It’s become the norm among the majority of Frontside models for the 84mm model to assume the dominant role, both in terms of high performance and price. But Fischer isn’t a brand to follow the pack, and its Austrian roots lie in on-piste skiing. The “80” in this KOA’s name refers to its waist width, but it could just as easily stand for “80% groomed,” or the amount of time the KOA 80 would prefer to spend on prepared slopes.

Slalom skis are a special strength of Fischer’s, an expertise from which the KOA 80 has been concocted. Super light due to its Air Tec core and pared-down Razorshape chassis, the KOA 80’s 14m sidecut (159cm) also contributes to its ability to reel off short-radius turns. “Lots of forgiveness, yet stable,” coos Andi from Sturtevant’s, who also confessed to liking its understated graphics.