2025 Fischer Ranger 96

For several seasons, Fischer subdivided its Ranger family of off-trail models into two distinct clans, indicated by their suffixes: Ti, for those with metal in the mix, and FR, for those without. Among Fischer aficionados, the softer and surfier Ranger FR models had a more distinct, looser character that distinguished them from the large cadre of all-mountain skis with metal in them. Two years ago, Fischer debuted an entirely new Ranger series, ushered from the drawing board to the ski shop wall by none other than Ski HOF member Mike Hattrup. As one might expect from a mash-up of the old FR and Ti branches of the family, some of each genome is entwined in new models like the Ranger 96, which is available in two alternative cosmetics, one of which is a slightly more fem version with a bright yellow topskin. The interchangeability of its men’s and women’s versions inspired Fischer to offer the yellow Ranger 96 in all of its men’s sizes (up to a 187cm!) as well a couple of shorter lengths for lighter ladies. Like the Ti’s of yesteryear, there’s metal in the new Rangers, just not as much as before. The Titanal is confined to the area underfoot, so there’s not enough of it to suppress the loose extremities that appealed to FR fans. Because the metal is mostly underfoot, the tip and tail feel lighter, easier to pivot sideways and generally more genial than a ski with tip-to-tail Ti laminates.