[Editor’s Note: The 2024-2025 Fischer Ranger 102 is the same as the 22/23 model released two seasons ago, just with new graphics. This blog post was published in 2022 and has since been edited.]
A new Ranger is in town.
After an overhaul last season, the 2024 Fischer Ranger 102 is back to play. Some folks might miss the legendary pink Ranger 102 FR for its charge-y character and boldness in both aesthetics and performance on snow. But the new Fischer Ranger 102 brings a lot to the table too. After being a top pick by several staffers as their favorite skis of the year (including Pow7 shredder Lauren), the teal Ranger 102 earns its place as an all-mountain ski that can do it all for many skier types. We break down the details in our Fischer Ranger 102 review, and even as Ranger 102 FR owner Annabelle M. her thoughts.
2024 Fischer Ranger 102 Review: Field Notes
Fischer offers a complete Ranger family with a wide range of models that share the same shape and basic design. You get a 90, 96, 102, 108, and 116. The 102 sits right in the middle, making it arguably the most versatile of the bunch. A hair over 100mm wide at the waist, a softer flex than it’s more narrow siblings, and more metal than the wider versions—these skis profile as ideal all-mountain skis for plenty of time off-piste.
Fischer introduced Shaped Ti to this lineup, a shape shifting, thin sheet of metal, that depends on which model Ranger you are on. Again, the 102 has a “medium” amount, with Flex Cut underfoot to give the ski some energy and a more playful feel as opposed to a solid sheet.
Hand flexing may not be the most scientific method, but flexing the old 102 FR and the new 102 side by side does feel significantly different. The old model feels much stiffer throughout, where the new 102 feels softer in the tips and tails. You can definitely feel some resistance flexing right where the metal lives.
We can only hypothesize in the shop so much. So how does the new model feel on snow?
Groomers
Alex: I really liked how responsive and easy the ski felt to get over on edge. It doesn’t feel like a 102 when turning over and seemed like you could get some good carves in. If you start to hit those mega high speeds though, it does feel like there is a bit of a speed limit on this ski. The tips get a bit wiggly and almost felt like skis wanted to skid out a bit.
Matt: “Compared to the last version, the 102 FR, I felt best ripping groomers on this ski with a fairly centered stance. The tips are more playful and a little softer by comparison, so you can overpower them if you push hard. I thought the new 102 was plenty supportive and very energetic on firm snow once I found the sweet spot.”
Annabelle M.: They held an edge well, but still felt pretty light on my feet. I gained more confidence throughout my runs on the ski, so I feel like I’d only like it more the more I skied it. It definitely wanted to go fast, and I like going fast so that was fun.
Bumps and Trees
Alex: The highlight for me! Later in the day, skiing perfect bumps felt super natural, and dare I say, easy! This ski feels remarkably “drifty”. You can easily pivot this ski to turn quickly and feels very smooth. It feels happiest slarving through turns as opposed to charging straight through snow piles. Compared to the old 102, where I felt like I really needed to be driving the tips 24/7, it was nice to take a more playful approach.
Matt: “So much fun in the bumps! There’s enough metal underfoot so you can confidently stay planted on your line, yet they’re pretty intuitive and smooth to move around.”
Annabelle M.: It also felt fairly balanced compared to other skis, and I didn’t get rocked back and forth in the bumps.
Powder and Mixed Snow
Alex: Being on the slightly wide side of “all-mountain” really helps this ski perform in the deeper stuff when you get a surprise few inches out there. Once that stuff gets a little tracked out though, the lack of metal in the tips did make charging through the heavy stuff more challenging.
Matt: “I agree with Alex. With less rigidity up front, these skis tend to skip across chop piles rather than blast through them. If you’re used to skiing playful skis in that type of snow, you won’t be surprised. If not, you’ll need to stay on them.”
Downside
Alex: The long tip taper and softer tips does make the tips feel like they could get more deflected and chatter-y than the old version. That being said, this version is easier to ski than the old one. Really aggressive skiing styles may not get as much support out of the ski compared to the old one, but playful styles will have more fun whipping this around.
Bottom Line
Matt: “I’m a fan of the way Fischer approached this Ranger reboot. The tailored metal, shape, and flex patterns at each waist width give the collection so much more versatility. Also, each ski is more interesting and dialed in for the snow and terrain it’ll usually encounter. That’s all true for the new 102. I do think core Ranger fans may miss the previous 102 for its distinct balance of playfulness with power. But the new version feels so energetic without feeling demanding that I see it being the perfect gateway to the Ranger line for many skiers who may not have previously been drawn to Fischer. Much like another very popular ski in this category, the Blizzard Rustler 10, I feel confident recommending it to many skiers who want a versatile all-mountain ski that won’t beat them up and feels intuitive wherever they take it.”
