#10 on this list
XP 105 Positrack Skis
Rossignol
The Rossignol XP 105 Positrack is an unapologetic wilderness ski built for breaking trail through deep, unconsolidated powder and managing steep, off-piste terrain. With an oversized 105mm shovel and an aggressive sidecut tapering to an 80mm waist, it acts more like a lightweight alpine touring plank than a classic Nordic ski. It is aimed at winter explorers who want to travel across untracked forests, river valleys, and mountain passes where flotation and descent control matter most. Rossignol builds the XP 105 with an LDC wood core that keeps weight reasonable despite its broad surface area. The waxless Positrack fishscale base provides dependable grip when traversing rolling hills, while full steel edges bite hard into wind-scoured ridges and icy sidehills. Independent reviewers emphasize that this ski offers legitimate downhill capability, allowing skiers using telemark or heavy-duty backcountry boots to link turns through soft trees on the descent. Naturally, the ski's sheer width and weight are significant liabilities on flat or packed surfaces. At roughly five pounds per pair, kick-and-glide mechanics feel slow and laboured compared to touring skis, and the ski will never fit inside a groomed track. The Positrack base can also drag on dry downhill hardpack. But when the snow is deep and the trail does not exist, the XP 105 provides unmatched security. **Highlights** * Wide 105mm shovel delivers superior flotation in deep powder snow * Full-wrap steel edges ensure positive grip on icy traverses and steep descents * Positrack waxless base provides immediate climbing traction in variable snow * Deep sidecut enables functional turn initiation on downhill backcountry slopes * Durable LDC wood core balances trail-breaking strength with manageable weight **Watch-outs** * Too wide and heavy for flat, packed trails or groomed resort tracks * Demands supportive backcountry boots and heavy-duty bindings * Fishscale base produces friction and drag on firm downhill snow
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#1 on this list
Delta Comp R Skin Medium
Rossignol
The Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium is engineered for dedicated classic skiers who want training- and race-level speed without the hassle of traditional kick waxes. It targets intermediate to advanced Nordic skiers who spend the bulk of their time on groomed tracks. Rossignol builds the ski around a Nomex honeycomb core combined with carbon reinforcement, resulting in an exceptionally responsive flex pattern and a low swing weight that keeps kick-and-glide mechanics crisp over high-mileage workouts. In field assessments by Nordic specialists, the integrated mohair skin insert earns consistent praise for delivering dependable purchase across fluctuating snow conditions, including hardpack, refrozen tracks, and glazed surfaces where standard fishscales slip. The medium flex camber balances easy kick engagement with clean glide phase clearance, meaning the skin stays lifted off the snow when your weight transfers forward. The primary trade-off is that this is an uncompromising track-only ski. With its narrow profile and lack of metal edges, it offers zero stability on untracked snow or steep, icy backcountry descents. Proper camber sizing is also critical; selecting a stiffness that mismatches your body weight will either cause dragging skins or require excessive downward force to set the kick. **Highlights** * Replaceable 100% mohair skin insert offers quiet, wax-free grip * Nomex honeycomb core reinforced with carbon delivers high torsional stiffness * Active Cap construction allows independent flex at the tip and tail * Light overall weight at approximately 2 pounds, 8 ounces per pair * Turnamic binding plate allows tool-free binding adjustment for fine-tuning grip and glide **Watch-outs** * Strictly built for groomed tracks; unusable in deep or off-piste snow * Demands accurate weight-based sizing to prevent the skin from dragging during the glide * Mohair skins eventually wear out and require periodic replacement
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Specs side by side
| Spec | XP 105 Positrack Skis | Delta Comp R Skin Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Backcountry Nordic touring | — |
| Tip Width | 105 mm | — |
| Waist Width | 80 mm | — |
| Base Type | Waxless Positrack scale | — |
| Edge Style | Full-wrap steel edges | — |
| Weight per Pair | Approx. 4.5 to 5.1 lbs | — |
| Available Lengths | 160, 170, 180, 190 cm | — |
| Discipline | — | Classic Nordic track |
| Core Material | — | Nomex honeycomb with carbon |
| Grip Style | — | Replaceable 100% mohair skin |
| Weight (Pair) | — | 2 lbs., 8 oz. |
| Binding Plate | — | Turnamic IFP |
| Edge Type | — | Edgeless track profile |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
XP 105 Positrack Skis
- Generous 105 mm shovel provides exceptional floatation in deep, untracked powder
- Continuous steel edges deliver reliable purchase on firm sidehills and steep descents
- Waxless Positrack pattern offers maintenance-free climbing traction on rolling terrain
- Aggressive sidecut enables functional turn initiation on low-angle backcountry slopes
- Broad dimensions and heavy weight significantly hinder flat-terrain glide efficiency
- Too wide to fit inside standard machine-groomed cross-country ski tracks
- Requires heavy, specialized backcountry boots and bindings for proper control
Delta Comp R Skin Medium
- Nomex honeycomb core offers race-tier swing weight and lively rebound
- Replaceable mohair skin delivers quiet, secure grip on glazed tracks
- Turnamic binding plate allows tool-free fore and aft tuning
- True high-speed glide when properly fitted to skier weight
- Strictly restricted to groomed tracks; unusable off-piste
- Demands precise body-weight camber matching to avoid drag
- Mohair inserts require specialized cleaning and eventual replacement
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