Salomon Rocker2 115 Review - Big Mountain Powder Ski
In the last few years, skis in the 110 to 120 mm underfoot category have gone from powder-specialty quiver skis to something more versatile - skis that don't make you go running to your car for another pair when the soft stuff gets tracked out after lunch.
One of our favorites in this increasingly versatile big mountain ski category is the Salomon Rocker2 115. Salomon expanded the Rocker2 out to a wide range of skis this year, but we think the 115 hits the sweet spot.
Slightly stiffer than the original with a little less rocker, while still maintaining tip and tail rise, the new Rocker2 becomes a potential quiver-of-one ski for those who like soft snow, bigger lines and wider skis to match.
Sierra Jim was able to get the Rocker2 115s into their natural habitat last winter despite the low snow year, and came away really impressed:
"On a windy storm day at Sugar Bowl with 12 inches of fresh snow on the ground, I was able to ski light snow, wind effected snow, tracked out and groomers back to the lift with the Salomon Rocker2 115.
These skis were great in those variable conditions. On the nose of Disney with blowing snow and flat light these skis were solid enough to keep me from being knocked around, and didn't want to over turn like some others in the category.
In the trees where the snow was the deepest, the Rocker2 had plenty of float, and was nimble in tight spots.
Going from rutted out run outs onto the groomer the Rocker2 was slightly shaky compared to a conventionally cambered ski, but it was more stable than most skis with both tip and tail rocker.
Salomon has done a great job with this ski balancing quickness, stability, float and carving."
Over on EpicSki.com, our own Philpug said:
"The Rocker2 115 is a grownup version of the Rocker2 122, from the top it's visually the same shape, but the profile is different, primarily from the waist back. Less tail rise over a shorter distance is, in my humble opinion, a good thing. It's also a stiffer ski, which adds strength and versatility. These are some of the most versatile powder skis ever offered."
Freeskier Magazine said:
"One tester said if they were to buy one ski for next season, this would be it. Another said it was 'friendly and easy to handle.'"
Ski Magazine said:
"Fight or surf? Salomon prefers the latter every time ... It doesn't care if it gives up frontside versatility to carvier, edgier entries; it's built to through huge sprays at nonchalant speed in deep snow."
The Salomon Rocker 2 comes in 178 and 188 cm lengths with 139-115-131 mm dimensions and a 21 m turning radius.
