Fischer Watea 78

Question
Hi Ron, am 6ft, 162 pounds, and am getting tired of getting bad deals at rental shops, so I was thinking about buying a pair of ski which would be competent in most conditions. I sky about 10 days per year at an advanced intermediate level. Basically, since we spend about half of time in bumps/trees, I'd like a ski that helps me there. I don't ski with power, but a litle more with finesse and I'll occasionally find myself with my weigth on the ski tails. So I'd like a ski that's light, a little forgiving, helps me on the bumps but is competetnt all around. Last winter I have skied in Banff with a Salomon X-Wng 10, 174cm, but I found the ski lifeless and not "helpful". I have done some research and I am focusing on the Fischer watea 78... so I would like to ask you first...would you think it's a good choice and second, would you go for the the 174cm or the 167cm. I heard that some skis ski short and some long... would you know if the Fischer do either? I'd be leaning toward the 167cm, sure a bit short, but I don't care too much about speed personally since I like to take in the scenery when I ski. Any feedback very much appreciated, many thanks, Luca

Answer
Hi Luca,

I'd ski the Fischer in a 167, based upon the terrain you describe. It is a nice ski, a bit soft. Fischers tend to ski "sharp", about the same as a ski that skis long. Even their slalom skis are quite tune sensitive. This has much to do with the length of the core compared to the length of the ski. The Watea, actually like some VOlkl's today, skis a shorter core to enhance tip float, but the tail feels a bit long-either as a result, or in contrast... So the 167 sounds like a plan.

Do I think it's a good choice? I have a pair in my garage that I picked up to go to Mammoth this spring. I liked them enough, but not as much as I enjoyed the Dynastar Trouble Maker- mounted back about 5 cm.The trouble maker skis well in the recommended mounting position, but it skis exceptionally well in a more traditional location. Try a pair with demo tracks in multiple locations and you'll see.

Good luck,

Ron