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Fischer Progressor (2008)

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Contributed by Brian Babcock   
Sunday, 02 September 2007

The new Fischer Progressor was one of this year's surprises. No one expected to like this one as much as we did and it became a favorite with our testers (and a lot of other good skiers that were evaluating next year’s gear at the same venue).

Fischer Progressor 2008

Model: Fischer Progressor (2008)
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 175/16
Sidecut: 117-70-100

Manufacturer's Description of the Fischer Progressor:

"The Progressor is a completely new offering to the race family. Fischer is known for innovation and this ski will exceed expectations. 70mm under foot gives it more all-mountain appeal than any other ski in this category. Hard park or freshies, you’ll be waiting at the bottom for your friends."

Ski-Review's Verdict:

It’s a race ski (too bad FIS wouldn’t agree).  It’s an expert all mountain carver. It’s a high speed missile that Masters Racers will really appreciate. One thing it’s not - forgiving.

While delivering a different feel than the Dynastar Speed Course 67, the Progressor fits into the same category. Masters Racers and good skiers looking for an aggressive All Mountain Carver with GS possibilities, will love the Progressor’s “ski me hard” persona, while appreciating it’s big platform which distributes pressure to a longer section of edge. The Progressor has VERY secure grip and easy to control on even the scratchiest runs.

They feel a bit heavy before you actually get to ski them, but heavy translates to POWERFUL as soon as you get them up to speed. Lighter less aggressive skiers should probably look elsewhere; as the Progressor can impose its own will if not skied with authority.

Reader Ski Reviews of the Fischer Progressor (2008)
Does anyone know this ski?
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-11-17 12:06:37

I am just wondering if anyone here already skied this model. What are your experiences with these skis?

We skied 'em and we loved them
Written by caledonpro on 2007-11-30 15:44:11

The review above your question is a compilation of several testers comments, skied in New England and in Eastern Canada. The Progressor is lighter feeling than some other Fischers and a great choice for front side skiers with well honed skills. That said, they respond quickly and the edge grip is top notch. Turn initiation is smooth, and the Progressor likes to be WAY up on edge, so the steeps are handled with ease and confidence. FUN and versatile.

Vs. Volkl AC30
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-11 01:15:20

Can someone that has skied both the AC30 and this ski compare them?

Skied them both
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-14 04:31:35

I skied bot the AC30 and the Progressor.  
 
The Progessor wins for me hands down! What a smooth easy ski to ski. It just seams to turn itself. Tip your toe, and go. Ski them hard and you will have a blast. I also skied the volki AC40 and preferred the AC40 to the AC30.

Skiied Both
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-14 22:46:52

Agree that Progressor was fabulous. did not like either AC 40 or 30. Not in same league. Just skied them this past weekend. I just wonder given narrowness of Progressor, how it would perform on non groomed stuff. I am thinking about buying them, but am concerned that we get so much fresh powder in Utah, that I will need a second pair of wider skis. They were very smooth from edge to edge. The Vokli's seemed to catch edges and I felt out of balance with them. I also skied the Blizzards and liked it. I think it is 79mm, compared to 70mm on the fischers.

Best
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-23 23:17:27

I tested a bunch last of skis, and this one blew them all away. I holds an edge and was great in the deep crud. 
everything else was way too slow.

Solid East Coast Ski
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-26 04:19:00

So yeah, It's a race ski essentally, alot like the dozens of racing skis I've used over the years. But it's so versitile! The progressor has the turn-in of my Fischer SL 155's yet has the high speed stablity of my GS 180's. They're deligful and strong on hardpack, but they hate crud of any kind. They're gnarly fun for the experenced skier, but you still have to manage it closely, or it'll kill you.

Very Stable Carving and High Speed
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-27 01:13:27

I demoed a pair this week. Excellent ski. Heavy, but once you get them to speed, they perform. Super on the steeps. Carves a clean arc, regardless of speed. Very stable and easy to control. Not for the faint of heart. This ski requires good technique, and aggresive stance. Highly recommended, but not for the smaller or lightweight skier. This may become a "legend" ski, right up there with the Dynamic VR17 and VR27. Anyone remember those days?

Additional test drive feedback
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-31 19:27:28

I spent a few hors in some "eastern powder" on these and they were were very smooth in and a little snap out of the turn. Quite a bit less energy used com[pared to my Fischer SL's. What are some additional thoughts on these now the season is rolling?

Impressive Progressor
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-01-06 09:34:27

I tested a pair and bought them a week later. A super ski, excellent on ice as well. I am a former racer but is more skiing with my family now. Occasionally I get to go really fast and tough. Progressor likes all different speeds and kicks back really well if you push them a bit. Do agree that this ski might be a legend. This ski offers all what skiing is about. Untested outside the slope though.

Ski length
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-01-20 02:57:31

Can someone help me with length. I've dont know which length to get, 170 or 165. I'm 5'10 235 and an expert skier. I currently ski on a Volkl 10 foot without the switch (too soft) I was thinking of getting the 12 foot with the power switch but changed me mind because I wanted a ski that was different. So now im down to the progressor but would like to know what length is recommended, 170 or 165? Thanks of the input.

Try it to beleive it !
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-01-20 14:48:03

I happen to work for a Ski Shop here in Whistler that demos Fishers skis, therefore had plently of chances to ski Progressors in various lenght (170, 175 and 180) and let me tell you, this is the best "groomer" ski I have ever skied, hands down ! 
 
Its a heavy ski that requires POWER and WEIGHT to ski, but shorter lenghts will do for less atheltic and lighter skiers. Notice the different Radius for every lenght : they are actually very different skis ! 
 
170 : short and fun, 15m radius, perfect for carving medium turns on crowded runs, massive grip on ice, suits anybody above 150 pounds in decent shape  
 
175 : feels longer thant it actually is, 16m radius, perfect to rip wider turns on wide open runs, absolutly incredible grip on hard surfaces. Its heavy and burly, requires good carving skills and need for speed. If you are under 160 pound and out of shape, forget it, ski the 170 ! 
 
180 : hardcore is the only word I can come up with. 17m radius. At 150 pounds and top shape, I really had to ski fast fast fast to get this ski to carve. Anybody under 200 pounds will need a lot of space and speed to carve turns with it. Sound like a GS ski to me ! Fun, but if you live on the East coast, you'll end up at the bottom way to fast ! 
 
Bottom line : a very "progressive" line of ski for the advanced and expert looking for the highest performing non FIS ski available today. Takes a while geeting used to and worth trying different lenghts ! Definetly not a ski testers can test in "just a few runs"...  
 

Cheaper in Europe
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-01-20 21:31:08

The Progressor costs EUR 399 ($587) with bindings and less if you can take off the value added tax of 19% in Germany. They ship to USA. http://www.sport-conrad.com/index.asp?disp=kategorie&kat_id=47 
 
FYI.

Fischer Progressor
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-01-21 08:09:14

Initiates like a slalom and finishes like a GS. Skied it on Blackcomb for several days and bought a pair. Good snow so had them in the bumps, groomed, steeps, etc. Handled everything but not really good in the crud. They like to run. Unless you are on your game, stay with the 170's or below and you will be pleased.

my take Progressor
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-01-29 00:51:25

very snappy aggressive and fun ski - excellent edge holding and carving on hard pack - hard to handle in the bumps - very stiff - most fun ski I have demoed this year - will likely buy a pair 165cm for 5foot 8 inch 160 pounds

How do they compare to the Solomon XW Fu
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-01-30 17:51:28

Looking at getting a hard core all mountain ride, and thoughts between Solomon XW Fury vs RC4 Progressor?

Has anybody tried Fischer RC4 Progressor
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-02-04 21:08:28

Greetings 
 
Has any body tried out the Fischer RC4 Progressor in deap snow? 
I ski a par of Fischer RC4 SC 160 cm (I love them in slaom and moguls) and are looking for a second pair of skis for higer speed, of pist and 'simple giant slalom' races 
 
brgds 
 
Peter

Progressor
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-02-12 19:55:03

Just got back from a week in Utah, demo'd the RC4 on a groomer day. What a freaking animal!  
 
I ran the 180, and had the shop wax and sharpen them. I'm 5'11"-220 and an extremely aggresive skier, and they were still a lot for me to handle. You have to stay on top of them at all times, but you can lay them over f-a-r... If your under 200, forget it. This ski will kick your butt all over the place, no matter how strong you are.  
 
To asnwer the post above, they stink in the crud, so probably not so good in the deep snow.

Has anybody tried Fischer RC4 Progressor
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-02-12 21:02:35

Hi 
 
Thank you. 
It seems like i should skip the Progressor. 
80 kg (178 Pounds), 49 years old, resonable well fit, skis aprox 20 days per year. 
 
I have to look for something else then. 
Brgds 
Peter 

Progressor vs Spitfire
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-02-13 14:37:04

Brian, I'm sure you have skied both. How do they compare? I'm 6 foot tall and 225. Very agressive and have been skiing Fischers World Cup SL.

Model year 07/08 vs. 2008
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-02-21 16:06:22

Hi, 
 
Is there any differences between these two model years or is it same skies ? 
 
brgds 
Markku

Length
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-03-30 00:23:13

I am a 6'1", 190lb agressive skier that likes to go fast. Do you recommend the 175 or 180?

Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-04-21 04:29:13

Hi, 
 
I am a 6.3 and 205. Skied them in Kitzbuhl in March. Great ski and awesome down the Streif, I am buying the 175. 
 
Cheers

Progressor review
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-08-17 15:16:03

I am 6.1 and 215 lb very fit and and ski fast and agressive I own 175 and love them. You can ski them as hard and fast as you want. I haven't skied the 180 but think the 175 would be ideal for you.

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