The Backcountry Skiing Magazine, Community, and Interactive Ski Guide
-
Powder Journal
Share Stoke and Obs, Raise Money For Charity. - Write an Article
Everyone has a story, tell it here. - Add a Photo
It doesn't count unless you take a picture - Add a Video
If you get gnar with no video, did you really get gnar? - Add a Route
Help build the only interactive backcountry ski atlas - Add an Event
Let us know about any hoot-nannys and shin digs.
-
Powder Journal
SEARCH BY LOCATION:
2011 Fischer Wateas 114 Skis Review | Reviewed On: February 17, 2011 By powderjunky
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Gear Reviews>>Skis>>Fat>> Fischer Wateas 114 Skis ReviewBest in Test
AVG USER ADVICE
n/a
You can see the boat haul shape
The Fischer Wateas 114 skis are my favorite ski of the season. They are a little wider than a normal touring ski, but I mounted some Dynafits on these bad boys and they make any condition fun. You can ride the powder more like surfing than skiing with these rockered planks.
THE GOOD
The Fischer Wateas 114 skis float amazing in powder and dominate the crust thanks to their rocker tip. They are stiffer than some powder skis thanks to a carbon integrated I beam construction that is infused in their wood core. It handles firmer conditions good enough, but you may not want to take this ski down an icy mogul field. For their size they are nimble so it's easy to make quick turns, but since they are so wide they can also handle going fast and not turning at all. There is just enough rocker to keep a float but not so much that you will have to change the way you ski.
THE BAD
I have no complaints, but some may not like that they are a twin tip. If you are looking for a super lightweight mountaineering ski, this probably ain’t it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
I have skied The Fischer Wateas 114 skis in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Oregon and I haven't felt awkward or out of control on them. I have put around 20 days on them and have skied mank and deep pow alike. If you are looking for a wider touring ski that is more focused on downhill performance this may be the ski for you. The unique boat haul shape is something I like, but I am not exactly sure why. It is a snappy ski that is easy to control. Because they are rockered and have a twin tip go with the bigger length option if you are up in the air about what size to get. My previous skis were the Black Diamond Verdicts, and I would never go back. The Fischer Wateas 114 skis have an easy sweet spot that makes turning easy.
Specs & Factory Details
- Core and Flex Pattern:I-Beam Technology gives the Watea 114 a carbon fiber beam embedded in the wood core for improved torsion and stability. The I-Beam stands up to the toughest of situations.
- Construction:The Sandwich Sidewall Construction is perfect for maximum edge hold and extremely smooth running as a result.
- Shape:The Powder Hull gives the Watea an awesome freeride feeling – direct from speedboat engineering. The Powder Hull drives through the snow, pushing it to the side like the bow and bull of a boat in water, for maximum maneuverability, faster skiing, more precise guidance, better float and faster turns.
- Binding Compatibility:Requires a brake width of at least 110mm
Other Specs:
- Tip Width (mm):146
- Waist Width (mm):114
- Tail Width (mm):128
- Ability Level:Advanced - Expert
- Core Material:Wood/Carbon
- Rocker Type:Camber
- Tail Type:Full Twin Tip
- Turning Radius:27m @ 176
You can see the amount of rocker
P.O.V.
COOL top sheets
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Dave wrote on 02/18/11 at 07:27:10 am pst:
Does the boat hull thingy at the tip get in the way when putting on your skins? Are there gaps either side of the hull snow could get under?
Cheers,
Dave
Their Advice
n/a
powderjunky wrote on 02/18/11 at 08:35:04 am pst:
Hey dave, I have been using the clipskins with them, and haven't noticed anything. And I think if no snow builds up in a glueless skin, then I think you would be 100% safe with glued skins also.
Their Advice
