One of the boards in the new Seven Artistic Sins collection by Rossignol, the Rossignol Men’s S3 Koopman Skis is the ideal board for skiers who make the backcountry areas their playground. The S3 Koopman represents the deadly sin of gluttony, which is very fitting, as it “eats up” different mountain snow conditions, even taking on 30-inches deep powder snow!
The Rossignol Men’s S3 Koopman Ski measures at 124mm / 98mm / 114.2mm (tip / waist / tail) at the smallest board size of 159cm. The board is available on varying sizes, ranging from the smallest, 159cm, 168cm, 177cm, and the largest, 186cm. Each size has its own sidecut measurements, often adding less than 2mm on each part. Each size also has its own different turn radius, with the smallest size (159cm) having a turn radius of 15.5m – useful for making smaller turns on narrow paths and tracks.
Its graphic design was made by Caia Koopman, hence the name of the board. Koopman has a B.A. in Art and had interests on skateboard and skateboard graphics. She became well-known in making designs for different kinds of boards: skateboards, wakeboards, and snowboards. Soon enough, Rossignol commissioned her for the Seven Artistic Sins collection. The S3’s board has a somewhat noir feel on it, but according to her, the board graphic depicts the connection between humans and their environment. Looking at it, it does not represent Gluttony in any way…
However, once you get to try out this one, you will find out that among the deadly sins, gluttony would be the most suitable to describe this board. It takes on deep-powder snow conditions with such ease that even hip-deep powder is no match for the S3 Koopman Ski, floating on it with no problem at all. But how about groomed snow conditions? It also poses no problem for the S3 Ski, as it is designed for downhill skiing, where groomed and powder snow conditions are abound.
What makes this unique among the other boards in the collection is its wide waist (98mm). It gives excellent control on downhill tracks, especially when maneuvering through powdered and groomed snow conditions, making the trip down the hill a walk in the park. Made from THC2 Wood Core, it creates a light and lively ski and adds durability to the board. Weight Reduction system balances the board’s weight, placing fiber materials strategically around the board to reduce its total weight, but not affecting the rigidity of the board. The board is also equipped with Rossignol’s Mini Rossitop cap, which is placed on the top of the ski, making it capable to withstand hard landings and falls. Visco elastomer inserts are also present in this board, mainly acting as shock absorbers to protect the board from damages. Its sidewalls are also angled at 30 degrees for reducing the board’s overall weight, and improve the board’s edging ability.
A unique technology used on this board, is the Amptech, which combines an early rise in the tip and tail that results to excellent flotation ability, complementing the board’s wide-waisted design.
Reviews on this board are mostly positive, with its excellent flotation ability being the top-mentioned positive trait. Skiers also point out that this board provides a smooth ride, and great traction when compared to other freeride skis.