2023 Fischer Ranger 96

You could certainly make an argument that the 2023 Fischer Ranger 96 is the most versatile Fischer ski ever. It’s got the shape, construction, and profile to make it one of the most well-rounded skis in our test. At 96 mm underfoot (97 in the 180), it’s capable of not only carving clean and round turns on the groomers, but also floating through fresh, busting through crud, and dancing through trees. Built with a poplar wood core, the Ranger 96 has a shaped metal laminate on top of the core that gives the ski power, grip, and a damp feel. This metal extends towards the tips and tails, stopping about mid-way between the mount point and the end of the ski. As a result, you get excellent on-trail character with a fun-loving tip and tail and a low swing weight. Built with width-appropriate taper and rocker, these skis have freeride-inspired tail shape to go along with more moderate taper and splay. This gives them longer and smoother effective edge to go along with the terrain-absorbing flex and shape. Overall, if you’re looking for one pair of skis to do it all, the 2023 Fischer Ranger 96 is a great choice.

Bob St.Pierre skied the 180, and noted that it was “short, but quick!” He’d take a 187 in this ski for sure at 6/2 225 pounds. He scored it top marks of 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability, and 4’s for playfulness and forgiveness. Versatility and overall impression got 3’s while torsional stiffness, edge hold, stability, and flotation all got 2’s. Bob notes that “The new Ranger 96 has good strength and power underfoot, with very maneuverable tips and tails. In the 180 that I skied, I felt it was too short for me to give an accurate review, so I hope to get on the longer at some point this season. Regardless, I see the benefit of a ski like this for sure--it does everything well but doesn't stand out in any one dimension, and that's kind of the point of mid-90's skis with partial metal. I will miss the outgoing 94 FR, but this new 96 is going to make a lot of skiers happy.” Dave Hatoff was also on the 180, calling it “A great one ski quiver for the East for an intermediate to advanced skier. Great edge grip, excellent rebound and energy. The metal rib really smoothed out this ski and made it stable and predictable. Short or long turns, fast or slow, it responds well to the skier's input.”

Mike Aidala found his 180 to be just right, scoring it 5’s out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. He gave 4’s for overall impression, versatility, playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, and flotation. Mike states that “Fischer made some great changes with the new Fischer Ranger 96 skis to provide a great, powerful more directional all-mountain ski that is super stable and versatile to rip a variety of terrain and snow conditions. The skis provide unmatched dampness and precision when carving. The new Ranger 96 provides so much energy in and out of every turn, awesome energy feedback. Fischer hit the mark with this one for a truly versatile all-mountain ski option to consider.” Ryan Daniel is even more bullish on this ski than Mike, scoring it all 5’s across the board, and noting that “This has been a go to ski for me. I like the length most days. Ski rips groomers and pow. Playful but powerful. Ski rip all conditions. Ski is also great for all abilities. I don’t think this ski has many weaknesses.” Having that universal appeal is all part of the fun of having a true all-mountain ski.

We’re pretty stoked on the new Fischer Ranger 96. While we will miss the outgoing Ranger FR and Ti versions, the new 96 makes it simpler, easier, and more fun to do it all out there on the hill. With a mid-range shape and weight, these skis can quite literally do it all out there.