These two skis are a tale of evolution and revolution, and I will start with the evolution. When I got on the Fischer, it was really just what I expected. It has the smoothness and grace of its narrower brothers, the Curv GT and Curv DTX, but a bit more groomer versatility added than the outgoing Pro MTN 86TI because its tail has more taper. In mixed snow, the Fischer can be worked into any turn shape with a connected and solid feel to the snow.
The Salomon is the revolutionary ski of this Cage Match. Even though the S/Force Bold shares construction similarities with its narrower brother S/Max Blast, a softer flex and channeling in the tip give it a much more compliant feel on the snow. The S/Force shares absolutely nothing with any ski that Salomon has ever offered in the mid-80mm category, so you really have no comparison to work off of.
Not only is this a tale of evolution and revolution, it is also a tale of two tails, and that is where the skis are most different: the wider flare of the Salomon wants to hold and finish the turn a bit more than the Fischer.
- Why choose the RC One GT 86 Multiflex? You play a bit more off piste and want a ski that can be worked a little more.
- Why choose the S/Force Bold? You want a wide carver that doesn’t need to be worked and has a sweet spot that is as wide as a Sun Valley groomer.