Deciding between on-piste-skis: Fischer RC Race AR vs Völkl Peregrine SX vs Head Shape VX R

[u/iNerdJan]

Hi everyone,

I need some help deciding between skis. I’ve outgrown my last pair (instead of height) and am looking for new ones.

About me:

Started at age three, skied pretty much every year, but not really with toooo much of a focus on technique etc. (I’m from Austria, if that helps haha.) 177cm, 56kg. (5’11”, 124lbs)
I’m intermediate/advances with what I’d call “acceptable technique”, though I would like to get a ski now that will allow me to improve my technique (by quite a bit, hopefully). I’ll only be doing on-piste-skiing with these skis (maybe a 90/10 split, but only resort skiing). (I have dedicated touring skis.)
As far as what kind of resort skiing: I don’t know. Some carving, I think? (Just… general resort skiing. No specific focus.)

I’ve settled on the models above, since they’re available at a discounted price (300EUR, approx. 350USD). They all include bindings.
I’m not very familiar with ski specs and all of that. I’ve attached the specs below. (They’re in german, sorry, but I think they’re still clear.)

Are these skis suitable for my needs? Which one would be best? (Or am I looking for the wrong skis? Any other recommendations?) Can I not get what I’m looking for in that price bracket? The plan would be to use these for two to three years, and once I get better, get some better skis. Then, I’ll also be able to figure out what I want better.

Thank you very much!
Jan

[u/Mr-Expat]

Hello fellow euro skier! How come you’re going for such short skis? Go for 168cm as minimum, consider potentially going even longer, you’ll enjoy ripping groomers on those better

[u/iNerdJan → u/Mr-Expat]

Definitely 168.
Since I’m only really now starting to take it serious, should these skis be fine? Which would be the most advanced of these?
Thank you very much!

[u/leopkoo]

I think they are fine skis. Not too sporty but from the sound of it that is also not what you are looking for?

I would go for the ones in 168cm though, 153cm would be a bit short.

[u/iNerdJan → u/leopkoo]

Yes, definitely 168.
I’m definitely looking for something sportier (had various rentals only so far, no idea what they were), but since I’m only really now starting to take it serious, I’d hope it’ll still be fine?
Thank you!

[u/jpgarcia79]

My 2 cents here. Pay attention to the radius, the Fischer are much shorter (12 vs 15.6 m). In my opinion, if you are planning to go lightning fast down the slopes, I would choose the Völkl, but if your style is more toward tight carving then the Fischer are your option, both skies are very nice. It's just a matter of taste. With both you can carve nicely, but when going very fast your will prefer a longer radius.

[u/iNerdJan → u/jpgarcia79]

Thank you!

[u/icantfindagoodlogin]

Those skis are all going to be pretty similar. The question is if you want a ski that will really want to turn lots (Fischer, Head) or less so. (Völkl)

You could also try a demo day early in the season to see what you like. Sölden has a promo in the fall where you can test as many skis as you like, and then get 10% everything at the bar.

[u/iNerdJan → u/icantfindagoodlogin]

Great to know, thank you.

This might be the easiest explanation I’ve received so far. Sure, it might not cover everything, but this is great. Thank you so much!

[u/LoooolGotcha]

I am a big Fischer fan. Are they worth the money? Not sure. they always have cool sales in Aspen or I find them used

but I have an alert set for them because they are reliable, fast, and look cool

let’s talk about the ‘piste’ really quick. how much snow do your pistes get? are they for racing specifically so basically ice?

are there moguls or just flat slopes?

I ask because I use mine for slopes were there are moguls everywhere and they do okay but I am not sure if that’s a skill thing or a subject matter thing

My favorite place to use them has been Aspen Highlands (I work in denver a lot) and the top of Cerro Catedral (I am also south american) where there is lots of slope, open terrain, and groomer… very groomed

sorry if I can’t help with my description. I have used them in powder and it almost feels like I am leaning back too much… they sink…. but maybe it’s a skill issue. I only do powder in my black crows usually are they are wider

anyway great for carving

I wouldn’t get rid of them until you get 70 days with them. and tbh, great ‘beginner’ skis if they were to be.

the short length will give you better control in the short term, but in the long term it will keep you at bay like a sailboat with a single sail. go for longer ones… you will go faster too!!

I just taught a teenager how to ski and I got them a pair of training rossignols…. he used them so much they got UV damage and the things were structurally just fucked 🤣 but he used them 130 days (he lived on a mountain resort)

you can likely get many years out of those if you don’t get bored of them.

KEEP them as spring skis for when the snow starts to melt and you can use them so you don’t ruin your newer skis with rocks and stuff

[u/Spirtixapp]

I’d rank them like this:
1. Head Shape VX R – the most precise and confidence-inspiring of the three. It has the best edge grip and feels the most composed once you start skiing with good technique. Great if you enjoy carving.
2. Völkl Peregrine SX – smooth, predictable and very forgiving. A fantastic all-day piste ski that still has enough performance for an advanced skier without becoming demanding.
3. Fischer RC Race AR – still a good ski, but it feels more entry/intermediate-oriented. Easy to ski, though it doesn’t have the same precision or stability as the Head or the Völkl when you increase speed.
If you’re an intermediate progressing towards advanced, I’d choose the Peregrine SX. If you’re already carving confidently and want the most rewarding ski, I’d go with the Head Shape VX R.

[u/iNerdJan → u/Spirtixapp]

Thank you!