Rossignol Radical R11 Mutix (2007)

So disappointed. I ran them last week in Val Thorens (Fra). Nice snow (hard under, and cold fresh one above...a dream !). Level : Former racer FIS. 
First : with short arms : 
Moderate tip effect : easy to initiate but not the best in this important item. Predictable (easy control) in short turns but not so fast from edge to edge. 
With short arms, it can go out of the short radius (so we can say it has some kind of forgiveness...), but as you take long turns, the Mutix loses stability and becomes hard to slide (if you have to, in an emergency for example). 
And above all : a dramatically lack of grip on iced snow. It was the most remarkable lack of these skis... 
Second : long arms : 
Not so hard to switch, but you'll prefer to do this in better conditions than me (on the slopes...). I felt the change. But together with a release in tip effect, so the ski becomes hard to initiate (not as a race ski, but not as easy as modern skis). In short turns, it always seems to go out of these "un-naturel" radius ! So it is not stable. And in long turns, it becomes more predictable, more easy to control, until you decide to take speed... and then the Mutix loses its name, and why it is here ! 
 
My point of view ? Maybe a good technician challenge. But definitely lacks of set up : as now, the Mutix is not good ski. 
 
Sorry for those guys who thought it could be the ultimate gun...

I bought these skis recently and they performed perfectly with the long arms and the short arms. I noticed a dramatic difference between both of them. I found the skis to be very easy to control even when going high speed. So I find your review confusing since they preformed perfectly. Although maybe because you are a racer, you have higher standards then me.

I just tried them as a Demo at Whiteface Mtn, NY, on packed powder, some ice....the ski is not happening. While the radius promised regarding length of the arms holds true, the ski isn't very stable with the short arms. The best setup for myself was short arms front long in the back. Easy into turn, relatively good at holding speed out of turn. 
When I had the long arms on some steep slope on fresh ungroomed manmade snow, they where a pain to turn. I expected that, yet on the groomed trails a bit further down they didn't hold their own in fast wide turns either (like the Salomon GC Equipe I had 2 days before). 
Overall a nice concept...but not fully matured yet...don't spend the money!

I'm thinking of either buying the Dynastar 67's or these newer Rossignol R11 Mutix Radical. I've skied both but in different conditions. I'm thinking of the Rossignol but am I making a big mistake!? Any views would be welcomed. Thanks.

I've skied since I was 6 years old, then skiing in the terrain park and backcountry from 14 to now, 18. I'm at Lafayette College and I didn't have a car, so I joined the race team never racing before. I raced on twin tips for a couple races because it was all I had and well that was a bad time but I still had fun on the team. 
 
I then bought the Radical R11 Mutix skis and all I can say is wow. Being a recreational racer with little experience I wasn't sure what would happen because I've been skiing all my life, so my mechanics were there but my skis weren't performing. I ran a tough slalom course on these the other day and I had a great time with 2 great runs, I improved my times greatly and the skis held beautifully on hard pack. I love them.

I classify myself an intermediate skier. I’m 47, skied on and off since I was 18. I’m in very good shape, I’ve been playing ice hockey all my life and an average of twice a week all year around. I live on the east coast with access to groomed conditions locally where I do all my skiing and I’ve recently started toying with Nastar and really enjoy the challenge in my Dynastar Agyl 9’s (classified a recreational ski).  
 
I’m looking to get into a better ski but most everybody I speak to advises against a full out racing ski. Generally speaking the common thread in advice is that a racing ski is considerably more unforgiving than what I currently have and probably too big a step for me at this time. 
 
That said, and assuming the advice I received is sound, would a ski like the Mutix be a good compromise or still out of my league? Perhaps a Z5 or Z9?

This is an amazing ski, can handle fast, short turns and bumps in the moring using the short arms. Later in the PM when I get pooped the long arms are nice for crusing. Not a race ski, I don't think this is what Rossi intended them to be. They are a performance ski that is awesome for the very advanced recreational skier who wants a true all mountain ski. Found this ski performed great on ice and powder. Also found the price cleaned out my wallet.

It was interesting noting the comments from the user who uses the front short arms and rear long arms on the R-11. Does anyone else have any experience with this setup?

What a ride, used the short arms front and back, these things turned like they were on rails on hard pack. Very snappy skis with lots of pop in the bumps. Long arms good for the long turns. Still very stable at very high speeds on blacks and double blacks. THese skis are fun, fun, fun. And if you get bored, change the arms and you have a new ski. Cool idea.

I have skied both long and short arms and like both, but use the short ones most in free skiing. I have skied for many years, masters ski racing, recreational races. I think it is a great ski, very versatile and fun. Would love to have a cheap pair for my husband.

im not sure if i buy 1.55cm or 1.65 cm . Im 1.80 cm and weight 85 kg .wich ones you recommend guys 
thans

For 180 cm, 85 kg, probably 165 length. All shaped skis handle fine slightly shorter so I think the 180 are too long for most. These skis are slightly heavy and stable. I am 5' 9, 165 lb and the 165 is as big as I can imagine using, especially if used with the long arms in place.

Did any of you testers consider NOT using any arms- short or long on this ski. My question is not to debate what kind of performance one could additionally extract from the without arms ski, but I would like to entertain the thought of a softie THE SKI(from the 70s) type of noodle that is fun at low and medium speeds in closely spaced moguls- something THE SKI was fun using (before the specialist mogul sticks now available). My guess, may be way off but there may be a 3rd usage for a armless R11 Mutix, Rossi did not reveal to us? 
 
That said, I have skied the Volkl Tigershark 12 and 10 switchables and have found that the difference is percievable with the switch on (high speed hard-snow stability) and off(medium high speed hard pack piste carving). But reading the reviews of the R11 Mutix, they differ from the Volkl TS 10 &12 switchables in that the Mutix envelope of performance favors short medium radii carving(at medium speeds) vs. the Volkl TG envelope favors medium/long turning radii turns (at speed). 
 
Yes, construction are vastly different yet the consumer appeal for two for one is the same. Yet, I must admit veteran fan of the Volkl torsion box feel, I concluded the TS 10 & 12 switchables (unswitched models too) are really just glorified Superstar or All Star skis. Something akin to Atomic Neox bindings with our without the CPU to check binding settings... 
 
What do others think?

I meant to compare the normal NEOX binding vs. the Deluxe (expensive) NEOX binding with a LCD window and CPU, displaying to skier the settings and the boot is positioned correctly in the the binding, etc. This model was sold at retail at close to U.S.$1000 a pair (well, at least it was in Japan).

I was told today about one dislike of the Radical R11 Mutix, the slaesman told me he was not in favor of selling me this ski as he does not like the clapping or smacking of the Arms at High Speeds. Anyone hear of this?? It is hard to believe that Rossi would make a ski that would do this, especially when it costs me alot more here in Eastern Europe than in the States. I'm now thinking of the R9X ti Oversized but in a shorter length to get an all mountain Ski....Any thoughs.....this is a really hard decision for me to make as I have not skied in five years (my wife and I moved to Phoenix,AZ - NO SNOW THERE), before I had not missed a season since I was 3 years old and I had been a Ski Instructor for five years in High School and College and then on to the National Ski Patrol for an additional 4 years. I have lots of experience and consider myself as an Expert Skier, but when you are out of the game for a while you loose touch with change, and it seemd technology finally took over skiing.....I love carving skies and can't wait to tear up the Alps and Tatry, I just need some help I guess in making an important decision!!!! 
Please comment!!!

Yes, there’s some rattling at higher speed - only with long arms in front. A bit weird but didn’t bother me. In practice, I never use this setup. I either put short arms in front and rear or have short arms in rear and medium arms in front. 
 
Great skis. They do any turn shape for me. Very versatile, handled well all conditions. The skis behaved nicely even in powder aside from the fact that it is not very relaxing to ski powder in 165cm skis. 

I began this season having used my R 11's only 3 times at the end of last season. These are great skis. They turn and handle well in early season wet pack with the short arms and still stay stable at full speed. I have never tried the mixed arm set-ups or no arm suggested configuration. I love these and there must be some buzz as I get asked repeatedly on lifts and in lines about these. Get them on sale and they aren't prohibitive.

A good ride- but same response as other skis on muddy bare patches. Once my broken arms heal I look forward to putting my Mutix R 11's through some extensive testing. I got mine on sale over 50% off too, so they are out there and the savings help pay the orthopedist bills too.

im not sure if i buy 1.55cm or 1.65 cm . Im 1.70 cm and weight 75 kg .wich ones you recommend guys  
thans 

Ski length depends on what kid of skiing you want. Bigger mountain runs are better w/the slightly longer, heavier version. The 155's will be a little more mobile especially on moguls. I am about the same size and prefer the 165's but they are as big as I want to handle. Good luck- you'll enjoy these skis.

thanks. i think i need 165 than.

I am a professional skier. I have been full Certified as an Instructor for 30+ years and am an ex-racer. I have had so much fun on these R11's skis I purchased a second pair to keep at the resort. This ski is amazing from edge to edge. I am skiing the 175 length and with the short arms I am skiing the slalom gates faster then any of my the others. Great ski, I'll give it a 10!

well I ski on 175's and I only weigh 150lbs with all my gear on and I handle them fine.. I also used to race but I am pretty strong for my size in my spare time I do distance running although I do notice the skies are a little bit too big for me when not going down hill mostly because of my weight.. although when controlling them down hill they are fine.. just a little heavy is my only complaint.

Just curious why you chose to ski the 175 length and weight with your size/weight? Did you try other sizes or just previously ski the bigger skis?

well, judging by FIS standards I would have to ski even larger for a GS ski, and I generally am a GS / Type skier / Style.. I can manage the length fine, the shorter skis don't really appeal to me due to stability, the only time they're a little bit sloppy and unwieldy is forced turns where I am not carving, the only reason for this is 1 I have short arms on them so there is less tip / tail control and two the skis are heavy compared to the older style shaped rossi's I skied on. IMO go with the 175 if you're 5'10 or above, they're responsive enough with short arms (although I would obviously go a little shorter for true slalom racing) and they're awesome with long arms as a GS ski due to their shape / stiffness.. so for the joe who just likes to rip up the mountain on the weekend and race a few times a season, ski them long.

I want to buy a pair of ski and consider my ski level, I ski on most of the Blue and moving to Easy Black now and aim for higher skill. I don't race just enjoy skiing. 
 
I just demo the R11 165cm w/ Long Arm yesterday and feel good have fun on it. I'm 169cm, 71kg.  
 
However, this is the only first pair of ski I demo. Could you guys please suggest me what else should I do the demo. 
 
Also, the seller recommend me the 155cm length. What do you guys suggest? And would this R11 is too advance for my level? 
 
Thank a lots in advance. :)

I think 155 - 165 would work for you, whatever you feel comfortable on, 155 will be easier to handle, but 165 a little more stable (possibly) that is granted your skis don't break in turns, you weight them enough etc. I would probably say go with the 155 with your experience, won't be a waste. For demo I would say try the zenith z11

Just curious how the Z11 compares. Anyone have any info or experience both? I have not had any opportunity to demo the Z11 and would be interested in feedback...

My height is 185 cm and weight 85-90 kg. What do you think are those 165 cm long skis suitable for me if I ride 80% on track and 20% off track?

I never skied on the R11 so I can't compare, but I just bought the Z11 after demo-ing them for a couple of days. 
 
One word: AWESOME. The ski stepped my ability up a notch -- the response, control and carving abilities in varied conditions is unbelievable. Haven't had a chance to try the titanium "arms" since the conditions were a bit too soft this past weekend, but I look forward to experimenting with various combinations. 
 

Im not a racer but a freestyle rider. Ive been riding on twin tips for about 5 years now and decided to try out a preformence ski for a weekend and chose the mutix r 11s (165cm). Immidiately i noticed the grip the ski has on every type of terrain and the sharp turning radius. At first i found it difficult to move the skis quickly in tight glades but after a few runs got used to the bite. Whoever thinks these skis dont preform excellent i think ur crazy. I dont kno much about race skis but i found after u got used the the radicals the were the perfect all mountian ski.  

I just picked up a pair of near-cherry 175cm R11s at the Canmore ski exchange for $200 CDN. These skis have hardly been tuned, have no core shots and are minty. I have a new pair of Nordica Hellcats and wanted a pair of early season carvers/rock skis. These are too nice for rock skis. 
 
So I bought a pair of hardly used Rossi B1s (2005) for $75. 
 

Anyone have any wisdom or experience comparing the mutix Z11 vs R11?- considering both the coming season...