RC4 Worldcup SL is a full fledged competition ski, designed according to the FIS standards. This should be a note for all those who might get too much attracted by the ski's appearance (hole in its tip and its swallow tail). Potential buyers should be aware of the fact that this ski was designed for a couple of successive competition runs, and its design and characteristics were subordinated to one thing only: how to conquer the race track in the shortest possible time.

We will first speak of surprises. The ski is surprisingly "light-weighted" for its class. It seems to be lighter even than some commercial slalom models obtainable in stores. Expectedly, flexion rigidity is also not its main characteristic, but all this did not affect the ski's performance, quite the contrary.

According to our expectations, the ski performs best on hard packed and steep slopes (even despite the one we tested was not a freshly-serviced ski). While entering or finishing the turns, you will be surprised by the ski's responsiveness, or even at some points taken by surprise at it. It goes into the turn hard and fast and out the same way. The best comparison due to its fast responsiveness in turns is that you could sometimes feel as if skiing on a short model, of a considerably smaller radius and length. The interesting thing is that, besides its length, almost not a single fact about the ski's measures is available since they are not fixed; the radius differs at models of the same length since it depends on competitors' personal preferences.

Excellent skiers will feel urged to response to the ski's constant call for more speed. No matter how fast and aggressively you ski, it will keep asking for more. Due to its light weight, the new SL won't tire you out too much, which is a surprising characteristic when compared to earlier models. However, Fischer RC4 Worldcup SL requires your constant attention. Otherwise, it'll control you, instead of the other way round.

It has already become clear that the hole proved as a great marketing strategy. However, it is hard to say in which extent was this detail crucial in making the ski. Its lighter weight and greater torsion rigidity are its main characteristics, while the alloy of its edges and the way in which they were sharpened by the producer, considerably differ with already known Worldcup SC and Race SC models. One could also discuss the selection of the material and the ski's stiffness when comparing the Worldcup SC and SL models. Although fast and extremely responsive when coming out of the turn, SC will 'forgive' skier's delay in shifting their weight, while it is not the case with SL.

Apart from the positive sides of the popular hole, we come to the less practical ones, which clearly illustrate that this ski is not meant for all conditions. We won't even mention that Fischer RC4 Worldcup SL will sink into soft snow; considering its purpose, it is to be expected. However, we were surprised by another thing, which did not cross our mind before putting on the skis - with millimeter precision, you will be sprinkled with snow coming through the hole. So, don't act surprised when you take a look at your ski suit after the descent. Some snow could even end up behind your neck or in your mouth. This is yet another proof that this ski is not intended for straight descent.

Speed devotees and the owners of at least two ("normal") pairs of skis, as well as those who are attracted by the extravagance of power, can opt for this ski without thinking. Although not the custom with the producers, and not planned at first, the ski will be obtainable in most stores from fall. It is perfectly clear that the producer was prompted to this because of the model's great popularity, especially since the 07/08 WC slalom crystal globe was won with this ski. However, we cannot but remark that the hole could be implemented in the other RC4 models as well, which would secure Fischer the exclusiveness of the FIS WC skis, as well as a good position on the market. But the strategic decisions are best to be left with the people who are paid for it, and we will just conclude that the Fischer engineers once again did a great job.

If you crave for speeding down groomed slopes, and think your knees and skiing technique will allow it, start collecting the money - Fischer RC4 Worldcup SL will soon flood the shelves at ski stores.