Reviews/Snowboarding/snowboards/Rossignol EXP Snowboard
Rossignol EXP snowboard

Rossignol EXP Snowboard

6.5/10
•Expert Review by Tim Schneider•

The Rossignol EXP Snowboard is a twin all mountain board offered by many ski/snowboard rental shops, offering a good beginner experience with it's durable all mountain twin design.

Specifications

Pros

  • Durable construction with protective features
  • Versatile all-mountain design
  • Low-maintenance base material
  • Good edge hold from ABS sidewalls
  • Suitable for various terrain types

Cons

  • Often found in less-than-ideal condition due to rental use
  • Stiffer than expected which can challenge beginners
  • Extruded base sacrifices performance for durability
  • Rental wear affects boards intended flex pattern
  • May require significant maintenance if purchased used

The Rossignol EXP Snowboard presents itself as a versatile all-mountain board, but rental wear and tear significantly impacts its performance. As a rental fleet staple, these boards often show the battle scars of numerous seasons, affecting their intended characteristics.

Build Quality and Design

The board's construction features some solid fundamentals. The wood core provides good vibration dampening, while the ABS sidewalls offer decent edge hold and durability. The addition of nose and tail protectors is particularly valuable for rental boards, helping prevent delamination in high-impact areas. However, the extruded base, while low-maintenance, doesn't offer the same performance as a sintered base would.

Performance

In its prime, this board shows promise with its hybrid rocker-camber profile. The camber underfoot provides stability for charging, while the rockered nose and tail add playfulness and float in powder. The directional flex pattern, with a softer nose than tail, should theoretically enhance all-mountain versatility. However, the board's stiffness can make it less forgiving than advertised, particularly for beginners.

Rental Fleet Impact

The primary drawback comes from its common use as a rental board. The stiff flex becomes more pronounced with wear, and rental fleet maintenance can't always keep up with the demand. While the extruded base is marketed as low-maintenance, rental boards often show signs of inadequate care, resulting in slower glide and reduced performance. Be sure to inspect for drying wax appearing as white lines and splotches especially around the edges. This will seriously slow you down on the mountain if not dealt with, you can often ask the rental shop staff to give it a quick machine wax they will usually oblige unless they are a real stickler.

Best For

While marketed as a beginner-friendly option, this board better suits intermediate riders who can handle its stiffness. It's adequate for resort riding across various terrain but may disappoint those seeking high performance. As a rental board, it serves its purpose but doesn't fully showcase its potential due to wear and tear.

Value Proposition

For those considering purchasing this model, it's crucial to inspect the board's condition thoroughly. A new EXP could serve as a decent all-mountain option, but rental fleet specimens often deliver compromised performance, making the 6.5/10 rating reflect the typical rental experience rather than the board's theoretical capabilities.