2021 Fischer Ranger 90 FR

The 2021 Fischer Ranger 90 FR serves as the smaller and more tweener-version of the wider skis in the FR range, and since there's a lot of skiers out there who would benefit from a fun, stable, and simple twin tip, we love including it in our test. Most of these tweener skis based on the wider versions come with shorter lengths and simpler builds, and the 90 FR is no different. Available in 152, 162, and 172 cm lengths, the skis are great for young adults, smaller people, and bigger kids looking for their first experience on a more adult-oriented ski. Perfect for both all-mountain skiing and terrain park applications, these versatile skis have the build, shape, and profile to accommodate a variety of skiers. In the 162, the skis generate a 13-meter turn radius, and since that's on the short side, the skis excel in tight spots from trees to bumps and on the groomers, they make beautiful short-swing turns. For skiers looking for a fun, light, and utilitarian setup for all-mountain playfulness, the Fischer Ranger 90 FR is a fantastic choice.

Built with a wood core and fiberglass laminate, the Ranger 90 FR keeps it simple in terms of construction. There's a lot to like about a simple ski, from the predictable performance to the value. For tweeners who are apt to grow out of gear in a year or two, you're not sinking your savings into a pair of techy skis. Tip and tail rocker provide the playful factor of the skis, and allow skiers to access a lot of different terrain, from the park to the woods and beyond. I find the twin tips especially helpful here in the tight trees in Vermont, as you can back out of tricky spots and continue on your way. I've dug my tails into the snow too many times, and I vividly remember my first twin-tip experience in the woods, and how you can scrub speed so easily.

In order to make this relatively simple ski perform and behave like a higher-end product, the lack of rocker is one of the characteristics that really stands out. With a good deal of positive camber in the skis, the energy and snap that you get out of them is quite remarkable. Similar to other lighter twin tips I've been on, the cambered profile allows you to really stand on the ski, and they carve and rebound like a much higher-end ski. In the park, this is a strong feature for popping off lips and getting that extra bit of energy into your spins. There's not a lot of taper, either, in these skis, and as a result, the effective edge length is quite long. This results in a smooth experience, as the ski is engaged from tip to tail.

Skiers, both young and old, love playful twin tips, and the Fischer Ranger 90 FR is a great example of an under-utilized ski. With a wide range of options and opportunities for both park, pipe, and all-mountain skiing, the Ranger 90 FR loves to be put to the test. If you're an older skier, these will bring out the kid in you, and if you're a younger skier, these will provide the necessary platform for you to advance and expand your ski realm.