Jason Snyder
WKR
I just purchased a pair of Lowa Rangers last week. I've pretty well hammered the crap out of them in the 10 days I've owned them, and thought I'd give a synopsis of my thoughts on them.
Boots that I've worn, liked, and will compare them to are:
Lowa Banff
Lowa Baffin Pro
Crispi Idaho
Schnee's Sheep Hunter (Lowa)
I think these compare best to the Lowa Banff and the Crispi Idaho. These are typical Lowa quality, which is outstanding. I can't remember if the Banff had a full 5mm nylon shank or not, but I think the Ranger is damned near the Gore tex equivalent of the Banff. I loved the Banff and was really disappointed when they discontinued that model.
A lot of guys ask about Tibets vs. other boots. I've put a lot of miles on the Baffin Pro, which has a 5mm nylon shank. I've found that unless I'm in the really steep rocks all the time, I don't like the full 5mm shank. The Ranger has a 5mm/3mm shank and it is definitely more flexible than the Baffin Pro. This makes it a much better boot for still hunting IMO. The Crispi Idaho was my favorite bowhunting boot that I owned, and the Ranger is very comparable in terms of flexibility.
I spent two days packing out a bull elk in snow. I found the sole tread design to be more than adequate. At first I was a little concerned that it would not offer the sidehill traction that I wanted, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I haven't had a chance to hammer the Rangers on the chukar slopes yet. That will be the real test for them in terms of support and stability. I will update this after I get more miles on these.
Boots that I've worn, liked, and will compare them to are:
Lowa Banff
Lowa Baffin Pro
Crispi Idaho
Schnee's Sheep Hunter (Lowa)
I think these compare best to the Lowa Banff and the Crispi Idaho. These are typical Lowa quality, which is outstanding. I can't remember if the Banff had a full 5mm nylon shank or not, but I think the Ranger is damned near the Gore tex equivalent of the Banff. I loved the Banff and was really disappointed when they discontinued that model.
A lot of guys ask about Tibets vs. other boots. I've put a lot of miles on the Baffin Pro, which has a 5mm nylon shank. I've found that unless I'm in the really steep rocks all the time, I don't like the full 5mm shank. The Ranger has a 5mm/3mm shank and it is definitely more flexible than the Baffin Pro. This makes it a much better boot for still hunting IMO. The Crispi Idaho was my favorite bowhunting boot that I owned, and the Ranger is very comparable in terms of flexibility.
I spent two days packing out a bull elk in snow. I found the sole tread design to be more than adequate. At first I was a little concerned that it would not offer the sidehill traction that I wanted, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I haven't had a chance to hammer the Rangers on the chukar slopes yet. That will be the real test for them in terms of support and stability. I will update this after I get more miles on these.