2022 Fischer Ranger 102 FR
It’s been a fun ride so far in the ski world for the Fischer Ranger 102 FR. When introduced two years ago, it was just a fantastic infusion of fresh air into a somewhat stale category. Who doesn’t love a playful, wide freestyle-oriented ski with versatility to spare? Built with Fischer’s wood core with air channels milled out, the skis have a titanal binding retention plate that also serves to create a bit more torsional stiffness underfoot. Fischer also uses their carbon nose with this ski, but unlike the Ti versions, the carbon does not connect further down the ski, so it’s got a more playful shovel. This is great in softer snow, as it allows for a more appropriate flex and suspension system. The turned-up tail falls just short of a true twin tip, but still has a lot of freestyle characteristics, and can certainly be used in both formal and backcountry park-like settings. At 102 mm underfoot, it’s floaty enough for the deep snow, but also retains that all-mountain versatility and is a surprising carver.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
Carbon Nose
PREFERRED TERRAIN
All Mountain, Powder, Park
Dana Allen skied the 184 and noted that at 5’10”, it was a perfect length for him. Lots of high marks on the scorecard for Dana, with 5’s out of 5 given for versatility and overall impression, with the rest of the scores as 4’s. This is exactly the type of high-end scores we are accustomed to seeing in these skis, and it’s great that Dana has the same feedback. “The combination of the slightly lighter weight of the Ranger 102 FR versus the Ranger 108 Ti, along with the 19m radius, makes this a really nice easy to handle versatile ski. It will charge when asked to, but can also pop off moguls and land with stability. If mounted with a building like the Salomon Shift MNC this would be a great one ski quiver for resort or backcountry. Not the lightest setup, but actually usable in a variety of conditions. I’d buy this ski for retail. For reference I’ve owned the Ranger 108 Ti and the Hannibal 106 for backcountry, and this ski is a great middle ground between those skis.” That middle ground is something that they’ve been trying to hit for a while now, and these 102’s do it as good as any.
Brad Schauerman was on the 177, and that’s right in line with his Enforcer 100 length, so he found it to be right on the money as well. Straight 4’s across Brad’s scorecard, so like Dana, Brad found the 102 FR to be well-versed in all categories. “Awesome very fun ski! Closest thing I've found to my favorite Enforcer. Awesome all around. Able to carve well, make great short turns. Great in all types of snow on and off trail.” For a ski without a true metal laminate, this is an impressive compliment for the 102 FR in comparison to the dual-metal laminated Enforcer 100. David Wolfgang skied the 184 in the Pink color (same ski as Blue), and scored it all 4’s out of 5 except for a lone 3 in torsional stiffness and edge hold. It’s nice that someone brought this up, since that’s really all you’re missing with these skis, is that super-solid edge grip, especially on firmer snow. “Now I know why I see so many pink skis on the Mountain. This is versatile and playful ski. Quick edge to edge. Loves to carve the fall line. The tip initiates the turn with ease. Pink skis rule!” I also like how David notes that it’s quick from edge to edge, regardless of width, showing the true agility of these wider-bodied skis.
It’s just so hard to make a case against a ski like this. Sure, it’s not the hardest-charger out there, nor is it the best carver, even for its width, but the fact that it does a whole lot of all these attributes goes a very long way in setting the tone for the overall composure, poise, and potential of these skis. From early morning groomers to late day powder, and everything in between, the Fischer Ranger 102 FR is a fantastic ski for a wide range of skiers.
Hi Guys,
Love your reviews. I’m 5’10” 155lbs in my late 20’s and have been skiing the 2017 Soul7 HD’s since I switched back from snowboarding a few years ago. I’m an advanced skier that likes to dip into the trees and find small/medium features to jump off. I have no background in freestyle skiing but I want to focus on building up those skills a bit. Also, I primarily ski resorts in Lake Tahoe.
I’m thinking about making the Soul7 a more powder/freeride oriented ski by pushing the bindings back to the freeride recommended positioning from all mountain. Then I’m looking to get a versatile ski that I can use in the park a bit as I try to develop those skills but still works well elsewhere on the mountain. I’ve been looking at the Fischer Ranger 102 FR and the Volkl Revolt 104. The Nordica Enforcer 104 Free is also on my radar. These are all ’22 skis unchanged from ’21. What are your thoughts on these options and are there any others that I should consider? Does the Soul7 modification make much sense? And lastly what size would you recommend?
Thanks!
Thanks, Billy!
I think moving those bindings back to the freeride line makes sense for that application. For a nice complement to that ski, I’d lean to the Fischer. The Enforcer is on the stiffer and burlier side, and while a more aggressive or advanced skier could eke out some freestyle performance, it does take quite a bit of effort. The Revolt is on the other end, with a flexible tip and tail, the skis are easy to butter and smear, and really fall more into that freestyle sector of the freeride category. The Ranger falls in the middle, with enough performance for a real ski, and enough playfulness for some park and freestyle stuff as well. I’d also check out Rossignol Blackops Holyshred and K2 Poacher. A bit narrower with those, but still good all-mountain stuff to be had there as well. Have fun!
SE
Back again. I bought a pair of these from you this fall but I’m concerned I may have been a bit aggressive on the length.
I’m 5’10”, 155lbs, in my late 20s and an advanced skier that skis pretty aggressively. I’m skiing on the west coast and Palisades (blah)/ Alpine will be where I do most of my skiing if it decides to start snowing again.
I bought the 184s but think the 177s may be a better match. My last pair were some 180 Soul7 HDs that I got 5 years ago when I switched back to skiing from snowboarding. I am a much better skier than I was 5 years ago so moving to a smaller ski sounded counter intuitive.
Thoughts?
Hi Billy!
Ski length is more about preference than charts. If you are hesitant about the length, chances are you are correct. Your stats and aggressiveness could certainly put you in the 184, but that is by no means the obviously correct answer. You may notice the 177 being on the short side in deep snow, but that’s about it. Overall, you seem to be leaning to the 177, and that’s totally fine. Have fun!
SE
Hi,
Sizing question! Late 20s, 5’10 and 145lbs. I’d say I’m an advanced skier, but not the most athletic nowadays. I like going fast, but also seeking out sidehits and playing around a bit.
Going to use it primarily as a resort ski – groomers and some off piste (primarily tighter trees). Occasional trip in the bc and in deeper snow when I get the chance (doesn’t get a lot of deep snow where I usually ski).
I guess 184 gives me a bit more float and stability, but might be a fatiguing ski with me being pretty lightweight and it’s flex pattern? Do you think the 177 is stable and floaty enough for me or should I size up to 184?
Thinking of Griffons for bindings, but might change to Shifts for a hybrid setup as I want to start with some simpler touring. Would this ski with shifts for touring skew it in any direction length-wise?
Thanks! Love your reviews!
HI Per!
First, I don’t think the binding or application makes much of a difference. I would go with the 177 either way, mostly because you seem hesitant to the longer size. It’s more about preference versus right/wrong sizing. I do think the 184 would be a bit of a stretch given your lighter weight. Have fun!
SE
Just got these end of 2022 season from you at an amazing price while you make room for the new 2023’s. Just couldn’t do without the pink skis so can’t wait to get on them. Thanks Skiessentials!
I’m trying to decide if I should get these skis on 184 length, but I’m concern about the flex on these skis. I tried the 2022 Nordica Enforcer 104 in 186 and loved them,
took them everywhere side country, bowls tees, etc. but weigh is the limiting factor for me.
are these as stiff as the Nordica enforcer 104? I’m 6ft and weight about 196lbs
Hi Daniel!
The shovel, with the carbon nose, is right up there in terms of stiffness with the Enforcer 104, but the rest of the ski is a bit more playful. I’d say the 102 FR in the 184 is proper sizing. Have fun!
SE