Soul 102 review

Overview

Rossignol Soul 102 is the 2026/27 name of the ski Rossignol sold as the Sender Soul 102; the page for the old name is the Rossignol Sender soul 102. This time it really is a rename. Ski Essentials writes that the Soul 102 "returns structurally unchanged but we do get a new name and graphic". Rossignol's own tables back that up: the 25/26 Sender Soul 102 and the 26/27 Soul 102 list the same 135 mm tip, 100–104 mm waist, 125 mm tail, the same 14–18 m radii and the same five lengths from 156 to 188 cm. Rossignol says the ski takes "the best of the Sender 110" in a more versatile package that is lighter for off-piste outings and carves better thanks to a shorter radius. It is rated Advanced to Expert.

On-snow performance

Think of the Soul 102 as a freeride ski that still likes groomers. The core is PEFC poplar with a Titanal Beam underfoot and rectangular full sidewalls, the recipe Rossignol credits with "big-mountain stability". Air Tip takes weight out of the tip and tail, so the swing weight should stay low for a 102, and the tip and tail rocker should make it pivot easily in trees and float in soft snow. Rossignol adds V-A-S damping and Line Control Technology, which points to a smoother ride in rough snow than the low weight alone would suggest. The radius is moderate, 16 m at 172 cm, so the ski should link medium turns on piste rather than demand long arcs. At 2.0 kg per ski in 172 cm it is mid-weight: easy enough to throw around, but not as planted as double-metal chargers at high speed.

Construction & specs explained

• Core: PEFC poplar wood core.
• Reinforcement: Titanal Beam underfoot.
• Sidewall: Rectangular Full Sidewall.
• Damping: V-A-S vibration absorption and LCT (Line Control Technology).
• Tip: Air Tip.
• Profile: Tip & Tail Rocker with camber underfoot.
• Shape: Progressive Sidecut; 135 mm tip and 125 mm tail, waist 100 (156), 101 (164), 102 (172, 180) and 104 mm (188).
• Radius: 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 m.
• Weight per ski: 1.8 / 1.9 / 2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 kg (Rossignol says "kg/pair", but these are single-ski weights; Ski Essentials lists about 2.1 kg per ski at 180 cm).
• Base: Sintered HD.
• Environment: green epoxy, which Rossignol says cuts the ski's carbon footprint by 8%; made in Europe.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Soul 102 is for advanced skiers who want a one-ski quiver for soft-snow days, side-country and the odd powder day, but do not want to give up the groomer back to the lift. The Salomon Qst 100 is the closest match: similar width, a slightly lighter build (1.88 kg at 180 cm against 2.1 kg for the Soul) and a long tail rocker, so the choice is mostly about feel. The Blizzard Anomaly 102 uses double titanal and much longer radii (18–22.5 m), making it the pick for fast, strong skiers. The Volkl Mantra 102 is heavier still and runs radii well beyond 25 m, a different, more demanding ski. Within the line, the Rossignol Soul 92 is the lighter, narrower option for skiers who spend more time on piste.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Titanal Beam and rectangular sidewalls for secure edge grip on a 102 mm ski.
• Air Tip and tip and tail rocker keep it easy to turn in trees and soft snow.
• Moderate radius that still links turns on groomers.
• Wide length range from 156 to 188 cm.

Cons

• Less planted at high speed in crud than heavier double-metal skis.
• 2.0 kg per ski at 172 cm is too heavy for a dedicated touring setup.
• Aimed at advanced skiers; intermediates may find it a lot of ski.
• A 102 mm waist feels wide for days spent mostly on hard piste.

Verdict: The same freeride all-rounder as the Sender Soul 102 under a new name. Pick it if you want one wide ski that floats, pivots and still carves; pick something heavier if top speed in rough snow matters most.