A handful of Blister reviewers have spent time on the Super 7 HD over the past two seasons (including Luke Koppa, Paul Forward, Cy Whitling, Jonathan Ellsworth and I) and the ski is coming back unchanged for 18/19. But while we’ve written a bunch about the Rossi Soul 7 HD and Super 7 RD, our coverage of the Super 7 HD has mostly happened in Deep Dive Comparisons and in our Buyer’s Guide.
So it’s time that the Super 7 HD gets its own full review — especially since we think it’s a ski that could work well for a lot of people.
So let’s get started with what we wrote about the Super 7 HD in our 17/18 Buyer’s Guide:
“This is a strong ski underfoot with much softer tips and tails. In any soft (or very deep) snow, it is easy to ski, it is forgiving, and it favors a neutral stance. While it doesn’t offer a lot of energy out of a turn, it will easily handle softer, variable snow at moderate speeds. We also think that in the shorter lengths, this ski will be a quick-turning pow ski, great for deep snow and tight trees. In general, the Super 7 HD seems like a good fit for intermediate skiers who want an easy pow ski that will be great in deep snow, and that is also relatively balanced in the air. And for those who are looking for more stability in variable conditions and pop, check out the Super 7 RD.”
After spending more time this season on the Super 7 HD, we’ll stand by this account. But now, we’ll expand on the Super 7 HD’s performance in specific conditions, and detail what types of skiers we think will enjoy it most.
Heavy, Variable Snow
Sam Shaheen (5’10”, 140 lbs): I’ve spent much of my time on the Super 7 HD in heavier, thick, and variable snow that you most often see in late spring, and these sort of conditions are not where the Super 7 HD feels most at home. I think it’s just a bit too light to do really well in heavier / wet snow. The Super 7 HD’s generous rocker profile and width definitely help keep it from getting bogged down in deeper, wet snow, but rather than blasting through this sort of snow like heavier and stiffer skis can, the Super 7 HD tends to bounce over them.
The Super 7 HD feels most comfortable making smaller turns rather than big, fast turns. So in heavier snow — especially after it gets skied out a bit — the ski feels best when snaking between the big piles and turning where the snow is smoother and more forgiving, rather than blowing through the set-up snow.
With a dynamic style and some finesse, the Super 7 HD is certainly manageable in this sort of snow, and does just fine at slower speeds. But if you want to ski fast in heavier and variable 3D snow, the Super 7 HD does get knocked around a bit more than heavier and stiffer options in this class.
Luke Koppa (5’8”, 155 lbs): Yep, the Super 7 HD is not the best for skiing super fast through heavy, thick snow. It’s very easy to slide around at moderate speeds, but when I tried to mob through slushy snow, the ski felt like it wanted to plane up and over all the denser patches, rather than blast through them. But if I skied a bit slower, the Super 7 HD was predictable, playful, and fun.
Powder
Sam: While we haven’t gotten the Super 7 HD in any really deep pow, we have spent a lot of time skiing it in deep slush, and a ski’s performance in slush often translates pretty well to powder. One of the biggest takeaways from my time on the Super 7 HD is that I think it would be a dead-easy powder ski. Its width, rocker profile, and flex pattern should help it plane well in all but the lightest, deepest snow. The Super 7 HD also has a huge sweet spot and can be skied with both a forward, driving stance and a more centered / neutral stance.
I suspect the Super 7 HD’s tips could dive if you really drive the shovels in very deep pow, but that big sweet spot means that it is super easy to sit in the middle of the ski at slow and moderate speeds while cruising through soft snow. The Super 7 HD does feel a bit hooky at high speeds, but at moderate speeds, it feels totally fine when making small- to medium-radius turns.
The Super 7 HD seems like an excellent powder ski for an intermediate skier. It is intuitive, playful, and forgiving, and also has enough width and rocker that I think it’d offer plenty of flotation for most skiers.
Soft Chop
Sam: The Super 7 HD was very maneuverable at low and moderate speeds in soft chop. If you’re not trying to charge through chop, the Super 7 HD’s heavily tapered shape, low weight, and very generous tip splay help it feel easy and intuitive, even when the snow is not.
Just like in soft, slushy snow, trying to nuke around at high speeds and blast through patches of chop is not where the Super 7 HD excels. It prefers a slower, more deliberate approach. However, if you ski with a very dynamic style and provide the suspension yourself (rather than expecting the ski to do so), you can still ski hard on the Super 7 HD — I have seen some VERY good skiers rip on this ski, but they ski with a very active style. (For more on what we mean when we talk about an “active / dynamic style,” check out this article.)
Again, for an intermediate or advanced skier, I think the Super 7 HD will provide a nice balance of a big, forgiving sweet spot and enough girth to make skiing chop and variable very manageable, so long as you’re not trying to ski super fast through the chop. If you’re looking for more top-end stability, there are plenty of heavier and / or stiffer options in this class that will hold up better when skiing at speed through chop.
Luke: Again, I agree with Sam. I could ski pretty fast on the Super 7 HD in soft chop, but to do so I had to stay light on my feet and try to avoid the larger patches of snow. When doing this, I thought the Super 7 HD felt surprisingly quick and easy to flick around, which caters well to this sort of skiing. If I tried to open things up with little attention paid to what sort of snow lay in front of me, the Super 7 HD got knocked around and reminded me that it only weighs around 2000 grams.
Groomers
Sam: The Super 7 HD is obviously not a groomer ski, but regardless, it’s hard to get through a resort day without skiing some groomers on the way back to the lift. The Super 7 HD does a pretty good job at this. It’s not the best carver in this class (which is probably due to its taper and rocker profile), but the Super 7 HD holds an edge pretty well and feels comfortable at high edge angles on soft groomers.
Here, the difference in energy between the Super 7 RD and Super 7 HD is most noticeable. The Super 7 RD has much more life and pop out of a turn than the Super 7 HD. This is a trait that will make the Super 7 HD more predictable for intermediate or advanced skiers, but expert skiers might appreciate the increased pop and stability of the Super 7 RD.
Luke: On soft, spring groomers, I could easily lay over the Super 7 HD into some nice carves. It didn’t pull me into turns like skis with less tapered tips, but I could easily go from skiing bases flat, to a carved turn, and then quickly break the tails free to check my speed. The words “easy, intuitive, and forgiving” again came to mind while skiing the Super 7 HD on groomers.
Jonathan Ellsworth (5’10”, ~175 lbs): These skis can be carved pretty hard. I don’t love heavily-tapered tips for carving hard on firm snow (since you don’t get anything out of the tips of the skis), but for carving hard in light powder, these are a lot of fun, and the ski is solid enough underfoot that on smoother groomers (whether the snow is soft of firm), these are fun.
Trees / Moguls / Tight Terrain
Sam: The Super 7 HD is quick, forgiving, playful, and intuitive — all traits that make it fun in tight trees. At higher speeds, I can drive the Super 7 HD through the shovels and make fast turns. At lower speeds, it’s easy to ski with a more neutral stance and slide smaller turns.
The only tight spots where the Super 7 HD doesn’t excel are narrow, deep moguls. Here, the length of our test ski (188 cm) became very noticeable. The tails feel long and the ski tends to get caught up in the deep troughs. In more spaced-out moguls, the Super 7 HD does great and its quickness again becomes apparent. But if the bumps are tight and deep, the Super 7 HD feels a touch sluggish (as do most skis that are this wide and long).
Luke: I didn’t get the Super 7 HD into any really tight and deep moguls, but on more widely spaced moguls, I had a ton of fun on this ski. It’s super easy to pivot, and since it has such a big sweet spot, I didn’t feel like I was getting punished if I got off the shovels of the ski. Given how wide it is, I was very surprised by how quick and fun the Super 7 HD felt in wide, slushy bumps.
In The Air
Sam: The Super 7 HD feels surprisingly balanced in the air and decently solid on landings. It’s not the poppiest ski in this class, but it does have a subtle freestyle-oriented feel (and moving the bindings forward of the -7.75 cm line would probably make it feel even more comfortable when spinning and tricking).
Luke: Thanks to its low weight and tapered shape, the Super 7 HD felt like it had a pretty low swing weight for its size. It’s definitely not my top choice for big drops due to its lower stability compared to several other skis in this class, but for smaller jumps with forgiving landings and / or clean runouts, it did just fine.
A Note on Length
Sam: If you are on the fence between two sizes of this ski, I definitely recommend sizing up. The huge tip splay and fairly generous tail splay make this ski feel a bit shorter than its actual length. It is easy and manageable even in its longest length (unless you ski a lot of tightly-spaced moguls) so I think sizing up is the right call if you’re torn on which length to go with.
Jonathan: I think intermediate to advanced skiers weighing ~180 lbs or less will likely do just fine on the 180 cm length, especially if this ski will be getting use on shallower days.
But 180 + lb folks looking to use this ski as their widest ski for deep days, you’ll likely be best served by going with the 188 cm. This is already a light, forgiving ski, so going shorter is going to reduce flotation and stability, and we don’t think you’ll need to downsize to quicken up this ski.
Super 7 HD as a 50/50 Ski
Luke: At right around 2000 grams per ski for the 188 cm version, I’d personally want to mount the Super 7 HD with a Fritschi Tecton 12 or Salomon / Atomic SHIFT binding for use both in and out of the resort. The Super 7 HD’s predictable nature and fun ride at slower speeds are exactly what I look for in a powder touring ski since much of my mid-winter touring days are spent on either low angle terrain or in the trees. And the Super 7 HD is light enough that I wouldn’t mind lugging it around for some powder laps in the backcountry.
Bottom Line
The Rossignol Super 7 HD is an intuitive, playful, and forgiving powder ski with a huge sweet spot. It’s very easy to pivot and slide around at moderate speeds, and remains predictable and maneuverable in conditions that aren’t super deep. For expert skiers that like to ski hard and fast, you’ll need to do so with an active and dynamic style to keep the Super 7 HD under control at high speeds. But for those new to powder skiing, intermediate skiers, and advanced skiers, the Super 7 HD is a good choice due to its forgiving and intuitive nature.
NEXT: Rocker Profile Pics
I noticed they only have one mounting line on the new Soul 7 HD. And to me it looks like it lines up with last years -2 free ride line as well. But there is quite a bit less tail rocker in the new version compared to last years. That worries me…..
Interesting to see the difference in the Super 7 as well. Hopefully they figure out their marks some day:)
I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Rossignol Super 7. This is the ski that really opened my mind to how you can ski off piste. For several years (largely unsuccessfully) I was trying to develop off piste skills. Then, one winter, I decided to finally rent one of the “modern” fat skis with tip and tail rocker and so on (inspired by Jonathan’s words about fat skis with rocker). I rented a Super 7. I think that’s what it was called. It was about 116 underfoot, and bright orange like a florescent marking pen. I’m sure you remember the generation. On that ski I learned what was possible. For the first time, I could ski anywhere and everywhere, I was in control, and I had so much fun. It changed my whole perspective. Later, I was able to transfer the same feeling and skills to more traditional skis. I bought a pair of Soul 7s, thinking they would give me the same freedom as the Super 7s, but be a little better on piste, but I then discovered the limitations of the design. I weigh 95 kg, and for me the Soul 7 was just too flexible on hard snow. I did rent that same big orange Super 7 a few more times, and it was as nice as I remembered. I really think that’s one of the great things about the 7 series; the way it allows people to access terrain/skiing styles they would not otherwise be able to experience, even with years of technique and skill training. And calling these “intermediate” or “transition” ski is not a bad thing! They are probably the most appropriate skis for many people (myself included). And I don’t want to create the impression that I think these are “only” for beginners or intermediate skies trying to get off piste–they are still the skis, or the kind of skis, that I would choose in the right conditions. I just don’t ski fast enough, steep enough, or hard enough to need more ski.
All that said, I’m a little disappointed about how Rossignol keeps changing the 7 series line up every year. Maybe each generation is an improvement, but it doesn’t seem that way (Soul 7 hinge point?). I know ski companies (all companies) need to constantly search for the “new” to stay relevant, but I think that the lack of consistency and product identity year-to-year just confuses people.
Looking over the 7 series for this year, I’m glad to see that the top three skis in this line, the Super 7, the Soul 7, and the Sky 7, have similar graphics, and apparently similar constructions. You can see this in the slightly-visible inlays under the tips, and on the progressively descending waist widths and weights (more on that later), which shows they are probably unified in design and construction.
Unfortunately, then you have some skis which don’t seem to really fit into the 7 series.
First there’s the Sin 7, which I think has the same shape and waist width as the Sky 7, but uses an older style of construction. You can see this construction in the tip and in the weight. The Sin 7 is heavier than the new Sky 7. I think it has more wood and less carbon. I’m sure they include the Sin 7 to offer a ski at a lower price, but maybe the weight actually makes the Sin 7 a more stable and damp ski? Might be interesting to compare new light Sky 7 vs old heavy Sin 7.
Then there’s the Smash 7, which is again different in graphics, design, weight, and price point.
Finally, perhaps most interesting, there is the Seek 7, apparently positioned as a touring or 50/50 ski, with an 86 mm waist, and a listed weight of 2.5 kg. Does the Seek 7 actually have the regular 7 series shape, with substantial tip and tail rocker and traditional camber underfoot? If so, wouldn’t that be a strange combination in an 86 mm underfoot ski? Are there any other narrow and light touring skis with this shape? How is this going to work?
Of course, I understand that Rossignol is just tying to offer skis at different for different potential buyers at different price points, but why create a cohesive 7 series at all if it just mixes a bunch of varied skis? Another way to put that would be, do any skis, other than the Super, Soul, and Sky 7, really fit into the 7 series? Or would they be better placed elsewhere?
By means of comparison, some of the other Rossignol lines look really coherent. For example, the All Mountain Experience series, and the Piste Pursuit series, are really consistent, with unified graphics and design elements through all the skis from top to bottom. That seems like the way to create a ski series. I wish Rossignol would apply the same reasoning to the Freeride series.
Maybe what this really shows is that the Freeride category itself is extremely varied and hard to define?
Anyway, that old orange Super 7 was an awesome ski, and I would love to learn more about the Seek 7.
Go Rossignol!
Bruno
Hello,
I am in the market for a new fat pair of skis; I currently ride the first generation line opus’s for reference. I am between the blizzard rustler 11’s and the rossignol super 7 hd. Which ski do you like better for someone that really likes to carve (switch between slalom and gs type turns), charge hard in most conditions (needs stability) and jibs around the mountain (hop cliffs, throw the occasional 360 off something, ride switch). I was also thinking of using this ski to tour on. Thank you for the assistance.
what did you choose? I have the same ‘problem’
Super7 rd
Hey Blister,
Great job with your reviews and I love this website. I’m currently own a pair of Nordica Enforcer 110s-185cm. I use this ski as my primary powder ski. I love the Enforcers 110 in tight terrain and for tree skiing in Michigan’s upper peninsula (Mt. Bohemia) and take them for trips out west – Jackson Hole, Squaw, Colorado and Pac NW. But I think I’d like a pair with a little more float for deep days and stability/length for more wide open terrain.
I’m currently considering the Rossi Super 7 which is 116cm and the ON3P Kartel 116. What is difference between these who skis if any? They’re both on the more playful side of the spectrum which I prefer.
Also, do you think there’s much of a performance overlap between the Enforcer 110 vs. the Kartel/Super 7?
I tend to like skis around the 185/186ish length since it fits my style of skiing and I’m willing to bump to to a longer length as long as it has enough flex but supportive enough if I get knocked into the back seat.
43 Years old/ Advanced Skier/6’0’/200 lbs.
Thanks!
Hi Pete,
If you like the Enforcer 110’s, I think the most obvious powder ski recommendation I would make would be the Enforcer Pro (115mm-underfoot, 191 cm length). That would offer you more stability for open terrain, as well as increased float. While it is a longer ski, all of the Enforcers are still pretty forgiving, given their level of stability.
If you’re mostly skiing clean powder or soft chop at moderate speeds, the Super 7 HD could be a good option. It won’t be as stable as the (heavier) Enforcer 110 in firm or chopped-up snow, but it will float better and be a bit more maneuverable in tight spots. However, if you’re trying to ski fast in open terrain, I don’t think the Super 7 HD is the best option.
As for the Kartel 116, it will be a bit more stable than the Enforcer 110, and will definitely offer more float. However, I think the very important thing to consider with the Kartel 116 is that it has a very forward mount of -4 cm from center. It requires a more centered stance, and will take a bit of getting used to coming from the more traditionally-mounted Enforcer 110. The Kartel 116 will be more stable than the much lighter Super 7 HD.
As for other options, I think it might be worth checking out the Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro. It will float better than the Enforcer 110 and should offer similar, if not better stability (depending on length). It also has a more moderate mount point of -6 cm from center, and both our directional and more playful reviewers have really enjoyed it. The main question with that ski would be the length. The 190 cm Blister Pro will offer excellent stability in chop, but will be more of a handful in tighter terrain. The 184 cm Blister Pro will still float better than the Enforcer 110 and should offer a bit better stability in chop, though we haven’t had the chance to A/B these skis.
Hope that helps, and let us know about any other questions.
Cheers,
Luke
It would be great if you guys would start putting the msrp of the ski in the articles, thanks.
Hi guys,
Great writeup as usual.
Can you please ensure that the length of the ski tested is noted along with each testers’ height and weight ?
Length tested is not always clear among your various tester reports, and is really important to us older/larger guys cause you guys are always young and lighter and we have to extrapolate.
Thanks, John
Bellevue, WA
Area = Crystal Mountain, WA
Hi, John – the length of the ski tested is always stated in the very first line of every review. In this case:
Ski: 2018-2019 Rossignol Super 7 HD, 188 cm
We all skied the 188 cm, and will always note if we have been on multiple lengths.
Aloha Jon,
Quick Question on the SUPER7 discussion; I have a new 2020 pair Super7 skis and have not mounted them yet what did you guys come up with for best mounting point?
I will ski these in japan this year.
FYI I am WSC alumni ’78;’ I love CB, there every year for 2 weeks!! and enjoy your podcasts. Great job. Aloha Todd
Hi Luke,
Thanks for the A/B the Super & and Kartel 116 in your earlier posts. What are your thoughts on the Super 7 188 vs. The ON3P Billy Goat 184. I own the 185 Enforcer 110, but I’m looking for something with a little more float. I think the 189cm Billy Goats might be too long for me. I’m basically looking for a ski that relatively easy to turn in the trees but with enough backbone to ski wide open area without too much effort. 43 Years old/ Advanced Skier/6’0’/200 lbs.
Thanks,
Pete
Hey guys;
Did you ever come back to the point about where to mount the Super 7. I’m thinking maybe a cm or two ahead of recommended mid point.
Thoughts?
Same question. Centered stance skier. Loved the 16/17 model. Not a fan of 18/19 model mounted on recommended line.
I am moving the mount point on my 18/19 model +2cm. I just much preferred the way the older molded mounted on all mountain line skied. Will report back.
Where did you end up with your final mount point ? Aloha todd
I just bought a pair of rossignol super 7 hd 2018/19 top sheet in the 172cm length. I am a woman, 173cm tall. I mounted them with the new salomon shift bindings, to have a pair of powder skiis for touring and resort. I live in Alberta, and ski the rockies, eastern British Columbia… I wanted a pair of skiis that could surf deep powder, turn quickly in tight trees(!) and was fun to ski, with some pop, but still could ride down a groomer with confidence. I also demoed the salomon qst 118. I found the qst very fun and poppy in soft snow, but very chattery on a more firm base. In comparison, I first demoed the super 7s during a ski camp, with day one primarily consisting on on piste drills /tight turns /carving. This is certainly not the skiis Forte, but they were still fun and competent with carving and hard pack. I have since toured with these skiis and also skied resort with 35cm fresh powder. Overall, I love these skiis. Such fun! They turn with barely any effort, hold a line in the deep stuff, pop up easily and are just so surfy. Stable and fun over little jumps and drops. Highly recommended. Also, so far the salomon shift binding is excellent
Hi Erin, great to hear about your super 7s with Sol Shift bindings. I’m wondering about changing my bindings to the same to allow a one-stop-shop ski for mainly inbounds with the ability to tour the odd time. Any regrets so far?
Definitely no regrets with the Shift binding. I think it is a great binding. Totally superior downhill performance and feel vs dynafit pin bindings. I feel happy using the binding both at resort and for backcountry. In terms of touring, it is pretty easy to use once you figure it out. The only issue I have occasionally is that the lock mode for pin when touring comes out of lock- so I am sort of conscious to look down and still check it is locked. No icing or durability issues. It doesn’t have two levels of riser, but I haven’t had any problems here… I try to skin mostly without riser, as this is more efficient anyway. It is heavier than a comparable pin binding, but for me, performance downhill is worth the weight penalty. I still have another pair of skis with dynafit radical binding for a lighter setup for traverses etc. In total, I think it’s great.
Anyone have any experience running the Super 7’s as a touring setup? I’m considering moving my Shift bindings on to my Super 7’s from my Line Sick Day 104’s to be a little more powder oriented.
Thanks in advance