Rossignol

X-IUM WC 1 Ski

The Rossignol X-IUM WC 1 Skate Ski is a track-munching monster designed to accept every bit of energy you put into it and then repay you, with interest. When you're hitting VO2 max up the last hill before the finish, the last thing you want is a ski that feels like a wet noodle, so Rossignol made sure the WC 1 has a flex profile that can stand up to flat-out hammering, with a 3D Profile Active Cap construction that features a multi-directional fiberglass laminate to provide superior torsional stability when you're putting your all into every kick. Control Edge ABS sidewalls enhance the stiffness and stability, ensuring that you're not losing kick energy with a ski that's twisting when it shouldn't, and the Racing Cobra sidecut widens slightly in the tip, increasing the amount of effective edge you can use to push off of, while improving stability at speed.

The cap construction also features RossiCap technology, which combines with the torsionally stiff elements of the ski to create what Rossignol calls "snake effect." By slightly softening up the flex in the tip and tail of the WC 1, the ski is more able to float (think slither) over uneven snow, reducing the need to power through choppy sections of track and allowing you focus on driving forward, rather than digging into mush. It isn't remotely noodley, however, thanks to a light and strong Nomex Honeycomb core that is has excellent compression strength, keeping the ski stiff and snappy for better kick performance and increased rebound.

Although you'll undoubtedly run into the soft stuff from time to time, the WC 1 is designed specifically to excel in cold conditions on hard snow. It has a low-profile carbon fiber tip that improves weight distribution, making it easier to snap the ski back under your foot after kicking, or blast through some lightning-quick step turns without a flapping, vibrating tip making you feel unsteady. The K7000 base is quick, too, and features a Double Groove Guide for enhanced tracking, keeping you moving down the track instead of across it. Rossi equipped the WC 1 with an NIS plate as well, making it compatible with NNN bindings to allow drill- and screw-free mounting and adjustment.