everything. For anyone looking for a ski that they can take out on any given day and know they’ll have a good time, this is the one.

tester:

Matthew McManus

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 182
Days / Year: 35-50
Age: 57
Years Skiing: about 40

It depends on with whom I'm skiing. Everything from Toll Road to Liftline (slowly) with my wife, to Centerline bumps/woods/any groomer at speed if alone or with other friends. I calibrate to the worst skier so everyone has fun typically

Ski:

2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe gondola, groomers and (very) firm bumps and hard pack.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski felt considerably shorter than it's length, so I would recommend going a size up from what you normally would. I'd likely buy the 182 for myself, which is 8-10cm longer than typical.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski was damp and stable, able to carve a very nice trench on groomers at speed and with a stable feeling, yet was the easiest ski to pivot and smear that I was on all three days. I took it through icy bumps and was able to pivot on and smear the small stashes of soft snow on the tops, making for some surprisingly fun runs in firm bumps! With the ability to pivot so easily, it skied like a much shorter ski in the bumps, and when it was on-piste and laid on its side, it held a very nice longer arc. This was a very fun ski that felt short and quick in the bumps and long and stable on the groomer - a good all mountain ski for someone splitting time between groomers and off piste

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski felt great on groomers and in bumps. I did not take it in the woods, but wonder if the length would feel challenging in tight trees. In more open woods, I'd take these in there without hesitation, as they pivoted and smeared in the bumps with ease.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Given that it's a heavy and somewhat stiff ski, and one with a longer turn radius that requires the skier to use power to dictate the turn lengths, I'd recommend this for more advanced skiers to be able to get the most out of it and enjoy varied terrain on it.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

The graphics for the 25/26 skis looked like my (very) old 7s's and I absolutely love the look! The new ones in green are also slick, but I love that 7s look. These were surprisingly fun in the bumps and capable on the groomers and hard pack - a really nice ride.

tester:

Bob St.Pierre

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 110ish
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 38

A bit more rigid than I used to be but still trying to be dynamic, smooth, and fluid with varying degrees of success. Skis on the snow, these days.

Ski:

2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied at Stowe on a pretty icy day, but with some soft snow piling up, albeit sugary.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

While it's impressive that this 182 can feel confident and powerful, I still think I'd go longer here, even if it's a big jump to the 192.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I don't know how to make or think of a much better ski than this. It literally does everything well. Sure, it's not a GS carver, nor a deep powder floater, but it really hits the middle of all of these attributes insanely well. It's a proper all-mountain/freestyle/freeride ski with a dense and stable feel that also somehow manages to produce energy. It's very interesting, well-made, and incredibly intuitive.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

The Super Blackops 98 works great anywhere. With a strong construction and a well-rounded shape, this ski operates well in deeper snow, packed groomers, park, bumps, trees...you name it, this ski will do it.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Due to the weight this is more of an advanced ski. It does like a bit of speed, keeping it just out of reach of even progressing intermediates.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

In addition to being an awesome ski, they keep rolling it out with these amazing throwback and creative graphics. Other companies should take note.

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 Rossignol Super Black Ops Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, 5-6 inches of fresh snow on top of packed powder groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I find they ski a touch long, but not by a lot. I do like the 182 for myself.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I certainly don't dislike skiing the Super Blackops, but to me it's starting to feel a little long in the tooth. I get it, why change it when they still sell reasonably well, but I personally would love to see some construction updates. Those feelings aside, it's somewhat unique in the sense that it's a twin tip shape and design, but it's pretty rugged in its construction and feel. It's not tremendously stiff, but it's on the heavier side and has superb vibration damping. The Sender 100 is much more energetic, while the Super Blackops is far damper. I think, especially the older I get, I don't really need the extra stability it provides, so then it just ends up being kind of one dimensional. A bigger and/or stronger skier than me would likely be thrilled by the aspects of it that aren't as fun for me.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It's actually very, very versatile. It can rip turns on groomers, but then the shape allows for good performance off groomers and in softer snow too. You just need to be ready and willing to put some effort into skiing as its hefty feel can be somewhat fatiguing.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I do think it's better for an advanced or expert skier just because of the weight and how demanding it can feel. It's not like it's ever locked into a turn, but it can be somewhat tiring to ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I really like what they're doing cycling through different graphics on the Super Blackops, but again, I'd love to see it infused with construction updates.