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.
Real time prices for the Zag Le Rouge 2006, or similar ski products:
Written by Ski Review Guest on 08/17
Stephanie Zag Radiguient needs a lot more than slim fast!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 08/18
I would have to agree with the above statement. No one will buy this ski, especially since a woman is in charge. I hope her business flops in the first year. Someone buy Stephanie some slim fast for her fat dupa.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 08/18
The girl that designed this ski needs slim fast, a 20 year supply of it. Try to get a hold of Stephanie because she is really fat and needs a lot of help. She has more problems than Oprah does staying thin. Don’t buy these skis, I agree with the last person. Get a new pair of Rossi Zennith’s, they rock.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 09/27
Who is the fat bimbo who designed this ski? The Earth shakes when she walks!
Written by Hautokt on 10/07
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.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 10/24
Hi! Have you tried the Le Rouge with Telemarks bindings? ...geir…
Written by Hautokt on 11/09
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 !
Written by Ski Review Guest on 12/05
I hate to seem superficial, but I sure hope looks are deceiving… These things are UGLY!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 01/05
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…...
Written by Ski Review Guest on 01/05
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.
Written by miro on 06/25
I actually liked these skis. Bought one pair season before last and quite impressed. It was the white one, very pleased and decided to shift all of my other pairs (Grizzly, GS) and will keep ZAG plus one purely for slalom.
I am OK in the deep snow with them. I don’t do all day deeps so it is fine.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 08/05
This ski is garbage. Who would buy a ski from a company where a girl is in change. The ski doesn’t perform. Does good on piste, but if you are not skiing groomed runs, you will be lost with this ski. This will be the company’s first and last ski. The company will have to find a new job, cause no one will be buying these skis, especially you! Stick with Rossi’s, Atomic, Volkl, or Salomon, and you will make the right choice.