Ski Review: 2018-2019 Fischer Traverse 78

[lilcliffy]

Ski Review: 2018-2019 Fischer Traverse 78 Easy-Skin

Light.
Solid.
Stable.

This ski in all honesty is an excellent off-track cross-country ski.
However, for someone like me, it is just- well- a bit boring…
Let me explain:
Even at 199cm, it is not super-fast. My E99 and my Gamme 54 are much faster XC skis.
It is not easy to turn- with its traditional XC flex. My Eon, E109, and Ingstad BC are all much better downhill skis. HECK- even my E99 Tour- with considerable Nordic rocker is easier to turn than the 78.
BUT-
It is a fast enough XC ski on backcountry snow.
It has an excellent stable flex- making it stable in all snow conditions- including deep snow.
It has enough camber and stiffness underfoot to release the kick zone when striding forward- but it is soft enough to make it relatively easy to engage the traction zone.
It is light enough to make quick step and jump turns.
………………………………
My wife’s favourite ski in this class used to be the Madshus Eon.
As she became a better Nordic skier she has more often reached for the E109 or the Combat Nato than her beloved soft-flexing Eon.
It is becoming clear that my wife likes the 78 better than all of them in this class (at least for a XC ski).
(I think she may like the 88 even more than the 78- but, more on that later.)
……………………………….
Fischer recently used to classify this ski as an “Off-Track Cruising” ski. This is a good way to describe it.
With a high-quality waxless-scaled “Off-Track Crown” insert- book-ended by superb sintered tip/tail- an Easy-Skin insert; camber-and-a-half underfoot; and a full-length stable flex-
The Fischer Traverse 78 is a sublime and versatile off-track Nordic touring ski.
Is it high performance? NO.
But- if you could only have one ski it could be better than having the E99 or the E109 for example…
BUT- if you had both an E99 and an E109- you might find the T-78 a little boring…

The Specs

• Sidecut: 78-61-69mm
• Length: to 199cm
• Tip shape: moderately-raised (from a Nordic ski perspective)
• Longitudinal flex: full-length, stable flex; stiff
• Tip flex: stable, moderately stiff
• Camber-rocker profile: slightly Nordic-rockered tip; camber-and-a-half underfoot; flat tail
• Tail flex: flat and stiff
• Edges: full-length steel
• Base: sintered tip/tail; “Off-Track Crown” waxless-scaled insert.
• Easy-Skin kicker-skin insert
• Lengths: to 199cm (could do with a 209cm option)

Some Comparisons:

Versus Madshus Eon
This is a better Nordic touring ski than the Madshus Eon. I am afraid I just have to admit it (despite being a die-hard Karhu fanatic…). Yeah-yeah- the Eon has a “relaxed, smooth ride”- blah, blah, blah…Meaning that the Eon is wimpy, soft and dead. Neither the Eon nor the 78 offer downhill performance. The 78 offers better, more stable XC performance in variable backcountry snow. The 78 is better.

Versus Fischer E-109 Xtralite
The current E-109 is more cambered underfoot than the 78. The E-109 should offer better XC performance….
BUT-
The current E-109 has oodles of tip rocker- giving it a much shorter XC glide zone on consolidated snow.
The current E-109 has a ridiculously soft tip that bows like a wet noodle rendering it completely unstable in deep, soft snow.
There is no question that the E-109 is a lot more fun downhill than the 78, but- despite the extra camber of the E109- the 78 is a better XC ski over a wider range of snow conditions. In short- the 78 is a better all-round cruiser than the current E-109.

Versus Åsnes Combat Nato
The 78 has a stiffer tip than the Combat Nato.
The Combat Nato’s tip breaks trail much more effectively.
The Combat Nato’s initial camber is softer- making it easier to pressure when climbing and turning than the 78.
The XC performance is very similar…My Combat Nato is more than 10cm longer- and is therefore, both faster and more stable in deep snow…Would need a 200cm Combat Nato to offer a more fair comparison…

Versus Åsnes Ingstad BC
The Ingstad BC absolutely kicks the 78’s ass in steep terrain. The Ingstad BC climbs better and offers wondrous turning.
But the 78 is much better XC skiing on consolidated snow.

Versus Fischer E-99 Xtralite
The E99 is a faster XC ski.
The Traverse is easier to pressure than the more cambered E99-
Requires less of a focused “kick” than the E99.
Offers better climbing traction than the E99.
Is easier to evenly pressure when downhill skiing.
BUT- the current E99 Xtralite has more tip rocker than the 78,and- if one is willing to full-weight the downhill ski- the E99 offers a shorter turn-radius than the 78- despite the extra camber of the E99 (weird-eh?)
The 78 has a more effective XC trail-breaking tip.
The deep snow flotation is similar between the two.

Versus Fischer Excursion 88
The flex and camber of the 78 & 88 are basically identical.
The 88 is wider- and therefore a slower XC ski than the 78.
The 88- at 68mm underfoot- offers more flotation and grip in deep soft snow.
The 88 is certainly more versatile than the 78...
BUT- if you don’t need the extra float of the 88, the 78 is faster…
From my perspective the 88 is simply a wider version of the 78. If one wants the better XC performance in deep snow- then the 88 is a clear choice.
But if deep soft snow is not an issue- the 78 is faster than the 88.
(And there are better deep snow XCD skis than the 88…)

Current Conclusion/Thoughts

There are many skiers in my Clan that love this ski- I am glad I bought it.
Personally, I don’t think that I will be on it very much- I have other skis that outperform it in every possible snow-terrain context…
But- higher-performing skis have a much narrower range of effective performance than a ski like the 78…
For example- if I could not have both a Gamme 54/E99 and an Ingstad/E109- the Traverse 78 would be a better choice than one or the other.
The 78 is also kind of a bridging ski of sorts for Nordic touring development. I see this in a kind of continuum:
Eon > 78 > E99
The Eon is an excellent ski to begin Nordic touring on as it is so soft and manageable.
The 78 offer more stiffness and snappiness and performance for the more advanced skier with better balance and strength.
A ski like the E99 (or Gamme 54/Amundsen) offers true double camber performance- requiring even greater balance, strength and skill than the 78 (assuming one has gotten it long enough to offer an effective wax pocket).
The Traverse 78 is an excellent “quiver-of-one” choice for Nordic touring on gentle to moderate terrain. It performs well on ALL snow conditions.
(Due to my local constant re-charge of fresh, cold, soft snow, I would personally choose the Excursion 88 over the 78.)
Excellent stuff Fischer- I think you have this ski just right- be very cautious with any attempts to redesign it- the 78 does everything well in a backcountry-xcountry context.
The only thing I would consider is longer lengths for heavier skiers.
I weigh 185lbs without a pack and would not want this ski shorter than 199cm.

April 8th, 2019
Gareth Davies
Snow Glade Farm
Stanley, NB
Canada

[Cannatonic]

Great review! I was just checking out a pair of these in 199cm at Ragged Mtn. in NH (one pair left on sale for $179 if anyone's interested, they can probably mail them to you too). Seems like Fischer completely re-designed these when they went from the "Sbound" to "Traverse" badge.

The new ones appear to have a lot more camber and more of a stiff XC flex, I can see the increased camber just by looking at them against the wall, there's a big curve in the middle of the ski. My older brown Sbounds appear flat and have more of a traditional tele ski flex. They're heavier too. They're probably slower in XC mode than Traverse but better on up and down tele missions. Old ones have more of a pointy, elevated tip and the new one is lower and more rounded.

I'd like a longer, narrow ski for XC mode but these would be like a solid 4X4 vehicle for XC cruising over rough terrain or through tight trees.

[achimutz]

Very nice review. Thanks a lot.
I am looking to introduce my girlfriend to backcountry skiing and I want a stable and slow ski for her. I was considering to buy the Excursion 88. Do you think that will be a good ski, for beginners? Also, based on the fact that it is a wide ski, does it need to be that long? she is 65kg and I am considering the 169cm length.
I will appreciate a bit of advice from the community.
Just to mention that I am a bit of a Fischer fan. I own the E109 and use them everywhere.
Cheers

[bgregoire]

Very nice review. Thanks a lot.
I am looking to introduce my girlfriend to backcountry skiing and I want a stable and slow ski for her. I was considering to buy the Excursion 88. Do you think that will be a good ski, for beginners? Also, based on the fact that it is a wide ski, does it need to be that long? she is 65kg and I am considering the 169cm length.
I will appreciate a bit of advice from the community.
Just to mention that I am a bit of a Fischer fan. I own the E109 and use them everywhere.
Cheers

The 88 is a good ski for beginners, sure. At 65kg I would definitely go for 179cm, its not really that long and who do want some floatation and good glide even if you are a beginner. But it would be nice to know if the is her weight with or without gear and backpack? And what is her height?

[fisheater]

Great review Gareth. It’s been a while since we have had one of your reviews, and it sure was nice to read and think about it. Would you mind offering a comparison to the USGI? It would just give me a frame of reference. I figure the 78 is much lighter.
Happy trails Snow Glade Farm skiers!

[lilcliffy]

Hey Bob- sorry I missed your earlier post ↑ here-

Both the Fischer 78 and the 88 are VERY similar to the Asnes USGI Combat ski (I keep forgetting its actual name- from a post on TT). The stiffness and camber profile is near identical. The USGI ski is much heavier and has a better trail-breaking tip. The 78/88 do have some tip rocker- which seems to have been increased with the newest generation- so they could ski quite a bit differently now...

[lilcliffy]

I have been on my 199cm Fischer 78 a lot over the last month.
This is an excellent distance-oriented trail ski- especially for highly variable transformed snow, ice, crud, and breakable crust.
It is certainly not as light or fast as the E99/E109 Xtralite, but the 78 is more stable and deals with icy, crappy, crusty snow (and deep snow too).

Although harder to turn- due to its greater stiffness underfoot- than the Madshus Eon, the 78 is a much better XC ski.

The Off-Track Crown scaled insert- sandwiched between sintered shovel/tail is second to none- and the stiffness and camber underfoot effectively releases when striding.

(BTW- the E99 Crown would be my pick here if it had a more stable shovel and less tip rocker.)

Excellent traditional BC-XC touring ski for variable and crappy snow conditions- my top pick at the moment for these snow conditions. Highly recommended.

(Our snow is VERY late here in the Central NB Hills- the snow conditions I have now I would typically have in late October- I am still confined to trail skiing. (There is normally over 1 metre of snow pack at this time of year!))

[connyro]

I have been on my 199cm Fischer 78 a lot over the last month.
This is an excellent distance-oriented trail ski- especially for highly variable transformed snow, ice, crud, and breakable crust...

I've been skiing exclusively on my new 78's this young season. Our snowpack is very thin vs what we normally have here this far into the season. I'm on 199's with nnnbc mounted at bp and absolutely agree with LC. These skis are so stable and round-flexing that they inspire confidence. They are light enough to make them very maneuverable when moving through tight woods and on rough snow. With a light layer of powder, these skis turn pretty well considering they are xc skis. Very fun. The grip of the scales and overall glide is surprisingly good. One of the best ski purchases I've made!

[AlaskaNordic]

I literally just took mine out for their inaugural run yesterday, I had been skiing on Rossigonol BC 90's. This year I wanted to become a real skier and have quiver, so I bought these for touring. HUGE difference, the glide so much better and the scales are light years better, I could tour all day in these no problem mile after mile. I am just shocked at how much better the kick zone is. My Rossis were 179, these are 189 so I was leary of a longer ski to my surprise these moved great through the treess and tight spots as good if not better. Never owned a pair of Fischers before but i have to say I am a fan now. I have a pair of Rottafella 3 pins mounted on them and will be using the Alico Ski March when they arrive, for now I have my Alco doubles and still a surperior ski.

[Snebor]

I literally just took mine out for their inaugural run yesterday, I had been skiing on Rossigonol BC 90's. This year I wanted to become a real skier and have quiver, so I bought these for touring. HUGE difference, the glide so much better and the scales are light years better, I could tour all day in these no problem mile after mile. I am just shocked at how much better the kick zone is. My Rossis were 179, these are 189 so I was leary of a longer ski to my surprise these moved great through the treess and tight spots as good if not better. Never owned a pair of Fischers before but i have to say I am a fan now. I have a pair of Rottafella 3 pins mounted on them and will be using the Alico Ski March when they arrive, for now I have my Alco doubles and still a surperior ski.

Thinking of whether 179 or 189 to buy.
Could you please tell your height/weight for better understanding