The Rossignol Hero Elite ST-Ti is the second model in the Slalom style range from the French manufacturer. The genetics prevail and it is indeed almost the same Slalom ski as the top model, the Hero Elite ST-Racing (R20). They are brothers and this is the second one.
Rossignol Hero Elite ST Ti
© Skis Rossignol SAS
Being the second son, or better put not being the first born son, has a few drawbacks. Which are many times surpassed by the many advantages it offers. I know that from my own experience. You need to fight less for everything. Someone else has put the path before you. And yes, sometimes it’s not really your cup of tea but walking by a dusty rugged path is always better than climbing on the rocks with your naked hands and no established route. You now get the idea of the offered advantages. Now let’s see the not so good. And to start with, it’s the sense that you are always the last piece of the puzzle. Yes, you are important in the family but quite often you feel your opinion is a bit second relevant. However, as you grow up and others see you growing, things may change significantly. Now your opinion is taken not only seriously but to your surprise everyone is listening and paying lots of attention. And this is where you, my friend (yes you, the one reading these lines), must take a second look at the Rossignol Hero Elite ST-Ti.
This ski offers many advantages coming from its elder brother but without some of the drawbacks. Price is one of those, specially when skiing on the same plank for a lesser budget. Now you may feel some nervousness. How is it possible that a more than sound brand like Rossignol is doing this? Same plank but different name, at a different price? Are they fooling us? No they aren’t. You just need to take a look at the details. For some of you the plate-binding system is just one of those details. But it isn’t just a simple detail. Don’t think this “tiny detail” is important because of the safety provided. Well, it is because of that, but many of the problems from the past related to safety and bindings were already solved… in the past. The main difference between the Rossignol Hero Elite ST-Ti and the top range model the Hero Elite ST-Racing R20 is found in the plate-binding system. Where the latter uses the top model R20, the former uses a more civilized one, the TPX system.
There are some features that distinguish the two systems and can be a decisive factor when choosing in between. The TPX model incorporates a rail on top of the two halves forming the raisers. That rail will let, with the help of other pieces such a very handy lever, to adjust the binding to a different boot size. And this is a very handy feature if you plan to share a pair of skis, or if you are a rent shop. The downside is that rail will add some rigidity to the whole system, disallowing some of the free flex that this kind of modern binding permits. This trade off is worth it for the majority of skiers out there making the TPX a better system for skiers than the R20 found in the top model.
On the technological side of things, the manufacturer is using the best of the best in the Rossignol Hero Elite ST-Ti. The list of featured technologies is: Prop Tech, Minicap Sandwich and Power Turn Rocker. But surely this ski has a sinthered sole, which is good for speed, to add to the list. To get a deeper and better idea of these whole technologies, you can read either the review of the superior model the Rossignol Elite ST-Racing R20 or just take a look to the Rossignol’s Race general article.
As for the profile, it falls in between the ultra specific FIS model and some other commercial Slalom skis with generous dimensions. It starts with a 122 mm shovel, followed by a 68 mm waist and closing the draw a 104 mm tail. The result is a 13 m radius for the 167 cm size. Speaking about sizes, the range starts at 157 cm and the 162, the 167 cm and the 172 follow and close it respectively. The weight of the ski is 4.1 kg per pair. So they are not very heavy to transport although top range skis always feel a bit heavier since there is more stuff in them.
So, what to buy, the Rossignol Hero Elite ST-Racing (R20 Racing) or the Rossignol Hero Elite ST-Ti? Well, that is always up to you. I can tell you one thing. You won’t make a bad decision with neither of them. And just remember, same genetics but still different. Take a second look at your approach to skiing and the majority of you will apply better to the Rossignol Hero Elite ST-Ti. I bet you will.
Hello Albert, I recently tested the Rossi Hero Elite ST-Ti in Ontario where we have short hills flat hard pack groomed slopes and some steep runs. This is the land of private ski clubs and race schools. The day I tested skiis there were 2 races going on and the racks were filled with the Hero Elites. I compared several brands that day and as the testing progressed my legs were tiring. Testing skiis is hard work. The Hero Elite ST Ti were my favourite ski of the day over the Volkl, Dynastar and Salomon. I wanted to try the Stockli Laser Sl but they weren’t in the testing rack. I tried the Hero Elite in the morning and by afternoon when I returned to try them again it was like getting a fresh pair of legs. The ski was easy to initiate into the turns had great reaction and had all the manners you described in your review. I tracked a pair down at a nearby shop and put a hold on their last pair in 167 with 40% off now that it’s the end of the season. Like you I’ve been skiing since I was 10. Now I’m 60 at 5′ – 8″ weighing 150 and I’ve managed to hold my waistline to 31″. My thighs are now thinner and not as strong as they once were. I still manage to do 1 or 2 trips a year to the American southwest or to B.C. where I usually ski an all mountain ski from Head for the past 10 years. My last pair are Head Peak 84’s. I fell in love with the Hero Elite. My good friend who is a ski instructor here in Ontario has always skied Rossignol preferring them as a better ski for a smaller lighter guy like the two of us. He weighs 140 lbs and skis the Elite St Ti. To me the ski seems to have a bigger sweet spot, quick into and out of the turns, stable at speed yet if I slowed down I could feather the ski and allow them to slide over the snow. As the day warmed and the snow became softer the ski was still able to perform with or without having to pressure it. If I stepped on it as I did the ski does what it’s designed to do. Overall a versatile ski and lots of fun. I could see why so many were stacked in the racks from the junior racers racing that day who are also smaller and lighter skiers. I’ve seen good reviews by you and others highly rating Hero Elite St-Ti but how about the Stockli Laser SL? How would you compare the two? I understand the Hero Elite has a wood core versus the Stockli with it’s foam core. I understand the foam core gives the ski more rebound which I look for in a ski but is the ski a stiffer ski than the Hero Elite and tire me out towards the end of the day? I like a snappy ski but I want to enjoy the ski without having to push it all day to work for me. You have skied both and I have not. Please tell me how you would compare the two and describe the differences knowing what you know about my reaction to the Hero Elite. Are they two different beasts?
Wow Rick!
There are many good points in your comment. Thanks a lot for posting.
Distinguishing between slalom skis is somehow difficult since turns come quite fast and you really have to look for many details and put them into different situations in order to see what’s what.
Now, the Rossignol is a more traditional ski and the Stöckli has more pop (I mean rebound). The Stöckli, with the “plastic” core, is not as much classic. However once in your feet the differences are very subtle. The Stöckli can propel you through the air easier than the Rossi. But I wouldn’t bet my money on the foam core as the main source. I think the most important reason for that is how much fiber they’ve put around that core and how thick (I mean thin) are the metal layers. The less metal plus the more fiber makes any ski more reactive. The plate could be another good reason since the Stöckli one isn’t at the Rossi’s level. Nobody knows, well… Mr. Money does, why Stöckli chose those Salomon plate-bindings. Which, by the way, are designed by Atomic.
At the end of the day it comes down to personal taste. Personally (that means me, for my needs, with my view) I would pick up another SL ski. But if I had to choose in between those two, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I’d go for the Rossi. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays I’d go for the Stöckli. On Sunday I would rest with a big smile on my face.
That said, the Rossi can be a closer option for someone like you since it’s not as much reactive as the Stöckli. But they are pretty close. Try to find a chance to test the Stöckli and then compare. That is always the safest, although you won’t be making a bad choice with neither of them whatsoever.
Best regards.
please can you help me i currently ski at expert level 80 plus days a year,70kg and 175cm.I am looking for a new ski to upgrade my rossignol 8s oversize WC models.I am spending 90perent time on piste.I use 158cm i know this is way short but i travel a lot and its more convenient,also i can generate plenty of speed from this size anyway i would consider up to 165cm.Should i be looking at this ski you have just reviewed so well or the pursuit 800 model??thankyou for your wisdom!