Gear Review | Fischer Ranger 102 Freeride Ski (Year 2024/2025)

Tester and test conditions

I tested the Ranger 102 in 183 cm. This is the right length for me with a weight of just over 70 kg and a body length of 183 cm. I have primarily used this ski for ski touring and freeriding in the ski resort. So I have also made a few turns on the piste.

A Fischer Transalp 10 PT PIN binding is fitted and together with the Roxa R3 130 Ti 3-buckle ski boot, the result is a freeride-ready setup that also enables very long ascents. The ski also comes with the matching skins, the Skin 102 Ranger.

I've used the ski just under 20 times so far.

The tester.

Marcel Keller

Benni Eggert

Test report

The modest start to winter couldn't dampen my anticipation for the skis, and so I took to the mountains in mid-November. The first thing I did was groom the piste to get a first impression. I was surprised at how easy the ski was to turn on the piste despite its 103 mm centre width. They are playful and easy to turn skis and not stiff boards that have to be skied at high speed. The skis also make a good impression on the edge. But the Ranger line is primarily made for off-piste and deep snow. However, due to the poor snow conditions in Graubünden, off-piste turns were still rather rare at first. But if you look, you'll find it - plenty of snow and, unfortunately, some sharks.

The snow conditions improved around Christmas and I was able to test the ski extensively for the skiing characteristics that are important for our community. I encountered everything from powder and hard packed snow. The ski impresses with its manoeuvrability and easy turn initiation as well as stability, even in uneven snow. The most important thing for me is how the ski performs in fresh powder snow. Unfortunately, there haven't been too many days with really deep powder yet, but there have been some good days with 20 - 30 cm of fresh snow. Here the ski floats very well with its centre width of 103 mm. The flex of the ski tip is pleasant and makes the ski very playful. However, it still remains very stable at higher speeds.

The ranger in the backcountry.

Marcel Keller

Benni Eggert

Conclusion

I like the classic design of the beech-poplar wood core with ABS sidewalls in a sandwich construction, which gives the ski a high-quality and robust appearance.

The Ranger 102 is aimed at advanced skiers who are primarily travelling off-piste and looking for deep snow.

It is certainly a ski for most days of the year and is suitable for all types of snow thanks to its downhill performance. It is not a lightweight, but pure ski touring is also not the target group of the Ranger line. Fischer has the right skis in its program with the Transalp series. Combined with a light pin binding and light freeride boots, the result for me is a very good setup with top downhill qualities.

Information

The Ranger line is manufactured in Europe and special care is taken to use recycled raw materials. This makes the ski a little more sustainable. It doesn't protect our environment, but it does minimise the environmental impact somewhat and is a step in the right direction. A bigger argument in favour of sustainability is that it is a robust and very well-made ski that should last for several years. The ski edges are also sufficiently wide and will survive a few edge grinds.

Here are a few more marketing highlights from Fischer:

Sandwich Sidewall Construction

Wood core combined with ABS sidewalls in classic sandwich construction for harmonious flex and perfect rebound

Shaped TI 0.5

Shaped Ti is a 0.5 mm titanium insert perfectly adapted to the ski geometry. Its special contour ensures target group-orientated stability, ideal grip and smooth running.

Sintered Bases

The sintered base is highly wax-absorbent and very durable.

Flex Cut

The flex cut in the binding area ensures optimised flex behaviour of the ski for target groups.

Freeski Rocker

The shorter contact length of the ski ensures easier turn initiation and energy-saving skiing.

Specifications

Skilength	Radius	Dimensions (Tip – Middle – Tail)	Weight
169 cm	17 m	136 mm – 101 mm – 126 mm	1760 g
176 cm	18 m	137 mm – 102 mm – 127 mm	1900 g
183 cm	19 m	138 mm – 103 mm – 128 mm	2050 g
190 cm	20 m	139 mm – 104 mm – 129 mm	2190 g