Help me pick XCD skis: Fischer E-88 or S-98?

[Dave Patterson]

Which of these skis would be better for my most common skiing situation: hilly & twisty trails (mostly groomed fat bike & snowshoe trails), variable conditions from fresh snow to icy?

I currently have S-bound 98's, which I have really liked, but they are coming apart. Some people around here have suggested I go with Excursion 88's instead this time (more efficient & faster for XC, better on ice, albeit not as good at turning, they say). Thoughts?

Thanks!

[JB TELE]

What kind of slope angles are you dealing with? 20 degrees or more, you will probably want the more turny s-bounds. Lower angle, tight trees, on fast snow you will probably also want the s-bounds.

[Dave Patterson]

What kind of slope angles are you dealing with? 20 degrees or more, you will probably want the more turny s-bounds. Lower angle, tight trees, on fast snow you will probably also want the s-bounds.

Are you saying the s-bounds would be better for both situations, or was it a typo?

I'm not sure what exactly the slope angle would be, but they can get pretty fast and twisty. I've had to put down some pretty hard turns to avoid tree collisions.

[lilcliffy]

@Dave Patterson
Hello and Welcome!

For reference, I have both the Fischer 88 (in a longish XC length); and a Fischer 98 (in shortish downhill length).

My first thought- if you are content with the 98 on packed out trails (eg groomed bike trails; snowmobile trails; etc)- then I wouldn't stray from the 98.
The 88- especially in a longish length- is definitely a more efficient XC ski than the 98-
but, who cares if you are currently content with the 98?
Best,
Gareth

[Krummholz]

I prefer the S-98 for Showshoe Rut of Death trails, as compared to a Asnes USGi or E-99. They are fun on lots of other trails too.

[Dave Patterson]

Thanks for the input, everyone!

[JB TELE]

What kind of slope angles are you dealing with? 20 degrees or more, you will probably want the more turny s-bounds. Lower angle, tight trees, on fast snow you will probably also want the s-bounds.

Are you saying the s-bounds would be better for both situations, or was it a typo?

I'm not sure what exactly the slope angle would be, but they can get pretty fast and twisty. I've had to put down some pretty hard turns to avoid tree collisions.

What I'm saying is that a 25 degree slope with slow powder and a 15 degree slope with fast packed snow can result in similar downhill speeds and the same demand for fast turns.

The excursion 88 is going to be harder and slower to turn. Hopefully that answers your question.

[Dave Patterson]

[/quote]

What I'm saying is that a 25 degree slope with slow powder and a 15 degree slope with fast packed snow can result in similar downhill speeds and the same demand for fast turns.

The excursion 88 is going to be harder and slower to turn. Hopefully that answers your question.
[/quote]

Sorry, I think I misread your original comment. This makes sense, thanks!

[fisheater]

Dave, you get lots of cold winter snow. A longer Falketind Xplore or Rabb would probably give to better kick and glide while still being excellent downhill. That would leave your 98 for spring conditions when scales are nice to have.
I’m in SE Michigan, My local Michigan snow coverage map shows the east shore of Lake Superior north of the Soo. Looks like winter is good to you.
I’ve skied Searchmont back when crossing the border was much easier. Beautiful country you live in. I would want a ski that turns well if I lived in your area, I would have to have a ski in that S-98 / Falketind class. Truthfully I would want a ski in the Fischer Traverse 78 / Åsnes Nansen-Gamme class, for trails that roll, but you’re not really linking turns. Kicking and gliding, going fast, throwing whatever kind of turn works, and just keep going fast is a lot of fun.
Two skis isn’t too many for a man that lives in such a snow blest area.
I’m including a link to Varuste. They are a retailer in Finland with super sale pricing, and very good regular pricing. They ship to North America, and to my door faster than most dealers in the States.
https://varuste.net/en/

Good luck, in your decision

[Dave Patterson]

Dave, you get lots of cold winter snow. A longer Falketind Xplore or Rabb would probably give to better kick and glide while still being excellent downhill. That would leave your 98 for spring conditions when scales are nice to have.
I’m in SE Michigan, My local Michigan snow coverage map shows the east shore of Lake Superior north of the Soo. Looks like winter is good to you.
I’ve skied Searchmont back when crossing the border was much easier. Beautiful country you live in. I would want a ski that turns well if I lived in your area, I would have to have a ski in that S-98 / Falketind class. Truthfully I would want a ski in the Fischer Traverse 78 / Åsnes Nansen-Gamme class, for trails that roll, but you’re not really linking turns. Kicking and gliding, going fast, throwing whatever kind of turn works, and just keep going fast is a lot of fun.
Two skis isn’t too many for a man that lives in such a snow blest area.
I’m including a link to Varuste. They are a retailer in Finland with super sale pricing, and very good regular pricing. They ship to North America, and to my door faster than most dealers in the States.
https://varuste.net/en/

Good luck, in your decision

Awesome, thanks for all the info and advice! Yes, we do usually get a good amount of snow most years. We've got about 4 feet on the ground at the moment. We are regulars at Searchmont for downhilling, but I mostly ski in the bush these days.