2012 Fischer Watea 98 BC TT

The Fischer Watea 98 BC TT is back, unchanged for 2012, and better than ever. It features a rockered tip and early rise tail, full laminate wood core with Air Carbon reinforcements. This results in a very light, nimble, agile ski that stays damp and grounded in rough snow. You will find the Watea 98 to be money in steep, difficult conditions, as well as crud and bumps. It skis very easy for the given length; the tip is soft enough to flex actively in the steeps and in rough snow, and it tracks very well. Feel is not overly heavy; it is lighter in feel than the wood core and titanium laminate skis we sell (like the Blizzard Bonafide) and therefore, more playful and quicker. It is a very good off-piste ski, especially for skied-out snow. It really rips in bumps too; and has a feel unlike any other: as this is a light ski, it really dances where other skis tend to bulldoze. Stability is solid, carving and groomer performance is decent, but really, this is a mixed-condition backside ski primarily. Perhaps not the last word in float (no 98mm would be) but for a little of everything, there may be no better ski in our shop.

This is an ongoing review, originally written last January, but still completely relevant, as all of these skis are unchanged for 2012.

http://www.epicski.com/t/99802/killer-98s-2011-dynastar-6th-sense-slicer-blizzard-the-one-fischer-watea-98

• Dynastar 6th Sense Slicer, Fischer Watea 98 BC TT, Blizzard The One