Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Hi folks, with your help I purchased a pair of E-99 Xtralight skis in Feb of 2021. I've really enjoyed these skis and felt a big upgrade from my skinny entry level "touring" skis of old. I paired them with some Rossignol BCX10 boots. I have rather big feet and these were all that I could find that fit. It's possible that the biggest size of Alpina Alaska could work, but I haven't been looking at the moment.
My question is what sort of difference I would experience with a pair of E-109 xtralite skis? I have spotted a lightly used pair in the same 200cm length. Will they overpower my boots? Will they float better in fresh snow? Would there be some performance advantage on well travelled, but ungroomed trails of a fairly narrow and twisty nature. Think hiking trails turned ski trails in winter. Mont Kaaikop area in the Laurentians for those of you with a Quebec specific knowledge set.
Many thanks,
Sam

Mtlsam wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 10, 2023 8:28 am

My question is what sort of difference I would experience with a pair of E-109 xtralite skis? I have spotted a lightly used pair in the same 200cm length. Will they overpower my boots? Will they float better in fresh snow?

The E-109 seems to be optimized for good turning in spring skiing. There are some great videos of people skiing them in the Norwegian mountains.

While the wider width does give better float in fresh snow, the tip is a little too soft to be truly stable in deep fresh snow.

Having said that, when there's a modest amount of fresh snow on the ground, say 2-8", the E-109 will give a bunch more float than the E-99, and it should be easier to turn as well. A boot like the BCX-10 should be plenty for skis around 80mm at the tip and 60mm underfoot, whether it's the Fischer E-109, or Traverse 78, the Asnes Ingstad, Sverdrup, or Nansen, the Madshus Eon/M62, or the Alpina Discovery 80.

Those E-109s could be a fun addition to your quiver.

riel wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 10, 2023 9:35 pm

Having said that, when there's a modest amount of fresh snow on the ground, say 2-8", the E-109 will give a bunch more float than the E-99, and it should be easier to turn as well. A boot like the BCX-10 should be plenty for skis around 80mm at the tip and 60mm underfoot, whether it's the Fischer E-109, or Traverse 78, the Asnes Ingstad, Sverdrup, or Nansen, the Madshus Eon/M62, or the Alpina Discovery 80.

Those E-109s could be a fun addition to your quiver.

Thanks for you input on this. I'm going to ponder the conditions I think I'll find this upcoming season.

Hello Sam!

To add to Riel's response-

The E109 will most definitely NOT overpower your BCX10 boot- as it is a mere 60mm underfoot.

I would challenge anyone to notice a significant difference between the E99 and E109 in terms of flotation-
the E99 is probably more stable than the E109 in XC mode-
the E109 is DEFINITELY easier to turn than the E99.

They are both unstable in deep and multi-layered snow- due to them both having a soft and rockered shovel.

The E109 is definitely easier to manage on steep, narrow twisty trails.
The E99 is a more efficient XC ski.

lilcliffy wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 11, 2023 5:44 pm

Hello Sam!

To add to Riel's response-

The E109 will most definitely NOT overpower your BCX10 boot- as it is a mere 60mm underfoot.

I would challenge anyone to notice a significant difference between the E99 and E109 in terms of flotation-
the E99 is probably more stable than the E109 in XC mode-
the E109 is DEFINITELY easier to turn than the E99.

They are both unstable in deep and multi-layered snow- due to them both having a soft and rockered shovel.

The E109 is definitely easier to manage on steep, narrow twisty trails.
The E99 is a more efficient XC ski.

LilCliffy just nailed it for you when he wrote the E109 is easier on steep, narrow and twisty trails. I have only been once to Mont Kaikop but LilCliffy description match the conditions I encountered there. Also, I know many skiers I encountered this day were skiing on E-109… so seems like a good guess. You could ask the question on the FB group “ Ski de fond Hors-piste Laurentides” so that your question really can reach the people skiing in this area.

Very good insights guys. Thank you. Easier to turn would certainly be a good thing! I will also check out that Facebook group.