Fischer Ranger Free 130 Ski Touring Boot – First Look

by Louie Dawson
written by Louie Dawson

(Post sponsored by Cripple Creek Backcountry.)

We got the Fischer beef boots, field testing to commence when winter (hopefully) arrives shortly here in the PNW. For now, quick look.

Black, yellow, and stiff. The Fischer Ranger Free 130

Black, yellow, and stiff. The Fischer Ranger Free 130 ski boot.

Cuff height comparison. Range Free 130on the left, Atomic Hawx Ultra Xtd 130 in the middle, and Maestrale RS on the right. All boots 27.5. The Ranger is similar height to the Atomic, and a bit higher than the Scarpa.

Cuff height comparison. Range Free 130on the left, Atomic Hawx Ultra Xtd 130 in the middle, and Maestrale RS on the right. All boots 27.5. The Ranger is similar height to the Atomic, and slightly taller than the Scarpa.

Black, yellow, and stiff. The Fischer Ranger Free 130

The ski/walk mode lever is located on the side of the boot, just under the buckle. Unique.

Rear flex in walk mode. Fischer says the boot has 55 degrees of motion. This seems about right. Certainly not as much as other boots out there, but it's above average for a boot that's this burly.

Rear flex in walk mode. Fischer says the boot has 55 degrees of motion. This seems about right. Certainly not as much as other boots out there, but it’s above average for a boot that’s this burly.

The ski/walk mode is mostly hidden. However, the mechanism can be seen a bit when the boot is flexed all the way forward in walk mode. Perhaps a way for ice and snow to enter? We'll see.

The ski/walk mode is mostly hidden. However, the mechanism can be seen a bit when the boot is flexed all the way forward in walk mode. Perhaps a way for ice and snow to enter? We’ll see.

Interior view of the ski/walk mode.

Interior view of the ski/walk mode.

Nice thick, stiff boot board that can be modified if needed.

Excellent: thick, stiff boot board can be modified as needed.

Conclusion: For the most part, a worthy addition to the beef shoe genre. We think the walk-ski mech needs extensive field vetting. As for use in free-touring bindings, the “normal” shaped sole (Vibram brand GripWalk) appears to be okay for Salomon/Atomic SHIFT, and doubtless will function with Fritschi Tecton as well as various classic tech bindings (though pairing this beefy a boot with minimalist bindings makes about as much sense as bolting a Mercury Sea Pro 300 HP outboard motor to a kayak). Claimed “99 mm” last will make some skiers happy, while wider footed others will be seeking the boot fitter’s punching skills. Use of Grilamid plastic results in reasonable weight for a free-touring class boot, though you can perhaps do better in the mass department.


Specs:
Weight size 27.5 (confirmed): 1602 grams (Fischer claimed weight: 1540 grams)
Last width: 99mm
Walk mode range of motion: 55 degrees
Tech inserts: Dynafit certified
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