Rossignol’s 7 series began a decade ago with a model that was 115mm underfoot and abundantly rockered tip and tail. In its first incarnations it had no metal, which contributed to a loose ride on groomers but great flotation and ease in the soft snow for which it was intended. Later on in the 7 series’ long trajectory came the Super 7, which at the time meant Rossi incorporated Titanal laminates into its lay-up, making for a more stable platform. By the time the Soul 7 appears in 2013, the Super 7 shed its metal, getting its energy from a long and responsive camber pocket.

The entire 7 series stepped up in power and responsiveness when it adopted Carbon Alloy Matrix, a grid composed of carbon and basalt fibers. The Super 7 HD went through a gamut of renovations over a 3-season period that changed its baseline (less rocker), tip design (more integrated, less mass) and appearance (terrific rack appeal). What didn’t change is the Super 7 HD’s primary personality trait: a spring-like rebound that is perfectly tuned to the rhythm of a powder run.

The biggest performance jump across the span of the Super 7’s history was the addition of Carbon Alloy Matrix. The new material didn’t impede the spring-like rebound of the fiberglass arch underfoot, nor did it have much effect on mass, but it added much needed torsional strength and a little more flex resistance, raising its speed tolerance. Despite Super 7 HD’s well-rockered baseline, when in its element the transition from edge to edge feels seamless.

The one word that captures what the Super 7 HD does best is “porpoising.” When its camber pocket is loaded up on the downbeat of a powder turn, it recoils and lifts the skier all the way to the surface where the move to the next turn happens automatically. Throughout its long reign, no other ski has been able to match the same sense of effortless rhythm. For its ungodly ease of use, we again award the Super 7 HD a Silver Skier Selection.