Rossignol Black Ops Sender Ti Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Rossignol touts the Sender Ti as its beefiest, baddest ski within the all-new Black Ops range. Designers include Double ACT LBS and Damp Tech technologies in this new Black Ops Sender Ti model. Rossignol completes the poplar wood core by reinforcing it with carbon and a titanal beam. Despite the perceived improvements, especially when compared to the skis in Rossignol's legendary history that it replaces, we found the Sender Ti still to be primarily a deep snow day ski.
Performance Comparison
Stability at Speed
The Black Ops Sender Ti is one of the widest underfoot skis in our lineup this year. Despite Rossignol's claims that this ski is made for full-gas and big lines, we found more success while keeping the speed down and flowing with the terrain at hand. We experienced considerable vibration at high speeds and would gladly pick something else for big long turns on wide-open terrain.
Carving Ability
Once again, the width underfoot leaves the Black Ops Sender Ti with a lower score in our carving metric. We found that the narrower skis in the lineup did have better torsional rigidity. Little can be expected from a ski with close to 10 millimeters more material underfoot when it comes to edge-to-edge responsiveness. However, we found that the Black Ops Sender Ti provides a decent edge hold when given enough time to get on those higher edge angles in soft conditions.
Powder Performance
The Black Ops Sender Ti showed our testers quite a surfy time in the powder. With a strong will to stay on top of the waves, we could navigate tight trees and venture through rock drops with a strong sense of stability. The Black Ops Sender Ti's strong dose of rocker in both tip and tail allows for quick changes in direction and the ability to scrub speed blisteringly fast. We were happy to choose this ski when we knew visibility would be limited and skiing the same area through multiple paths would be common.
Crud Performance
There were moments where the Black Ops Sender Ti deflected over the chop and kept our testers moving forward. There were also other times where this ski felt slow and or suddenly “too soft.” We found that the rocker profile on the Black Ops Sender Ti wasn't able to consistently support us as we tried to adjust to chopped-up snow. Avy-debris was especially challenging, and we found ourselves slowing way down to concentrate on picking our way through such challenging terrain.
Terrain Playfulness
Some of the dings from above against the Black Ops Sender Ti that relate to width or shape boost its Terrain Playfulness score. Although slower from edge-to-edge, our testers enjoyed the ease with which this ski allowed us to pivot and scrub speed. Our testers also felt at home in the air on the Black Ops Sender Ti. Fun airtime is a bonus for us especially considering how much more material this ski brings along for the ride than other high scorers in this metric. While not a park ski by any means, we feel that the Black Ops Sender Ti is a strong contender for the all-mountain terrain park.
Should You Buy the Black Ops Sender Ti?
The Rossignol Black Ops Sender Ti is certainly playful in powder, especially for a ski measuring only 104 millimeters underfoot. But this ski is pricey compared to other options that are much more well-rounded in the all-mountain category. Not exactly true powder ski and not a versatile all-mountain ski; your money is probably better spent elsewhere.
What Other All-Mountain Skis Should You Consider?
Except for its exceptional scores in terms of powder performance, the competition outshines the Rossignol Black Ops Sender Ti in nearly every other metric. The Nordica Enforcer 94 is our top recommendation for those looking for a great carving machine for front-side groomers. For those looking for a crud-busting ski, the award-winning Volkl M6 Mantra or extra-powerful Black Crows Justis are better options.