Fischer makes great skis. They are one of the few big brands that are still privately owned. They do all of their manufacturing in Europe (much still is Austria) support companies that are not part of Chinese conglomerates...
Good feedback from your personal experience as usual. Around 2010, the Line Prophet featured a die-cut titanal laminate shaped like we’re seeing in the recent Mindbender and Rangers. Line called it ‘Metal Matrix’ and the shape evolved a bit to flare at the tips and tails in the later versions of the Prophet. K2 had acquired Line Skis in 2006, so it’s possible they should get the credit, but the Prophet was the first ski I can remember that featured the concept. I still own a pair of Line Prophet 98’s from 2013. It was (and still is) a great ski.
Yeah, that size should be fine! I'm 185 and run a 182 for my QST 106's. Just depends on what you like, I like my skis a bit shorter so I can go in the woods, but you're in a healthy range. Might look around, idk how e-commerce sellers work in europe, but in the US there are some even better deals new than used as everyone unloads the 2023 skis.
Elliott I think more skiers would be better served on a narrower ski and then just rent a large powder ski for those super deep days. Narrower skis would make the edges more accessible and they could actually earn to carve! My wife went from a 96mm Vantage to 92mm underfoot Declivity and her skiing noticeably improved.
Declivity might be slightly more fun and forgiving at each end vs the Vantage? I have the 92ti too, and it certainly covers a wide spectrum without being hard to drive 😊
@@scollyutube after 100+ days the wife's vantages were done! I'm impressed with the Declivity, I'm skiing the 102mm as my daily and can get it to rail as I drag my hand!
@irideaduck939 My other half now skis the 82 Reliances as I wanted to get her off her shorter lighter Head Joys she was 'cheating' on. Certainly has made a difference and after a break in/up peroid 😉 she really likes them comparatively too.
Hi Elliott, great reviews as always. I am looking for a 90mm ski to use as daily driver in the Alps, with some occasional ski touring trips. I am between the QST 92 and Ranger 90 as I need some good edge holding for firmer snow, as much as possible with these types of skis. Which one would you suggest and what length ( 177cm/76Kg advanced skier, not too aggressive). Heard good things about the Volkl Kendo but wonder if it has good enough floatation.. Many thanks
Both are good options, it just depends on what you want to do, for a surfy off trail ski the qst will have an edge, if you want to stay primarily on the trail Fischer Ranger is a great option (it has very easy turn initiation when you flex your boot). Both equally good skis, just different qualities.
I really wanted to demo this ski recently but ran out of time. That's partially due to how much time I spent and enjoyed the Ripstick 96 Black. I am not committed to the Ripstick yet, and the Ranger is what I'm interested in. Also, the JSkis Mindblaster I'd like to ride, but unless they have a new release or something, those are out.
Elliott, would you say that a heavy expert level skier might overpower the soft tips of these skis? I like snappy short turns, and I love moguls, but I also need something with enough strength to power through crud. I don’t see powder often enough to get a dedicated powder ski but I do want a wider ski that I can use off piste in variable conditions. would I be better off with an m6 mantra or would I be missing out on maneuverability capabilities? Thoughts?
I noticed that too with Bob. Maybe for me, these would be a try before buying type of scenario… When you get a chance, I’d love to see your thoughts on the Head Kore 93. I felt a pair in the shop and was surprised to find that they were the stiffest skis on the wall while still being lightweight.
I don't think so, I think you get used to that turn initiation and the rest of the ski has enough Ti to be stable. I think they're comparable skis so you're not going to lose much either way. But if you want a crud cutter ski that's going to kind of stomp through all conditions the M6 Mantra is great, if you want something that is a bit more versatile with carving and powder the Ranger are a great value and do well in most conditions. From the first part of your description I would bet you would really like the Ranger 90, but it all depends on what you really want out of the ski.
Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Elan Wingman 86CTI as you discuss all-mountain(ish) skis that are also beneficial in turn initiation and carving.. I would consider myself an advanced skier at 6’4” and 250# … I bought the wingman 86CTI last year and seem to be able to get it to bend and have enjoyed it… while I spend 80% of my time on frontside groomers in the Midwest the snow conditions are always variable with crud, ice and sometimes real nice snow or powder …. I took the Wingman’s to Stowe last year and they did well with only myself being the limiter on what they could handle 😉…. I had looked at the Ranger as well as the non-Black Ripstick as options because they appear more versatile but would remember Bob’s comments on overpowering the softer tips of the rangers or rip sticks although he is a more aggressive skier… I have about 25 more pounds on him….. have you ever skied an Elan Wingman CTI ski or Ripstick? Enjoy the videos for sure
I like your reviews a lot. They go really in depth. As someone who just got some Atomic G8s in the mail for instructing (in europe, so narrow skis it is), what would you recomend for a 2nd pair. I think that something like the atomic bent 100s or the 1000 skis all mountain would be cool. Really looking for something fun, since the narrow 70mm underfoot atomics arent that "fun".
Yeah you could go with the Bents if it's just a dedicated park/ powder ski. If you want something more fun and you care about carving I would probably go with like a Maverick 100ti or something similar honestly. I really didn't care for the Bents, but I also don't ski park, and care a lot about being able to carve even if it's just to get to the off trail section. Another great option would be the Salomon QST 106 for powder, that's what I bought.
@@RicketySkiReviews yeah. Im really looking for something to ski on days off. I dont need something for carving, as the atomic redster g8 are 70mm under foot. Im really more looking for a shape rather than a model, as i may be able to get a good deal through the ski school im gonna work at. But yeah. I have looked at something like the bent 100 (i dont like the top sheet lol), the stockli sr 102 or the 1000 skis i mentioned, that are around 107 under foot iirc. But i think i want something 100-110 under foot and soft.
I don't do very well with reactive skis.. My 88s aren't reactive.. There is a minimum speed that they need to turn and they have a longer (19m) turn radius.. Chances are that I won't use them until the 1st of the year when most of the hill is open.. Rock hard groomers is their specialty.. I have had them up in the bowls when it was hardpack/ice and they were amazing.. They are great in windblown snow.. They suck with soft snow on crud or in crud or even slush.. They are my only ski of that waist width and I am not looking to replace them with anything else.. I have plenty of skis in the 100-105 waist width but I am still looking for the 95 waist width.. I would want my 95s to be more versatile than my 88s.. I guess I can live with it if they don't go as fast as long as they can handle the crud better.. I probably still want something that isn't reactive.. You keep mentioning Salomon and I have had a good experience on them..
In the Fischer Ranger's Case, It's more like the construction, they have that kind of softer tip, so the first part of the turn happens with very little boot pressure. @@darinsmith2458
Providing an answer on why east coasters are getting wider skis: 1) As opposed to when you and I grew up, there is now a lot of "Loose granular" days and even on warm days, little ice pellets become these ridiculously loose and soft bumpy areas where thinner skis just get screwed up. 2) It has more to do with how noodly most thin skis have become. Totally unusable on hardpack. Either you buy race skis or the skis just fail to catch an edge. I've been skiing out east a lot these last 4 years and I can say I've seen the injuries multiply with these garbage build noodle skis being marketed as "usable" when they aren't.... I would never recommend anyone step onto the majority of skis I see sold.... for any reason. They don't benefit beginners, they are just cheap knockoff trash with bad, low quality materials. 😊
Imo best daily driver for most people is more like a Fischer 78gt or 82 gt. Thinner metal. But rips. Im surprised you recommend a ranger....80%+ skiers dont leave the trail...would you agree? You should definitely try the fischer 86 gt, rip through almost anything. And get on some Kastles!! MX series in trail or zx /fx for soft snow
Fischer makes great skis. They are one of the few big brands that are still privately owned. They do all of their manufacturing in Europe (much still is Austria) support companies that are not part of Chinese conglomerates...
Yeah I like their philosophy alot
Good feedback from your personal experience as usual. Around 2010, the Line Prophet featured a die-cut titanal laminate shaped like we’re seeing in the recent Mindbender and Rangers. Line called it ‘Metal Matrix’ and the shape evolved a bit to flare at the tips and tails in the later versions of the Prophet. K2 had acquired Line Skis in 2006, so it’s possible they should get the credit, but the Prophet was the first ski I can remember that featured the concept. I still own a pair of Line Prophet 98’s from 2013. It was (and still is) a great ski.
Yeah, that size should be fine! I'm 185 and run a 182 for my QST 106's. Just depends on what you like, I like my skis a bit shorter so I can go in the woods, but you're in a healthy range. Might look around, idk how e-commerce sellers work in europe, but in the US there are some even better deals new than used as everyone unloads the 2023 skis.
Elliott I think more skiers would be better served on a narrower ski and then just rent a large powder ski for those super deep days. Narrower skis would make the edges more accessible and they could actually earn to carve! My wife went from a 96mm Vantage to 92mm underfoot Declivity and her skiing noticeably improved.
I agree 100% I ski an 88 under foot and would probably go even slimmer if I weren't out west.
Declivity might be slightly more fun and forgiving at each end vs the Vantage?
I have the 92ti too, and it certainly covers a wide spectrum without being hard to drive 😊
@@scollyutube after 100+ days the wife's vantages were done! I'm impressed with the Declivity, I'm skiing the 102mm as my daily and can get it to rail as I drag my hand!
@irideaduck939 My other half now skis the 82 Reliances as I wanted to get her off her shorter lighter Head Joys she was 'cheating' on. Certainly has made a difference and after a break in/up peroid 😉 she really likes them comparatively too.
Hi Elliott, great reviews as always. I am looking for a 90mm ski to use as daily driver in the Alps, with some occasional ski touring trips. I am between the QST 92 and Ranger 90 as I need some good edge holding for firmer snow, as much as possible with these types of skis. Which one would you suggest and what length ( 177cm/76Kg advanced skier, not too aggressive). Heard good things about the Volkl Kendo but wonder if it has good enough floatation.. Many thanks
Both are good options, it just depends on what you want to do, for a surfy off trail ski the qst will have an edge, if you want to stay primarily on the trail Fischer Ranger is a great option (it has very easy turn initiation when you flex your boot). Both equally good skis, just different qualities.
I really wanted to demo this ski recently but ran out of time. That's partially due to how much time I spent and enjoyed the Ripstick 96 Black. I am not committed to the Ripstick yet, and the Ranger is what I'm interested in. Also, the JSkis Mindblaster I'd like to ride, but unless they have a new release or something, those are out.
It's hard to demo multiple skis in a day!
Elliott, would you say that a heavy expert level skier might overpower the soft tips of these skis? I like snappy short turns, and I love moguls, but I also need something with enough strength to power through crud. I don’t see powder often enough to get a dedicated powder ski but I do want a wider ski that I can use off piste in variable conditions. would I be better off with an m6 mantra or would I be missing out on maneuverability capabilities? Thoughts?
Bob from Ski Essentials states clearly that the Rangers do not work for him for the exact concerns you state
I noticed that too with Bob. Maybe for me, these would be a try before buying type of scenario…
When you get a chance, I’d love to see your thoughts on the Head Kore 93. I felt a pair in the shop and was surprised to find that they were the stiffest skis on the wall while still being lightweight.
I don't think so, I think you get used to that turn initiation and the rest of the ski has enough Ti to be stable. I think they're comparable skis so you're not going to lose much either way. But if you want a crud cutter ski that's going to kind of stomp through all conditions the M6 Mantra is great, if you want something that is a bit more versatile with carving and powder the Ranger are a great value and do well in most conditions.
From the first part of your description I would bet you would really like the Ranger 90, but it all depends on what you really want out of the ski.
Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Elan Wingman 86CTI as you discuss all-mountain(ish) skis that are also beneficial in turn initiation and carving.. I would consider myself an advanced skier at 6’4” and 250# … I bought the wingman 86CTI last year and seem to be able to get it to bend and have enjoyed it… while I spend 80% of my time on frontside groomers in the Midwest the snow conditions are always variable with crud, ice and sometimes real nice snow or powder …. I took the Wingman’s to Stowe last year and they did well with only myself being the limiter on what they could handle 😉…. I had looked at the Ranger as well as the non-Black Ripstick as options because they appear more versatile but would remember Bob’s comments on overpowering the softer tips of the rangers or rip sticks although he is a more aggressive skier… I have about 25 more pounds on him….. have you ever skied an Elan Wingman CTI ski or Ripstick? Enjoy the videos for sure
Great suggestions! I have not tested any Elans recently, but they are first on my list for this coming winter!
I like your reviews a lot. They go really in depth. As someone who just got some Atomic G8s in the mail for instructing (in europe, so narrow skis it is), what would you recomend for a 2nd pair. I think that something like the atomic bent 100s or the 1000 skis all mountain would be cool. Really looking for something fun, since the narrow 70mm underfoot atomics arent that "fun".
Yeah you could go with the Bents if it's just a dedicated park/ powder ski. If you want something more fun and you care about carving I would probably go with like a Maverick 100ti or something similar honestly. I really didn't care for the Bents, but I also don't ski park, and care a lot about being able to carve even if it's just to get to the off trail section. Another great option would be the Salomon QST 106 for powder, that's what I bought.
or the qst 98 depending on your climate.
@@RicketySkiReviews yeah. Im really looking for something to ski on days off. I dont need something for carving, as the atomic redster g8 are 70mm under foot.
Im really more looking for a shape rather than a model, as i may be able to get a good deal through the ski school im gonna work at. But yeah. I have looked at something like the bent 100 (i dont like the top sheet lol), the stockli sr 102 or the 1000 skis i mentioned, that are around 107 under foot iirc. But i think i want something 100-110 under foot and soft.
I also forgot to mention. Im gonna do my season in the swiss alps😎
I know the models i mentioned with the stockli and bents are very different, but like i said. I dont quite know what i want.
I think he actually tested / worked with developing the nightstick (their park ski) - not the Ranger -
Totally, I was trying to just convey the relationship, but no Jeff did not help develop the Ranger. Correct.
You can see the original video from Ski Essentials here: ruclips.net/video/SdRRN8mm0hU/видео.htmlsi=QX7EPDMBd_kDj60T
I don't do very well with reactive skis.. My 88s aren't reactive.. There is a minimum speed that they need to turn and they have a longer (19m) turn radius.. Chances are that I won't use them until the 1st of the year when most of the hill is open.. Rock hard groomers is their specialty.. I have had them up in the bowls when it was hardpack/ice and they were amazing.. They are great in windblown snow.. They suck with soft snow on crud or in crud or even slush.. They are my only ski of that waist width and I am not looking to replace them with anything else..
I have plenty of skis in the 100-105 waist width but I am still looking for the 95 waist width.. I would want my 95s to be more versatile than my 88s.. I guess I can live with it if they don't go as fast as long as they can handle the crud better.. I probably still want something that isn't reactive..
You keep mentioning Salomon and I have had a good experience on them..
I more mean reactive in the carving sense, like amount of pressure to get the carving turn started.
Great insight! Cheers!
@@RicketySkiReviews Are you talking about camber?
In the Fischer Ranger's Case, It's more like the construction, they have that kind of softer tip, so the first part of the turn happens with very little boot pressure. @@darinsmith2458
@@RicketySkiReviews ok
Providing an answer on why east coasters are getting wider skis:
1) As opposed to when you and I grew up, there is now a lot of "Loose granular" days and even on warm days, little ice pellets become these ridiculously loose and soft bumpy areas where thinner skis just get screwed up.
2) It has more to do with how noodly most thin skis have become. Totally unusable on hardpack. Either you buy race skis or the skis just fail to catch an edge.
I've been skiing out east a lot these last 4 years and I can say I've seen the injuries multiply with these garbage build noodle skis being marketed as "usable" when they aren't....
I would never recommend anyone step onto the majority of skis I see sold.... for any reason. They don't benefit beginners, they are just cheap knockoff trash with bad, low quality materials. 😊
I do iceskating and ice drifting more than skiing most days! 😅
Elliott, why you have two right skis on the picture :) it should be L and R :)
That's the one I found on Google! haha, that's funny, I assumed it stood for Ranger
Lol, it must stand for Ranger, I’ve watched a lot of reviews on that and there is no L ski 😂
Imo best daily driver for most people is more like a Fischer 78gt or 82 gt. Thinner metal. But rips.
Im surprised you recommend a ranger....80%+ skiers dont leave the trail...would you agree?
You should definitely try the fischer 86 gt, rip through almost anything.
And get on some Kastles!! MX series in trail or zx /fx for soft snow
Might just be a difference between east and west coast tbf