2023 Fischer Ranger 96 Skis
Fischer Ranger 96 Skis
The Fisher Ranger 96 is completely redesigned, with the Ski Essentials Test Crew having a lot of input in the design and development of these skis with Fischer engineering and product managers. At 96-millimeters underfoot, this is what we call the sweet spot for true all-mountain versatility, and you will feel on your very first tun on the 96. Construction starts with a sturdy Sandwich Sidewall and a Beech and Poplar wood core. This gives the ski dampness and precision for carving up groomers. A Shaped Titanal rib of 0.5 metal runs through the center portion of the ski, keeping the vibrations down and making this ski feel silky smooth under your feet. Freeski Rocker enables the ski to shone in 3-6" of powder, and makes releasing and engaging your turns effortless. Quick, turns, long turns and every other turn in between can be skied so easily on the 96, regardless of speed. This is a tremendous daily driver for most skiers East or West, so if you had to buy one ski for all of your needs this could be it. Advanced and expert skiers will appreciate how it performs in any terrain and the high energy the ski gives you coming in and out of turns. For those skiers looking for that elusive one-ski quiver should look no further than the Fisher Ranger 96.
Features:
- Sidecut: 129/97/120 mm at 180 cm length
- Turn Radius: 18 meters at 180 cm
- Weight: 1950 grams at 180 cm
- Rocker/Camber/Rocker
- Beech/ Poplar Wood Core
- Shaped Titanal 0.5
- Sandwich Sidewall Construction
- Sintered base
- Ability Level: Advanced to Expert Skiers
Ability Level:
Preferred Terrain
All-Mountain • Groomers • Park



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Check back with us in two weeks for status report. On the way way shortly.
SE
You are spot on for tip and tail on the Ranger 96. Center mount for this ski, and a solid mi-range flex for true all-mountain versatility. The Ranger is not twin like the Holy Shred, more of directional all-mountain ski. It's not quite the floater that the Shred is , but we give this ski the nod in hard pack and mixed conditions, and can certainly hold its own in 3-6" of fluff. The Ranger 96 is one of our favorite one-ski quivers for Stowe, VT.
SE
We'll likely have to wait until our inline order shows up in mid-summer. If we get them sooner, we'll post to social media that we have Rangers in stock.
SE
I think 180 is the way to go. Can still handle higher speeds but is agile enough for bumps and trees. 187 is likely a bit long, especially if that's going to be your longest ski ever.
SE
I sure hope so! They made us happy! It's not as on-piste as the Motive, with more of an all-around feel to it, but still very energetic.
SE
We're expecting our full-load of lengths and colors in mid-summer, but not much before that.
SE
Best comment so far as to the "graphics" of these skis! Lots of internal debate here at SkiEssentials on the new line.
SE
Check Fischer's site for those photos, it's a good idea for us to look into though.
SE
I've found the Ripstick 96 to be a very complete ski. The Black adds another dimension of stability and power, but most skiers will get all they need out of the regular Ripstick. I think the Ranger 96 is more comparable to the regular Ripstick--fun and lively and very accessible. If you liked the Ripstick 88, the 96 seems like a logical transition. Have fun!
SE
On my 3rd pair of Volkl 98’s (from you guys) and am looking for the next ski. As Volkl stopped making these, I tried the Mantra, but too burly for daily skiing in trees, bumps and groomers here in Colorado.
Tried the Ripsticks, but they flutter at speed. What are your thoughts on the Fischer Ranger 96? Specs seem to indicate similar dynamics. I am 64, 160lbs and an advanced skier.
Thanks!
Dave
Big fans of the new 96. Check out Volkl Blaze 94, though, as that ski replaced the spot occupied by the 90Eight. It's a different ski, but still has strong, versatile performance in a lighter weight feel. Not as fluttery as Ripstick. Back to Ranger, you get the same type of metal plate underfoot as Blaze, although it extends a bit further to the tips and tails. The front and back of the Ranger makes for a more playful feel, while keeping the ski quite business-like underfoot. I'd say it occupies a very similar slot as the 90Eight, but has more of a quiet feel to it.
SE
We just did a new Ranger 102 video and discussed mount point in the 2023 Rangers. The metal plate includes a "Flexcut" at the mounting zone. If you move more than +/-1 either way, you're getting into the edge to edge portion of the metal laminate and affecting the way the ski performs. This is not to say that you cannot do this, but in this ski more than the previous model, you're changing the intended character and flex of the ski. Jeff went +2 for a park run and found it was fine for park, but not quite as solid on the trails.
Have fun!
SE
I think skis in the mid-90's range are fantastic for the one-ski crowd, and the Ranger 96 is one of the more well-rounded ones out there. Metal underfoot, but more playful in the tips and tails, the Ranger strikes a nice balance between front side and freeride. I'd say the 173 is a slightly better choice than the 180, depending on how much work you want to put in. Have fun!
SE
The new ranger is going to be more comparable to a regular Ripstick 96 than the black edition. The Black editions with all the added carbon are stiffer and feel more serious in comparison. The new Rangers are going to be a lively ski with more emphasis on the fun factor. The new Ranger and the Rustler are a much closer comparison. Both have partial metal laminates and great edge hold, but the Ranger gets the nod for on-piste performance.
SE
I would recommend the 173 then if you see yourself mostly skiing groomers. You'll get a more stable ride and a longer effective edge for biting into hardpack and ice. If you see yourself jumping into woods and bumps skiing however the 166 will be more maneuverable and better suited for that environment.
SE
The Kendo 92 unfortunately didn't make it onto the 2023 lineup so its just the 88 for 22-23. Looking at the Ranger 96 I think you would really like what they are offering. With shaped metal laminates running through the ski they feel stable, but not like planks. Still plenty maneuverable like previous iterations of the Ranger, but this one is a little more composed and predictable to handle compared to the manic high energy of the Ranger FRs.
Have Fun out there!
SE