Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Hej,
I am considering buying the new Fischer Traverse 78 ez, but I am unsure about the weight range/ski length - did anyone test the ski yet? I would probably buy the 179 cm one but the recommended weight range is quite great (65-89 kg?!): How can a ski perform well for such a range of different weights?!
I barely make 65 kg fully equipped for a shorter day trip, so I am worried the scales won’t grip properly at the lower end of the weight spectrum. I am not a super experienced skier and not sure I can compensate lacking weight with proper technique. At the same time, I do also want to use the ski for overnight/weekend trips with a little more packing (up to 75 kg maybe), so I can’t really take a shorter one.

Confused newbie here, so very grateful for some input and experience

I have the Fischer Traverse 78 @ 179 and I weigh 72kg. I have zero issue with them gripping due to being on the low end of the weight recommendation. I got them when they were made in China so the quality is lacking and there is no EZ ski attachment. Lots of chips on the top sheet and the graphics aren't centered. Despite the lack of craftsmanship they ski beautifully. I mounted the Xplore binding and I ski with the Alpha Free A/P/S boot. Everything from downhill resort skiing (wouldn't recommend it... but you can get down), to groomed nordic with my son, and off trail exploring in deep untracked powder.

I am 5' 14 and weigh 98kg and the 199 works great!

xcdnewb0313 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 18, 2024 6:07 pm

I have the Fischer Traverse 78 @ 179 and I weigh 72kg. I have zero issue with them gripping due to being on the low end of the weight recommendation. I got them when they were made in China so the quality is lacking and there is no EZ ski attachment. Lots of chips on the top sheet and the graphics aren't centered. Despite the lack of craftsmanship they ski beautifully. I mounted the Xplore binding and I ski with the Alpha Free A/P/S boot. Everything from downhill resort skiing (wouldn't recommend it... but you can get down), to groomed nordic with my son, and off trail exploring in deep untracked powder.

Thank you for your review! Good to hear that they’re so versatile! In the new 24/25 version Fischer updated the weight range though: previously it was 60-80 kg (for 179cm) and now it´s 65-89kg for the same length, that what I am a little worried about…

Typically those weight ranges are conservative in that the skis will be effective for skiers of intermediate ability at the minimum of the weight range. Many skiers were happy they went longer.

FWIW, I'd be more worried about being near the top end of the weight range and having the skis be too soft to hold an edge. I'm ~65kg and have the SB 112 in 179 and shorter would be too soft IMHO.

Hi Silvii,
What is your intended use for the Fischer 78→ terrain; snow; distance; XC vs downhill?

The Fischer 78 remains a distance-oriented XC ski at its core, and is best in a suitable XC length-
As long as you can easily compress the camber- they are not too long. And you do not want those aggresive scales dragging if your objective is backcountry-XC skiing.

If you are considering a short 78 for steep terrain→ climbing and turning- you might consider a more downhill-tuned ski.
Best,
Gareth