The XV signature line is the work of three-time Freeride World Tour champion Xavier De Le Rue, and the Rossignol XV Slashimi is the everyday entry in that collection. Narrower and lighter than its bigger Sashimi sibling, with a slightly more twin-like profile and a shorter sidecut radius, the Slashimi is meant to be the board that rips through the everyday until the powder day arrives, then surf-slashes through it. The AmpTek Elite rocker-camber profile sits at 80% camber, this is a serious freeride board with a forgiving streak in the tip and tail.

Why we like it:

The 80% AmpTek Elite camber under a Reverse Directional flex pattern is the rare combination of pure carving authority and release-friendly tail, and L.I.T.E. Grip puts a urethane strip directly along the edges for shock absorption where the snow actually meets steel.

Who it's for:

All-mountain and freeride riders who want one board that will carve packed snow cleanly, hold an edge on hardpack traverses, and float through powder when the storm hits. The Slashimi rewards experienced riders who can drive a stiffer board, lighter and less aggressive riders will find it demanding.

Highlights:

Start with the profile, AmpTek Elite runs 80% camber between the inserts with rocker at the extremities, so the engaged edge is long and powerful at any meaningful edge angle. The shape is directional with significant setback at the inserts and a Reverse Directional flex, stiff through the front foot, softer through the waist, medium-stiff at the rear, which lets the rider drive from a forward stance the way a freerider wants. Construction relies on the L.I.T.E. Wood CBF2 core, a single-wood core laminated with Basalt and Kevlar along the edges (not just the spine like the One) for serious edge stability at speed. L.I.T.E. Grip adds a urethane strip directly through the edge zone for full-length edge shock absorption, especially useful on icy traverses. The base is a Sintered 7500, RadCut sidecut runs 5.7m to 8m progressive, and the topsheet is the Rossitop 3. The 158, Xavier's reference size for the line, weighs in around 3000 grams.

Things to consider:

The 7/10 flex and 80% camber combination is not forgiving, intermediates will get overpowered. The narrow, freeride-leaning shape with significant setback is not built for switch riding or park duty. For riders who want a more playful, less aggressive everyday freeride board, the Resurgence sits below the XV line with friendlier flex, while the full Sashimi sits above for dedicated big-mountain charging.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The XV Slashimi sizes true to length thanks to the directional shape and setback stance, the 158 is Xavier's published reference and a sensible center of the size run. The board runs 152/155/158/161. Bump up a length for more pure freeride float and bigger lines, drop a length if the rider wants the surf-slash character to feel more lively in resort terrain.