Ski: 2024-2025 Fischer The Curv GT 85, 175 cm
Days Skied: ~8
Available Lengths: 161, 168, 175, 182 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length (straight-tape pull): 174.3 cm
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski (175 cm): 2271 & 2273 grams (w/ Fischer M-Track plates)
Stated Dimensions: 133-85-118 mm
Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 133.5-84-117 mm
Stated Sidecut Radius (175 cm): 15 meters avg. (17 m tip / 14 m mid / 16 m tail)
Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 47.5 mm / 7.5 mm
Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 8 mm
Core Materials: poplar/beech + titanal (2 layers) + fiberglass laminate
Base Material: sintered
Factory Recommended Mount Point: -11.4 cm from center / 75.7 cm from tail
Bindings Used: Fischer RSW 12 GW w/ M-Track plates
Ski: 2024-2025 Fischer The Curv GT 85 Redefine, 175 cm
Days Skied: ~12
Available Lengths: 161, 168, 175, 182 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length (straight-tape pull): 174.3 cm
Stated Weight per Ski (175 cm): 1880 grams
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski (175 cm): 1837 & 1854 grams
Stated Dimensions: 133-85-118 mm
Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 133.5-84.5-117 mm
Stated Sidecut Radius (175 cm): 15 meters (17 m tip / 14 m mid / 16 m tail)
Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 50 mm / 8 mm
Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 6.5 mm
Core Materials: poplar/beech + Al4®ever titanal (2 layers) + flax & fiberglass laminate
Base Material: sintered
Factory Recommended Mount Point: -11.5 cm from center / 75.6 cm from tail
Bindings Used: Tyrolia Attack 14 AT
Boots Used: Lange Shadow 130 LV, Atomic Redster CS 130
Test Locations: Taos Ski Valley, NM & Crested Butte Mountain Resort, CO
Days Skied (total): ~20
Intro
For the 2024-2025 season, Fischer updated their piste-oriented collection of skis, including four brand-new models: The Curv GT 76, 80, 85, and 85 Redefine. Check out our initial writeup of the announcement for all the basic details.
These new skis are designed to be a bit more approachable and versatile (in terms of turn shapes and piste conditions) than the two carryover models in the lineup, the 70mm-wide “The Curv” and 76mm-wide “The Curv GTX.”
While Fischer’s naming scheme can still be a bit confusing, these new Curv GT skis’ design intentions are more straightforward — they’re supposed to provide an intuitive carving experience for a wide range of skiers across a variety of snow conditions.
There is one outlier, though — The Curv GT 85 Redefine. It shares the same footprint as The Curv GT 85, but the Redfine version utilizes a variety of different materials to achieve a reported 36% reduction in C02 equivalent.
We started testing these two new 85mm-wide skis last season, and after a quick refresh this winter, we’re ready to weigh in on where they slot in the piste-oriented category and how they compare to each other.
What Fischer says about the Curv GT 85
“The Fischer The Curv GT 85 is the epitome of race-inspired versatility. With an 85mm width underfoot, this ski offers unparalleled stability in any conditions, ensuring confidence on every run. The innovative E-Triple Radius design elevates its versatility, allowing for seamless transitions between turns and unmatched adaptability across various terrain. Whether carving groomers or exploring side-piste terrain, The Curv GT 85 empowers skiers to push their limits and experience the thrill of true performance on the slopes.”
Constructions
The standard Curv GT 85 (I’m frequently going to ditch the “The” in its name cause it drives me nuts) features a poplar / beech wood core and two layers of titanal metal. One of those metal layers is “matched precisely to the ski geometry,” and Fischer claims this approach “provides the appropriate amount of stability for a given ability level.” The Curv GT 85’s construction is rounded out with a fiberglass laminate, including a fiberglass “bridge” oriented at 90° under the bindings, as well as a sintered base and Tyrolia M-Track plate. The Curv GT 85 is made in Ukraine.
The Curv GT 85 Redefine features a similar overall construction but with several tweaks to reduce its carbon footprint. For starters, it ditches the binding plate (it’s sold “flat” / without a system binding), and it’s made in Austria. Fischer also says the Redefine version uses natural flax fibers in place of (some of) the traditional composites like fiberglass or carbon. This ski also reportedly uses 50% reused materials in its bases and sidewalls. Lastly, and maybe most importantly (based on Fischer’s CO2 analyses), The Curv GT 85 Redefine saves 51% CO2 equivalent in its metal layers by using the “Al4®ever” version of AMAG’s titanal metal.
Fischer says the Redefine’s CO2 equivalent savings were “audited with external independent agencies,” and here’s how they break down the difference compared to “a comparable ski.”
Shape & Rocker Profile
Now we’re back to pretty standard stuff — The Curv GT 85 looks like what you’d expect of a piste-oriented, ~85mm-wide ski. It features a touch of early tapering at the tips and tails and a tiny bit of rocker at each end, but it’s notably less tapered and rockered than most all-mountain skis, such as Fischer’s Ranger series.
Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Curv GT 85:
Tips: 6.5-7
Shovels: 7-8
In Front of Toe Piece: 8.5-9.5
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-9
Tails: 9
And here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Curv GT 85 Redefine:
Tips: 6.5-7
Shovels: 7-8
In Front of Toe Piece: 8.5-9.5
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-9
Tails: 9
These two skis feel just about identical when flexing them by hand. They’re both quite stiff around the middle and through the back of the ski, but their front halves are a bit softer than several of the comparable skis we’ve tested.
Sidecut Radius
One of the aspects of the new Curv GT collection that Fischer highlights is their “E-Triple Radius” sidecut, which blends three different sidecut radii along the length of the ski, intending to improve turn-shape versatility.
Fischer’s E-Triple Radius design features longer stated sidecut radii at the tips and tails and a shorter radius underfoot. This is similar in concept to Volkl’s “3D Radius” concept, though the numbers that Fischer lists have more minor differences between the longer tip / tail radii and the shorter waist radius. In the case of 175 cm Curv GT 85, Fischer lists sidecut radii numbers of 17 m (tip) / 14 m (waist) / 16 m (tail), for an average overall sidecut radius of 15 m.
Mount Point
Nothing out of the ordinary here — The Curv GT 85’s recommended mount point is pretty traditional / setback, at about -11.5 cm from true center.
Weight
Our 175 cm Curv GT 85 Redefine weighs about 1850 grams per ski (remember, it is not sold with a binding plate), whereas our standard 175 cm Curv GT 85 weighs about 2270 grams per ski with its included M-track binding plate. Binding plates make it difficult to precisely compare ski weights, but these weights suggest that both versions of The Curv GT 85 aren’t major outliers in terms of weight.
For reference, here are some of our measured weights (per ski in grams) for a few notable skis. As always, keep in mind the length and width differences of each ski listed to keep things more apples-to-apples. Also, note which of these measured weights includes a given ski’s binding plates.
1627 & 1640 Head Kore 87, 177 cm
1675 & 1732 Folsom Spar 78, 177 cm
1701 & 1706 Rossignol Forza 70D V-Ti, 173 cm
1724 & 1735 Parlor Warbird, 178 cm
1724 & 1749 Black Crows Octo, 179.3 cm
1728 & 1750 Renoun Atlas 80, 177 cm
1796 & 1838 Black Crows Mirus Cor, 178 cm
1808 & 1834 Northland AM-178, 178 cm
1823 & 1853 Atomic Maverick 88 Ti, 184 cm
1832 & 1841 K2 Disruption 78Ti, 177 cm
1833 & 1849 Shaggy’s Brockway 90, 180 cm
1837 & 1854 Fischer The Curv GT 85 Redefine, 175 cm
1906 & 1907 Dynastar M-Cross 88, 184 cm
1911 & 1917 K2 Disruption 82Ti, 177 cm
1915 & 1937 K2 Mindbender 89Ti, 182 cm
1940 & 1949 Kästle MX84, 176 cm
1941 & 1968 Volkl Peregrine 80, 177 cm
1960 & 2004 Kästle MX88, 181 cm
1999 & 2060 Line Blade, 181 cm
2000 & 2016 Volkl Peregrine 82, 177 cm
2003 & 2011 Head Supershape e-Magnum, 170 cm (w/ binding plates)
2008 & 2015 Folsom Spar 88, 182 cm
2025 & 2028 Meier Quickdraw, 181 cm
2045 & 2057 Rossignol Arcade 88, 178 cm
2047 & 2056 Blizzard Anomaly 88, 182 cm
2058 & 2079 Stöckli Montero AR, 180 cm
2096 & 2154 Nordica Steadfast 85 DC, 179 cm
2112 & 2116 Folsom Spar Turbo, 182 cm
2121 & 2147 Head Supershape e-Titan, 177 cm (w/ binding plates)
2199 & 2211 Head Supershape e-Rally, 177 cm (w/ binding plates)
2235 & 2236 Elan Wingman 86 CTi, 184 cm (w/ binding plates)
2225 & 2248 K2 Disruption MTi, 175 cm (w/ binding plates)
2271 & 2273 Fischer The Curv GT 85, 175 cm (w/ Fischer M-Track plates)
2286 & 2299 Fischer RC One 82 GT, 180 cm (22/23–23/24)
2432 & 2445 Fischer RC4 The Curv, 185 cm (w/ binding plates)
Now, let’s get to on-snow performance:
For the 2024-2025 season, we’ve partnered with Carv to use their Carv 2 sensors and digital ski coach app to not only learn more about our own skiing technique, but also add more useful info to our ski reviews. Here, you’ll see us reference some of the data that the Carv 2 sensors record and analyze while we’re skiing. Check out our announcement to learn more about how Carv works, why we’re excited to use it as a tool for our reviews, and how to get a discount on your own Carv setup.
FULL REVIEW
Luke Koppa (5’8”, 155 lbs / 173 cm, 70 kg): Our time with The Curv GT 85 and Curv GT 85 Redefine started at the tail end of the 2023-2024 season during our review trip to Taos Ski Valley. There, several of us began testing them against each other and several other skis in the do-everything class of carvers, and then we continued that process this winter. The cover of our 2024-2025 Winter Buyer’s Guide actually features The Curv GT 85, so it seems fitting that we kick off this season of Full Reviews with these skis.
Spoiler alert: these two versions of The Curv GT 85 are really similar overall. So, unless stated otherwise, what I’m saying about one will apply to the other. But I’ll point out the most notable areas where I do think they differ.
Turn Initiation & Turn Shapes
I’ll start with, well, the start. The Curv GT 85 doesn’t require tons of speed or effort from the skier to get it on edge and begin a carved turn. Even on the low-angle slopes we frequent at the start of each season (around 7-11°, according to Carv), all that was needed to get The Curv GT 85 cutting across the fall line was a bit of pressure on the front of the ski, despite an average speed of only 20-25 mph (32–40 kph).
The Curv GT 85 provides feedback through most of the length of the ski, so I know as soon as I start bending its (somewhat soft) shovels at the beginning of each arc. It also provides a smooth and predictable buildup in edge hold from those shovels to the stiff midsection and tail as I approach the apex of each turn.
Some skis (see our Deep Dive comparisons) don’t feel particularly engaging until you can put lots of force into them (whether by speed, slope angle, or your own body). I wouldn’t put The Curv GT 85 into that group — I think a wide range of skiers will find this ski intuitive when initiating a turn. It doesn’t make flat groomers as interesting as, say, a true Slalom ski or something that’s specifically designed with those sorts of turns in mind (e.g., Black Crows Mirus Cor). But of the ‘generalist’ carvers we’ve been testing, The Curv GT 85 was one of my favorites when I wanted to make the most of mellower terrain.
On the flip side, the The Curv GT 85 doesn’t feel really squirrely if you want to open up your turns more, going from GS toward the Super-G end of the spectrum. To be clear: I can’t make those sorts of turns at super high edge angles on this ski, but it doesn’t feel prone to unpredictably shooting across the fall line at higher speeds, provided you ease up a bit on the force you’re putting into the front of the ski.
The “happy place” for me and this ski tended to be intermediate slopes around 10–15° where I’d keep my speed between about 20–30 mph. In those cases, the ski felt easy to initiate, eager to carve at high edge angles, but I wasn’t struggling to leave clean tracks in my wake. FWIW, these sorts of slopes were where I got my highest scores from Carv on this ski, and the Carv app says my turn radii tended to be roughly between 12 to 17 meters.
On steeper, faster lines, I found myself resorting to feathering and skidding larger-radius turns since, at higher paces, I lack the skill and/or determination to make the shorter turns this ski prefers. On flatter (<10°) pistes, I wasn’t able to bend the ski all that much or get it up particularly high on edge.
In sum: I think The Curv GT 85 will be a ski that’s easy to carve for many people, and it’s still a ton of fun to push hard at higher speeds. But if you’re looking for something to use on long, steep runs and prefer large-radius turns, this isn’t your best bet.
Edge Hold & Energy
The Curv GT 85 is confidence-inspiring in firm conditions. Its approachable turn initiation is helpful for someone like me, who prefers to “ease into” the commitment required to properly carve icy slopes. There are other skis in this class that I’d trust more to hold an edge if I wanted to (try to) carve true ice at high speeds. However, most of them (1) require a more aggressive approach to bend and dig into the snow and/or (2) aren’t as predictable when I’m wavering between a truly carved turn and a slightly skidded one.
On fresh, soft corduroy, The Curv GT 85 feels rock-solid on edge. My Carv data says I’ve logged some of my highest g-force stats aboard this ski (apparently nearing 3 g’s), and that seems in line with my experience. And when I trust the snow (and myself) enough to really push the limits of this ski, it produces plenty of rebound at the exit of each turn.
On less agreeable piste conditions, such as the “loose over hard” snow we get at the end of each day this time of year, I tend to dial back my aggression aboard these skis. I’ve been able to carve clean tracks on smooth, scraped-off rollers, but if maximum edge hold on icy snow was my top priority, I’d probably go with a slightly narrower and more demanding ski (e.g., the 70mm-wide Fischer “The Curv”).
Now, this is one area where I think the two versions of this ski do differ a little bit. Compared to the Redefine variant (mounted with Tyrolia Attack 14 MN demo bindings), the standard Curv GT 85 (with its M-track system binding plate) feels a touch more locked-in on edge on firm snow, and a touch more lively when bent quite hard. This is far from a night-and-day difference, and at least some of it could be attributed to the different binding systems mounted to our test pairs, but it’s one of the few that I noticed when A/B testing the two skis.
Suspension & Variable Conditions
Both of these skis do an admirable job of managing inconsistent conditions. And they better, since that’s one of the main appeals of this category of 80-90 mm carvers, compared to narrower alternatives.
The Curv GT 85 doesn’t get knocked around all that much when the groomers are covered in piles of pushed-around snow, nor does it feel unduly harsh and chattery when conditions are super firm. Its somewhat soft shovels and preference for medium to small turn shapes are the bigger factors limiting its capability at very high speeds, rather than its suspension / ride quality.
This ski is pretty content to make Super G turns at moderate edge angles, but the more you drive the front of it, the more it wants to get back to smaller turn shapes. Again, if a big-turn charger is what you’re after, you’ve got better alternatives out there.
Both iterations of The Curv GT 85 offer respectable suspension, especially given the speeds, slopes, and turn shapes for which they feel most conducive. The Redefine version doesn’t feel quite as planted when hitting rough snow at high speeds, but again, it’s a pretty minor difference.
Moguls / Off-Piste Use
If you’re in the market for a ski and plan on spending considerable time using it off piste, these are not the skis I would recommend. Can you take them off piste? Sure. You can also spend every day lapping an icy groomer on a 130mm-wide powder ski — doesn’t mean it’s a good tool for the job.
In widely spaced moguls that don’t have very deep troughs, these skis are fine — provided that you keep your weight over their shovels to unweight their nearly flat, minimally tapered tails. But the less ideal your technique and the tighter the terrain, the more these skis become a detriment off piste. The first day I tried them, I made three turns in a big, firm mogul line abutting the groomer I was on, immediately lost control, and promptly returned to the piste with my proverbial tail between my legs.
If you take moguls and tight trees out of the off-piste equation, these skis become more viable, especially if you won’t be using them in deep chop / crud. But if, say, I planned on spending more than 10% of my time off piste on a pair of skis, I wouldn’t pick either version of The Curv GT 85.
Who Are They For?
Folks who are in the market for a piste ski that can be enjoyable on a wide range of groomers and that really comes to life when making high-edge-angle carves roughly around GS size.
There are more beginner-friendly alternatives that are easier to bend and skid around while learning to carve a ski on edge. On the other end, aggressive skiers who want to lay down fast, high-edge-angle turns approaching Super-G size also have better options elsewhere on the market.
But I think The Curv GT 85 and The Curv GT 85 Redefine do a great job of covering the many individuals who fall around the middle of the bell curve. These skis are capable of sharp carves on icy slopes (especially under the feet of technically proficient skiers), yet they’re more predictable than much narrower alternatives when the conditions are more variable.
As for The Curv GT 85 Redefine in particular, Fischer has done a commendable job of creating a ski with a decreased carbon footprint that performs very, very similarly to one with a more traditional construction. The Redefine variant may not be quite as planted at speed or quite as locked on really firm snow, but I doubt anyone would be able to confirm those differences with 100% certainty without testing the two back to back.
Bottom Line
The Fischer Curv GT 85 and Curv GT 85 Redefine accomplish many of the things that I suspect many skiers want from their all-round carving setups. These two skis feel predictable in the majority of on-piste conditions, speeds, and slope angles, and they can be exhilarating when laying down hard GS carves on all sorts of snow.
Our Deep Dives, Winter Buyer’s Guide, & Flash Reviews
BLISTER+ members and those who purchase our Digital Access Pass can check out the Deep Dive comparisons linked below, where we compare a given ski, bike, etc. to a whole bunch of other comparable products in its class. Don’t have access? Get our Digital Access Pass to read all of our Deep Dive comparisons, as well as our Flash Reviews, where we provide our initial impressions as soon as we start testing gear.
Or, even better, become a BLISTER+ member to get that + the best worldwide Outdoor Injury Insurance, exclusive deals and discounts on skis, personalized gear recommendations from us, access to our annual Winter Buyer’s Guide, and much more.
On that note, you can also get our thoughts on this ski and 300+ others in our 2024-2025 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide. BLISTER+ members already have access, or you can purchase the guide on its own to get the the print copy + digital version at no extra cost, or the digital-only edition.
Deep Dive: Fischer The Curv GT 85 & Curv GT 85 Redefine
We compare the Fischer The Curv GT 85 and The Curv GT 85 Redefine to the Fischer RC One 82 GT, Fischer The Curv, Head Supershape e-Rally, K2 Disruption 82Ti, Elan Wingman 86 CTi, Rossignol Forza 70D V-Ti, Kastle MX84, Volkl Peregrine 82, Head Supershape e-Titan, Nordica Steadfast 85 DC, Head Kore 87, Atomic Maverick 88Ti, Rossignol Arcade 88, Stockli Montero AR, and Dynastar M-Cross 88.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
2024-2025 Blister Digital Winter Buyer’s Guide
350+ skis, 65 boots, and 280+ pages of honest, accurate product reviews and comparisons. Order our 24/25 Winter Buyer’s Guide or become a BLISTER+ member to read the Digital Guide NOW.
If you’re already a Blister Member or have purchased the 24/25 Winter Buyer’s Guide and are seeing this message, please log in and then refresh this page.
Flash Review: 24/25 Fischer The Curv GT 85 Redefine
The Curv GT 85 Redefine is an “all-conditions” carving ski that’s meant to showcase how Fischer can reduce the environmental footprint of their skis. Here are our thoughts so far on its on-snow performance (and more info about its unique construction).
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
Great writeup. You said “But if, say, I planned on spending more than 10% of my time off piste on a pair of skis, I wouldn’t pick either version of The Curv GT 85” which I think applies to almost any 85 mm ski? Personally, if I’m looking for a 90% on-the-piste ski, I’m looking at 80 mm or less.