Rossignol Bandit B2 (2005)

I demo/rented the B2's in Snowbird, Utah. I felt very comfortable and confident in the 182 cm. I skied my regular day of carving and cruising the fall line in the groomed, kickin my tales up in the steeps and deeps in Mineral Basin, and as always bumps and trees were still a challenge, but there was no comparison to the 15 year old skinny sticks that I used on the east coast. 
My fellow skiers were commenting on my confidence and performance while skiing on the B2's. They referred to them as "magic skis" to go any where you want to go. I consider myself and my fellow skiers as very aggressive on the montain and I really enjoyed my day skiing on the B2's. I want to buy a set before I return to Utah or any other resort this season. I say; "Point'm downhill and let'm run". 
Rossignol also makes a B3 that's wider "FAT" for powder days. 

Hi Caledenpro, 
 
Dan Morgan suggested I post my questions to your page in hopes to get your input. 
 
Recently I had all of my alpine equipment stolen from our storage area. I haven't bought skis since late eighties. (Basically, I was too cheap to invest in anything new and I had fun and others had to try to keep up with me on the old straight sticks.) I'm 36, 6'2" and will probably fluctuate between 190 to 200 lbs for the foreseeable future. I ski aggressively making many rapid short turns on any slope I want with knees locked together, hit jumps and like to go through the trees when I'm out west. I want a ski to handle hard pack and some icy conditions but that I will still enjoy when I go out west and off trail or back bowl. When moguls form on the small eastern slopes I'm nearest to, I ski them almost all day unless my wife or friends want to go somewhere else. When I go out west for a week and there are good moguls I'll probably devote 3 half days to them. 
 
Occasionally (once a day or maybe twice) I'll let 'em run straight and I'll tuck and enjoy some real speed down the entire run (not like an out of control beginner). However, while this is an eye watering challenge, I enjoy the workout and rhythm of skiing my rapid parallel turns. One day when I was 23 or so I had been skiing for a few hours and noticed they were running NASTAR Bud Light Challenge races. I was by myself and decided what the heck, I'll try it. I ended up being ranked 5th or 7th (can't remember, it's on a poster in storage) of all competitors from my state. Anyway, ... that is the type of skier I am. 
 
Of course everything has changed now. Fatter and shorter and evidently requires a new style. Oh well. I’m not a beginner and don’t need a simple to turn ski with a huge sidecut if it is going to sacrifice other aspects like torsional rigidity (edge hold on hard pack). 
 
I'm considering the Volkl five star and six star, the Rossignol Bandit B1, and the Atomic Metron ex, 11 and 10 and last years R11. 
 
First off, have you skied the Volkl SS five/six star and could you shed some light on the differences that I should notice between how they would ski related to each other for someone of my abilities? 
 
Secondly, would you share some advice in choosing between the skis I've listed above? 
 
Thirdly, am I off base such that you would recommend I look at a different ski? 
 
I don't want a ski made in China (like some K2's I just saw in a shop). I'm sure quality control is good, ... it's just a personal preference. 
 
Thank you, 
Keith P. Seymour 

Oops,forgot to include my email in case you respond directly: 
 
deltav900@hotmail.com 
 
Thank you, 
 
Keith P. Seymour

The skis you are considering are vastly different. 
The B2 is great for an All Mtn ski in softer snow, glades etc. The B1 is similar and a little quicker from edge to edge but these skis are both soft (both flex, and torsionally) 
The Volkls Super Sports are more for groomed and hardpack and will not be suited to straight-running, as you describe in your letter. 
Shaped skis really do not encourage straight running, as a flat ski will react to which-ever edge happens to make better contact with the snow. ALSO, a bent ski does not go straight either, so if a shaped ski happens to bend, intentionally or not, the ski will usually change direction. This feature is a huge improvement from the straight ski design when it comes to carving, holding on ice or hard-pack, and allowing the skier to achieve aggresive edge sets with unshaken confidence. 
The 3 factors that in my opinion would be paramount in making your ski selection . . . . . .  
 
Sidecut; stay with a radius of 16 meters or greater. 
 
Taper angle; Look for skis with at least 10 mil of Taper (The tail 10 mil narrower than the shovel. 
 
And finally, without meaning to insult your ability, I would STRONGLY suggest that you take a 1 hour private lesson with at least a level 3 (or level 4 if you can set it up) 
An instructor with these credentials has made a serious commitment to teaching, and has experience on more types of equipment. In your case, its more of a coaching session. You already know how to ski, but your technique needs some tweaking (adjustments) to get the most from your new skis.

Thank you for the reply and the information. 
 
I think since the majority of my skiing is on groomed slopes due to my location I'll go with the Supersports. Based on your recommendations for taper angle and radius they pretty much fit the bill. 
 
If these aren't for letting them run straight what would one have to go to, ... a GS Race ski? That could be an option. 
 
Two questions: 
1) Based on the my ability and size (6'2" and 200lbs) which of the 2 sizes would you suggest for the 5 star and which for the 6 star? 
(The 175 is 15.9 m in radius.) 
(The 182 is 17.5 m in radius.) 
 
2) I'm just curious, ... what about a straight running ski GS race ski? I was skiing a straight ski for 20+ years and made it do what I wanted. To stiff for fun? I don't know. 
 
Thank you again, 
Keith

Hi, 
I bought a pair of 5 stars last year. I'm 6' 1" and weight about 165. 
I have the 175's and am very happy with them. In the hardpack and groomers they're outstanding. Get in the thick snow and they're not so much fun. I've also had alot of fun with them on diamond mogul runs.

I'm curious how much of a difference there is between the B1 and the B2. I would currently call myself an advanced skier (relatively new to skiing, 22 and athletic, able to ski doubles, but lacking grace). I'm moving to Breck for the season and looking to become crazy good -- I love the bowls.  
 
Suggestions for skis in general would be appreciated... also, good places to find last years model so I don't break the bank? 
 
Ben 
benjwatufl.edu (replace the at with @)

I'm looking for new skis, upgrade from dynastar v8 189. I'm an agressive skier skiing with"the guys" most of the time. quite fast in all terrain. A friend offered to get me Rossignol skis for xmas and I'm wondering what model you think would be best. Weigh around 130 and i'm 5' 2" if you can help I'd appreciate it. The only available rossignol skis I can find to demo are the Bandit 2's 
 
Thank you in advance - ldowdney@chaffee.net

Hi. Presently I ski a 179cm Xscream Series. I love tossing them around wherever I go. Great ski, but it's time to replace em. I'm looking for something a bit fatter and shorter for powder days in the couloirs (I ski at Whistler only). Two skis I'm considering are the Pocket Rocket and the B2. Any comments?

I tended to shy away from the Rossignol Bandits when I was learning to ski (not that I have ever stopped learning) - I was young and they just did not look 'cool'! I consider that a s hame and that I must have missed out because the Rossi B2's were a hell of a lot of fun when I first hit them last week - and they look good now too. 
 
I came off a pair of Dynastar (Look P14s - so not light as a package) and on to these and they encourage so much movement in the leg due to the reduced weight I was zipping about all over the piste in very much a good way. Rollers and banks were hit with force as these gave me the confidence to deal with however I landed. Only managed 2 runs but I was seriously eyeing up a pair after that. Really looking forward to getting on some Zag Skis after this and the feedback from my colleagues. 
 
Dan

I skied the B2 in size 170 (the 174 wasn't available) two weekends ago at Keystone, CO and the 9X Oversize last weekend in size 174. 
 
The B2 was surprisingly stable and quick on the groomers, however the harder the snow the more they had trouble holding the line. Still I was impressed with their ability to remain stable at very high speeds. 
 
I'm 5'11'', 170 pounds and normally ski 2 year old Atomic GS race skis at 180 cm. While no where close the speed and holding capability of my Atomics, the B2s were still impressive. I had a very fun day of skiing making more turns in two runs that I normally made in Atomics all day. 
 
What I liked most of all about the B2s was their versatility. In the moguls they were great (possibly given the 170cm length I was stuck with). There wasn't enough powder to test their flotation, but overall a very good ski. Graphics suck, but a good ride. 
 
As for the 9X Oversize. A very very great ski. They held as well as my Atomics but were easier to crank into short turns. Overall a more fun ski than my Atomics but at 174cm, too similar to what I was already skiing. I think in the next size down which I believe is a 168cm, they would be a great high speed all around mountain ski. Not sure on how they'd do in the deep stuff, but I'm leaning towards getting a B3 for deep days and going with the 9X Oversize as my everyday ski.  
 
Of the two, I would go with the 9X Oversize as it held a better line at high speed yet still had the ability to crank it short and handle moguls with ease. The B3s would be much better in the deep stuff than the B2s, leaving me with the task of convincing my wife why I need two pairs of skis. 
 
Colorado skier.

I am British, done a lot of skiing in Europe and spent 2 years in Colorado. I bought a pair or Rossignol carving skis 8 years ago and need something new. People here are saying K2's (Apache recon and Apache Crossfire) are brilliant skis and I have also been told the B1/B2's would be perfect for me too, am going to Canada skiing end of Feb and need to buy something new before then, any suggestions? I am 5'4" and about 65 kilos....thanks

I need to know whether I should buy the Scream Limited's or the Metron M:10's. I ski on ice-hardpack snow and an agressive intermediate skiier. Does the Scream Limited have too much width under your foot or is it fine for the icier snow. thanks.

Everyone keeps mentioning how soft the ski is and how much flex it has - does this mean it's going to fold over in the icy hardpack of the east?

The B2 bandit is a wicked ski it has a wicked edge grip and can handle most icy surfces. Yes it could easily handle the hardpack of the east, but you should probobly go with the b1's if you ski more on piste.

Just thought you might like to know that as a B1 rider in Michigan I can attest to their excellent grip on ice and hardpack. I'm an expert skier and needed a ski that would allow me to carve on our icy local hills, do some turns in the pipe, and still handle double blacks when I go out west. The B1's fit the bill perfectly. Their grip is not a good as a GS race ski (obviously), but they are way more versatile. That said, if I lived out west I would've probably gone with the B2. BTW, I'm 167lbs and use the 170cm length B1.

Also, I'm using the Rossi Axial 140 T-Plate binding on the B1's. The 10mm lift helps with getting power to the edge.

I am looking to possibly invest in a new ski. I ski the east coast, but want something that can get through the crud and would have some big mountain abilities in the West. 
 
I am looking at the B1, B2, 7 24 EXP, and 7 24 EXS. Any recommedations? I am an advanced skier that like to rip it down the mountain, so edge hold and speed are definitely valued but not at the cost of all mountain versatility for powder and bumps as well.

Hi all. I'm a former racer (w/ an affinity for GS/long speed turns, steep fall line skiing) in the NW (read: wet crappy snow, but I usually do my skiing at Whistler/Blackcomb or Mt. Bachelor in OR, both of which are generally colder & drier), female, 5'6", 130 lbs. Looking to get something very fun/dynamic (and NOT a "woman's" ski - I have found these to be terribly dampened/boring) that can cope with the heavy snow around here, but that I also won't have to muscle around at the end of the day (e.g. this will be my first non-race stock ski and my knees and general body are excited). Given the above, I've narrowed the search down to I'm having a hard time deciding between the B2s (160 cm) and the Legend 8000s (165 cm). Has anyone skiied both and can offer a comparison? Thanks!

I haven't bought skis in a few years so I anxious to get a new pair. I currently skiing on 1st generation parabolic 195 cm Salomon skis. I know that now there are so many models to choose from so I need YOUR help.  
 
I am 6'3", 185 lbs and an advanced to expert skier who does most of his skiing in the Northeast. I am an aggressive and usually fast skier and I usually stay on the diamonds and skiing bumps as much as possible, glades and I also enjoy high-speed GS runs.  
 
I have done a lot of reading up on the ski reviews and seem to have it narrowed it down to Volkl 5 star and Rossignol B1s both at 175cm. Anyone have a recommendation of what would be best for me. 
 
Thanks for you help. micha3y@yahoo.com

I currently Ride an Atomic C9 and Salomon Crossmax10. The C9 is a great carver and very fun on piste as well as light powder days. I was a little dissapointed with some of the handling characteristic of the Salomon however(it started out great but after 6 months it seems like the skis have deteroriated). I am in the market for a more agile all mountain ski.  
 
Friends had highly reccomended the B2. I was able to demo the skis for a weekend and took the skis up to Bristol in NY. A very reactive, fun, and lively ski at mid speed levels but it started to act up the more it was pushed. It was about average in the bumps and at high speed it felt unstable and I became a little nervous to push the ski further. The Bandit offers too soft a flex for me and seemed not very stable at speed. I was dissapointed as I had heard so many good things about the Bandit line in General. Great turner on all types of snow conditions and ice but for me it just doesn't cut it performance wise on the blacks. A good intermemdiate ski but thats about as far as it goes.

I was looking at a set of Rossi b2, 174 cm, yesterday, which binding should I use, Axial 140 or Axial 120? I am 193 cm, 85 kg and do a lot of of-pist skiing.

I am not a big Rossignol fan but did have a chance to ride these skis for a day. They were not bad at all in fresh powder but a little high-priced for what you get in my opinion. 
 
My general opinion of Rossies is they are overpriced to begin with. For less money you can get a ski from most other brands that performs just as well. 
 
I have never been on their race skis so can't comment about their top end line though.

Just came back from a weekend skiing in Tignes. We had fresh powder fall on 2 out of 3 nights and temperatures of -20 which made for ideal conditions. I have skied B2's many times before and whilst they have always made light work of variable conditions / terrain I have always felt they lacked a little in the agression / excitement stakes. For this reason I was looking to test out something else (maybe the Stockli Stormrider XL) but the guy in the rental shop managed to persuade me to try next seasons B2s (which he'd had in the shop for 7 days). He told me they were 'stiffer and more aggressive'. All I can say is WHAT A SKI. In the 3 days I skied them in deep powder, down coulouirs, in skied out crud, bumps, trees, in the park and on the piste at pace - everytime they were magnificent and always felt lively and exciting. Easy to ski in any conditions but with much more of a 'bite' than earlier models. If your avearage day tends to take advantage of whatever is there these are the skis for you. The only downside is the graphics which still suck - why oh why do those folks at Rossi continue to make the B2 look like something my granny would choose from the rack????

yes... bought my 2006 b2s last saturday... not much to complain about here :)

does anyone know what kind of prices they sell these things for

Just got through spending a few days out at Mary Jane and WP. Anyway demoed a pair of 170 B2s in the MJ bumps(Needle's Eye, Derailer, Railbender etc). They were absolutely superb. They were quick underfoot, soft in the tips and tails, with an easy release at turn end. I was able to really point them down the fall line and just let the tips soak up the shocks. 
 
I also was skiing wait deep powder in the trees over by Timberline lift. I was just floating through that stuff making turns by just slightly rolling from the downhill ski to the inside. Those skis inspired new confidence in my tree skiing. 
 
I'm sold, if I can find a pair here in the Denver area I'm buying em.

I got mine, with axial 120 bindings for 1000$ (canadian). I dont know how ski prices in canada compare to US though. Only comlaint would be that a tip protector of some kind would be nice. Rossi is looking in to something that will work for me without it looking like hell. I tend to get a lot of superficial damage along the sides of te tips (on the top side.. base and edges are fine). fun fun fun! :)

Just bought a pair today at Christy Sports in Boulder.Co. for 469.00. It was their last pair of 170s. That's without the bindings. Now I need to find a pair for the spouse !

I have just returned from 8 days of fantastic skiing in lake louise. I took the oppotunity to test some skis as my salomon 10pilots had seen better days. 
 
I tried numerous skis, head xrc's, salomon hot screams, blah blah, then I took a ride on the B1 bandits and wow, they just made me smile from ear to ear! Much lighter than my old pilots and a whole lot more enjoyable. Awesome in most areas, cut through the crud, held the ice, nice and easy on the lighter stuff! Couldn't recommend them enough!! Fun to be had all over the mountain!! 

Just to add to my comment above, I was so impressed, I bought a set (176cm) from a store in Banff, Modal Sports, for $700 canadian with the Axial 110 bindings!

I got these on insurance as a replacement for a pair of wrecked Bandit XX. 
 
Having fat skis in the quiver (B3 and Zag 188) I loved the XX for its ability on piste and hardpack. The B2 is the opposite, pretty pathetic on both because its simply too soft. The spatule doesn't work well, it doesn't snap out of one carve turn to another and the little juice I can find is off the tail. 
 
The redeeming feature is soft snow performance. 
 
In summary, a disappointment vs its predecessor. 
 
I'm 175cm tall, weigh 78kg and ride it with a Fritchi Freeride binding.

actually, they're 182's...sorry for any confusion!

had mine replaced due to seperation ot the tip. the first ones had a cool orange petex flame in the base, and the replacements are straight black.. dissapointing, but won't effect performance.

A great ski. 
 
I'm 175cm tall, 78kg, ride them with a Rossi Axial 120 binding. 
 
I own 'em as of 2 weeks ago, have ridden them for 5 recent days since. Started in heavy knee deep fresh on open faces, progressing to light nearly waste deep fresh steep tree'd slopes day 2 then to skiing a mix of wind pack, crust, moguls, piste and north facing powder on the last day or so. 
 
Off-piste: stability and consistency,got what I wanted. Amazing on-piste performance, they can really carve. 
 
Having a quiver of 4 different types of ski I can honestly say that it could be cut to just 2; a set of carvers for the cannon snow piste bashing of early season and the B3. Myself, I've decided the B2's are history for anything except long touring on skins but the Zag '84s will stay for sentimental indulgence. 
 
One caveat for the first day or two...the B3s force you to get rid of lazy habits (Zag induced by the way). I decided to ease onto the B3s for a day before pushing the limits a little. I took the binding settings down a little for this adjustment in anticipation and got nicely rewarded with 2 HUGE spills...my knees are OK though.

Question for you all. I've been away for about 4 years and am planning a comeback and looking for new gear to replace 190cm straight-edge Rossi 7S's I've been skiing on since 1992. I'd like a good all purpose ski I can use for the next few years that will support a return to my former glory as an advanced skier who could (and likes to) go anywhere safely and aggresively but doesn't always look good doing it. I'm a 5'6" man, 'bout 135-140 lbs. Thanks for any help I can get.  
PS. A quick primer on sizing shaped skis would also be MUCH appreciated. steven_lenard@yahoo.com

I rode the B2 out in Tahoe this year. This ski is a deadly weapon in the right hands. I come from a race/teaching background. My usual ride is a top shelf slalom or GS ski depending on the day. But, these B2’s ripe. These skis will bang out some nice big turn or small arcs with confidence. Your legs think you for the choice of the B2 through powder and crud. This ski will ski the steeps as hard as you want to push it and won’t mind if you push it a little too much. Of course your not going to have outrageous edge grip due to the width under foot but it will handle the hard pack with the right person at the reigns. A top notch ski for those the like to explore the entire mountain at speed no matter what the snows like. If you have had a bad experience with this ski and it was a demo then try it again but, make sure it’s not beat to hell. You’ll enjoy the ride.

Ski shop was trying to sell me some Rossignol Axial 140 T 2001/2002 bindings for the Rossignol B2 2004/05 ski and claimed no significant difference between the '02 and '05 binding, does anyone know if this is the case or were there significant update between those years...I've seen there's an update on the binding for '06.

Just bagged a pair of 05 Rossi B2's182cm. Have been skiing 195cm Rossi Vipers. My question is since I bought these just on the reviews I did'nt realize they have a turned up tail. How does that affect the ski?

I have tradionally been on big lumber. 200's-210's up until I bought a pair of Elan shape skis in 2001 (192's). I rode those until last year while skiing at my home area Monarach in Salida, CO. While skiing the backcountry I hit a rock and finished the Elan's. For the rest of the year I rented every high performance ski that was on the market. Some of the best were the Salomon Scream x-tra hot. The Volkl 5 star was rippin. However, by far the best ski was the B-2. I ski alot of trees and backcountry. In the freshie the B-2 floated like you were on a cloud. My wife is more of a trail map skiier. On the groomers at high speeds the B-2's were stiff enough to hold lines and ride at high speeds with no chatter. Where they really excelled was in the moguls. No matter if you were skiing after a beat weekend or in the middle of the week with fresh pow and smiling locals the B-2's ate up all bumps. I just got my season pass this week and will be heading out at the end of the month to buy a set of B-2's.  
 
Let the sun turn the snow into butter. Monarch CO

Big bump skier... used to just ride freestyle specific F17s back in the day, but enjoy the freeride boards as they offer much more versatility.  
 
Took out a pair of 05 B2s last winter in Telluride and did laps on chair 9 (I'm a bump junkie)... bottom line, without going for a truly freestyle specific ski, these things were amazing. 
 
Question: 
Looking at buying a pair of 05 or 06 B2s, but am unsure of how well the new B2s would do in fall line bump skiing given the increased width. 
 
Ideas? 
 
Thanks!

A quick question to anyone who can help me. I just bought a pair of 2006 B2's, but I'm worried that the wrong bindings have been mounted. They are FT100X-plates. For the price I paid I should be getting Axium 300 x-plates. Does anyone know if there is a significant difference between these bindings?  
 
Basically changing bindings would mean remounting in same holes, or drilling new holes. Which is a shame for brand new ski's. 
 
Any advice would be appreciated!

I bought the 05 B2 this is the first ski I have bought in the past 25yrs. I am not used to such a wide ski, I was an expert when I quite a ski patrol and instructor. I foud no learning curve at all these are very easy to ski. I do not have much to compare to. They are a little slow in the truns work hard in the cordoy great in pow, bumps and jumps so-so. I bought another pair of Z9s I will use the b2 for back country and Z9 for the bumps and groomers.

I usually ski on vokl 5 stars but didn't want to take them to whistler for the trip. Rented B2s and enjoyed them hugely off piste and in the bumps but found them skittish and lacking grip on hard icy pistes. Would suggest the vokl 724 as a possible alternative

Do B2 needs some bindings with plates? Would it improove its carving ability?

Please help. I'm 5'11 and 185 lbs. 
Intermediate/advanced skier. 
I ski mostly in Lake Tahoe area. 
What size would you recommend? 
Thanks. Rob

At 5'11 and 185 pounds with your skill in the Tahoe area I would recommend Bandit 1 or 2s in 174 at least. I'm just under 5' 8" and in 170s and I've used larger for grins without much trouble. 176... well, that's up to you but at your weight I'm thinking definitely not 170. Demo anything larger for sure and try not to think too hard about it. Remember that you're going to be warmed up when you put on the 2nd pair. That said I'd try on the smaller size first and then make a quick switch to something larger and compare the difference.

Just a few thoughts 
 
the ski will only ski as well as you ski 
 
the racket or club will hit the ball only as well as you are able to hit the ball. 
 
select your ski factoring in it's length according to your weight, intended purpose; race course or backcountry, alpine touring or eastern ice ect. But what that ski can do or not do really depends a great deal on what you are capable of doing based on your own ski skills andthe skis so called weaknesses are probably just a real good indicator of your own ski skill developement. 
 
When you can't hit the nail with the new hammer or cut a straight line with your brand new saw it probably isn't the fault of the hammer or saw .... No, more likely than not it's time to go back to shop class .... or buy a tool belt and hang out with some carpenters 
 
I've had a season pass at one eastern or western area every year since 1967, worked full time ski patrol for major eastern and western areas for 12 years, ski team in high school and college, PSIA level 3 instructor, usually get in about 50-75 days a year. At last count have owned 32 pair of skis. 
 
the best, most beautiful skiers I've known, male or female, professional ski patrol or instructors, national team members, jr nationals, heli ski guides. they're well rounded, powerful, efficient, capable, skiers. comfortable on hardpack or deep powder, trees to race course, back country to front side, avalanche prone to terrain park, from earn the turns- hiking the ridge or Hunter Mt. on a weekend, they all have one thing in common, they can walk into a any ski and skate swap , grab any ski in correct length and with bindings correctly set and a quality tune. they can take that ski out in any condition they can handle any thing, anywhere, anytime, with style, power and grace and make us all stare in wonder " how the hell can they do that " . Simple, they know how to ski ... they know how to make that ski turn in those conditions on that hill. They're in balance, they know how to balance on the inside edge of the downhill ski in any condition and make it look easy. 
 
If you truly know how to hit a tennis ball, if you can make it go where ever you want it to go, if you understand and have been able to incorporate the finer points / the concept of hitting the ball with the racket, ... the particular racket brand name or model does not make a great difference as long as it's properly strung and has some tape on the handle.  
 
Eric Clapton can pick up any K-Mart guitar with strings , tune it and make it sing .. granted he certainly has his favorite Fender Strat but he know's how to play a guitar, just like a good skier knows how to ski and a good tennis player can hit the ball, they understand the game ... the task on a higher level than most because they've taken the time and devoted themselves to the challenge. they don't shop around for the right ski or racket or guitar to make it all come together ... a ski will not make you much better than you currently are ... but taking the time and truly learning how to ski WILL make a you an better skier .... or guitar player or tennis player. 
 
 
First, Race Skis, unless you are truly exceptional and/or very lucky or happen to be a racer, [demo team, coach, masters program, college ski team, ski academy, national, ect ] or know one of the above, chances are you've never seen a race ski and certainly you've never been on a RACE SKI and probably couldn't ski it if you got on them. you may own a Porsche but it's not the same car they're racing at Le Mans this year and if you somehow managed to get behind the wheel you couldn't drive it the way it's designed to be driven. 
 
Same with skis ...  
 
If you tested the B2 or Elan or any ski of your desire and found that it couldn't do this or that or didn't hold on ice or seemed a little squirrley at speed ... more likely than not it's because you haven't perfected those skills and incorporated those skills into your own bag of tricks you're own skiing spice rack. 
 
true, skis make a difference, but please keep in mind, the skis we're all talking about have pretty much the same sidecut, they're made of the same materials, often made in the same factory but get different graphics as they roll down the conveyor belt. Certainly there’s a big difference between a twin tip and a world cup GS or a 163 cm cordory carving machine with lifters and a 191 floater at home in the chugash. But that’s not what we’re talking about here. 
 
I will bet you a beer of your selection, if I cover the graphics and send you out on any two or three skis you're considering , a blind test, 98 % of you could not tell the difference between the Fisher, the Rossi or the Elan. You buy skis based on emotions, ads you've seen, what you're buddies are on , the current hot ski, end of story.  
 
What's the big difference between mainstream / consumer skis, they are marketed to different segments of the skiing market [ gender , age, income ] and you may or may not be the targeted market and therefore may or may not respond to their marketing. 
 
That being said, I know that the best part of buying new skis is the research, the talking, perusing the mags, reading the reviews, comparing contrasting, charts, graphs, photos, next years models this year, ski shows, trade mags, buying the sales rep a beer and picking his brain, checking out what's in the lift line, whose got what ... ! 
 
I love it ... my first pair of serious skis, Dynamic VR 17's, an entire summer paper route saving for the skis and bindings.... I brought them up to my bedroom and could not believe that they were really mine, just like Killey's except they were in my bedroom .... YESSSS ! 
 
You gotta love it .... !! 
 
POWDER TO THE PEOPLE 
 
 
 
 

Well said.

I have seen a couple of pairs of b2s and am about to buy a pair, the ones in the shop are as pictured on teh top of this page, but on other websites including rossignols own website, they are blue at the top not white? Are these a newer model, if so is there any difference?

the ones at the top of this page are last years model the ones you speak of at the rossi website are this years model no different ski just color scheme...

Good alterrain not to good for freestyle needs bigger back tips.

 
I get what you're saying, but I've heard that a LOT from "older" skiiers who have been-there-done-that etc... fact is, the new equipment in many sports makes the experience more enjoyable for more people, and nowhere is this more evident than skiing! I think it is great that people are spending time and money picking out a tool that will support their goals and help them to do whatever it is they want to do on the mountain... don't be a hater, be a participator!!! 
 
And back OT, I think the B2's are too skinny for out west... we get lots of snow, and especially when it is wet and heavy, you'll enjoy the float of the B3 or B4, don't worry about the fat waists, they still get up on edge on the groomers!!! I strongly suggest doing a demo of a fatter ski than you would ever think of using, and try it all over the mountain - it will surprise you! Whatever it is you decide, just have fun! That is what this sport/hobby/lifestyle is all about!!!

Guys, I'm an Aussie and demoed the z5 and really liked them. I can't find any for seller downunder on e-bay and the like.. but have found some B2's. I'm 43 and trying hard to be 23 again; ski poorly but fairly aggressively and prefer getting down basis black runs quick. Which ski is better for me - appreciate any feedback. Greg

I'm a 5'9", 165lb advanced female skiier. I ski eaually on east and west coast terrains, powder, piste, bumps, etc. 
 
I've mainly skiied on a variety of 160 length unisex skiis, but I was surprised to enjoy demoing a ladies K2 ski last year (Lotta Love). I'm planning on purchasing this year's B2s.  
 
Would you recommend my buying the unisex or the female version? 
 
Would you recommend my moving up to the 166 length? I really disliked demoing a 156 last year, but still haven't tested out a longer ski.  
 
Thanks.

I learned how to ski the day I took my first step and have been skiing fast and aggressively ever since. I've skied just about all the terrain in the county and done it with ease (and don't forget speed + aggression!). I've ripped out bindings and cracked a ski boot in half. The problem is that after a time spent living in the South, where I wasn't able to ski more than twice a year (I've kept the same skis since 1989!) this will be the first time I have researched and bought my own skis. It's a whole new world, but the new thing I am the most uneasy about is the "new" female versions. Do they really benefit smaller skiers or are they just a wimpy version of the real thing (or a marketing gimmick)? I see words like "fun" and "easy to control" popping up way to often in the descriptions. (is that just marketing?) I never had a problem with my old skis being to heavy or hard to control?? The graphic designer in me leans toward the graphics on the women's versions, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice quality or sturdiness for graphics. Can anyone who really knows how the skis were built to perform help me out?  
 
Thanks :)

Hey all, I am 5'10" @ 200lbs and I swooped the 181cm B2's. What insight do you have about that schtuff? Regardless, I am going to destroy the slopes on these sticks.

I demoed B2 and B3 last year at Canski on Blackcomb. I tried all models between 168 (?) to 176. I agree with the author, it doesn't make big difference. B2 a bit better in icy conditions , not significantly though. 
 
Those are damn good ski. To me they are different from anything I tried before. Flexibility and stability!

What apleasure to see a series of comments and questions that follow a specific theme, without ego or insult.  
This note is simply to commend all who have contributed to this page.  
Sure the B2 is a good ski, and has taken a lot of skiers onto more challenging terrain, yielding more value from every lift ticket. And yes the new B2 is not the Bandit XX. (Thankfully) 
The B1 is wood, and the other Bs share microcell internal organs.  
But skiins and choosing skis should be fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread as it developed. Even those who disagreed did it with respect and with sincerity. 
 
After all . . . suggesting that someone can not ski because they dislike a particular ski, is akin to insulting your music teacher because you hit some sour notes. 
 
You all help keep it real !

I'm trying to get skis for my 12 year old son that will last for more than a year or two. One approach we came up with is to get skis that fit him now that I can take when he's through with them (we're about the same height and close in weight). I bought a pair of unmounted skis at a ski sale recently, but I'm trying to figure out if they were a decent deal or not. They are Rossignol Bandit W Freeride VAS, 140 cm, 105-72-93. I can't figure out what model year they are, and there are no other markings such as B1, etc. The skis are mostly white with black, grey, and almost a metallic sage color in the middle. The designs are symmetrical and don't look like the current model year (asymetrical) tips. Can anyone help?

Could they be these? 
 
http://www.amazon.com/Rossignol-Bandit-140cm-Used-Shape/dp/B000V6UU5I 
 
I believe the "W" means it's a women's ski.

I'm looking at those skis (listed in the previous comment) in a 160 length. Would love to hear from anyone who can tell me how they might perform on hard-pack. I'm an intermed-adv female skier who likes to carve. TIA

I bought these B2s (174-cm) last September and have been skiing them all this season at Winter Park and Copper Mountain. Great all around ski. Great on everything except ice, on which they are just passable. 
 
After 27 years, these are my first shaped skis. They replace the 203-cm Dynastar Vertical Assaults I'd been on since about 1993. What a difference. These skis are so stable and forgiving that even when I make a mistake, I can recover. 
 
These skis will carve nice GS turns on groomed packed powder with little effort, but will also run well in medium to large moguls and in steep, natural terrain conditions. They float nicely on powder up to about a foot deep and smash through crud with ease and great stability. 
 
I think they are a Western ski that shouldn't be used on icy Eastern slopes. At 174, they are a bit big and heavy for really small, tight moguls carved by those on 160s.