|
Zag “Le Rouge” – translated from French to “The Red One”. Full points for an original and highly descriptive name. Lets leave it there. 
Model: Le Rouge
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 173/16
Sidecut : 112-78-111
Length Tested : 173 Ski-Review's verdict: I picked these skis up at the top of the Bourg Saint Maurice funicular. Annukka from Zag had kindly sent them up and to say I had been looking forward to them would be a slight understatement. 
The “Le Rouge” is the Zag answer to a proper “piste ski” -- this is relatively new territory for Zag as the current 2005 range consists exclusively of off piste style skis but with piste skiing in mind. Nice to see smaller brands making skis for the mortals. 
I set off, complete with smug “skiing-on-a-relatively-rare-ski” feeling. The “Le Rouge” feel smooth, elegant through the turns and an absolute pleasure to ski on. It was a joy to just cruise around the piste carving some wide arcs whilst dodging the end of season, rear entry booters in their fading all in ones which are about in such numbers at the end of the season. Edge-to-edge was nicely balanced and relatively easy to achieve at speed.
As you can see I used the 173 cm, but regretted not asking for some longer ones, as at higher speeds the Le Rouge felt a little unstable (I am 5 foot 11). I took these up the Auguille Rouge (how fitting) to be greeted with, along with a stunning view – fresh snow. 
A healthy 78 underfoot meant the characteristic Zag powder performance has not completely left the building but a little wider would have been nice today, not forgetting the primary use intended for this ski.
Time to test the versatility – over to the moguls underneath the Arc 2000 gondola next to the Flying K speed skiing run. The Le Rouge were more than nippy enough through the and around the bumps – very light and nimble. Conclusion? The Zag Le Rouge is a lovely smooth piste ski, giving sufficient reply to energetic skiing and fun in the bumps, but don’t be shy when choosing the length.
|
Length
Written by Hautokt on 2005-10-07 08:19:05
I agree what Duncan says about length. I'm 1m95 and when i had to try Le Rouge, i had no better choice than choosing the maximum length, 1m83.
Using this length it was pretty good in short turns but lost all accuracy with speed and longer turns. | Telemark/free heel?
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-10-24 13:40:07
Hi! Have you tried the Le Rouge with Telemarks bindings? ...geir... | Telemark
Written by Hautokt on 2005-11-09 11:51:36
I didn't use Le Rouge wit telemark bindings, but Zag team looks to do it often and when you see them it seems to work pretty well ! | Sparky (Ski patroler at Blue Mountain)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-12-05 02:46:29
I hate to seem superficial, but I sure hope looks are deceiving... These things are UGLY! | Get a life Sparky
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-01-05 12:42:51
At least they haven't copied or been influenced by the comp.
Kind or retro but unique looks too. As one old old Zermatt ski instructor approached me recently on the National piste, in Swiss Deutsch said -
'Ahh, zo, the ski of the future'.
Everyone has an opinion but...... | great combination!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-01-05 15:01:54
i think they work just perfect, im 1,73 like the skis and they were great at high speeds and did a great job at moguls and short turns. In powder snow the seemed to be floating. They are a great combination of piste and off piste ski. |
|
Ski Reviews 
