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Advnture
Advnture
Berne Broudy

Rossignol R-Skin Ultra cross country skis review: great for classic cross-country ski training and keeping fit

Rossignol R-Skin Ultra cross country skis in snow

Rossignol R-Skin Ultra: first impressions

Made for fitness skiers and for training, the Rossignol R-Skin Ultra (available direct from Rossignol) is an agile classic ski for kicking and gliding in all conditions, with no waxing required. It truly does stake its claim as one of the best cross country skis out there.

Specifications

• List price: $289.95 (US) / £286 (UK)
• Weight (per 198cm pair): 1,380g
• Base: Waxless R-SKIN
• Edges: None
• Sidecut: 48mm / 44mm / 46mm
• Sizes: 176cm, 181cm, 186cm, 191cm, 196cm, 201cm

Built-in mohair inserts give this ski grip to propel you forward. And it comes with a pre-installed binding plate that lets the ski flex naturally for the best experience on snow (learn more about cross country ski bindings here).

The Rossignol R-Skin Ultra boasts superb snow feel, excellent precision and good glide. It also has a low barrier to entry. Whether you’re an athletic person looking for a new cardio activity, or a skier who wants to hit the trails without having to prep your skis, this design delivers.

Rossignol R-Skin Ultra: on the slopes

A close-up look at the Rossignol R-Skin Ultras’ pre-installed binding plates (Image credit: Berne Broudy)

Sometimes waxing can be the biggest barrier to hitting the snow on cross country skis, but the Rossignol R-Skin Ultras will kick and glide for around 100 to 150 days before you need to replace the mohair. 

In the track, they’re precise and powerful, with a similar lightweight honeycomb construction core that you will typically find in race skis, but more reasonably priced. The cap is constructed with multidirectional fiberglass that balances flex and torsional rigidity from tip to tail. This construction kept me in control when the snow was soft, icy and everything in between. 

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