Want to experience W-Cup-derived racing technology? ROSSIGNOL "HERO MASTER ST" or VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports "SL"? │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 "HERO MASTER ST" or VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports "SL"?

Both are high-end SL models that excel in short turns. While the two boards have very similar specifications..

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
HERO MASTER ST	D=116-69-103mm	R = 13m (165cm)
SL	D=118-67-103mm	R = 12.5m (165cm)

"HERO MASTER ST" is this kind of ski

The HERO series, which proclaims "For the love of race," features the HERO MASTER in the "Race Performance" category, second only to the top-of-the-line "Race Expert," optimizing World Cup-derived technology for general use. While the LT is designed for long turns, the ST, with a radius of 12-15m, specializes in short turns and is characterized by the stability provided by its full metal sheet and the intuitive handling and light, responsive feel that the ski seems to "anticipate" your intentions thanks to "PREDICTIVE SIDECUT."

Toshiya Ikeda of the ski shop "PAPASU" test-rode this model and shared his impressions as follows:

I feel these skis have extremely high performance as skis for short turns. Thanks to the newly adopted "predictive sidecut," you can ski with the appropriate radius for each section of the turn, from entry to the beginning, middle, end, and exit. As a result, I was able to

execute turns that were very satisfying, with ease of entry, stability in the middle, and grip in the end, just as I imagined. On the other hand, perhaps due to their weight, I felt that they were a little difficult to control in some situations. If you're not careful, the skis tend to run ahead. However, when you get into a good position, you can enjoy the high level of control and the pleasure of turning. They are even better than the previous model.

These skis are satisfactory for alpine competition, but they are also perfectly usable for recreational skiing. I recommend them for general competition, recreational competition, and prize skiing. These are the skis for skiers who want sharp turns!

"SL" is this kind of ski

Supervised by Marcel Hirscher, the undisputed king of alpine skiing, this high-end model is based on the top-of-the-line FIS standard "SL WORLD CUP" and optimized for general skiers. It offers quick response without being overly demanding, making it easy to handle even on groomed slopes. Clearly different from demo models, it is positioned as a practical SL model that allows you to enjoy the feeling of racing, achieving sharp edge grip and quick turn initiation. This ski embodies the brand's motto of "bringing racing performance to everyone."

The person who test-drove this SL was Hirotsune Mikkaichi, a staff member at "Kreb Sports." His evaluation was..

This is a truly luxurious all-around SL ski. Compared to the alpine competition-spec "SL-WC," it has a flex balance that grips the snow surface smoothly from tip to tail. As a result, it can handle any turn radius, from short to long, and offers high maneuverability and surprising stability on both hard-packed and soft snow.

When you ski on it, you can feel that it has the same structure and materials as the SL-WC. It is easy to handle even at low speeds, and as the speed increases, you can feel the easy-to-ride yet powerful stability that is characteristic of Vandia. You can feel the excellent balance and high-quality ride quality, achieved through the high-quality core material, flex, and torsion, which are simple yet well-crafted.

World Cup technology × pursuit of slope performance = a ski that anyone can enjoy, with a racing feeling and top performance.

Although it is mainly for advanced skiers, it can also be recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers who are looking for a high-quality ride.

Kuma-san, a hardcore user with 150 days of skiing experience, also test-rode the aircraft

It's absolutely fantastic! I think it's versatile enough to be used in everything from slushy spring snow to icy, hard snow. It's incredibly easy to control the board's movement, and I have confidence and a real sense that I can make the turns I want in any snow condition.

It's flexible, yet even in hard snow, it responds precisely to the amount of pressure I put in. The sharpness of the edge grip is amazing! At the start of a turn, the tip quickly grips the snow surface, firmly absorbing the pressure, and then generates powerful acceleration on the exit. The turning ability is also flawless.

Kristoffersen, who uses Vandier skis, has won World Cup races with them, so the high quality has been proven worldwide. It's exactly what you'd expect from Marcel Hirscher. I was so excited when I rode it.

Based on a World Cup design, this SL is perfect not for serious racing, but for casual, aggressive skiing.

What we learned from the comparison

The HERO MASTER ST is appealing because it combines the stability and ease of handling directly inherited from World Cup skis, making it easy for a wide range of advanced skiers to bring out its full potential. On the other hand, the VAN DEER Red Bull SportsSL embodies Marcel Hirscher's philosophy, offering precise handling and direct contact with the snow surface, which may require a certain level of skill. If you want to enjoy racing performance in a nuanced way, choose the former; if you're looking for a pure racing feel, choose the latter.