Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Started xc skiing last year in the UP and quickly discovered that I really enjoyed it, A LOT. After my first few outings on borrowed skis and many crashes I decided to buy a pair of Rossi BC 80's 186 cm. At 175lbs I quickly discovered that they were way too small and very slow. Then I purchased a pair of Transnordic 66's at 200 cm. I was leaning toward the 205's but waited too long and they were gone. I do find that the TN 66 200 cm can be sluggish on fresh snow but I do have decent control on downhill turns and I do have good grip on the up. I went from crashing a lot on the borrowed skis to occasional mishaps on the TN 66's on some challenging trails.

This year I decided to purchase the TN 66's in 205 cm while inventories lasted. I selected the 205's as my weight is on the lower third of the weight range for the 205 cm. I was on the verge of selecting the 210's, but being on the bottom range of the weight scale for 210 cm I was concerned that there would be a lack of grip and the down hill would be a little WILD and uncontrolled. Was that the right choice? I may consider the TN 66 in 210 cm once I get more experience.

Due to great early season pricing I also purchased the Excursion 88 in 199 cm this year, thinking that this ski would provide more float than the TN 66 in the deep wet snow that is prevalent in the UP. Telemark Pyrenees had the weight range listed for the E88 199cm at 176 lbs to 220 lbs, while Fischer had the weight for this ski listed as >220 lbs. Is the Excursion 88 199 cm the right ski for my weight? I guess I will find out soon.

I'm in the UP and ski the t78 in 199 and weigh around 185. Although I really like those skis, I wish they made a longer version. I suspect I would feel the same with the 199 e88. To answer your question, yes, a 199 e88 most likely will be the right length for your weight. Let's hope for another stellar snow year in the UP!

You guys talking about the E99?.....TM

For the weight suggestion charts, are the weights those when fully dressed in all gear?

connyro wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 26, 2022 8:05 am

I'm in the UP and ski the t78 in 199 and weigh around 185. Although I really like those skis, I wish they made a longer version. I suspect I would feel the same with the 199 e88. To answer your question, yes, a 199 e88 most likely will be the right length for your weight. Let's hope for another stellar snow year in the UP!

Thanks for the response. I did read a few posting on this forum that recommended the Excursion 88 in 199 cm for my weight class, which contradicts Fischers weight scale. I hope the Excursion 88 will provide better float the BC 80 provided. I was on the fence with moving up to the Sbound 98 or 112's but with mostly rolling hills in my area decided to stay with the Excursion 88's.

Looking forward to a new ski season which started a little early this year....19 inches last week and I was able to go out twice before it melted.

greatgt wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 26, 2022 11:24 am

You guys talking about the E99?.....TM

My original post was for both the Excursion 88 and Transnordic 66. I found that I really like the Transnordic 66 in 200cm with my limited experience. The TN 66 in 200cm does feel a little slow in soft fresh snow as I am pushing 180 lbs fully dressed without a pack. As a result I did purchase a 205 cm version of the TN 66 this year, hopefully, the 205 cm will be a good match for my weight. There may be an option to exchange the TN 205's for 210's due to a warranty issue that arose upon waxing the skis for the first time. Would my grip suffer at the 210 cm length?

I think both the TN 66's and Excursion 88's will serve me well in a wide range of snow conditions.

YooperXC wrote: ↑
Looking forward to a new ski season which started a little early this year....19 inches last week and I was able to go out twice before it melted.

Good work! I was not able to capitalize on the snow due to clearing blowdowns and whatnot. We got some of the strongest wind gusts I can remember but not much snow where I'm at. My ski camp got 18 inches but it had melted by the time I got up there.

I’m 190 lbs, ski a Gamme which is comparable to the TN 66, and I ski a 210 cm. I wouldn’t consider shorter.
I’m also a troll whom lives under the bridge in SE Michigan. It’s still fishing season. You have lived until you’re out with a bit of wind, a good walleye chop, maybe a bit of sleet, under a gray ski on Lake Huron fishing for late season lake trout.
I almost feel sorry for you Yooper’s!

Thanks fisheater..... caught my first King a few weeks ago on my boat in Lake Superior....fun.

Telemark Pyrenees provides great customer service and the ski prices are tough to beat, even with shipping across the big lake.

I am highly confident the Excursion 88 in 199cm will fit the bill. It seems strange the Fischer discontinued the waxless version of the E109 as I probably would have selected this ski over the E88.

I will be sticking with the TN 66 205 cm this year (after warranty replacement) as I believe I believe the 205 will work well for me as a novice in this sport.

I also have an older (1980's?) E99 tour 205 cm waxable set of skis that I have not used yet. They need some TLC due to minor delamination on the tips, but overall the skis seem to be in good shape. Getting the grip wax right seems somewhat daunting.

Topper, grip wax is relatively simple to start and rocket science to be a zen master.
Fortunately for me it isn’t really difficult to have generally better backcountry skiing performance with wax than with scales. When you get it right, it can be really right.
Don’t be afraid, wax is good!