FISCHERRC4 NOIZE

This model replaces the RC4 Worldcup CT, a ski we liked enormously, so the challenge was considerable. Everything about the Noize is new: the construction, geometry and technical solutions. These are intriguing skis, although they divided the testers to some extent. Many thought them ideal; lighter skiers found them too stiff. Comments included: “You have to ski actively because they will not carry you by themselves. Quite stiff, particularly underfoot. With active skiing and firm pressure, they reveal what they can do. Secure through the turn and dynamic. Tightening the radius takes strength. Recommended for heavier, powerful skiers.” Another tester wrote: “Wow! Very enjoyable skis that cut like the finest blade. Extremely quick from arc to arc, smooth and with strong drive through the turn. They can be skied at a wide range of radii.” We also heard: “They accelerate like an electric car. Very stable, secure and predictable at higher speeds. A truly accomplished skier will be able to exploit their considerable power and potential.” This was followed by: “Skis that inspire a sense of safety. They track the turn superbly – quite literally as if on rails. Initiation is not instantaneous, but the arc itself is exceptionally smooth. Fairly dynamic and capable of very high speeds.” The grumblers wrote: “Too stiff and therefore difficult when changing rhythm. Very stable and even dynamic, provided you manage to bend them into the turn. Not my type – too much work before the pleasure arrives.” And: “Very stiff, and enjoyable only when the piste is even and well frozen. In poorer conditions and over irregular terrain, that stiffness makes them hard work.”

For the VIP group, Fischer entered its newest creation, the Noize. These are the same skis described in the Cross-Turn category, but in a different length. Our testers regarded them as thoroughly sporting and demanding, yet enormously enjoyable – mainly for powerful pilots. Comments included: “A knockout, a rocket, a spaceship! Polish simply does not have enough words to convey the euphoria. Heavy, stable and glued to the snow with superglue. Absurdly precise and stable. Despite their mass, astonishingly silky. They make every kind of turn at every speed, and the edge-to-edge transition takes a fraction of a second. Braking short turns on a hard pitch are pure poetry. You do, however, need legs like a racehorse.” Another tester wrote: “Every turn makes you want to shout, ‘Wow, wow, wow – this is on fire!’ Perfect edge grip, rapid transitions from arc to arc and a kick into the next one. An absolute rocket. Brilliant in both long and medium turns.” We also heard: “Dynamiiiiics! Tremendous grip. They slice through the snow and launch you into the next arc. Pure joy! Zero adaptation time. After the first turn you know you have support, so you put the throttle to the stop. Brilliant Cross-Turn skis – race skis for mortals. Those neon boards positively shout, ‘Choose us – we ski fast!’ They are not lying. I checked.” This was followed by: “Clearly sporting skis. They initiate quickly, deliver superb energy return and move rapidly from edge to edge, all seasoned with the proverbial kick into the next arc. Huge fun.” There were dissenting views too: “Too stiff for me. Yes, they grip well and move quickly and dynamically from turn to turn, but they lack suppleness and are therefore not very versatile. They demand the strength of a horse.” And: “Absolute blades: stiff and dynamic… Unfortunately, they lack manoeuvrability both on edge and in skidded turns. Excellent skis, but highly one-dimensional.”