Reviewers' score

16.9

BEST SKI

Rossignol React R8 TI review 2020

Best ski 2020

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

The Rossignol React series replaces the Pursuit line tested in previous years. The Rossignol React R8 Ti is reinforced by a Titanal plate and is at the top of the range.

In the “Cruisers” category, we choose skis that provide a balanced mix of performance, comfort, accessibility, and versatility. The React R8 Ti perfectly fulfills these criteria, plus they are also super fun.

In terms of performance, the testers were not disappointed. The ski is “playful and snappy.” The very large tip makes turn initiation super quick and intuitive. It holds the line perfectly because it has excellent edge grip and amazing stability.

It is very accessible and super smooth. The ski is intuitive and requires no special instructions. You are immediately “on it.” You can control it without thinking, and it requires very little physical effort or technical skill from the skier.

It is also quite versatile. The React Ti can vary the type and radius of turn effortlessly. We should just point out that the ski is a little less at ease in skidded turns (the downside of its great edge grip) and in long turns.

The incredible responsiveness of the ski, its ease of use, and the minimal effort it requires make it a total blast to ski on. It is a perfect ski for this category. It will be super fun for a wide range of skiers, including less aggressive skiers.

The React R8 Ti is our top choice for advanced to expert skiers, who are not necessarily in great shape physically and who want to have fun on a ski that is playful and undemanding.

Review: Pros

Very agile
Excellent edge grip
Super quick turn initiation
Accessible, requires little physical effort or technical skill
Super fun
Stable
Versatile

Review: Cons

A little less comfortable in skidded turns because its great edge grip sometimes gets in the way
Edge hold is less solid in long turns at high speed

The ski review scores

Turn initiation	☆☆☆☆☆	17.5
Stability	☆☆☆☆☆	15.5
Stability/turning performance	☆☆☆☆☆	17.0
Grip	☆☆☆☆☆	18.0
Short turn performance	☆☆☆☆☆	18.0
Long turn performance	☆☆☆☆☆	16.5
Skid turn performance	☆☆☆☆☆	16.0
Handleability	☆☆☆☆☆	17.0
Comfort	☆☆☆☆☆	16.5
Snow contact	☆☆☆☆☆	17.0
Soft snow fluidity	☆☆☆☆☆	16.5

Who's it for?

Beginner

Basic

Intermediate

Good

Very good

Excellent

Expert

Good → Excellent

Manufacturer's remarks

The racing spirit spreads to the slopes with the new REACT R8 Ti. Built for avid on-piste skiers seeking instant power and perfect carved turns, our new Flex Tip technology allows easy turn initiation and effortless rhythm that instantly puts you in the zone. Feel the flow with this Titanal-enhanced construction that combines power, speed, edge grip, and control.

Features of the React R8 TI

Brand :	Rossignol
Model :	React R8 TI
Year :	2020
Family :	Cruisers
Size tested :	176 cm
Tip size :	123 mm
Waist size :	74 mm
Tail size :	109 mm
Radius for the size reviewed :	14 m

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Your review

I am a Level 3 ski instructor who skis out of Big White BC - typically I will ski some 120 days per year in every variety of ski conditions. I was needing to replace my old favourite skis - Dynastar Course Pros - which finally succumbed to mileage and rock damage. I have other more suitable skis for soft powder and crud conditions but wanted/needed a pair of high performance groomer skis which were still versatile and user friendly enough to handle most day-to-day teaching situations. After a couple of failed attempts I gambled and won with the Rossignol React R8 TI. The ProSkiLab review is very fair and complete - I agree with virtually everything that has been reported. This is a very versatile ski which is very decent to excellent in most conditions. It can make virtually any sized turn shape with ease and it's a nice little bump ski - lively yet not too stiff. My only additional comments would be - sometimes I would wish for a little more robustness in (light) choppier conditions. As a bigger (200+lb) skier I found that the ski got kicked around and more deflection than I cared for in light chop. I think a beefier (read stiffer and/or slightly longer more race oriented carver) would give more "drive-thru" performance. Perhaps this characteristic is the trade-off for the aforementioned versatility. Otherwise a really fun daily driver for mostly groomed conditions!!

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