The 2019 Fischer Ranger 98 Ti is the perfect blend of all-mountain capabilities and freeride performance. With a wood core and two layers of Titanal that are strategically milled to increase performance and reduce weight, the Ranger 98 takes advanced to expert skiers to the next level. They feature a long, low tip rocker and minimal tail rocker, so the on-trail performance is pretty sweet. That long tip rocker and carbon nose reduce swing weight and increase flotation. Fischer has done a great job in keeping with their roots and providing a burly ski that can not only keep up with experts, but also provide intermediates and advanced skiers with a jumping off platform to elevate their skills. Our testers found that the skis had a ton of power and dampness. Stability was a unanimous high mark, and a constant truism of Fischer’s all-mountain and freeride skis.
Troy Dehm, in addition to the high stability score, also scored 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness and edge hold. He skied the 188 (longest length) and found it true to size. Other high marks for Troy were found in flotation, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. The fact that a ski can score highly in stability and playfulness is an awesome combination. Troy’s first bit of advice is to “ride this fast and hard!” He loved the “long turning radius, and absolutely charges though anything including heavy spring mush.” In terms of a target audience, Troy thinks these skis would be best for “advanced intermediates to experts.” Also, the Ranger 98 Ti “definitely floats with a huge tip rocker and a sweet sidecut. You have to drive the ski or it will kick you backseat. It skis just like you want and expect it to.”
Charlie Roy also skied the 188 cm length and fount it to ski a bit short. That is probably due to the elongated tip rocker. Many of our testers found a bunch of the Fischers to ski a bit short. We think it’s more of an optical illusion, but nonetheless, that was pretty consistent feedback regarding the sizing. Charlie calls the tails of the skis “stiff enough for recovery when you need it.” As for the rest of the skis, “very surfy and maneuverable. I really enjoyed these in the trees and bumps.” He did want for some better groomer performance, but that was really the only downside for Charlie.
Dave Marryat skied the 180 and found that, although it performed true to size, it felt on the stiff side for him. He did give top scores for flotation, stability, quickness, and maneuverability. It’s that stability/quickness area that we like to see high marks in for an all-mountain ski because it shows that although the ski is stout, it is also nimble, and these are great qualities in this type of ski. He calls the Ranger 98 Ti “an excellent choice for the expert all-mountain skier who wants to do it all: carve groomed snow, smear trees, and play in pow. They’re sound, stable, and predictable. They have good edge hold while also having the ability to be floaty.” This all sounds like pretty typical one-ski quiver talk to us.
The 2019 Fischer Ranger 98 Ti is one of the most solid performers in the 98 mm category. From the metal laminates to the long tip rocker, and the lightweight tips, the Ranger 98 checks all the boxes, and does so with jubilant enthusiasm.
