2023 ROSSIGNOL RALLYBIRD 104 TI SKI REVIEW

For the 2023 Rallybird model series, Rossignol is taking a unique approach in order to broaden its ski lines while condensing for the purpose of designating each to a specific division. Straying from the notable Blackops line and falling under two major categories, skiers can more easily decipher between all-mountain, frontside, and freeride-oriented skis. While the men’s side has three different models falling under the “Sender” series, women can also choose between three models under the “Rallybird” line. Efficiently branching out between each, Rossignol has narrowed the individual focus of each ski, allowing for the ability to pick and choose, depending on your preference and intended use. Focusing solely on the Rallybird series, this women’s freeride division carries forth many successful attributes from the former Blackops models, while making substantial upgrades to construction, shape and profile. With a 92, 102, and 104 Ti, the line starts to differ in the widest option, with the 104 Ti containing metal as opposed to its narrower counterparts.

I skied both the Rallybird 92 and 104 Ti, each leaving a lasting impression on me in terms of all-mountain performance. Focusing solely on the 104 Ti, I developed an immediate fondness for the wider of the two. Blurring the line between the all-mountain and freeride, this ski checked a lot of boxes for me. Considering the 104 mm waist width and, as the name implies, added titanal laminate, the overall feel and personality of this Rallybird model delivered noticeable power and stability while remaining maneuverable and playful. What could behave as either a daily driver or a powder ski, depending on terrain, Rallybird 104 Ti has the ideal blend of construction and shape for its range of applications and overall versatility. Having skied the narrowest of the three first, I was excited to test the 104 Ti given my personal preference for wider, burlier skis. The day I tested them, conditions were fast, with eastern hardpack snow. To truly test the ski’s limits right off the bat, I decided to take them on one of the steeper, groomed trails at Sugarbush. Before we get caught up in performance, let’s first take a look at the construction.

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From a build perspective, we get a lightweight paulownia wood core interwoven with a Carbon and Alloy Matrix throughout the length of the ski. This approach to the ski’s build can be seen across all of the Rallybird models, giving them lightweight agility and snappy energy without sacrificing downhill performance. What makes this ski different from the others, though, is the added Titanal beam positioned specifically underfoot, giving it maximum power, edge grip, and torsional stiffness right where it’s needed most. Despite this addition, at 1800 grams per ski in the 171, the overall weight is not jeopardized, which gives it the cohesive blend of stability and maneuverability. This quality stood out to me almost immediately, noticing the major difference between the 92 without metal and the 104 Ti. In order to counteract the substantial force from this dynamic material, Rossignol went a step further by incorporating their Line Control Technology, which incorporates two strips of rubber through the forebody and tail of the ski. This dampens unwanted vibrations in order to provide a quiet, stable ride. In addition to recognizing the upgraded construction with the added metal, I also noticed how quiet and smooth these skis felt throughout each turn and upon varying terrain. For a burlier built ski, this goes a long way as far as performance goes, combining confident control and dampness. From small, quickly initiated turns to longer, arcing turns, they were eager to engage and hold an edge throughout, completing clean, strong carves. With a playful, energetic personality in the extremities and a stiff, powerful response underfoot, skiers get a sturdy platform with maximum turn control and a lightweight character.

This brings us to the shape, which follows the same trend as the 92 and 102 except as we gain more width, we also gain more rocker and taper. Still boasting a directional profile with a responsive tail, the camber underfoot provides a steady base, especially at higher speeds and in challenging conditions. We also get a moderate tip rocker combined with a low tail rocker, which maximizes flotation in a directional manner without sacrificing edge grip. As for the turning radius, for such a wide ski, you get a 16-meter radius in the 171 cm in length, allowing the skier to make medium to long arcing turns at various speeds. You really get the best of both worlds with this ski—a wider ski with a directional profile and generous camber underfoot. This blend of attributes allows for ultimate precision, edge grip, and power, yet with ample agility and flotation for that freeride-oriented performance. I tested a pair of 171s, which felt true to size and lands in the sweet spot as far as length for me personally. While it does ski a little bit shorter due to the 25% tip rocker, due to its nimble nature and light weight, though it is on the wider end of the spectrum as far as width goes, I still felt confident in the trees and bumps. For an all-mountain ski in the widest option available in the Rallybird line, I was pleasantly surprised by its versatility and maneuverability.

My very first run on the Rallybird 104 Ti’s was on Ripcord at Sugarbush Resort. It is a steep and fast groomed trail, and I was eager to test the speed limit on these hard-charging skis. Within a few turns, pointing straight down the fall line, I could instantly tell these skis wanted to go with gravity. As a skier who likes to ski fast and aggressively, I had no issues bringing them up to speed and confidently arcing smooth, clean turns. Due to the metal laminate underfoot combined with the 60% camber, I felt stable and in charge. While these skis are geared towards intermediate to advanced skiers who want to be in command, they still felt intuitive and willing to let you drive. I truly had a blast ripping with speed down the fall line, feeling a reliable hold upon each carve and quickly getting right back into driver’s seat. There’s no question, the Rallybird 104 Ti’s are full-gas and want to direct you down the hill with force. However, despite what it's capable of in terms of power and torsional stiffness, it is not particularly demanding, which makes it more user-friendly. If you want to crank up the speed dial and test the limits, you most certainly can. However, if you want a powder ski with versatility and smoothness, it is also a fantastic choice.

Having thoroughly enjoyed myself on the groomers, I was curious to take them off-piste and see how they performed in the bumps and trees. I can confidently say that 90% of my time spent on skis, I am skiing glades, moguls, and variable terrain as opposed to groomers. Much to my surprise, I felt confident and agile transferring snappy energy between moguls and zipping through trees, shining light on the nimble nature of these skis and the maximum precision and control. For a ski with metal and a 104 mm waist, I couldn’t believe its ability to perform on all conditions and terrain. Whether it was crud, powder, or chop, I was leaving clean carves in my wake. One of the major highlights for me was how damp and smooth they felt. Despite what I was skiing or what type of turns I was making, they kept a consistent, stable feel with immediate responsiveness. Between driving powerfully down the fall line or pressing through the tips through tight terrain, the flex and contortion of the ski responds so well. A truly versatile powder ski, I was hooked on the powerful feel of the added metal combined with the agile nature of the rockered tip and lightweight core.

The 2023 Rossignol Rallybird 104 Ti has become one of my favorite skis to date and I will definitely be incorporating it into my quiver. Since I spend a lot of time skiing the natural and challenging terrain of Mad River Glen in Vermont coaching freeride athletes, it’s crucial to have a ski that can be maneuverable in the moguls and tight trees. I also really love a ski with metal since I prefer to ski fast and aggressively and enjoy when a ski can be put to the challenge. However, most of the time, a ski with titanal laminates tends to be on the heavier side, which can ultimately affect its agility. This is most certainly not the case with these 104 Ti’s, and that speaks volumes to Rossignol’s approach to the Rallybird line in general, as well as their specific focus on construction and downhill performance.

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Written by Emily Crofton on 07/13/22