In this comparison, we are looking at two high-quality ski products: the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings and the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis · 2024. Both products are designed for advanced skiers, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are a match made in heaven for skiers looking for a setup that can handle anything a resort can throw at them. They offer extreme confidence carving on groomers and impressive handling in dumps and trees. However, they might not be the best fit for someone who wants a more playful option and struggles in deep powder. On the other hand, the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are perfect for intermediate skiers looking to progress to advanced levels. They are versatile and excel in off-piste freeride terrains like moguls, trees, and terrain parks. However, they may not be suitable for those who prefer to ski at top speeds or in extremely deep snow. In the end, the choice between these two products will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.

Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings summary

The Volkl Mantra M5 and Marker Griffon 13 bindings are a powerful combination designed for advanced skiers. The M5 mantra takes the performance you expect from Volkl on a track, adds in a 2 layer titanal frame that offers dampness and rigidity during turns, with a versatile 96 mm underfoot width and partial twin tip. This setup is incredibly stable and efficient, making carving turns a breeze. The front shovel helps plow through variable conditions that you might find in the back bowls at Vail and the glades of Park City. The Marker Griffon compliments the Mantra and adds to its stable feel in any condition. The secure feeling it provides is a confidence booster when navigating technical terrain. However, it does have a drawback during the deepest powder days. It can feel like you're sinking at slower speeds and it can be tough to keep the nose up when navigating fresh powder in the trees. Despite this, for 90% of the time skiing, the Mantras and Griffons are a reliable and safe choice.

Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis · 2024 summary

The Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are designed for the intermediate skier who's progressing to advanced. They are ideal for pushing the boundaries into off-piste freeride terrains like moguls, trees, and even dabbling in the terrain park without being overpowering. The ease of turn initiation and well-balanced combination of surfiness and steady tracking are the main draws of these skis. However, they do have a simple Paulownia wood core and hit their speed limit pretty quickly when going full tilt, straight line down the face of the hill. Therefore, they might not be the best choice for those with a pension for keeping their foot on the gas pedal. The 92 underfoot also isn't going to give the most float on days deeper than 5".

Similarities

Both the Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings and the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are designed for advanced skiers and offer impressive handling in various conditions. They both excel in off-piste freeride terrains like moguls and trees, and provide a stable and efficient ride. Both skis are also versatile and can handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to dumps. They are both designed to improve your technique and make you a better skier.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both products are designed for advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are ideal for powerful skiers who appreciate a heavier setup and want a ski that can handle anything a resort can throw at them. They are not the best fit for someone who wants a more playful option or struggles in deep powder. On the other hand, the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are perfect for intermediate skiers looking to progress to advanced levels. They are not suitable for skiers who prefer high speeds or deep powder conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings have a slight edge due to their ability to handle anything a resort can throw at them. In terms of performance, the Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings also come out on top due to their stability and efficiency. However, the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis win in terms of ease of use, as they are ideal for intermediate skiers looking to progress to advanced levels. Finally, in terms of value for money, the Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings offer a great deal as they come with bindings, making them a more cost-effective choice.

Comparison Table

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings and the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are high-quality products that cater to advanced skiers. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier. The Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are a great choice for powerful skiers who want a setup that can handle anything a resort can throw at them, while the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are perfect for intermediate skiers looking to progress to advanced levels. Both products offer impressive handling in various conditions and are designed to improve your technique and make you a better skier.