WCR e sl rebel review

Overview

The WCR e-SL Rebel is the slalom ski from Head's race department that sits just below FIS level: the same wood-core Worldcup Sandwich Construction with Titanal, Graphene and EMC damping as the FIS slalom, in a length that FIS slalom rules do not cover. Head's EU store lists exactly one length, 151 cm, at 111-65-96 mm with an 11.9 m radius, which places it with youth racers in the categories below FIS age and with lighter adults who want a race-room slalom ski in a short length. It is sold as a set with a pre-mounted race plate and the Freeflex ST 20 X RD by default (ST 16 X RD or ST 14 X optional). Head's weight figure is 1,935 g per ski without binding at 151 cm. For the FIS lengths from 156 to 168 cm, Head moves you to the WCR e-SL Rebel FIS.

On-snow performance

On paper this is a pure slalom race ski in miniature: 65 mm underfoot, a tight 11.9 m radius and the Rebel Camber full-camber profile, so it should hook up the instant it is tipped on edge and snap from turn to turn with the quick rebound that short, stiff race skis are known for. The Titanal in the sandwich gives the edge hold on injected race snow and the EMC piezo elements are there to stop the tip chattering out of the arc when the course is rough. Head describes it as the perfect slalom ski for fast skiers, and that is the right frame: it rewards a skier who drives the front of the ski and keeps the rhythm high, and it gives little back at low speed or in long, lazy turns. Soft snow, bumps and anything off-piste are not its job, and at just over 1.9 kg per ski at 151 cm it is heavy for its length.

Construction & specs explained

• Construction: wood-core Worldcup Sandwich Construction with Titanal, in Head's Graphene Worldcup Sandwich race build.
• Topsheet: the thinner topsheet Head uses only on its RD skis, for lower weight and quicker edge changes.
• Damping: EMC (Energy Management Circuit), ceramic piezo plates in the front and rear of the ski.
• Profile: Rebel Camber, full camber; Head tags it "Short Radius".
• Plate and binding: sold as a set with Head's race plate; Freeflex ST 20 X RD by default, ST 16 X RD or ST 14 X optional.
• Dimensions: 111-65-96 mm, 11.9 m radius (151 cm).
• Lengths: 151 cm only on Head's EU store; the FIS lengths are sold as the WCR e-SL Rebel FIS.
• Weight: 1,935 g per ski without binding (151 cm).

Who it's for & comparisons

Youth slalom racers below FIS age who have outgrown junior race skis, and small or light adults who want a genuine race-department slalom ski at 151 cm. If you need a FIS length, the Head WCR e sl rebel fis (119-68-103 mm, 12.8 m at 168 cm, 156–168 cm) is the same construction with the certification. Recreational slalom carvers are better served by the Head Worldcup rebels e sl (122-68-107 mm, 10.5–13.7 m, 150–170 cm), and younger racers come up through the Head WCR e sl rebel team junior (120–160 cm). Across brands, the closest non-FIS slalom skis at this length are the Rossignol Hero athlete sl (66 mm, 11 m at 150 cm, 128–150 cm, 2,000 g at 150 cm) and the Blizzard Firebird sl fis, which Blizzard offers from 151 cm (66.5 mm, 13 m at 151 cm, 1,500 g); the Volkl Racetiger sl (67 mm, 150–170 cm) is the wider-waisted alternative with a longer size run.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Full race-department slalom construction: Titanal sandwich, Graphene, EMC damping and the RD topsheet.
• 65 mm waist and an 11.9 m radius for the quick, snappy turns that slalom is about.
• A proper race ski at 151 cm, a length most brands only cover with junior models.
• Sold as a complete set with a race plate and the Freeflex ST 20 X RD.

Cons

• One length only on Head's EU store; anything longer means the FIS version.
• 1,935 g per ski without binding is heavy for a 151 cm ski.
• Race-department price tier, and the RD bindings add to the set price.
• Demands speed and an aggressive stance; it is no fun for a relaxed skier.

Verdict: The WCR e-SL Rebel is a niche but honest product: a race-room slalom ski in a single short length for youth racers and light adults who do not need FIS certification. If you fit 151 cm and race gates, it is the real thing; if you want a slalom carver for the piste, the Worldcup Rebels e-SL is far more sensible.