Ski Reviews
2020-2021 Fischer Ranger 102 FR, 184 cm
Reviewer Username: Vito L.
Reviewer Height: 5’9″
Reviewer Weight: 175 lbs
Reviewer Experience Level: Expert
DAYS USED: 80 days
TEST LOCATIONS: Everwhere East and West for the past 3+ seasons
TEST TERRAIN: Firm groomers | Softer groomers | Firm moguls | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees
TEST CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Untracked powder (deep) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud
PERFORMANCE RATINGS
(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)
OVERALL IMPRESSION: 10/10
FORGIVENESS: 7/10
MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 8/10
MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 8/10
STABILITY: 8/10
SUSPENSION: 9/10
EDGE HOLD: 8/10
PLAYFULNESS: 8/10
PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):
Super energetic ski that rewards you for the effort you put into it. Not a light ski, but easy to rotate in the air. I have them mounted +2 cm from recommended and they are perfect for me.
SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (184 cm length tested)
THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees
THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow
WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?
I think many skiers from high Intermediate all the way through pro may find something to enjoy about this ski. It’s great for those who value a stout, directional ski but want something energetic and doesn’t feel dead. It’s as poppy and playful as you can expect from a ski as stiff as it is, and it rewards you for the effort you put into bending it. As someone who enjoys skiing with a directional and aggressive style but also enjoys slashing side hits and sending the occasional straight air (or fugly 180 or 360 with a missed grab), I find it’s nearly perfect for me personally.
ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?
The most similar skis that I’ve tried were the Folsom Primary 104 and the 4Frnt MSP 107. I don’t prefer them over the 102 FR, but they are great skis and are pretty similar in a lot of ways.
PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!
I just love this ski and it fits my style and skill level perfectly. If you can still find one, buy it right away. Then sell it to me.