By Brand

Fischer Watea 84 Skis

The Watea 84 returns for ’09 with a graphic update but no other changes. Following is my review from last spring after quite a bit of mileage on the 84.

Update by Jim....late March '08

I've had the chance to ski a lot of different 50/50 skis this winter and spring and the Fischer Watea 84 is emerging as one of my favorites. Within the 50/50 category there are some skis that have a bit of a bias toward hard snow (such as the Volkl AC-50 and Nordica Afterburner) The 84 shades its bias a bit toward softer snow. Like most Fischer’s the characteristics of energy vs dampness, grip vs. forgiveness, are superbly balanced. While the 84 is comfortable on hard surfaces, it is not super grippy. Rather, it is most at home in the mixed conditions found in the off trail. This is among the best of the 50/50 skis in moguls. Most good skiers of average size and ability will prefer the 176. This size would be great for an ambitious intermediates first 50/50 ski. For my weight and preferred speeds, I like the 176 a lot but would buy the 184.