2023 Fischer Ranger 116

The 2023 Fischer Ranger 116 is the new iteration of the outgoing Ranger 115, and while we were fans of the older model in fresh, soft, and deep snow, we’re really impressed with the poise and composure of the all-new Ranger 116. For pure powder performance, there’s a lot to like about a fat ski and it all starts with the shape. Boasting dimensions of 147 mm in the tip, 116 mm in the waist, and 137 mm in the tail, these skis are fat, floaty, and fun. Those measurements generate a 20-meter turn radius, which is perhaps a bit on the short side for a ski of this shape. Normally, the freeride specialists have longer shapes to accommodate for smoother and faster turns, but the “shorter” arc makes the ski more playful in deep snow. Additionally, that 20-meter arc allows for more agile and nimble skiing in more technical terrain, and that’s great news for skiers who prefer a wide ski that can actually maneuver, which is kind of a rarity at this shape.

Built with a blend of beech and poplar in the wood core, we’re getting a pretty stout ski that can handle a wide variety of turn shapes and styles, from easy-going powder turns to high-octane crud busters. The wood core is stable and predictable, giving the skier a great deal of confidence no matter the speed or terrain. On top of the wood core is Fischer’s shaped titanal laminate. In the 116, it’s pretty short, extending just beyond the binding mount zone. This .5-mm thick metal plate provides torsional stiffness and damping properties underfoot while leaving the shovels and tails unencumbered by the titanal. As a result, freeride skiers get the floaty, smeary, and drifty feeling of the all-wood core with the confidence and grip of metal underfoot. If you’re looking for something fun with a strong hold on the snow, the build of the new Ranger 108 is a great place to be. In terms of weight, this 187 cm length tips the scales at 2150 grams per ski, which is on the lighter side of the spectrum for skis of this shape, build, and intent. Normally with skis over 110 mm underfoot, we’re well beyond the 2200-gram mark, so it’s nice to see that there’s something a bit lighter out there on the market rather than some other big and bulky powder skis.

As most skiers would expect, there’s quite a bit of taper and rocker to be found in the new Ranger 116. With a big spoony-shaped shovel, these things will pop out of the snow and keep you on top of anything. The tail is more playful and smearier rather than bouncy and poppy, so expect some fun-loving wheelies to come out of the ski. Despite the taper shape, these skis still have a smooth and long effective edge, and that comes in handy when the speed goes up. Easily the most rockered Ranger of the 2023 lineup, the 116 has long and gradual rise, leading to a fairly dramatic splay in the tips. The same can be said for the tails, with pretty big splay, these things are a ton of fun in deep snow. With the flex to match the taper shape and rocker profile, there’s a good amount of engineered fun built in to these skis.

If you find yourself in need of a big and fat powder ski, the 2023 Fischer Ranger 116 should certainly be on the list. It’s not too fat that you need 3 feet of fresh every day, nor is it too narrow that it won’t serve you well in the resort a day or two after a storm. Thanks to the shape, profile, and construction, there’s a whole lot of fun to be had on the Ranger 116.