Photo courtesy of Fischer
Skinny skis may not be for everyone, as it takes a certain amount of masochism, a passion for spandex, a focus on technique, and a desire for extreme human powered fun in the woods to pursue a career in Nordic skiing, skate skiing in particular.
I rarely admit in public that I’m one of these Nordorks, but with my local Nordic Center opening today at Eldora Mountain Resort, I simply had to get out and stretch my legs and my lungs on my new Fischer RCS skate set up.
The Fischer RCS has long been the top end ski offering from Fischer, has won countless World Cups, and has earned the designation as a go-to for anyone searching for performance-focused skate skis. While there are newer models above the RCS from Fischer, it remains third in their lineup of race skis and is probably the best pick of price and performance. The RC7 boot (which will be renamed the RCS boot) is similar in its standing as a top end boot in format and position for racing.
The Fischer RCS Plus Skate Skis
No one dorks out over micro-technology details more than skate skiers, dwarfing the tech-weenieness of even the most avid roadie. And the RCS Skate Plus skis are loaded. It’s available in sizes from 172-195; made from Aire Core Carbon with amazing pendulum action due in part to the Hole Ski Tip. The special Skating 115 camber and contact point construction give mere mortals like myself increased power and stability, and paired with the skis stiffness, is a noticeable differentiator. I also really liked the pre-waxed base, allowing me to get out immediately on opening day. I’ll let you study up more on the bases and construction of this high-tech beauty.
The RC7 Skate Boot
As mentioned, look for the RC7 to become the RCS, typical Nordork product line managers trying to keep things as confusing as possible for us regular dudes just looking to go fast and get away from the crowds of the lift lines. But the most important thing about the RC7 is its power transfer, that’s the golden egg of skate skiing…kind of like power transfer in your road shoes. The boots are easy to get tight with speed lacing and the polymer crosslink and cuff are a cinch to dial in, perfected with the instep speed strap. From the waterproof lace cover to the high-tech breathable membrane, these will be everything you’ve ever wanted in a skate boot, trust me.
Lastly, you’ll need a pair of RCS carbon racing poles. Fischer poles are seemingly as teched out as the skis, barely weighing anything at all with an otherworldly swing weight. While they’re embued with a lot of technical features, you’re going to swoon over the cork grips and the Quick Fit straps.
But enough geeking out over gear, get out there and start skiing.