Rossignol BC X6

Very good light-medium-duty off-trail xcountry performance, poor lacing system.

I have owned these boots for a few years, but only used them rigorously for one season. Although the performance is excellent for what they are designed to be (medium-duty off-trail xcountry) the very poor lacing system ruins this boot.

This is the 5th Rossi nordic boot I have tried with this type of quick lacing/locking system and the 5th one that I hate. With older versions of this basic design I had trouble with releasing the locking cleat. With this latest version, I cannot get the lace cleat to lock at all. It is constantly working its way loose. In the end, you may have to cut the cleat off and tie the laces (you will find many, many reviews online with a similar experience).

This was the first boot in my move away from 75mm telemark equipment for use in off-trail xcountry skiing on moderate terrain. I appreciate 75mm tele gear when I need it, but I find it agonizingly inefficient when I don't.

My everyday skiing is off-trail classic xcountry skiing over moderate, rolling terrain with the occasional steep descent and climb. In this context NNNBC is much more efficient. Although 75mm is more versatile, for my everyday skiing the NNNBC system outperforms the 75mm. I have since tried the Fischer NNNBC boots; and have currently settled on the Alpina Alaska NNNBC (read my review!).

Back to the Rossi BCX6! Out of the box I loved the comfort and light-medium flex through the kick and glide phase. They perform just like a classic nordic track boot, but with enough strength to drive a narrow off-trail ski through the kick and glide phase.

However, this boot has no ankle and leg support. Despite the power strap, there is no meaningful strength to this boot above the ankle joint. This lack of support and strength seriously limits this boot's ability to drive off-trail xcountry skis. I would not mate this boot to a ski any wider than 80mm. And, I would not expect to be able to effectively steer a telemark turn with this boot, except in perfect snow conditions.

This boot is designed for xcountry striding — not steering.

If it wasn't for the lacing system I would highly recommend this boot for light to medium-duty off-trail xcountry skiing.

Great balance of warmth, support stiffness and waterproofness! A great do anything system boot to explore the backcountry or rip up the groomed cross-country centers.

I needed a sturdy pair of backcountry skiing System boots to replace my two-year-old Fischer BC x6 boots that delaminated at the sole after only two years.  It would be a tall order since when first tried the Fischers were very warm and supportive and stiff enough to drive turns on medium width BC skis.

As soon as I tired these on I was impressed at how comfortable they fit and also on how well constructed they were. The outer cordora does a good job at keeping out snow and wetness and the Thinsulate kept my feet very warm.

We were at Windblown XC center and made several very steep climbs either shuffling or herringboning and these were very solid on my feet. Never felt any wetnes or cold the enitre day we skied. Did a few deep powder runs and these excelled.

Love these boots so far!