Model: 126-74-105
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 154/11.9 162/13.3 170/14.8 176/15.9
Sidecut : 126-74-105
Length Tested : 162
Manufacturer’s Description:
Ski-Review’s verdict:
I have just come back from a ski instructors’ course in Fernie BC, Canada, and towards the end of the season I got the opportunity to ski on a pair of 162 Rossignol Zenith Z9s.
First of all, they look pretty awesome as those 126mm spades look up at you. Before I continue I have to point out that that day and for most of the season I had been skiing on a pair of Dynastar Omeglass 63s so my comparisons will be with this carvy slalom ski. The verdict after the first run was “these are pretty good” - much better than I was expecting. The thing that stood out the most about the Zeniths was their ease of use: by this I mean they will do almost anything you ask them to do and if you make a mistake 9 times out of 10 they won’t punish you.
A big thing I learnt on the course was “steering” my skis, which is a combination of edging and pivoting your ski in differing amounts. When skiing on the Omeglass you have to be careful with the edging portion because as soon as you get to a certain amount of edge that is it. You are on the rails. General skiing on the Zeniths on the other hand was just so easy mainly because steering is so easy and affective. They held an edge just as well as the Omeglass and yet seemed easier to carve despite their longer radius. I found while turning you could increase or decrease the size of the arc with the greatest of ease, whereas the Omeglass once they are on rails they are going to stay there. As you roll the Zeniths over on to their edge you can really feel the effect of that large waist i.e. your boot is well clear of the snow. In short radius turns I found the Zeniths better than the Omeglass purely because if you are not spot on with you timing and pressure control on any slalom ski the stiff tail of the ski will really kick you out of the turn which is good when you know it is coming and know what to do with it, but otherwise it just results in tips to the sky. The Zeniths on the other hand have very forgiving tails so when you pop off a few short turns you know you are always going to look and feel good doing it.
The Zeniths’ ease of steering and relative softness makes it an excellent ski in moguls. Despite Fernie’s reputation there was no powder that day, but with a footprint the size of the Zeniths’ and a good sized waist I am sure they will have no problems leaving ‘freshies’, although if you are expecting to ski a considerable amount of powder then I would go for a longer length. This is a high performance ski, but not a race performance ski. I felt this when I really pushed it: I felt as though I was reaching the ski’s limits whereas the Omeglass always feel like there is more. The only other time I felt I wanted the Omeglass back was in the crud as their substantial weight would plough through anything, whereas the Zeniths got a bit bumped around - not too much, but enough to notice the difference.
All in all this is a truly excellent all round ski and if you are like me and have a pair of skis for steeps and deeps and another pair for carving it up then the Zeniths are the ski to successfully combine the best of both worlds.
Real time prices for the Rossignol Zenith Z9 2006, or similar ski products:
Written by Ski Review Guest on 08/05
Who is this guy anyway. He writes a novel about a ski that does not do any good on or off piste, and especially fails in deep powder. Go buy a 724 Volkl or Atomic Metron (any series), and leave this guys novel to someone who wants to waste their time reading it. Rossi’s blow this year!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 08/18
I thought they were an incredibly stable and responsive ski. Iused them at Falls Creek on our Aussie snow, which is a lot wetter and heavier than most Northern Hemisphere snow That’s not to say that it aint good, believe me, it is ! This means we have to ski and work a bit differently than a lot of skiers from over the equator.
I currently ski the Rossi B2, and the K2 Apache X. I love my B2’s to death, but the Zenith were a really sharp stable ski, that simply did exactly as it was told and didn’t argue in the slightest.
They are nimble, easy to ski, strong and reliable. If I hadn’t just bought my X’s, I would DEFINITELY be more than interested in the Z9. I was extremely impressed.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 08/30
Just curious if any of the testers of this Rossi Z9 could share some insight into their size vs. the lenth of these skis. I’m considering buying a pair and have a hard time understanding how such a short ski can work for me. I’m 6’ tall and 190lbs. Thanks.
Written by Dirk Ter Haar on 09/10
Hi i am the guy who wrote this review. To the guy wanting to know what lenght to get: i am about 5’11” and 165lbs and i ski on the 162s. As you are bigger than i am and by the sounds of things are more keen on longer skis i would say you should go for the 172s. As for the guy who wrote the comment titled Re:Zenith. The ski is excellent both on and off piste: that is what makes it so great. Yes i would have to say that in deep powder it doesn’t do quite as well but how many skis with a waste under 80mm do float well in deep powder? You are the first person i have come across who has taken such a dislike to this ski. Different skis suit different people and different techniques…..
Written by Dirk Ter Haar on 09/10
Hi i am the guy who wrote this review. To the guy wanting to know what lenght to get: i am about 5’11” and 165lbs and i ski on the 162s. As you are bigger than i am and by the sounds of things are more keen on longer skis i would say you should go for the 172s. As for the guy who wrote the comment titled Re:Zenith. The ski is excellent both on and off piste: that is what makes it so great. Yes i would have to say that in deep powder it doesn’t do quite as well but how many skis with a waste under 80mm do float well in deep powder? You are the first person i have come across who has taken such a dislike to this ski. Different skis suit different people and different techniques…..
Written by Ski Review Guest on 09/11
I am 6’3” and 245 lbs. Rossi sent me the Z5 in a 170. I like to ski fast. Should I trade up to the Z9 and in what length?
Written by Dirk Ter Haar on 09/11
I haven’t skied on both but they look pritty similar. There might be some subtal differences. I think for the fun stay at 170 though.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 09/13
With the titanium sheet in the Z9 will it be more durable? I have a problem with breaking skiis that are not made of wood. Got a good deal on these Rossi’s.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 09/16
I am in the market for a set of new boards this year and last season I demoed the Z9, Z5 and the mentron. I am a 6’ 200 lbs. expert who has to do a lot of carving while my 3 kids race and am in the bumps, steeps or trees when I am not with my mt’s race program. I demoed the mentron at sugarbush and found it heavier and less responsive in the bumps than the Z9. It was fast, carved real nice and skied more like a GS ski where the Z9 was quicker and closer to a SL ski but you could really push out a nice high speed carve. The Z9 was nimble and fun in the bumps and made quicker turns in the trees. Maybe it is the weight difference which is quite noticable. The Z5 was sluggish. I took 2 runs on it and brought it back to the demo truck. It seemed to be a dumbed down version of the Z9 and I wouldn’t waste my time or money on it. I am having a tough time chosing between the Z9 and mentron and am leaning toward the Z9 but could be persuaded otherwise. This month’s ski magazine gave it a good review but not the outstanding one I expected after my day with them. I am all ears till the snow flies and look forward to hearing anybody elses test runs.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 10/04
So does anyone have an opinion between the LT11s and the Rossignol Zenith Z9s. The reviews for the Rossie on here seem to be very strong. Am 34, 6’2, 175”. Was thinking of going with the 180 in the Atomic or the 176 in the Rossignol.
Any thoughts?
Am an expert all around skier, love the trees (bumps not so much anymore thanks to the knees). I do not race at all but want something I can make zippy turns with on the hard packed and take into the crud, chutes, whatever the mountain throws at me. Comments much appreciated.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 10/05
I had the pleasure of demos on both the Z5 and Z9 in Thredbo, Australia where the snow can range from very average to fantastic for a few days here and there.
First of all, to “Re: Zenith Written by Guest on 2005-08-05 09:06:09”, where’s your justification bozo? If you can’t at least offer constructive criticism you may as well go watch Oprah. you sound like a competing sour graped sales rep to me!
I’m 172cm / 5-8” and 75kgs / 165lbs to the metrically challenged, and an agressive advanced-expert. The Z5 is definitely a more versatile all terrain ski and unless wanting to carve at mach 1, they hold on just fine showing great stability on groomers, crud and wet Aussie ahemm “powder”, so unless you want to go steep and deeeep, these skis are just great.
The Z9 is a stiffer model and reminds of my ‘Dynie Speed Cross 66 on the piste - they just love going fast and feel as stable as my old ‘Dynie 197 Speed SFs on the groomers and ice - wow do they bite. They are stiff though, so not so forgiving in bumps, rough crud or cruising speeds. I didn’t get to demo these in deeper snow but I’m guessing they’d float well enough as long as you’re willing to ski them hard and fast.
As for length you just have to demo to find out - remember the shorter they are the quicker the turn. Shorter skis are easier off piste but get to the groomer ski out and longer ones are better for cruising - so compromise on length is needed for all mountain skiers. Coming down from a 186cm I was tempted by the 176cm, but found 170cm was probably better for all round skiing.
If you like big turns and over 180cm / 6ft and 80kg / 180lbs, go for the Z5 in 170 - 176cm. Otherwise go for the 170cm in the Z9 unless you’re one big unit and love going bloody fast when the 176cm might be preferable.
In any event demo first, and enjoy!
Cheers Ben R - Sydney
Written by Ski Review Guest on 10/19
Just purchased a season pass in Utah (senior discount ? I?m retired sowhatelseamIgoingtodo) and I wanted to update my skis. I am ex-collegiate racer who worships good corduroy but still spends 20-30% of my time off-piste tracking up the pow. Has anyone compared the Rossi Z9 to the Atomic B5? If so, I would love to get your thoughts.
Written by Brian Babcock on 10/21
There is a Metron B5 (Big foot print on and off piste) and the SX B5 (beefy Supercross model) Before jumping in and giving you any input that may influence your decision, I would want to know your weight, and maybe some of your past favorite boards. Ski choices are very subjective, and as this compilation of reviews and insults demonstrates, not evryone will be happy on a ski that the majority would choose for an individuals personal likes and technical ability. I must however include a comment for the “guest” who insulted the original comments on the Z9. If you find the review contrary to your personal test results, why not post something to that effect rather than insulting the person who obviously disagrees with you, and give us something more intelligent than “Rossis blow.” Could it be that your alpine skills are on a par with your literary talents?
Written by Ski Review Guest on 11/07
I’ve skiied Volkl P50, then Nordica SpeedMachine 12’s… I’m now considering the Nordica SpeedMachine 14’s (sold my 12’s). BUT, have come across these Rossi Z9’s and am thinking… Hmmmmmm… I’m 6’ tall, 200lbs, LVL 3 Instructor (CSIA)... I’ll likely stay at the 170 length… maybe 176… do you think it’s comparible? May not be any time for me to demo before the season starts.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 11/20
Here is yet another opinion… hey, they’re free right?!
My skier type: Expert, semi-aggressive, 45 yr old, ex-patroller, occassional masters racing years ago. Grew up skiing mostly Whistler and Banff area. 5’10”, 168lbs. I’ve obviously skiied for years, but I’m slowing down a bit these days. Still, I’m looking for a good all round ski for snappy, fun skiing off piste, fall-line bumps and cruising hard & soft groomers. Basically ski everywhere at good speed and not get tossed.
The last couple weeks I tried a few skis at Loveland Basin in Colorado: - Rossignal Zenith Z9: 176cm - Atomic Metron M11: 172cm - K2 Apache Recon: 174cm - Volkl AC4: 177, 170cm - Volkl Supersport Allstar: 177cm - Nordica Hot Rod Top Fuel: 178cm
In the past I usually used a SL type ski. but that type in the bumps tends to catch the tails and/or be too springy which will tend to toss you out of the bumps.
At first I was leaning toward the AC4 177cm - liked the snappiness, and all-round feel. But once the bumps stiffened up, the AC4s really started kicking. A bit too much ski. Going shorter to the 170cm lost the cruisability and gained a bit of hookiness. Pretty much the same goes for the Atomic M11.
I decided on the Z9s. They were very comfortable, silky cruising, quick edge-edge in the bumps and stayed quiet there. I used the 176cm length, which was easy to handle everywhere. No chance to try them on really hardpack or icy conditions, but in crud they seemed very nice. At this length, cruising turns felt very GS-like, but still very nice in the bumps. For me, I don’t see going any shorter, especially for top-bottom cruising.
My take on the Z9… sort of a cross between the Noridca Top Fuel and Volkl AC4.
Written by Dirk Ter Haar on 11/22
Hi there I am the guy who wrote the review. I have just recently qualified as a CSIA Level3 and did the course on the Z9s. They are the ultimate “instructor ski” because they are so versitile, I would seriously recomend you get a pair as they will make all your demos spot on and when you aren’t teaching they will be awsome fun. You are taller and heavyer than i am and i am on the 162s so i would say 170 is about right. You will be getting them on a pro deal i assume so they aren’t going to cost too much so go for it!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 11/24
Can anyone offer a little advise?
I’m looking at buying my first pair of skis, although I have been skiing now for about 4-5 season. I would class myself as a intermediate skier approaching advance.
I have been advised by a ski shop that I should be looking at either K2 apache crossfires or Rossignol Zenith Z9s (these were the models it stocked). At the moment I am considering these skis, but have also stumbled across K2 Apache recons or the Ros zenith Z5s (what is the difference between these and the pre stated skis as I have found these cheaper)
The type of skiing I do is predominantly pisted, but am starting to get the urge for the off piste stuff on the odd occasion (10-20%).
Finally, I’m 5’6” and am planning on skis of approx length 160, although was looking at the 162 for the Rossignols.
Any advise or recommendations would be greatly appreciated
Written by Ski Review Guest on 11/26
Try all of them first. You don’t say where you ski or what type of turns you like, but once you try each ski you will know what is right for you. Don’t look at the price… Don’t let a few hundred bucks keep you from having fun for years to come in terms of advancement. A cheaper and/or wrong ski can make or break how much fun you can have. I drove the guys nuts in our ski shop. I demoed skis for 6 days to the tune of $300.00 and in the end they didn’t have the size I wanted. I ski at Sugarloaf and they were able to get the ski I wanted from another resort within the company. It was worth every penny and the wait. Good luck and have fun!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 11/26
I forgot to add… the $300.00 demo cost was applied to my new skis.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 06/23
I like a lot the Z9 of Rossi ! Its a right ski who can give pure emition ...
Right Choice ... Rossi Power !