Don’t let the “Ti” in the Ranger 98 Ti hypnotize you into thinking this will be another Austrian World Cup ski blown up to dirigible dimensions. It’s almost the opposite scenario: a decidedly buttery knife that uses but a slip of metal underfoot and is responsive to the lighter pressure exerted by recreational skiers.

If you ski groomers most of the time and are thinking of making the Ranger 98 Ti your everyday ski, think again. A better scenario is a skier who wants to spend some time hiking and will use the super lightweight Ranger 98 Ti as a resort ski only on fresh powder days. If you intend to ride the Ranger 98 Ti mostly in-bounds, it pays to size up as its heavily rockered baseline reduces snow contact in all but the freshest snow conditions.

Skiers who hit each turn like it insulted their mother will drive the Ranger 98 Ti right off the road unless they back off the aggro-meter. However, skiers who are just getting used to the hang of a wider stance on a wider ski will discover this Ranger is ready to roll over and ride a modestly angled edge, laying down lovely railroad tracks from a laid-over stance.