Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
The Fischer S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite is built for skiers who want to leave the groomed network behind entirely. Falling firmly into the backcountry touring category, this ski features an expansive 98-69-88mm profile designed to provide real flotation in deep backcountry snow, coupled with an aggressive sidecut that allows for controlled telemark or parallel turns on rolling descents. Construction centers around Fischer's lightweight Paulownia wood core wrapped in air channels, which keeps the ski manageable during long approach tours. For climbing, the base utilizes the Offtrack Crown fishscale pattern for low-angle rolling terrain, but Fischer also integrates its Dual Skin system. This feature allows skiers to quickly click in a mid-ski Easy Skin or full-length Super Skin when ascents turn too steep for mechanical scales, effectively eliminating the need for separate backcountry touring setups on moderate terrain. Weighing over 4.5 pounds without bindings, the S-Bound 98 is clearly not built for groomed Nordic centers; it will not fit into standard tracks and is far too wide for flat-water aerobic striding. It also requires a robust, heavy-duty three-pin or backcountry binding (such as an NNN-BC or Xplore) and a supportive, stiff boot to drive its steel edges into hardpack. For wilderness navigation and long-distance winter touring, however, it is exceptionally capable. **Highlights** * Broad 98mm tip width provides solid flotation in deep, untracked powder * Dual Skin attachment system allows quick integration of climbing skins for steep ascents * Offtrack Crown waxless pattern handles rolling, moderate terrain without skins * Full-length steel edges provide edge hold on icy backcountry sidehills * Generous sidecut enables turn initiation on gentle to moderate downhill slopes **Watch-outs** * Completely incompatible with groomed cross-country tracks * Requires burly backcountry boots and bindings (NNN-BC, Xplore, or 75mm) * Substantially heavier and slower to stride than traditional touring skis
Pros
- Wide 98 mm shovel offers genuine flotation in untracked snow
- Dual Skin system allows fast climbing skin attachment for steep ascents
- Full-length steel edges deliver dependable grip on icy traverses
- Deep sidecut allows controlled turns on moderate backcountry descents
Cons
- Too wide to fit into standard groomed cross-country tracks
- Requires heavy NNN-BC, Xplore, or 75mm boots to drive effectively
- Heavier and slower on flat, hard snow than narrower touring models
Best uses
- Off-track backcountry touring
- Hut-to-hut wilderness travel
- Ungroomed rolling terrain
- Winter sled-hauling expeditions
Specifications
- Profile
- 98-69-88 mm
- Weight per pair
- 4 lbs 9.4 oz (approx. 2,080 g)
- Core
- Air Tec Paulownia wood core
- Base pattern
- Offtrack Crown waxless base
- Climbing system
- Dual Skin compatible (Easy Skin & Super Skin)
- Edge type
- Full-length steel edges
- Available lengths
- 159, 169, 179, 189 cm
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Off-track backcountry touring, Hut-to-hut wilderness travel, Ungroomed rolling terrain, Winter sled-hauling expeditions
Where to buy the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Fischer S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite is designed specifically for off-track wilderness touring, functioning as a bridge between traditional Nordic touring skis and lightweight telemark setups. Built with a substantial 98-69-88mm profile, it prioritizes flotation and downhill maneuverability over in-track gliding speed. It is engineered to operate in untracked snow, rolling hills, and variable backcountry terrain where narrow touring skis quickly become overwhelmed. At the core of the ski is an Air Tec Paulownia wood build combined with full-length steel edges, giving users dependable bite on crusty traverses and wind-scoured ridges. Its traction system relies on an Offtrack Crown waxless pattern for general rolling travel, backed by Fischer's Dual Skin compatibility. This system allows skiers to attach either a short kick skin or a full-length skin directly through pre-cut base fixtures when ascending steeper grades. This is not a casual resort or groomed-track ski. It exceeds the width limitations of machine-set tracks and requires substantial boot-and-binding systems to steer effectively. For wilderness travelers prioritizing off-trail exploration, hut-to-hut crossings, and controlled turning on descent, the S-Bound 98 provides a dedicated tool built for backcountry durability.
Intended User
The S-Bound 98 is built for backcountry Nordic skiers who spend the vast majority of their time off groomed trails. It suits multi-day wilderness tourers, winter explorers breaking trail through mixed forest, and skiers tackling rolling backcountry terrain where moderate descents are expected. Because of its 98 mm shovel, it does not fit into set tracks at cross-country ski centers. Skiers looking for an aerobic workout on maintained trails will find it sluggish, heavy, and overly wide. Instead, it is aimed at users needing flotation, load-bearing capacity for hauling sleds or heavy packs, and reliable downhill stability in variable natural snow.
Chassis and Materials
Fischer builds the S-Bound 98 around an Air Tec Paulownia core, using lightweight wood milled with offset channels to strip mass without gutting torsional stiffness. The ski features full steel edges that run along the entire perimeter, providing critical bite on wind-packed snow, frozen crust, and icy sidehills. The ski’s geometry incorporates a pronounced 98-69-88 mm sidecut, which actively encourages turn initiation compared to straighter touring skis. Combined with a moderate Nordic camber that flattens underfoot without demanding excessive body weight, the platform balances efficient striding on flats with sufficient flex for carving turns on gentle descents.
Traction and Skin System
For baseline propulsion, the base features Fischer's Offtrack Crown pattern. This mechanical fishscale design provides reliable grip on firm or unpacked snow across low-angle rolling terrain, eliminating the need to stop and apply glide wax or skins on flat transitions. When terrain kicks up beyond what scales can manage, the integrated Dual Skin system comes into play. The base features built-in mounting points designed to accept Fischer's Easy Skin (a mid-ski kick skin) or the full-coverage Super Skin. This dual approach saves significant energy, allowing quick transitions without forcing users to fight base adhesion issues typical of standard glue-on skins in deep cold.
Downhill Control
While not a replacement for a dedicated alpine touring setup, the S-Bound 98 delivers far more descent capability than traditional metal-edged touring planks. Its pronounced sidecut and rockered shovel allow for predictable telemark or parallel turn shapes in soft, untracked snow. The ski flexes smoothly into turns, making moderate backcountry slopes enjoyable rather than survival skiing. However, control depends heavily on the interface below the foot. Soft NNN touring boots will lack the lateral stiffness required to drive these wide edges on firm hardpack. Skiers need to match this plank with robust bindings like Rottefella Xplore, heavy NNN-BC, or 75mm 3-pin setups paired with stiff backcountry boots.
Durability and Sizing
The construction holds up well against the rough realities of off-trail skiing, such as submerged roots, rocks, and hard crust. The steel edges protect the sidewalls from impact, while the sintered base material tolerates heavy use and absorbs glide wax effectively along the tips and tails. Sizing differs from traditional cross-country guidelines because width provides additional surface area; skiers should base size selection primarily on total body weight including pack weight rather than height alone. Shorter lengths offer greater downhill agility in dense trees, while longer lengths provide superior glide and weight distribution for long-distance cruising over deep snowpacks.
Market Context
The S-Bound 98 occupies a specific backcountry niche against competitors like the Madshus Panorama M68 or Asnes Falketind 62. Skis in the 65 to 70 mm width class offer better glide speed on rolling terrain, but the S-Bound 98 provides superior float in deep powder and easier turn initiation. Compared to wider expedition skis, it maintains enough camber to allow efficient kick-and-glide striding across frozen lakes and logging roads. The primary compromise is weight and specialized focus: at over four and a half pounds per pair, it is an investment in off-trail performance that provides no utility inside standard groomed tracks.
How we picked
We started with a long list of cross country skis that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Edge hold and stability
- Grip on firm snow and composure at speed for the intended skier level.
- Versatility across conditions
- How the ski or board handles groomers, crud and fresh snow in one day.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite — frequently asked questions
- Is the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Cross Country Skis. The Fischer S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite is built for skiers who want to leave the groomed network behind entirely. Falling firmly into the backcountry touring category, this ski features an expansive 98-69-88mm profile designed to provide real flotation in deep backcountry snow, coupled with an aggressive…
- What is the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite best for?
- Best for off-track backcountry touring, hut-to-hut wilderness travel, ungroomed rolling terrain and winter sled-hauling expeditions. Standouts: wide 98 mm shovel offers genuine flotation in untracked snow and dual skin system allows fast climbing skin attachment for steep ascents.
- What are the downsides of the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite?
- Too wide to fit into standard groomed cross-country tracks, Requires heavy NNN-BC, Xplore, or 75mm boots to drive effectively and Heavier and slower on flat, hard snow than narrower touring models.
- What are the key specs of the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite?
- Profile: 98-69-88 mm · Weight per pair: 4 lbs 9.4 oz (approx. 2,080 g) · Core: Air Tec Paulownia wood core · Base pattern: Offtrack Crown waxless base · Climbing system: Dual Skin compatible (Easy Skin & Super Skin)
- Intended User — what should I know about the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite?
- The S-Bound 98 is built for backcountry Nordic skiers who spend the vast majority of their time off groomed trails. It suits multi-day wilderness tourers, winter explorers breaking trail through mixed forest, and skiers tackling rolling backcountry terrain where moderate descents are expected.
- Chassis and Materials — what should I know about the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite?
- Fischer builds the S-Bound 98 around an Air Tec Paulownia core, using lightweight wood milled with offset channels to strip mass without gutting torsional stiffness. The ski features full steel edges that run along the entire perimeter, providing critical bite on wind-packed snow, frozen crust, and icy sidehills.
Compare side by side
Put the S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.