Looking to improve your turning ability? ROSSIGNOL "SUPER VIRAGE VIII TECH" or OGASAKA "U-XX/BL"? │26-27 New Model Comparison

The differences in the "feel" and "character" of skis cannot be fully understood from the spec numbers alone. This is the depth and enjoyment of choosing skis. Therefore, we've picked out two similar 26-27 model skis to highlight. Let's explore their individual characteristics based on user test ride reviews. Which one will you choose?

ROSSIGNOL "SUPER VIRAGE VIII TECH" or OGASAKA "U-XX/BL"?

Both are all-around models that excel in medium to long distances, offering a high-quality ride and comfortable skiing even for extended periods. But what's the riding experience like?

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
SUPER VIRAGE VIII TECH	D=123-68-103mm	R = 13m (166cm)
U-XX/BL	D=119-77-102mm	R = 17m (167cm)

"SUPER VIRAGE VIII TECH" is this kind of ski

Based on the concept of "treating each turn as an art form," ROSSIGNOL's demo-oriented "SUPER VIRAGE" series comes in four models. Its precise design, pursuing both performance and beauty, ensures high maneuverability, making it a core component for on-piste skiing. This particular model, with a 68mm center width, sits between the versatile VII (73mm) and the top-of-the-line IX LTD. While employing the same materials and shape as the higher-end models, the plate has been changed from R22 to KONECT for improved handling. It delivers stable skiing in short to medium turns

Rihiro Yamamoto from the ski shop "Sports Depot Suwa Interchange Store" test-rode this ski and explained its features

For those striving for even greater heights, this ski offers a wonderfully smooth cruising experience with its short-turn-based design. The high-profile bindings provide a mechanism that allows the ski to flex firmly yet smoothly. Because the ski itself isn't overly rigid, you can fully enjoy the direct feedback you receive from your own movements.

Particularly noteworthy is the 88mm waist width. It provides excellent buoyancy even in soft snow conditions, making it easy to handle and ski smoothly. While it might feel a little unstable for those who like to go fast, its well-balanced design, which maintains stable and high performance in relatively few conditions, is truly ideal for skiers aiming to become advanced.

From this season, the logo and top sheet design have been revamped, and it now features a fresh, deep reddish-brown color. This model was highly praised by users at test ride events.

User Yuta Nakazato also took it for a test drive. Here are his impressions..

This is a classic model that was the talk of the town for its completely redesigned mold in the 26-27 season, and this time I tried the version without the plate. Switching from Rossignol's "Hero Master LT," the first thing I noticed was its surprising lightness and high maneuverability.

You can switch to sliding movements even in the middle of a turn, and it's very comfortable to ski at low to medium speeds. Perhaps this is because it has multiple different radii, like a gradient. Its strengths also include the stability of snow contact thanks to its unique line control technology and the deep sidecut design, which makes it easy to take precise lines from short to medium turns.

At high speeds, I would like the ski to be a little more stable, but I think it is suitable for people who are looking for a ski that will allow them to ski comfortably on the slopes all day long. It is highly maneuverable and gives a sense of security. It gives

the impression that it is not picky about the rider, and I think it is mainly targeted at intermediate riders, but even advanced riders will be satisfied with the ride.

"U-XX/BL" is this kind of ski

This is a limited-edition model from OGASAKA's luxury line, the "XX COLLECTION," which aims to provide "a moment of pure bliss." Based on the mild ride of the standard all-around "UNITY," this model offers enhanced off-road capability. While the "KS-XX/BR" in the same collection has a 68mm width and prioritizes carving performance, this model has a slightly wider 77mm design, making it more adaptable to Japanese snow conditions and resort environments

The person who test-rode this ski was Katsumi Noda from "NODA Ski Workshop." He shared information ranging from the techniques required to bring out its full potential to recommended situations and lengths

The U-XX/BL is a premium free-skiing all-around ski. The ski responds slowly to your weight, the Sakura core firmly supports it, and you feel the ski turning in a smooth arc of flex.

As the high-end cruising model of the Unity series, it has a luxurious finish that gives you a sense of ease, stability, tolerance for snow conditions, a wide speed range, and a comfortable, fatigue-free feel.

What is required is the skill to receive the weight cleanly under your feet and wait for the ski to flex. Above all, rather than trying to grip the snow surface from the beginning of the turn with carving, those who can ski with traditional cruising while firmly applying pressure to the ski will be able to bring out the best in this ski. It

can be enjoyed in situations such as groomed slopes in the morning, medium to high speed free skiing, long to medium cruising, and slopes that have become a little rougher in the afternoon. The stable 167cm is especially recommended.

User Takato Iwata also commented as follows

I tested them on a groomed intermediate slope. They felt soft when I was putting them on and moving around, but they felt firmer than I expected when I pressed down during turns. They are all-around excellent skis that can handle anything, whether it's wide turns, short turns, or any turn radius.

As long as you get your position right, the skis will move exactly as you want them to. I think they are very suitable for middle-aged skiers who have retired from competitive skiing or have stepped back from the front lines, and they can handle everything from the Level 1 skiing exam to the Technical skiing exam.

I usually use Ogasa TC skis, but the Unity series is definitely different in concept, and I feel that it is equipped with technology that makes skiing an enjoyable experience. The U-XX is the pinnacle of this series. For long-distance cruising or leisurely skiing for extended periods, I think they are very easy and comfortable.

What we learned from the comparison

Both received extremely high praise from users who actually test-rode them. The common word is "model student." They can do anything and deliver stable performance in any situation. On top of that, if you want to enjoy rhythmic and nimble turns, the SUPER VIRAGE VIII TECH is the way to go, while if you want to enjoy elegant cruising, taking advantage of the close contact with the snow surface and its versatility, the U-XX/BL is the better choice