For our first of our gear talk series, I decided that it would be a good thing to start with a show sponsor. Partly because they really do make a lot of stuff I really like, and I wanted to get any potential bias or questions of bias out of the way. So here is some information, as well as my thoughts on Fischer’s totally redesigned Ranger 107ti.
Specs:
Sidecut: 139-107-131mm
Radius: @182 18m
Waist Width: 107
Core Material: Woodcore/Titanal
Physical Changes from Prior Year: Less Tip/Tail Rocker. New tip shape. Sidewall changes.
Review: Let me start by saying that I am probably more excited than most about the changes made to the entire Ranger line for 19/20. They were needed, and I welcome them with open arms. The previous model essentially had to be skied in the biggest possible size to actually hold an edge consistently well.
This is no longer the case with the 2020. Fischer has moved the rocker point up significantly higher in the tip, making it ski true to size. They also blunted the tip profile, and changed the sidecut. The ski charges now, and I don’t know that you could have even paid me to say that before this series of changes. Ive skied this thing in about 10inches of soft snow, slush, and groomers, and I’ve genuinely been surprised at how versatile it is. Think Salomon QST 106 versatility, but a hair harder charging.
One thing I didn’t consider but that was pointed out to me by Renee McCurdy, was that the ski doesn’t ski switch as well as it could because of how flat the tail is. But honestly, this is a sacrifice I’m willing to make for a ski as fun as this, and if switch skiing is a big consideration for you, try the 102FR or the Nordica Enforcer Free 104.
For those of you curious, I’m 210lbs or so, and 5’11(and a half) and the 182 is awesome for me in New England. Were I skiing primarily out west, or somewhere with wider open terrain, I may consider the 187. As I previously mentioned the prior series of ranger I had to ski BIG(188cm) in order for it to do anything for me at all, and I still feel I could have skied it in a bigger size.
Additionally, the new Ranger series gets a pretty slick inleted metal track above the mounting area of the sidewall which A. Looks cool, and B. helps marginally with edge hold and durability. As a side note, the new graphics are clean, consistent, DURABLE, and kind of bad ass looking. So good job on graphic design for once. No offense graphics crew.
All in all, if you’re looking for a powder ski, but don’t want to commit to a one trick pony, this is a great option for you. I’d also argue it’s a great every day ski if you enjoy a wider ski, or if you are skiing primarily in an area that gets more annual snowfall. The changes are welcome, and I’m sure that this ski will do the trick if it’s the type you’re searching for.
SCORE: 8.4/10
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