The Fischer RC4 Worldcup RC is a softened version of the RC4 Worlcup RC Pro. It is a Giant Slalom oriented ski with a good performance but with a lower technical profile. The sidecut is identical to the Pro model, and if we take a deeper look it is not that different from the Pro.
I could easily copy-paste what it’s been written about the Pro model and put it here with a new title. Would that be fair? Well, that is a very good question. One that I could not answer alone since Fischer has more to say about it that I do.
Fischer RC4 Worldcup RC
© Fischer Sports GmbH
On paper, the Fischer RC4 Worldcup RC is identical to the Pro. It uses the same construction method, the same kind of wood for the core, the same metal layer thickness, the same everything. So where is the difference? Well, Fischer is not very good at explaning it. And that can cause a lot of controversy. That aside, let’s face it: two skis can be very similar, in fact they can come from the same mold and yet be completely different. But they could also be identical. Or… just similar.
The Fischer RC4 Worldcup RC and the Pro share many things but they behave differently. Why? The core length, thickness and distribution is one reason. The fiber distribution as well as the density can be another reason. The metal layer could be shorter, longer and / or just put in a different location. The sintered base can be the same, or just below the Pro, and this could be another very good reason. And the binding / plate system could be different. And yes, this is the more clear difference at first sight.
The Fischer RC4 Worldcup RC uses the Racetrack binding-plate system instead of the Racebooster found in the Pro. Since this is the part of the ski charged with transferring the power and the orders from the skier to the ski, its relevance is crucial. The Racebooster can be considered a plate as well as the Racetrack from the RC4 Worlcup RC, although they are different in construction.
Fischer RC4 Z 13 Racetrack Binding System
© Fischer Sports GmbH
But first we need to know what is a raiser and what is a plate. Simply put, the raiser is just a one-piece thick chunk of plastic with no clear positive mechanical effects on the ski, aside from allowing an easier edge engagement due to the boot’s sole raise. A plate is quite often a combination of various elements working together with a clear positive mechanical effect aside from the raising effect. Which is best then?
The first thing one may find is purpose. Who (skills) and how (generated forces) is going to use this ski. A powerful, in good shape, high skilled skier should go for a plate. That kind of skier is going to generate enough forces to bend the ski in a way he really needs it to be: smooth, precise, and adaptative. The rest can choose between a second line plate or even a raiser. It all depends on the kind of skier as well as the purpose.
The main difference between the Fischer RC4 Worldcup RC and the Pro is the binding-plate interface. While they use two different systems, they are both included in the plate category. The Racetrack design is simplier but with a limited free-flex effect compared to the Racebooster from the Pro. So, all in all, the Fischer RC4 Worldcup RC is more appropiate to those skiers with high skills but still willing to have a less demanding ski.
