Rossignol describes their Free’zb 118 as a playful beginner ski which will teach people to ski in three turns, and I would definitely agree with them! But instead of looking at these as a training tool for future long skiers, how to they stack up to today’s skiboard market?
Far from what some of us would consider true skiboards, the Free’Zb 118cm are 80mm underfoot, full camber, wood core, twin tip, and come with a pre-mounted rental release binding. They are stiff, narrow and long, making them great for carving up groomers, and punching thru moguls. When taken to steep and challenging terrain however, they will chatter unless the skiers body weight is heavy over the nose and pressing over the shins (making them a great tool for learning proper ski technique.)
Off piste they tend to get thrown around due to the narrow waist, and lack of deflection from their stiffness. Sure the length helps a little for float in soft snow, but the control is severely compromised, and the dreaded thigh burn is not reduced, as the stiffness means a heavy lean back to keep afloat. They may be playful when compared to regular sized skis, but not when compared to other skiboards, as the stiffness hinders any playful quality. In the park, they may be interesting for younger or smaller aspiring skiers, but won’t even have the playfulness of modern full sized park skis.
End of the day, the Free’Zb are primarily green and blue piste cruisers and carvers, that could also fair well in moguls. Rossignol has made a short ski to introduce people to skiing, for us skiboarders, they could be an interesting addition to a quiver when the off piste and park is not an option, but the groomers are looking freshly groomed and appealing, and you’ve just watched some ski racing videos and are fired up to hit some gates!