In the world of skiing, the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 and the Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 are two top contenders. Both skis are designed for the advanced skier looking for a versatile, all-mountain experience. The Rossignol Blackops 98 is a more directional, freeride-oriented ski that excels in spring-like conditions and is snappy edge to edge. The Nordica Unleashed 98, on the other hand, is a playful charger that is comfortable being driven hard and is surprisingly playful. Both skis are great for variable snow conditions and offer a stable ride. However, the Rossignol Blackops 98 may not be the best choice for park skiing or deep powder days, while the Nordica Unleashed 98 may not be the best for beginners or lower intermediate skiers. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 summary

The Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 is a freeride-oriented ski that is designed for those who are looking for a fun off-mountain experience. It is not a park ski, but it is more freeride-oriented. The ski is snappy edge to edge and performs well in spring-like conditions. It is a stable all-mountain ski with a twin tip. The ski has a loose tip, but the flex in terms of being soft and poppy ends after that. It is a stable charger of a ski. The ski is fairly stiff and damp underfoot compared to the tips and tails, which are quite soft. It performs well at speed as long as the snow is soft. However, it struggles a bit more at speed on ice and hardpack. The ski is not marketed as a freestyle ski and is not recommended for park skiing. It is very maneuverable and can swing around pretty easily. It is not super heavy, but it is also not super light. The ski is not recommended for deep powder days. It carves well in softer conditions and is recommended for East Coast, Midwest, or low snowfall ski for out West.

Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 summary

The Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 is a brand new ski from Nordica for the 22/23 season. It is a potential one-ski quiver for any skier from the East Coast to the Sierra Nevada. The ski is playful and can be driven hard. It is comfortable and easy to maneuver. The ski is not super poppy and is designed for harder charging. It is a fairly directional, aggressive ski that likes to be playful some of the time. The ski is right in the wheelhouse of those who like to dive down the fall line and sometimes like to play around on side hits. It is a ski that can be skied comfortably in all those situations and feel really confident that it is going to respond to the input that is given and be a stable ride through uneven terrain. The ski is recommended for any stronger advanced expert skier. However, it is not recommended for beginners or lower intermediate skiers.

Similarities

Both the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 and the Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 are designed for advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain experience. They both have a waist width of 98mm, making them ideal for a variety of snow conditions. Both skis are praised for their stability and responsiveness, with experts noting their ability to handle high speeds and varied terrain. They both have a twin tip design, which allows for a playful and agile skiing experience. Both skis are also noted for their carving abilities, with experts highlighting their edge hold and turn radius.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 is more freeride-oriented and is ideal for skiers who enjoy off-mountain skiing. It's not a park ski, but it is more freeride-oriented. This ski is perfect for skiers who enjoy spring-like conditions and want a ski that is snappy edge to edge. It's not recommended for deep powder days or for park skiing.

On the other hand, the Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 is a playful charger that is comfortable being driven hard. It's a fairly directional, aggressive ski that likes to be playful some of the time. This ski is perfect for skiers who like to dive down the fall line and sometimes like to play around on side hits. It's not recommended for beginners or lower intermediate skiers.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 takes the edge due to its ability to be driven hard while still being playful.

In terms of carving, both skis are praised for their carving abilities, but the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 is noted for its snappy edge to edge performance, giving it the upper hand in this category.

For freeride performance, the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 is the clear winner. It's more freeride-oriented and is ideal for skiers who enjoy off-mountain skiing.

Finally, in terms of freestyle performance, the Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 is the winner. While it's not a park ski, it's noted for its playful nature and ability to handle side hits.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Rossignol Blackops 98 Open Skis · 2024 and the Nordica Unleashed 98 Skis · 2023 are excellent choices for advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain experience. The Rossignol Blackops 98 is a more directional, freeride-oriented ski that excels in spring-like conditions and is snappy edge to edge. The Nordica Unleashed 98, on the other hand, is a playful charger that is comfortable being driven hard and is surprisingly playful. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a freeride enthusiast or a playful charger, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!