jeglit, this is for you also, very specifically! https://blisterreview.com/gear-reviews/rossignol-squad-7, Michael, the Rossignol BlackOps 118s ski very different from the Squad 7s: believe it or not, for mid-size and lighter folk, much more stable, and much better on edge, including on groomers. (All these mount points feel right for particular skier styles and purpose, and particular skier size. Otherwise, the things have too little fore/aft balance, at my size & profile. I am 6,2 tall and 185 pounds and like to ski hard with a neutral stance. I have also found the construction to be top notch. If you dont believe these skis would be a good fit for my level or desire to learn more and get better, what would you recommend? This ski wants to be skiing aggressively in soft snow, and if you arent doing that, youre better off on another ski. And it should be even more appealing if the in-runs and runouts you hit tend to be choppy or rough. The Black Ops 118 feels like a freaking monster truck in chop. Heres my experience: The first time I used these skis, we had 12 of fresh snow (heavy PNW snow) on top of hardpack / ice. Right on recommended is probably perfect for the freestyle kids. I love your reviews thank you so much! The result was the Black Ops a 118mm-wide ski designed with the input of backcountry-freestyle icons Parker White and Chris Logan. Or does it somehow manage to feel like both? The next day I took these skis into the side country to find some leftovers from the prior storm, and I had a blast. Your choice of ski, boot design and size will always be a very personal and subjective decision. point, where tip drive feel is maybe there but minimal; and the other point 2 cm back, where tip drive potential becomes greater; depending on the skier, for the 189 (90/91) Pettitor, the first is at about +3.5 to +4.5, the second at +1.5 to +3.5, in my (our) experience). Please type the letters and numbers below. I havent felt more confident skiing hard on any ski Ive ever been on. Apart from the very ends of the ski, the Black Ops 118 is quite stiff. You will not be disappointed. Im fairly sensitive to mounting points, and I hate remounting. Yep I ended up skiing on the same day the Black Ops 118 and current 190 cm Blister Pro / Wildcat. I bought this ski with the intentions of it being just my pow ski, but the more I skied it, the more I liked it and realized how hard it could be pushed. Curious as to impressions, as for me at me weight (205 lbs) Ive also found no spped limit on the Bibbys (crud or groomers) while finding them remarkably nimble at slow speeds in steep, tight spots for a 190cm, 118mm ski. ), Mount points are crucial, and a comparison of mine for these three skis gives some perspective: The popular style of soft skis is not my style. I can confirm what I posted above about how similar they are to the K2 Pettitor 120s, and more. Now riding a Faction CT 5.0. Love to see you guys get your hands on a pair or just jump on mine if ever in Bend. Great review including your impressions of the Pros & Cons of the Black Ops ski. Since my resort powder days often only consist of a handful of truly untracked turns and much more of my time is spent skiing chop, I absolutely love the Black Ops 118 as a resort pow ski. In terms of float, the Black Ops 118 was very good (for reference, Im 58, 155 lbs / 173 cm, 70 kg). ), Not sure you will believe me, but, if not, try, https://silvertonmountain.com/shop/rentals/k2-fat-skis/, K2 Pettitor 120 Underfoot -Sean Pettits pro model. You guys at Blister might keep a look out, especially watching for folks who really love skiing at Silverton, for instance. All in all, the Black Ops 118 is a blast in powder. Ive been riding it since it was released, as my pow ski of choice for deeper days at Kicking Horse and sled skiing. One of the things that stood out to Sam and me was how the Black Ops 118 felt solid on edge, but also very loose. So youve got a very strong platform throughout the vast majority of the ski, and then soft extremities. And I can say after all that time - I HIGHLY suggest this skis. Dont buy a ski for what you want to ski, buy a ski for what you do ski. Would you say 4.4 is still good for me or would you recommend something different due to my height? The dampness of the ski allows me to stay stay solid on my skis through bumps and chunder, and the rocker profile allows me to quickly initiate a turn through tight trees and in deep snow. ), Specifically, the 189 (pull length c.190) Pettitor 120 is the missing, longer ski heavier folks and more chargy folks like SEVERIN above, were wanting, it really is! (My mount point on the 184 Bibbys is at 0.) Mine are still in great shape, and I just bought another pair, thats how good I think they are! The Blackops Gamer is the tool of choice for full gas freeride performance. The 186 BlackOps 118 fit neatly in purpose and feel, and for different size skiers, between: So that night I remounted the ski to -2 of recommended to give them a little more float. I was able to ski these at a demo day last weekend, I wouldve bought them on the spot if they were for sale. I got the 118 last year and agree with your entire review. I have a problem that I thrash ski gear too hard. I demoed both the 98 (sometimes called the Black Panther), and the 118. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. +4.5 if I want a more upright style and no tip drive feel; I would say the squad 7s were a ton of fun but a ton of work. Makes sense. Very aggressive directional skiers may want a ski with a stiffer tip and a more rearward mount point. But I digress. IMO opinion, this is the sweet spot for this ski. Stomp and smear. Ski: 2021-2022 Rossignol BLACKOPS Gamer, 186 cm, Blisters Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 184.2 cm, Blisters Measured Weight per Ski: 2438 & 2492 grams, Blisters Measured Dimensions: 145.7-117.6-140.4 mm, Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 72 mm / 60 mm, Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 5-6 mm, Core: PEFC-certified Poplar + ABS reinforcement underfoot + Fiberglass Laminate, Factory Recommended Mount Point: -2.4 cm from center; 89.7 cm from tail, Boots / Bindings: Nordica Strider 120 & Dalbello Lupo SP I.D. I have put it through the wringer. Hi all i am relatively new to the site, but own a pair of Rossi Black Ops 118, so thought I might have some perspective here on a relatively new ski. (Rec. 
I think the two skis suit different skiing styles if you ski a lot of trees or tight terrain and prioritize quickness over stability, then the S7 probably makes more sense. (I could give more detail on the comparison, but almost enough. Tip dive returned in spades. As usual, I found your review great, detailed and almost entirely accurate for myself also. Have you been on those and if so, how would you compare the 2? Id love to say more about both skis, but Ive probably said too much already. Funny, this ski has a very similar weight, shape, width, flex and rocker/camber profile to another ski, the Nordica Helldorado, that Blister somewhat panned in the from several years ago. Thanks for the feedback Luke. The ski is the perfect tool for an expert skier looking to charge through deep snow in trees, off cliffs, and hit natural booters all over the mountain. That, combined with its forgiving tips and tails and loose feel make it pretty easy to ski in bumps, trees, etc. As Jonathan noted in his First Look of the 16/17 Black Ops, this ski has almost no tip or tail taper. To me, you really got this ski how it works, and what its about. That said, I dont want to over-emphasize the weight of the Black Ops 118. It makes mobbing through chop almost as fun as skiing untracked snow, and not too many skis this wide pull that off. I have loved my S7s and wonder if there is an advantage to a new buy? And for me, the Black Ops 118 is easy on my bad knee, whereas the 189 Pettitor 120 I have to build up to. Both seem to have similarish dimensions. How would you compare the S7 to Black Ops 118? How would the Rossi blackops 118 compare to the blizzard bodacious 186. Become a Blister member now to check out this and all of our Flash Reviews, plus get exclusive deals and discounts on skis, and personalized gear recommendations from us. I like how this sounds but wondering if its really worth the upgrade. Just need to throw down for another Blister membership (it kind of pays for itself). It is a very versatile and fun tool for a ski in this class. Sorry, but I finally got a pair of the Black Ops, an almost NOS version pre-Gamer, and have skied them a lot. +0.5 is too far forward, for me not stable enough fore/aft; also, have to lean back, some tip dive. That would be a great everyday ski right! Its far from the quickest ski, but its weight becomes much more of a benefit when that fresh snow starts to get tracked out. Given your background, I think just having them mounted -6 cm from the true center of the ski would make sense (that equate to about 3.5 cm back from the recommended mount point, but going off the true center of the ski is always the safest bet). It is a fantastic powder ski for resort and even in catski in deep powder. They are hefty but I felt like the could bust through nearly anything. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. All of which is to say. As I noted above, the ski felt best when skied from a centered stance when mounted on the recommended line. What a lame name.. maybe its better in French? If you are an advanced or expert freerider looking to turn the entire mountain into your playground, buy a blackops and see what happens. Optimal ski length is determined according to (in order): weight, physical ability, skier height and type of skier (aggressive/non-aggressive). (Me 150 lbs/510. Stomp it. I completely share your stoke on the Pettitor 120, and still reach for my battered pair now for resort rip if there is any new snow overnight. ), So, just to confirm mounting points described in the review, when you say Jonathan loves them at -3cm from recommended line that actually means -5,4cm from center? The fine print. How similar are these to the 2012-2013 rossi squad 7s? Solid when it counts and playful all the time, it has the width to float and smear through the deepest days and the stability to stick every landing. Thanks! I might also add that I am too old anymore to really launch off anything, but on these skis, on that day, I felt like I probably could have, and I would have been fine. But I have to add, you are wrong in saying that this ski has no ski to compare it to of equal weight (and ability). But if you want to be able to make super quick turns and particularly if you want to do that all day youd probably be better off on a lighter and / or more tapered ski. So thanks for your review of the 118 Black Ops 186 (186; pull length 184.2). I think the ski has a huge sweet spot, and it required a major mistake on my part to feel like I was too far forward or back on it. The other main issue Jonathan had with the Helldorado was its flex pattern it had very soft tips and tails, and it sounds like they stayed softer longer than the Black Ops do (the Black Ops is really only soft in the last ~15 cm of the tips and tails, and is quite stiff everywhere else). Note I say resort because at least for heavier folks like myself, you need to find the bottom the of snowpack for this ski to work, even with a neutral stance, or risk excessive tip dive. This ski must be in your quiver. Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-8 A lot of the other commenters, the reviewers, and myself have multiple pairs, so we only bring something this wide out when its the right day for them. Float it. Such a fun ski and everyone loves it, just needs a longer size! Despite its hefty weight, I still really liked the Black Ops 118 in tight terrain. The issue with having a ski this wide as your only ski is that they are a ski with a specific purpose, even if you can use them outside that role. Even mounted at -6cm from true center it just feels too short for us north of 6 ft. I just need to decide where to mount. (I want to try 1.5 and -2). In Front of Toe Piece: 9-9.5 Its big, rockered, and fairly soft tips absorbed impacts when Id punch through to the firm base, but the ski is strong enough in the middle that I could just blow up all of the soft patches. I look fwd to the next year's Black Ops 107 on which I've already planned an 'extraction'. But if youre not doing huge rotations, or youre willing to put more thought and effort into takeoffs, the Black Ops 118 is a great option (after all, Parker White is still throwing dubs on this thing, so you dont really get to use its weight as an excuse). I could have sworn the Dynastar Factory Proto is the heavier ski, having picked up both skis (Proto & Black Ops) at Snell Sports, Chamonix, where both of these skis were on display side by side. Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. Ran these through a long groomer, a punishing mogul run, and steep powder and fell in love with them. The Black Ops 118s recommended mount point is around -2.4 cm from center. Unfortunately, there were no reviews when I got them, and I mounted at factory recommendation, and it sounds like the way I like to ski is similar to you Luke. Or just re-release the sickle and call it good! I found myself skiing faster, going bigger, and otherwise just skiing more aggressively on the Black Ops 118 in chop than I have on any other ski. I ended up finishing the last half of the season using nothing but this ski. Good on groomers. -0.5 (havent tried yet, but will.) Tip/waist/tail dimensions are proportionally close: 145-118-140 Bl.Ops, 147-120-141 for longer Pets. I still had fun I guess, but every turn started with the tail, not the tip. Sam Shaheen and I have now both spent time on the Black Ops 118, in conditions ranging from straight hardpack to more than two feet of snow at Crested Butte. I demoed these skis on a pow day. Learn More Men's Free Touring Ski Boots Alltrack Pro 110 LT, loc_en_US, sid_RAJME01_bv32__bv32_000, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]. Spins and shifties on the Black Ops 118 required significantly more effort than other freestyle-oriented skis Ive used. I am 5'10" 180 lbs. Would really love to try the Black Ops based on your review though, sounds great. Not so fun. Not familiar with them? Maybe too fast. Adjust fore/aft to get this versatility. Thanks for sharing your experience on the similarities with the Black Ops, otherwise a Rossi ski wouldnt have been on my radar. I like my skis long and stiff. Ive only skied on-piste primarily in the Mid-West, but went to Colorado (Keystone) for the first time in December and the ski bug hit me hard. 
I think the two skis suit different skiing styles if you ski a lot of trees or tight terrain and prioritize quickness over stability, then the S7 probably makes more sense. (I could give more detail on the comparison, but almost enough. Tip dive returned in spades. As usual, I found your review great, detailed and almost entirely accurate for myself also. Have you been on those and if so, how would you compare the 2? Id love to say more about both skis, but Ive probably said too much already. Funny, this ski has a very similar weight, shape, width, flex and rocker/camber profile to another ski, the Nordica Helldorado, that Blister somewhat panned in the from several years ago. Thanks for the feedback Luke. The ski is the perfect tool for an expert skier looking to charge through deep snow in trees, off cliffs, and hit natural booters all over the mountain. That, combined with its forgiving tips and tails and loose feel make it pretty easy to ski in bumps, trees, etc. As Jonathan noted in his First Look of the 16/17 Black Ops, this ski has almost no tip or tail taper. To me, you really got this ski how it works, and what its about. That said, I dont want to over-emphasize the weight of the Black Ops 118. It makes mobbing through chop almost as fun as skiing untracked snow, and not too many skis this wide pull that off. I have loved my S7s and wonder if there is an advantage to a new buy? And for me, the Black Ops 118 is easy on my bad knee, whereas the 189 Pettitor 120 I have to build up to. Both seem to have similarish dimensions. How would you compare the S7 to Black Ops 118? How would the Rossi blackops 118 compare to the blizzard bodacious 186. Become a Blister member now to check out this and all of our Flash Reviews, plus get exclusive deals and discounts on skis, and personalized gear recommendations from us. I like how this sounds but wondering if its really worth the upgrade. Just need to throw down for another Blister membership (it kind of pays for itself). It is a very versatile and fun tool for a ski in this class. Sorry, but I finally got a pair of the Black Ops, an almost NOS version pre-Gamer, and have skied them a lot. +0.5 is too far forward, for me not stable enough fore/aft; also, have to lean back, some tip dive. That would be a great everyday ski right! Its far from the quickest ski, but its weight becomes much more of a benefit when that fresh snow starts to get tracked out. Given your background, I think just having them mounted -6 cm from the true center of the ski would make sense (that equate to about 3.5 cm back from the recommended mount point, but going off the true center of the ski is always the safest bet). It is a fantastic powder ski for resort and even in catski in deep powder. They are hefty but I felt like the could bust through nearly anything. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. All of which is to say. As I noted above, the ski felt best when skied from a centered stance when mounted on the recommended line. What a lame name.. maybe its better in French? If you are an advanced or expert freerider looking to turn the entire mountain into your playground, buy a blackops and see what happens. Optimal ski length is determined according to (in order): weight, physical ability, skier height and type of skier (aggressive/non-aggressive). (Me 150 lbs/510. Stomp it. I completely share your stoke on the Pettitor 120, and still reach for my battered pair now for resort rip if there is any new snow overnight. ), So, just to confirm mounting points described in the review, when you say Jonathan loves them at -3cm from recommended line that actually means -5,4cm from center? The fine print. How similar are these to the 2012-2013 rossi squad 7s? Solid when it counts and playful all the time, it has the width to float and smear through the deepest days and the stability to stick every landing. Thanks! I might also add that I am too old anymore to really launch off anything, but on these skis, on that day, I felt like I probably could have, and I would have been fine. But I have to add, you are wrong in saying that this ski has no ski to compare it to of equal weight (and ability). But if you want to be able to make super quick turns and particularly if you want to do that all day youd probably be better off on a lighter and / or more tapered ski. So thanks for your review of the 118 Black Ops 186 (186; pull length 184.2). I think the ski has a huge sweet spot, and it required a major mistake on my part to feel like I was too far forward or back on it. The other main issue Jonathan had with the Helldorado was its flex pattern it had very soft tips and tails, and it sounds like they stayed softer longer than the Black Ops do (the Black Ops is really only soft in the last ~15 cm of the tips and tails, and is quite stiff everywhere else). Note I say resort because at least for heavier folks like myself, you need to find the bottom the of snowpack for this ski to work, even with a neutral stance, or risk excessive tip dive. This ski must be in your quiver. Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-8 A lot of the other commenters, the reviewers, and myself have multiple pairs, so we only bring something this wide out when its the right day for them. Float it. Such a fun ski and everyone loves it, just needs a longer size! Despite its hefty weight, I still really liked the Black Ops 118 in tight terrain. The issue with having a ski this wide as your only ski is that they are a ski with a specific purpose, even if you can use them outside that role. Even mounted at -6cm from true center it just feels too short for us north of 6 ft. I just need to decide where to mount. (I want to try 1.5 and -2). In Front of Toe Piece: 9-9.5 Its big, rockered, and fairly soft tips absorbed impacts when Id punch through to the firm base, but the ski is strong enough in the middle that I could just blow up all of the soft patches. I look fwd to the next year's Black Ops 107 on which I've already planned an 'extraction'. But if youre not doing huge rotations, or youre willing to put more thought and effort into takeoffs, the Black Ops 118 is a great option (after all, Parker White is still throwing dubs on this thing, so you dont really get to use its weight as an excuse). I could have sworn the Dynastar Factory Proto is the heavier ski, having picked up both skis (Proto & Black Ops) at Snell Sports, Chamonix, where both of these skis were on display side by side. Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. Ran these through a long groomer, a punishing mogul run, and steep powder and fell in love with them. The Black Ops 118s recommended mount point is around -2.4 cm from center. Unfortunately, there were no reviews when I got them, and I mounted at factory recommendation, and it sounds like the way I like to ski is similar to you Luke. Or just re-release the sickle and call it good! I found myself skiing faster, going bigger, and otherwise just skiing more aggressively on the Black Ops 118 in chop than I have on any other ski. I ended up finishing the last half of the season using nothing but this ski. Good on groomers. -0.5 (havent tried yet, but will.) Tip/waist/tail dimensions are proportionally close: 145-118-140 Bl.Ops, 147-120-141 for longer Pets. I still had fun I guess, but every turn started with the tail, not the tip. Sam Shaheen and I have now both spent time on the Black Ops 118, in conditions ranging from straight hardpack to more than two feet of snow at Crested Butte. I demoed these skis on a pow day. Learn More Men's Free Touring Ski Boots Alltrack Pro 110 LT, loc_en_US, sid_RAJME01_bv32__bv32_000, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]. Spins and shifties on the Black Ops 118 required significantly more effort than other freestyle-oriented skis Ive used. I am 5'10" 180 lbs. Would really love to try the Black Ops based on your review though, sounds great. Not so fun. Not familiar with them? Maybe too fast. Adjust fore/aft to get this versatility. Thanks for sharing your experience on the similarities with the Black Ops, otherwise a Rossi ski wouldnt have been on my radar. I like my skis long and stiff. Ive only skied on-piste primarily in the Mid-West, but went to Colorado (Keystone) for the first time in December and the ski bug hit me hard.