At the high end of the Skate Ski world is the Fischer Carbonlite Skate skis. Just a smidge lower than the World Cup version, the Carbonlite skate skis are perfect for upper-level racers who are looking to dominate their local race circuit. Like most top-end skate skis, the first thing you notice is how impossibly light they are. In this ski, it’s because of the Air Core carbon construction that lowers weight and increases stability. In this light, the ski responds quickly and efficiently to each and every movement that you put into the ski. Our testers were generally on the medium-flexing ski, which for our purposes and broad range of skier ability, worked quite well. Our snow conditions were cold and soft, thanks to some fresh snowfall overnight, but for the most part, the weather was perfect for logging some K’s out there on the trail. As with any top-end ski, our testers were mainly very impressed with the stiffness, lightness, and response from the Fischer Carbonlite skate skis.
Jake Inger was on the 186 cm length in the medium flex and scored it mostly 5’s. An expected 3 for versatility shows the narrow focus of the ski. But what it’s designed to do, it does really well. Jake calls them a “super-fast pair of skis. They are super-light so when paired with a high-end skate boot it feels like there is nothing on your feet!” On the other hand, Jake notes, “these skis are not as playful as some other brand’s skate skis at this caliber. They are great for people who are serious about skate skiing.”
Pennie Rand was also on the 186 cm medium flex Carbonlite and had an even stronger impression than Jake. All 5’s for Pennie right down the score sheet for these amazing skis. Quite simply put, Pennie “Loved them!” She calls them “quick and light if you want to ramp up the tempo, but also steady and smooth if lengthening a V2 Stride.” Other notable characteristics for Pennie are that the skis are “stable, track well, good snow feel and performance, and great for quick step-turns.” Sounds like all you could want out of a high-end skater.
Mackenzie Rizio was on the shorter 171 length, and she notes that the flex of the ski was “kinda stiff.” Not sure if that’s an industry term, but that’s how she felt about it. She scored it 5’s for Speed, Maneuverability, Glide, and Overall Impression. This is a great start point for a nice review. Mackenzie calls the Carbonlite “definitely a race ski—fast, easily maneuverable and the stiffness was a good bounciness.” Mackenzie also notes that “while it can be a race ski, it can also be a higher-end ski for an avid skier who is only skiing for fun.” And true to form, it’s “not as stable as it is fast because it is so narrow.”
Two of the less-experienced skaters, Justin Perry and Bob St.Pierre, both were pretty blown away with the high-end feel and performance. Justin was on the 186 while Bob was on the 192. They both gave all 4’s and 5’s for all categories, with Bob’s low score of 3 for Maneuverability. Justin notes that he “got goin’ very fast, and while I’m not that experienced, the skis felt very comfortable at higher speeds.” Bob’s experience was pretty similar, as his stiffer ski gave his 215/220-pound weight something to push off of.
Jeff Neagle was also on the 186 and he called it “so nice.” Additionally, he notes that the skis were “smooth but also energetic. Fast, but surprisingly forgiving too. Just a great overall feel. College racers eat your heart out!” Obviously, a winner in Jeff’s mind.
Racers and high-end skiers will love the light and stiff blend of performance of the Fischer Carbonlite Skate skis. There’s no speed limit and tons of stability to spare.
