Rossignol Super Black Ops 98 Review: A Versatile Freeride Twin Tip

Introduction

The Rossignol Super Black Ops 98 is a redesigned and rebranded version of the Black Ops 98, a 98 mm twin tip that has been part of the freeride all-mountain landscape for years. It is built around a wood core with fiberglass laminates, and it uses Damp Tech in the tips and tails, a rubberized layer that helps smooth out chatter. The shape is twin tip, the profile is relatively flat, and the overall build is a little thicker throughout. Together, those details create a ski that feels sturdy and planted while still allowing the tail to release and smear when you want to drift through a turn.

The Super Black Ops 98 is not a niche specialist. It is designed to handle park and pipe, bumps, trees, groomers, and powder without asking you to change your style. The 182 cm length has a 19 m turn radius, which keeps shorter turns manageable while still supporting longer arcs. The flatter profile and freeride-oriented tail shape make it more amenable to tight terrain and creative lines than a dedicated frontside carver.

Who this product is for

This ski is aimed at resort skiers who want one pair that can cover a wide range of conditions. It fits skiers who spend time in bumps, trees, and soft snow, and who also want a ski that can hold its own on groomers. The twin-tip shape makes it a natural choice for anyone who likes to ski switch, play in the park, or approach the mountain with a more freeride-oriented mindset. It is also a sensible daily driver for skiers who encounter different terrain and snow conditions throughout the day or season. If your priority is deep powder float, a wider ski will be more suitable, but the Super Black Ops 98 remains a capable choice for everything else.

Main strengths

The strongest quality of the Super Black Ops 98 is its versatility. The 98 mm waist is wide enough to provide useful float in soft snow, yet narrow enough to feel responsive on groomers. The twin-tip shape and flatter profile give it a loose, smeary feel that works well in trees and bumps, where shorter turns and quick direction changes matter more than edge grip. Damp Tech in the tips and tails adds a rubberized layer that reduces chatter, so the ski feels smooth and composed even when the snow is variable.

The wood core and fiberglass laminates give the ski a lively but substantial feel. It is not a featherweight touring build, and that extra material contributes to a sturdy, planted ride. The ski also has a clean, sharp graphic package that stands out on the snow. More importantly, the blend of a hefty feel and a swivelly tail makes it enjoyable for skiers who like to slide, smear, and drift while still maintaining control.

How it performs on snow

On groomers, the Super Black Ops 98 is competent rather than exceptional. It can carve, but it is not as grippy or energetic as a ski with a metal layer. The flatter profile makes it a little more drift-prone, which is a benefit in trees and bumps but a trade-off on hardpack. In soft snow, bumps, and trees, the ski comes alive. The tail releases easily, and the 19 m turn radius in the 182 cm length supports both short swings and longer turns. In powder, the 98 mm waist provides enough float for most resort days, though a wider ski would be better on deep days.

Things to consider before buying

There are a few trade-offs to keep in mind. The Super Black Ops 98 is not a dedicated carver, so skiers who spend most of their time on hardpack and prioritize edge grip may prefer a metal-laminate ski. The flatter profile and smeary tail are assets in tight terrain, but they can make the ski feel less locked-in on firm groomers. On deep days, the 98 mm waist may leave you wanting more float. The ski also has a substantial feel, which some skiers will appreciate for stability and others may find less energetic than a lighter build.

The construction is intentionally traditional: a wood core, fiberglass laminates, and Damp Tech in the tips and tails. There is no metal layer, which helps explain the ski’s smooth, drift-friendly character. If you want a ski that feels powerful and grippy on trail, this may not be the first option. If you want a ski that can surf and smear while still feeling solid, it is a strong match.

Sizing and setup

The 182 cm length is the reference point here, with a 19 m turn radius. That radius keeps the ski maneuverable for its size, and the twin-tip shape allows for switch skiing and a centered stance. Skiers who prioritize stability at speed may lean toward the longer option, while those who want quicker turns in trees and bumps may prefer a shorter length. Mounting point and tune can also influence how the ski feels, especially given its flatter profile and freeride tail. A fresh tune and a balanced mount will help the ski perform as intended across different conditions.

Buying advice

The Rossignol Super Black Ops 98 makes the most sense for skiers who want a versatile daily driver rather than a single-purpose weapon. It is a good fit if your days include a mix of groomers, bumps, trees, and soft snow, and if you value a ski that can smear and drift without feeling vague. It is less compelling if you mostly ski hardpack and want maximum edge grip, or if you regularly chase deep powder and need more float. For the right skier, the blend of a sturdy build, a 98 mm twin-tip shape, and Damp Tech creates a confident, fun ride that works across the mountain.

If you are looking for one ski to cover most resort conditions, the Super Black Ops 98 is a sensible contender. It has been a successful shape for years, and the redesign keeps the core formula intact. The ski is capable on just about all terrain; on a deep day, a wider ski would be preferable, but otherwise it can serve as an excellent daily driver for soft snow, bumps, trees, groomers, and even park jumps. That balance is what makes it worth considering for skiers who want a playful freeride twin tip without giving up too much everyday versatility.

Conclusion

The Rossignol Super Black Ops 98 is a versatile 98 mm twin tip that prioritizes smoothness, smear, and all-terrain capability. Its wood core, fiberglass laminates, and Damp Tech construction give it a planted but unchattery feel, while the flatter profile and freeride tail make it comfortable in trees and bumps. It is not the strongest carver on trail and it is not the widest option for deep powder, but as a daily driver for varied resort conditions, it delivers a confident and enjoyable ride.