REASONS TO BUY
Stiff and composed
Consistent in variable conditions
REASONS TO AVOID
Too lumbering to be playful
Slow edge to edge
Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102 Review
A capable, burly ski that slices smoothly through difficult snow conditions, but it requires added effort without much reward
Among the best all-mountain skis on the market, the Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102 is a solid ski at the middle of the bunch.
Credit: Marc Rotse
By Renee McCormack ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 14, 2025
RELATED: The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women
Our Verdict
The Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102 is a stable, confident ski that shines when slicing through windpack, crunch, and variable snow. But its performance in variable snow conditions comes with tradeoffs. While its stiffer flex provides composure and control at speed, it lacks the same playful, buttery feel that fans of the old Soul 7 may be looking for. It feels more burly than rewarding, preferring a straightforward, aggressive style over finesse. For skiers who want precision and stability in challenging snow, it holds up well. But for others who crave the pop, rebound, and surfy looseness of loved-and-lost Rossignol skis of the past, you'll be left wanting more.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best All Mountain Ski for Women (under 100 mm) | Best All Mountain Ski for Women (over 100 mm) |  Most Playful All-Mountain Ski for Women |  Our Choice for Intermediates | |
| Price | $750 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $800 List Check Price at REI | $899 List Check Price at Backcountry | $800 List Check Price at REI | $750 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A capable, burly ski that slices smoothly through difficult snow conditions, but it requires added effort without much reward | A true all-mountain powerhouse, this ski transitions seamlessly between all types of snow conditions, terrain, and turn shapes | An excellent choice for any skier looking for a one-ski quiver, especially if you spend more time in soft snow | A polished, versatile all-mountain ski that is exceptionally fun for any level skier | A playful, confidence-building ski best for intermediates to advanced skiers who prioritize fun and versatility over high-speed stability |
| Rating Categories | Rossignol Rallybird... | Nordica Santa Ana 97 | blackcrows Atris Birdie | Blizzard Black Pearl 94 | Elan Ripstick 94 W |
| Stability at Speed (20%) | |||||
| Carving Ability (20%) | |||||
| Powder Performance (20%) | |||||
| Crud Performance (20%) | |||||
| Terrain Playfulness (15%) | |||||
| Bumps (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | Rossignol Rallybird... | Nordica Santa Ana 97 | blackcrows Atris Birdie | Blizzard Black Pearl 94 | Elan Ripstick 94 W |
| Length Tested | 172 cm | 173 cm | 172 cm | 170 cm | 175 cm |
| Waist Width | 102 mm | 97 mm | 105 mm | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) | 135-102-125 mm | 129-97-117 mm | 134-105-122 mm | 132.5-94-114.5 mm | 129-94-109 mm |
| Turn Radius | 16 m | 17.5 m | 19 m | 15.5 m | 16.8 m |
| Available Lengths | 150, 156, 164, 172 cm | 150, 155, 161, 167, 173, 179 cm | 166, 172, 178 cm | 152, 158, 164, 170, 176 cm | 147, 154, 161, 168, 175 cm |
| Camber Profile | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Rocker tip, camber underfoot, mild tail rocker | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Amphibio Rocker tip, camber underfoot, tail rocker |
| Manufacturer Claimed Weight per Pair | 7.5 lbs | 8.8 lbs | 7.8 lbs | 8.1 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Core Material | Poplar PEFC Woodcore | Performance wood, terrain-specific metal, Pulse Core | Poplar and fiberglass | TrueBlend All Mountain Woodcore (beech and poplar), titinal | TubeLite Woodcore with carbon tubes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Our testers were total fan-girls of the old Rossignol Soul 7. Some still have a pair in their quiver, and they aren't at all sure how they'll replace these discontinued skis once there's no life left in them. Given this heartfelt history, there was so much hope when Rossignol introduced a ski with the “Soul” name. Unfortunately for our testers and others who remember it fondly, Rossignol stole the soul from the name without paying homage to the original. (Just bring it back, already, Rossignol!)
Performance Comparison
The Rallybird Soul 102 isn't the old Soul 7, but it's a very solid ski on-piste or off. Credit: Marc Rotse
Stability at Speed
The Rallybird Soul 102 feels built for speed, with a stiffer flex that keeps it composed in a variety of snow conditions. It doesn't feel twitchy or nervous, and its ability to stay stable in tougher conditions is a clear strength. That said, the ski doesn't inspire quite as much confidence on firm snow or when laid over at top speeds, partly due to its large surface area. At 102 mm underfoot, it bumps along the snow as the skier transitions laboriously from edge to edge. Its solid construction blasts through choppy conditions at a decent clip, but it lacks the rebound and excitement of more responsive skis.
Despite a surprisingly tight turn radius for such a wide ski, this ski still doesn't have much chutzpah. Credit: Marc Rotse
Carving Ability
On groomers, the Rallybird Soul 102 transitions smoothly from short to medium turns, with a natural turn radius that feels surprisingly tight for a ski of this width. Our testers agreed it felt somewhere in the 17-meter range, just slightly larger than the listed 16-meter radius. Its strength lies in slicing through turns with control rather than delivering dynamic energy. Compared to more playful skis, it feels heavier underfoot and less lively. By trading rebound for stability, it makes a precise arc once you get it up on edge, but it doesn't provide the exhilarating snap or versatility of some other skis we tested (or certainly of the much-missed Soul 7).
Surprisingly stable underfoot for having such a wide waist, but that extra width makes it harder to put this ski on edge. Credit: Renee McCormack
Powder Performance
With 102 millimeters underfoot, the Rallybird Soul 102 should be a natural in fresh snow, and it manages well in a foot or so of powder. Flotation is decent, and it can comfortably ski heavier snow without the tips folding. However, its stiffness and weight mean it doesn't feel as buoyant or surfy as some rivals, and testers noticed it could even dive or hook awkwardly in deeper spots. It's capable, but not as forgiving or fun in soft snow as skis that lean more into a playful rocker profile.
Good flotation and a damp nature offer a smooth ride through heavy snow. Credit: Renee McCormack
Crud Performance
Its stiffer flex and damp construction allow the Rallybird Soul 102 to slice confidently through choppy, wind-packed, or crunchy snow without getting deflected too easily. Rather than riding on top, it prefers to blast straight through. The downside is that this approach can feel a bit heavy and demanding, requiring more strength and commitment from the skier. For those who want to charge, it works; for those looking for an easy ride, it may feel a bit arduous.
A strong construction and reasonable rocker profile help this ski push through tough snow conditions. Credit: Marc Rotse
Terrain Playfulness
Playfulness is not the Rallybird Soul 102's strong suit. While some other skis in its cohort encourage smearing, buttering, and creative skiing, the Rallybird instead defaults to power and precision. It can pivot when forced, but it lacks the easy, surfy feel of other designs. Nor does it have a particularly energetic rebound from one turn to the next. Testers described “tinny” sensation underfoot, reinforcing the idea that this titanal-reinforced construction is designed to slice through the snow. It's reliable, but if you're seeking energy, pop, or play, you'll want to look elsewhere.
This ski prefers precision over pop; it's a bit too heavy and lacks the rebound to get airborne easily. Credit: Marc Rotse
Bumps
Although clearly not designed for bumps, the Rallybird Soul 102 handles them surprisingly well for its size. Its width and stiffness, however, make it less agile and forgiving in tight lines, and it can feel somewhat cumbersome when you need to make fine adjustments mid-turn. Quick pivoting isn't its natural style, but with a bit of effort, it can navigate moguls without feeling completely out of place. Still, skiers who live to ski bumps will likely find a better match with a more nimble, narrower ski.
Just a tad too wide to make moguls feel easy, the Rallybird Soul 102 does better in crud than bumps. Credit: Renee McCormack
Should You Buy the Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102?
The Rallybird Soul 102 is a capable all-mountain ski, but whether you should buy it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a ski that favors slicing through variable snow with confidence and stability, this one delivers, offering a solid and composed ride that rewards a more aggressive style. However, it lacks the lively rebound, surfy feel, and playful flex of some of its rivals, and its stiffness can feel demanding without offering enough in return. Skiers seeking buttery turns, versatility in bumps, or a more forgiving ride will likely be happier with other options.
What Other Women's All-Mountain Skis Should You Consider?
If you're weighing alternatives, a few skis stand out depending on your priorities. For a little more money, the blackcrows Atris Birdie offers a similarly generous platform, with better performance in powder and a more lively construction. For a similarly wide ski with far more energy and a pivoty, playful feel, the DPS Wailer 100 is a compelling, albeit expensive choice. But if dependable sounds boring, the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 is the most playful ski in our review.
—Renee McCormack
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