Product Reviews
ROSSIGNOL
MODEL PRO RC 112
SIZE 178CM
DIMENSIONS 140/112/120
STRUCTURE SANDWICH
CORE WOOD/ METAL
REVERSE CAMBER TIP
TECNOLOGY
RECTANGULAR SKI CONTRUCTION
WHAT DOES ROSSIGNOL SAY?
Sandwich construction with vertical sidewalls.
Different types of sidewalls and laminate materials can be used to change or alter the behavior of the ski. This gives the Rossignol technicians the ability to change or adapt the skis behavior on an on-going process, thus making the worlds fastest skis.
Race-proven construction of wood core, fiberglass, and metal laminate lay-ups with vertical sidewalls provide optimum racing flex patterns.
WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU?
THIS BOX SHAPE CONTRUCTION ALLOWS FOR A TORTIONALLY STIFFER SKI. THAT MEANS WHEN YOUR RAILLING ON EDGE AT MACH 10, THIS SKI WILL FEEL STIFF AND CONSISTENT AT TOP SPEEDS, KEEPING ITS SHAPE AND ALLOWING YOU TO PLOW THROUGH WHATEVER COMES YOUR WAY WITH CONFIDENCE.
SHARK NOSE
WHAT DOES ROSSIGNOL SAY?
An aluminum insert integrated into the tip of the ski increases torsional rigidity for added control at high speeds. This greater rigidity allows the ski to push through inconsistent snow without losing grip.
WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU?
MORE INSURANCE YOUR SKI WILL CUT THROUGHT CRUD LIKE A KNIFE TO BUTTER. TORSIONAL RIGIDITY MEANS THE SKI WON’T LOSE ITS SHAPE AT HIGH SPEEDS, AND WITH A REVERSE CAMBER DESIGN IN THE TIP IT WON’T NOSE DIVE IN HEAVIER CONDITIONS.
Overall the Pro RC 112 gets an A++ from this skier. For its strength and rigidity. An expert ski designed for those who are looking for optimal performance and strength in all types of condition.
Thank you to Rossignol
SnowPulse Life Bag 30L
I took a trip to Revelstoke British Columbia on November 04 2009. With me I took a 30L Snowpulse Life Bag. We spent most of our time on Boulder Mountain. Day 1 I sledded up the trail with the pack and day2 I ski toured with it for over 10 km.
Design
Shoulder straps on the pack are padded and thick resulting in overall comfort while wearing the pack. The features of the pack include:
Features
- Snowpulse Switch System compatible
- 1 large horseshoe shaped compartment
- Probe and shovel handle sleeves
- Back ventilation
- Sunglass pocket
- Snowboard and ski carrying system
- Ice axe holder
- Reinforced stitching
With only the canister inside the pack weighs approximately 2.9kg in short and 2.95kg in long. I found the pack easy to assemble with all my avi gear (enough for a day trip) and no problems accessing the gear when needed. The pull cord is conveniently zipped up in the left shoulder strap to prevent accidental expulsion, which came in handy while sledding up the access trail. The belt buckle is a metal two part clasp that is difficult to release or break on its own, in order to keep the bag on in avalanche scenarios. I also found the rigidity of the back support to be a little stiff and didn’t allow the pack to move with my body while touring, but did not have this issue on the snowmobile.
Weight
Once I got all my day trip gear into the pack it was substantially heavier than my other packs and made me appreciate the benefits of a light weight set up. However the benefits seem to out weight the consequences in this matter, so I chose to carry on. I would however hesitate to bring that much extra weight on a multiday trip where speed and agility were of the essence.
Efficiency
To deploy the pack you simply pull on the rip cord. There have been multiple reports on the bags not deploying upon demand however I did not experience having to deploy the pack (knock on wood) I have been assured that when packed appropriately there have been no issues. There is a tiny cover opening in the zipper at the top of the bag that allows the zipper to be ripped open when the bag is deployed. It only takes a couple of seconds for the bag to fully deploy and wrap around your head and neck. The heavy canvas weight material is resistant to blows from rocks and trees and does a better job of protecting it user than its competitors ABS packs. The canister must be filled with 3000psi of compressed air to deploy and can be filled at your local dive shop.
ABS pack comparison
The ABS packs are filled with compressed nitrogen as opposed to compressed air. Also, the air bag deploys like wings behind you in the ABS packs and fails to create the air pocket around the face that the Snowpulse provides. At a slightly heavier weight the ABS pack is defiantly less appealing considering that was my biggest complaint about touring with the Snowpulse.
This year’s changes
For 2010 Snowpulse has designed a system where you can zip any size pack you choose from their collection to the canister and shoulder harness, thus allowing you to have multiple size packs without having to buy a separate bag for all you single to multi day needs.
Overall Impression
Overall the pulse bag is one of my top picks for 2010 avalanche safety and has a proven track record in saving lives by increasing your surface area during an avalanche and allowing you to float to the top. Shallower burials equal a higher chance of living and that’s a cause worth investing in.
Product: B-Squad Pro 130 Carbon
At a 130 flex index and a 98mm last this boot is a racers dream, but it’s not for racers. Thank you Rossignol. This boot is catering to your pro level freerider. Its design is impeccable. Vibram soles to keep you sticking to the rock while you climb up, and carbon integrated into the upper cuff keeps you stiff and solid on your ride down, and get this it works with both alpine and AT bindings. For those hard landings the B-Squad Pro 130 Carbon has a soft boot board and Rossignol’s extra thick power strap helps keep the boot tight to your shins eliminating shin bang. The custom fit liner moulds right to your foot, while the sensor technology will keep you comfortable and hard charging all day. Too stiff for ya? They make a softer version in a 110 flex (100mm last) , or simply remove the top rivet from the spine of the boot to give you a little more flexion. Full canting on both sides and metal micro adjustable buckles. Really what more could you want?
Product: 2S5 Jago Review
- Sizes : 171, 178, 185
- Sidecut : 128/98/121
- Radius : 21.3 (185)
- Structure : Sandwich
- Absorption : JAS
- Core : Wood / WRS
- Ski Feat : Rebound Tip Twin
Looking for a ski to match your well rounded expertise. Look no further park rats and powder hounds alike will covet this ski. With a poplar/fume and PU core this ski is a solid version of its past counterparts. Nothing can stop you with the S5 Jago as your all mountain tool. Its plows through crud, and with 30 degree side walls the S5 is quick on edge and sticks to hard pack. Boosting and spinning is a piece of cake with Rossignol’s WRS (weight reduction system) making the tip and tail lighter to reduce swing weight. The S5 gives is driver the power to go anywhere and do anything with confidence. Check it out at www.rossignol.com