When the wind is whistling through the pines of the backcountry and your cross country route turns abruptly downhill, you'll be thankful for the Fischer Outbound Crown touring ski's sidecut and metal edges. The versatility of these skis allows you to move freely in the backcountry without fearing the hills. Featuring Fischer's turning crown system, your scales won't catch on the turns and you'll remain standing to take pictures of the face plant antics of your friends on their traditional fish scales. The Outbound Crown is a great ski for beginners or anyone who prefers the convenience of not having to wax their skis whenever they head out. It's narrow enough to fit in groomed trails and thick enough to take right off your porch and break trail over a field or frozen lake. Bottom Line: A ski that balances in-track glide with trail-breaking fun.