Fischer Ranger 130 Walk Dyn Review

Light, agile, and versatile describe the Fischer Ranger One Walk Dyn GW. There are a lot of acronyms and abbreviations in that name that mean: it has walk mode (Walk), it is Dynafit compatible with tech binding inserts (Dyn), and has Grip Walk outsoles (GW). This is a low to medium volume boot for feet that enjoy a smaller toe box. The integrated walk mode is pretty useful, and it has an approachable flex for intermediate skiers or mellower playful backcountry styles.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Ranger One is a snug, tight-fitting boot for a low to medium volume foot. Be aware, the 101-millimeter last that we tested felt narrower to us than many other models that had a listed 100-millimeter last. This boot will not fit a true medium-sized foot for very long and not a large bear paw. We recommend checking out the Ranger One Walk Vacuum if this sounds like you. In that model, Fischer offers a shell that can be heated and then vacuum molded to prevent hot spots and fit a wider range of feet.

Since most of our testers felt at home in a medium boot, it was difficult to wear this boot for very long. We loved the tight heel box and how the top of foot security prevents heel rise. The toe box space is limited, but the Grilamid shell can be heat molded to create more room if necessary. The walk mode is very pleasant for touring and walking around the resort. The extensions on the cuff buckles allow maximum space while staying buckled too.

Performance

The Ranger One is more of a jack of all trades than a hard charger. It is a great one boot quiver if you want to buy one boot that can do it all. It is soft for a 130 flex, closer to a 120 flex in other brands based on our experience. The lateral flexion decreases confidence and precision in high-speed turns and bumps. The power strap has a cam on the buckle that does contribute to better boot shin connection, but this boot ranked low in this metric due to the soft flex.

Materials & Durability

As a touring-capable boot, we were fairly pleased with the construction of the Ranger One. Sacrifices are made in strength and durability of the materials to make it one of the lightest boots we tested at only 3.5 pounds. It blurs the line between a resort boot and a backcountry boot, but was included here to display options for the burgeoning trend of mixed-use sidecountry or all-in-one alpine boots. We were impressed with the ingenuity of the internal walk mode that is integrated with the top cuff buckle. But we worry that the hidden internal components depending on wire might break down over time. More seasons of testing would prove or disprove this theory.

Warmth

Grilamid in thinner quantities caused the Ranger One to not compete aggressively with other boots in our lineup for warmth. That said, where it excelled was staying cool during tours and long hikes. The tight toe box potentially decreases circulation to the toes, making long days on the slopes potentially uncomfortable and cold, depending on the fit. Be aware to size the boot properly and always leave extra room in the toe box for cold days. The stock liner is plush and comfortable enough but not nearly as warm as some of the other models we tested.

Features

Ok, here is the metric where the Ranger one really shines. The walk mode integrated with the upper buckle on the cuff is pretty cool. No more dropping in and accidentally forgetting to switch over to ski mode out of walk mode. That is unless you forget to buckle altogether. This mitigates at least one safety concern with touring style boots from switching back and forth between modes. We also like the Grip Walk sole and tech binding inserts for ease of walking and hiking on uneven terrain. The touted 55-degree range in walk mode is a pleasure.

Value

Although the price tag is hefty, if you were considering a touring boot and a resort boot, the price of the Ranger One actually makes it a steal. The Ranger One is a do-it-all boot that can click into tech and Grip Walk compatible bindings.

Conclusion

A do-it-all work boot, the Fischer Ranger One can provide you with a boot for two worlds: backcountry and resort. We like the fancy extra features but beware that this boot fits specific feet and may need some work from a boot fitter. If you have a slender foot and have enough money for one boot but not two, take a serious look at this light and versatile boot.