I just skied the new 102 Ranger, and hours later I cannot wipe the stoke off my face. They did it all, turns of every type, high speed, playful lip smacks, went edge to edge like butter, thoroughly a perfect joy. I am buying them.
Great review as always. The FR102 was my fav ski a few years back at the Alpine Meadows demo day. Snagged the new model today. Can’t wait to take em out.
So hard to put into words the feeling a killer ski will give you - I definitely want to find a pair to demo before next season. Keep the content coming.
Can you get into a little more detail on how they compare to the 102 FR (previous) in functional terms? I get that they replaced the carbon nose by extending the wood tip to tail and increased the metal foot print a bit underfoot. But how does all that translate into: Edge Hold, Tail Release, Turn initiation, etc.?
I just bought both versions -- 2022 and 2023. I will do a comparison review, but unfortunately I have to get them mounted and then test them out, so it will take some time. Just looking at the two skis, there is more difference between them than I expected. More tip rocker and less shovel area in the 2023 and (I believe) less sidecut. My guess would be the 2023 is the better ski, but stay tuned for more objective reaction...
Hey Andy! Your appreciation for these is contagious, thinking of getting myself a pair as well! What length did you ski these in relation to your height / weight? Thanks!
@@AndyLewicky Just to make sure you're talking about the 176 cm length? I'm about 167 cm 152 lbs, so average weight. Would you say the 169 cm length would be the closest to what you skiied in my shoes?
First of all, I have heard only good things about these skis and the previous years skis too.. What I don't understand is about how much to put into a ski. I am a ski racer but if I put too much into certain skis then I can't control them. It is more like if the ski can handle what I put into it. When you say chatter, does that mean that the ski is reactive? Does it have a similar feel to the Head Kore 99?
I would describe the feel of the Ranger as clearly more active (less damp) than the Head Kore. I'm not sure what you mean about losing control. Are you concerned about overpowering the ski? Unless you are fairly big (~200lbs or so) I don't think that would be likely.
@@AndyLewicky I am over 200 lbs but not in a healthy sort of way. I would like to be a healthy 180 lbs. It isn't about me overpowering the ski. When I used to ski race I would race on Rossignal 4S because they could absorb what I put into them. The Volkl wouldn't turn and when they would they would launch me. The best way I could describe them is that I could take the Rossignals through the bumps just fine. The Volkls would bend and by the 5th mogul there was so much speed that I was out of control. Does that make sense? The Head Kore 99 has that kind of feel to me. Does this ski have that kind of feel?
@@darinsmith2458 I think the Ranger might be a bit stiffer than the Kore--but it's been a while since I compared them directly. Have you tried the Blizzard Bonafide or the Nordica Enforcer? Given your size/strength, you might like the extra power of those skis. Hope that helps!
I did ski both--and I'm curious about the same thing. I think the 2023 has a little more sidecut and the lengths have shifted a little shorter. My guess is they're very similar. I actually ordered two pairs (one 2022, one 2023) to compare. And because I like the pink topcoat. :)
Sorry I did not have time to try the 96mm width! Based on my discussions with Fischer, I would expect the 94 to offer a similar but slightly stiffer feel. Fischer varies the titanal layer by ski width, such that the narrower widths offer more carving performance.
Unpopular opinion: The new Ranger 102 (22/23) is going to make an epic fail on the market, the pink/blue version 21/22 was too good, to make comparison with these…
I just skied the new 102 Ranger, and hours later I cannot wipe the stoke off my face. They did it all, turns of every type, high speed, playful lip smacks, went edge to edge like butter, thoroughly a perfect joy. I am buying them.
Great review as always. The FR102 was my fav ski a few years back at the Alpine Meadows demo day. Snagged the new model today. Can’t wait to take em out.
So hard to put into words the feeling a killer ski will give you - I definitely want to find a pair to demo before next season. Keep the content coming.
Can you get into a little more detail on how they compare to the 102 FR (previous) in functional terms? I get that they replaced the carbon nose by extending the wood tip to tail and increased the metal foot print a bit underfoot. But how does all that translate into: Edge Hold, Tail Release, Turn initiation, etc.?
I just bought both versions -- 2022 and 2023. I will do a comparison review, but unfortunately I have to get them mounted and then test them out, so it will take some time. Just looking at the two skis, there is more difference between them than I expected. More tip rocker and less shovel area in the 2023 and (I believe) less sidecut. My guess would be the 2023 is the better ski, but stay tuned for more objective reaction...
@@AndyLewicky Interest what a hand flex shows for Shovel, Mid, and Tail stiffness?
@@jarmelnelson The skis seem broadly similar in flex except for the shovel, where the 2023 seems noticeably softer
@@AndyLewicky 2023 has a softer shovel. But how does the 2023 feel vs pink on edge hold and tail release?
@@jarednelson4272 still working on that comparison!
I have both the ranger FR and bonafide. Just because I don’t know how I’m going to feel that particular day
Hey Andy! Your appreciation for these is contagious, thinking of getting myself a pair as well! What length did you ski these in relation to your height / weight? Thanks!
170cm average height/weight. I do tend to go a little shorter, so the 180 range would suit me fine as well
@@AndyLewicky Just to make sure you're talking about the 176 cm length? I'm about 167 cm 152 lbs, so average weight. Would you say the 169 cm length would be the closest to what you skiied in my shoes?
@@uncledabob I own 170 in the pink Ranger, 169 green/celeste
First of all, I have heard only good things about these skis and the previous years skis too.. What I don't understand is about how much to put into a ski. I am a ski racer but if I put too much into certain skis then I can't control them. It is more like if the ski can handle what I put into it. When you say chatter, does that mean that the ski is reactive? Does it have a similar feel to the Head Kore 99?
I would describe the feel of the Ranger as clearly more active (less damp) than the Head Kore. I'm not sure what you mean about losing control. Are you concerned about overpowering the ski? Unless you are fairly big (~200lbs or so) I don't think that would be likely.
@@AndyLewicky I am over 200 lbs but not in a healthy sort of way. I would like to be a healthy 180 lbs. It isn't about me overpowering the ski. When I used to ski race I would race on Rossignal 4S because they could absorb what I put into them. The Volkl wouldn't turn and when they would they would launch me. The best way I could describe them is that I could take the Rossignals through the bumps just fine. The Volkls would bend and by the 5th mogul there was so much speed that I was out of control. Does that make sense? The Head Kore 99 has that kind of feel to me. Does this ski have that kind of feel?
@@darinsmith2458 I think the Ranger might be a bit stiffer than the Kore--but it's been a while since I compared them directly. Have you tried the Blizzard Bonafide or the Nordica Enforcer? Given your size/strength, you might like the extra power of those skis. Hope that helps!
@@AndyLewicky I haven't tried the Enforcers or the Bonafide but I would imagine that my Stormriders are pretty similar.
It sounds like you skied the previous 102 FR, how do you think it compares?
I did ski both--and I'm curious about the same thing. I think the 2023 has a little more sidecut and the lengths have shifted a little shorter. My guess is they're very similar. I actually ordered two pairs (one 2022, one 2023) to compare. And because I like the pink topcoat. :)
@@AndyLewicky you’ve gotta let us know your thoughts on the comparison!
@@Bushwacked487 Absolutely. Just have to get them mounted so stay tuned!
How does the ranger 102 compare to rustler 10 .
Carvier. More thrilling at speed. Not as loose or pivoty. Both are outstanding skis.
Which would do better in the trees and off piste?
you try the ranger 94? can you do a review?
Sorry I did not have time to try the 96mm width! Based on my discussions with Fischer, I would expect the 94 to offer a similar but slightly stiffer feel. Fischer varies the titanal layer by ski width, such that the narrower widths offer more carving performance.
Best place to find them ??
You can get the 2023 Ranger directly from Fischer right now
Unpopular opinion: The new Ranger 102 (22/23) is going to make an epic fail on the market, the pink/blue version 21/22 was too good, to make comparison with these…
For expert skiers, you may be right -- the Pink is more dynamic!
That's the wrong color tho...:):)
I asked them if they would make me a pair in pink :)
@@AndyLewicky That’s last year”a model. Now it is Celeste.
@@tonyg3091 Yeah I guess I need to remember to flash the skis when they're in the sun. But I still prefer the pink!
@@kinetocore Yes, and this is the wrong one. You have difficulty understanding or what?