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Reviewers' score
15

Nordica Dobermann GSR RB EVO + N POWER X-Cell EVO review 2017

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

Usually selected and tested with success, the Dobermann GSR EDT was awarded the "Best ski" distinction in this category last year, and was a ski that the reviewers really loved. The model got special praise for its performance, while remaining accessible for a non-competition public.

The version reviewed this year (Dobermann GSR RB EVO) has been fitted with carbon inserts ("Racing Bridge" which explains the "RB" initials) that have considerably increased the ski's stiffness, enhancing its performance in radical turns to the detriment of accessibility and comfort.

While the ski is extremely stable, grippy and solid in turn performance and globally very efficient, this year it has gone one better in terms of liveliness, accessibility and versatility. Since it is very stiff, getting some flex on this new version of the Dobermann is particularly difficult. This gives an impression of inertia on turn initiation, with limited short turn options and a lot of physical and technical work required from the skier in general.

The Dobermann GSR RB Evo has become too elitist for the "Giant" programme as defined by PROSKILAB, where accessibility for a non-competition public is an important criteria. It's still a very good Giant slalom ski, close to an FIS ski, and awesomely effective when cruising long turns at high speeds. We recommend it for relatively well-built, extremely athletic and competition skiers.

Review: Pros

  • A ski that's fast and stable at high speeds, 'on a rail' at high speeds
  • Remarkable grip
  • Consistent behaviour, sound and reassuring, even at top speed

Review: Cons

  • A very stiff ski, both technically and physically demanding
  • Handling needs some time to adapt to
  • Some inertia when entering turns, lacks punch coming out of the turn
  • Not very happy in small turns

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
12.0
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
16.5
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
16.5
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
16.5
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
12.0
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
17.0
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
12.0
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
12.5
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
13.0
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
14.0
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
12.5

Who's it for?

Excellent → Expert

Manufacturer's remarks

The world cup superstars, Felix Neureuther, Dominik Paris and Fritz Dopfer helped to design this Dobermann line with our R&D team and it continues to be just as efficient. The carbon race bridge technology is a carbon insert in the tip and tail to increase the ski’s torsion and power. The resulting benefits include effortless turn initiation, fast and smooth transition, increased torsional resistance, precision and instant edging.

Features of the Dobermann GSR RB EVO + N POWER X-Cell EVO

Brand : Nordica
Model : Dobermann GSR RB EVO + N POWER X-Cell EVO
Year : 2017
Family : Giant slalom
Size tested : 182 cm
Tip size : 115 mm
Waist size : 71 mm
Tail size : 99 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : Not available

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Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2016