2023 Fischer RC One 78 GT W

On the narrower and grippier end of the RC One spectrum, the 78 GT W loves to be on edge and in a carved turn. These are the more on-trail oriented skis of the line, and they are a perfect choice for advanced skiers who are looking for endless edge grip and a confidence-inspiring carved turn shape. Built with a poplar wood core and sidewall construction, these skis certainly mean business, and when Fischer takes the waist down to 78 mm, you will be able to find purchase on any type of snow condition, allowing you to hold tight to race-course style ice, providing the ability to make a strong turn no matter how glare the conditions may be. For a lot of skiers, especially those who spend most of their time on groomers and in lower-snow areas, these will be a great set of skis, as Fischer’s long-standing reputation for building awesome on-trail skis should not be overlooked. In the 159, these skis produce a 14-meter turn radius, so they are energetic through the carve, and since it’s got a lot of positive camber as well as minimal taper, the effective edge is long and smooth, and that’s just the way Fischer wants it.

Catherine Ferguson skied the 159 and noted it was a bit short for her and she’d likely size up. For strong skiers who are looking for a bit more speed, the longer radius of the longer length will certainly help in that regard. She had lots of high scores for this ski, including 5’s for stability, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. A 4 for overall impression rounds out this great scorecard from Catherine. She notes about the 78 GT W that “These skis stayed in control even through the slush. They have great edge control and I could do long and short turns with them. Very controlled. It is great for women who want to take their skiing to the next level.” That narrower waist is easier to control, and get from one edge to the next, so it makes a lot of sense that Catherine picks up on this here.

Lauren Lepage also skied the 159, and like Catherine, felt it was a bit short. Regardless, she saw a lot of merits to the ski, just like Catherine again. Lauren scored the ski 4’s for stability, torsional stiffness, edge grip, quickness, maneuverability, and overall impression. 3’s for playfulness and forgiveness are nice to see—right down the middle. Lauren “loved the quickness and agility of the ski, and while that had quite a bit to do with the shorter length of the ski, I’d imagine the longer size would shine in that category as well. Very smooth and stable, and I just like how Fischer makes these skis so strongly. Great for groomers and firm snow, although I didn’t get to ski those conditions a whole lot on our test day, as the spring snow was not ideal test ground for a narrow groomer ski like this. Regardless, I had a blast on them, and I’d love to ski the longer length on harder snow for sure.” We’re definitely seeing a lot more love for these mid to upper-70's underfoot skis, and a lot of it has to do with the companies making them sturdy and fun, while also being nimble and agile.

Skiers ranging from aggressive intermediates to lighter experts who are looking for something on the narrow side for front side skiing will certainly gravitate to the quick and agile RC One 78 GT W. If you’re spending most, if not all, of your time on groomed terrain and smoother slopes, these skis will be right in your wheelhouse, as the stability and confidence just oozes out of them, but not in a bad or gross way.