Fischer Watea 78 (2009)

Though one of the lighter models in Fischer's Watea line, the 78, a unisex ski, was one of this category's beefiest. Testers loved the sandwich sidewall construction for its rock-solid hold-No. 1 in Hard-Snow Grip-and felt invincible at speed. But they dinged it for being sluggish edge to edge (a long test length may be partly to blame) and hard to turn. But once it did, it was one powerful ride. "For a woman who's hardcore and fearless," said Lewis.

Best For

Maching down hard snow

Not For

Quick arcs; burly build takes work to steer