The original Soul 7 debuted to instant stardom and it’s only gotten better since. We should say “better and better,” because the Soul 7 HD of today is the product of more than one makeover. Last season Rossi reconfigured the forebody into a structure it christened Air Tip 2.0. Add Air Tip 2.0 to Rossi’s long history of eye-catching visuals tied to compelling technical stories. Air Tip 2.0 has the same hypnotic effect as the first Soul 7’s translucent Koroyd tip, but it’s different in a couple of important ways.

First, Air Tip 2.0 isn’t a separate piece, but an integrated, reinforced extension of the forebody. Second, it’s part of a re-fashioned front rocker that’s thinner and finds the edge earlier than previous versions. “A marked improvement over last year’s Soul,” remarked Cal Ski Co’s Paul Jacobs. “Quicker to edge, more damp without loss of playfulness. Stronger carves, yet just as easy to ski. Skis well in powder and crud but doesn’t let you down on those icy run-outs. ”

The 2019 Soul 7 HD’s shorter front rocker lets it roll on edge so quickly there’s barely time to notice that Air Tip 2.0 is calmer than its predecessors. The elongated camber pocket underfoot puts more edge in the snow for greater security in all snow conditions. The Soul 7 HD is still abundantly rockered and tapered at tip and tail, reducing the effective carving radius to the mid-section. This makes the ski feel extra agile for its length, off-setting some of the effect of its width.

The camber pocket may not run tip to tail, but what’s there is ready to pack a wallop when loaded. Unfettered by heavy metal laminates, the Soul 7 HD pops from edge to edge, a trait that makes powder skiing almost insanely simple: as soon as you hit the bottom of the turn, the ski begins to rise and ferry you across the fall line by itself. This autopilot turning is why the Soul 7 HD remains a Finesse ski, albeit a better carving, more responsive one than ever.