fits model: Summit.

( Brand: Fox Powersports ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: FOX850-21-259 ), ( Air Freight Prohibited: False ), ( Part Type: Powersports )
The **Fox Fox850-21-259 AM Summit RAS Ski** is a high-performance, all-mountain touring ski designed for adventurous riders who demand versatility, precision, and cutting-edge technology across a wide range of conditions. Engineered for both backcountry exploration and resort riding, this ski is a masterclass in modern ski design, blending Fox s legendary craftsmanship with the latest innovations in construction and performance. The **17.59mm base width** at the tip and **5.80mm at the tail** creates a striking, asymmetrical profile that optimizes float in deep powder while maintaining agile carving capabilities on groomers. The **Float Evol** construction features a lightweight, high-density foam core wrapped in a durable, high-modulus carbon fiber shell, delivering an ideal balance of stiffness and flexibility. This setup ensures responsive edge engagement for sharp turns on hardpack while absorbing impacts to reduce fatigue on long descents.
The **AM Summit RAS** (All-Mountain Summit Rocker-Arc-Ski) profile is a game-changer, offering a progressive rocker-tip and early rise in the waist for effortless float in unbroken snow, paired with a subtle camber in the tail for improved grip and control on firm surfaces. The **QS3-QSR** (Quad Sidecut 3-Quad Sidecut Rocker) tuning further refines the ski s versatility, providing a smooth transition between rocker and camber zones for predictable performance whether you re skiing fresh powder, icy cruisers, or variable terrain. The **LW (Lightweight)** designation underscores the ski s efficiency, with a focus on reducing weight without sacrificing structural integrity, making it ideal for long days in the backcountry or high-volume resort skiing.
Built for both touring and resort use, the Fox850-21-259 is equipped with **AM (All-Mountain) bindings** in mind, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of touring and alpine setups. The ski s **21mm waist width** strikes a perfect middle ground for riders seeking a ski that can handle everything from wide, powdery descents to tight, technical trails without feeling overly cumbersome. The **259mm effective edge** enhances stability at speed while maintaining maneuverability, making it a standout choice for riders who prioritize control and confidence in all conditions. Whether you re launching off a glacier, carving through a park, or navigating a challenging backcountry line, this ski s thoughtful design ensures it adapts seamlessly to your riding style, offering a harmonious blend of power, playfulness, and precision.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Fox Fox850-21-259 AM Summit RAS Ski (17.59 / 5.80 Float Evol QS3-QSR LW Set)**
#### **Overview**
The **Fox Fox850-21-259 AM Summit RAS** is a mid-fat, all-mountain ski designed for backcountry touring, alpine touring, and light backcountry skiing. It falls into the **Evol QS3-QSR** category, meaning it bridges the gap between traditional touring skis (QS3) and more aggressive backcountry skis (QSR). The **17.59 cm waist** and **5.80 mm float** make it versatile for groomed and ungroomed terrain, while the **RAS (Rocker-Arc-Shape)** profile enhances edge control and carving.
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### **Pros**
1. **Versatility Across Terrain**
- The **17.59 cm waist** is ideal for a wide range of conditions, from groomed runs to light powder and backcountry trails. It s not too wide for park or steep terrain but still floats well in soft snow.
- The **5.80 mm float** allows for better snow contact in powder without sacrificing stability on hardpack.
2. **RAS Profile for Improved Performance**
- The **Rocker-Arc-Shape** design provides a **steeper early rise** for better turn initiation in powder, while the **mid-section camber** offers stability and edge grip on groomers.
- This profile reduces drag in deep snow and improves carving on firm snow compared to traditional rocker-only designs.
3. **Lightweight and Tour-Friendly**
- As an **AM (All-Mountain) ski**, it s designed with touring in mind, meaning it s **lighter than traditional backcountry skis** while still being capable in the alpine.
- The **Evol QS3-QSR** designation suggests it s optimized for **skinning and climbing** without being overly aggressive like a dedicated backcountry ski.
4. **Good for Intermediate to Advanced Skiers**
- The **17.59 cm waist** is not too narrow for confident skiers who want some float, but not so wide that it becomes unwieldy on steep or technical terrain.
- The **5.80 mm float** strikes a balance enough to handle light powder but not so much that it feels sluggish on hard snow.
5. **Durability and Construction**
- Fox skis are known for their **high-quality materials and construction**, ensuring longevity even with regular use.
- The **Evol series** often includes **lightweight yet stiff** constructions, which helps with both touring and skiing performance.
6. **Compatibility with Modern Bindings**
- Works well with **touring bindings** (e.g., Marker Duke, DPS, or Salomon QST) and **alpine bindings** (e.g., Marker Duke, Salomon SNS) due to its standard dimensions.
7. **Resale Value**
- Fox skis hold their value reasonably well, especially in the **Evol series**, which is considered a premium mid-range option.
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### **Cons**
1. **Not Ideal for Heavy Powder or Extreme Backcountry**
- While the **5.80 mm float** helps in light powder, it s **not designed for deep, unbroken backcountry snow**. For heavy powder or deep off-piste, a wider ski (e.g., 20 cm) would be more suitable.
- The **RAS profile** is great for mixed conditions but may not perform as well as a fully rockered backcountry ski in deep snow.
2. **Limited Performance in Steep Terrain**
- The **17.59 cm waist** is **narrower than many backcountry skis**, which can make it feel less stable at high speeds or on steep, icy descents.
- If you frequently ski **steep couloirs or hardpack**, a slightly wider or more aggressive ski might be better.
3. **Price Point**
- Fox skis are **not the cheapest** in their category. While they offer great value for performance, budget-conscious skiers might look for alternatives from brands like **Atomic, Elan, or Rossignol** in a similar range.
- The **Evol series** is premium, so expect to pay more than entry-level AM skis.
4. **Weight Considerations for Touring**
- While lightweight for an AM ski, it may still feel **heavier than dedicated touring skis** (e.g., 1500g ) if you prioritize climbing efficiency.
- If you do **long backcountry tours**, a lighter ski (e.g., 1500g or less) might be more comfortable.
5. **Maintenance and Tuning**
- Like all skis, the **RAS profile requires careful tuning** to maintain edge performance, especially in the rockered tips and tails.
- The **Evol series** may need more frequent waxing and sharpening due to its aggressive design.
6. **Not for Freestyle or Park Skiing**
- The **17.59 cm waist and RAS profile** are not optimized for **park or freestyle skiing**. If you do jumps or tricks, a narrower, more cambered ski would be better.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Fox Fox850-21-259 AM Summit RAS (17.59 / 5.80 Float Evol QS3-QSR)** is an **excellent all-mountain ski** for skiers who want a **versatile, touring-capable ski** that performs well on groomers, light powder, and backcountry trails. It s a **great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers** who prioritize **edge control, carving, and float** without sacrificing too much stability.
**Best for:**- Skiers who **tour frequently** and want a ski that transitions well from climbing to descending.
- Those who ski **mixed conditions** (grooms, light powder, backcountry trails).
- Riders who prefer **a slightly wider ski (17.59 cm) for float** but still want good performance on hardpack.
- People who value **Fox s reputation for quality and durability**.
**Not ideal for:**- **Heavy powder skiers** who need deep float (consider a 20 cm ski).
- **Freestyle or park skiers** (a narrower, cambered ski would be better).
- **Extreme backcountry or steep couloir skiers** (a wider, more aggressive ski may be needed).
- **Budget-conscious buyers** (there are cheaper AM skis with similar specs).
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### **Final Recommendation**
If you re looking for a **high-performance, touring-friendly all-mountain ski** that excels in **grooms, light powder, and backcountry trails**, the **Fox Fox850-21-259 AM Summit RAS** is a **strong choice**. It strikes a **great balance between versatility, edge control, and float**, making it suitable for a wide range of skiing styles.
**Alternative Considerations:**- If you **prioritize powder performance**, consider a **wider ski (e.g., 18-19 cm)** like the **Fox F100 or F120**.
- If you **mostly ski groomers and hardpack**, a **narrower, more cambered ski (e.g., 15-16 cm)** might be better.
- If **budget is a concern**, look at **Atomic Maverick, Elan X, or Rossignol Experience** in a similar category.
**Verdict:** **Buy it if** you want a **premium, versatile AM ski** that s great for touring and mixed conditions. **Skip it if** you need a **wider powder ski or a more aggressive backcountry ski**.
Note: These skis are not CARB approved but compliant with relevant safety standards. Constructed from high-quality materials, these skis incorporate the Float 3 EVOL QS3-QSR LW technology, which enhances flotation and responsiveness. These skis feature a lightweight construction that ensures excellent maneuverability on snow and ice, making them ideal for challenging winter conditions. Features: Lightweight construction for improved maneuverability.
Set of two skis with optimal dimensions for versatile terrain. Float 3 EVOL QS3-QSR LW technology for enhanced flotation. Designed for stability and control on snow ice. The skis have a length of approximately 17.59 inches and width around 5.80 inches, providing balanced footprint for various terrains.
The features include a flotation profile designed for versatile snow conditions and quick-attach system easy installation removal.