Rossignol Super Blackops 98 – Review

Rossignol’s Super Blackops 98 targets skiers who want a playful, freeride‑leaning all‑mountain tool that still holds an edge when you step on it. With twin rocker, camber underfoot, a poplar core, and a Titanal beam, it blends surfy looseness with useful bite and composure.

Who is it for?

Advanced to expert skiers splitting time between piste, soft snow, trees, and natural features.
Riders who like a smeary, pivot‑friendly feel but need reliable edge hold when speeds climb.
A one‑ski quiver around 98 mm for freeride‑minded skiers; less ideal as a pure ice carver or full‑gas charger.

On‑snow performance

Groomers/carving: Camber underfoot and the Titanal beam provide solid edge hold and precision. The longer, lower tip rocker eases turn initiation. On true boilerplate, damping is decent but not as bulldozer‑stable as heavier, directional skis (e.g., Nordica Enforcer 100).
Bumps and trees: Low swing weight and twin rocker make quick, pivoty turns effortless. It’s forgiving when you get off line and rewards a centered stance.
Powder: At 98 mm with progressive tip rocker, it planes early and smears speed predictably. There’s more float than many 96–99 mm all‑mountain skis.
Crud and chop: V‑A‑S helps mute chatter and the Titanal insert adds composure, but at very high speeds it isn’t as planted as a K2 Mindbender 99Ti or Blizzard Rustler 10.
Switch/park: The twin‑rocker shape welcomes switch approaches and landings better than directional 98s, though the ski is still freeride‑first.

Construction and tech (what you feel)

Poplar wood core (PEFC): A lively, dependable flex with a balanced mix of pop and damping.
Titanal beam underfoot: Extra torsional strength and grip where you need it, without killing playfulness.
V‑A‑S (Vibration Absorber System): Reduces chatter on hard or rough snow for a smoother edge.
Full sidewall: Direct power transfer and durable edge hold.
Sintered HD base: Fast, durable, and wax‑hungry for day‑to‑day speed.

Specs and what they mean

Rocker profile – Twin/Progressive rocker with camber: Rocker in tip and tail for float and smear; camber for rebound and edge hold.
Dimensions – 131‑98‑121 mm: Biggish tip aids planing and easy turn‑in; 98‑mm waist is true all‑mountain; tapered tail releases cleanly for speed control.
Radius by length – 162: 14 m | 172: 17 m | 182: 19 m | 192: 22 m: Shorter radii feel quicker; longer radii track more steadily at speed. Size to taste.
Weight (manufacturer, kg per pair) – 162: 1.8 | 172: 1.9 | 182: 2.0 | 192: 2.2: Light, lively feel with a bit less mass damping than heavy chargers. (~0.90–1.10 kg per ski estimated from pair weights.)
Available lengths – 162/172/182/192 cm: Go shorter for quickness; longer for stability and float.

Sizing and mounting

Length: Choose around your height for all‑round use. Size down if you live in trees/bumps or are lighter; size up for speed, open terrain, or extra float.
Mount point: The recommended line suits most all‑mountain/freeride use. A small step forward can help if you ski a lot of switch.

Comparisons

Salomon QST 98: Similar range; QST is a touch more damp, Super Blackops is looser and more playful in the tail.
Nordica Enforcer 100: Heavier and more planted at speed; less smear‑y and less switch‑friendly than the Rossignol.
Blizzard Rustler 9/10: Rustler 10 bulldozes crud better; Super Blackops feels lighter and more agile in tight spaces.
Armada ARV 96/98: ARV is parkier and softer in the extremities; Super Blackops offers stronger edge hold and all‑mountain bite.

Pros and cons

Pros

Playful and nimble with respectable edge hold.
Versatile across groomers, soft snow, trees, and natural features.
Easy to steer; supportive yet release‑friendly tail.

Cons

Not the most confidence‑inspiring on blue‑ice or at race‑room speeds.
Less powerful carver than directional, heavier 98–100 mm skis.
Lighter build can feel nervous in refrozen, high‑speed chop.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What skier level fits the Rossignol Super Blackops 98?
A: Advanced to expert. Intermediates moving up will like the easy turn entry; experts can push it thanks to camber grip and Titanal support.

Q: How does it hold on ice?
A: Camber and full sidewalls give solid hold for a twin‑rocker freeride shape, but on true ice, heavier directional options (Enforcer 100, Mindbender 99Ti) grip better.

Q: What length should I buy?
A: Around your height for all‑round. Size down for trees/bumps or lighter riders; size up for more stability, speed, and float.

Q: Is the Super Blackops 98 a good one‑ski quiver?
A: Yes for skiers prioritizing playfulness and off‑piste versatility. Dedicated carvers or those on icy hardpack may prefer a more directional ski.

Key takeaways

Playful freeride all‑rounder: surf/smear feel with real camber bite.
Excellent in trees and bumps: low swing weight, twin rocker.
Versatile 98‑mm waist: strong in soft snow; adequate on piste, less ideal for top‑speed/ice.