In this comparison, we are looking at two skis from Elan's 2024 lineup: the Ripstick 88 and the Playmaker 101. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, but they cater to different types of skiers. The Ripstick 88 is a versatile ski that excels in carving and offers a smooth, forgiving ride. It's lightweight, agile, and perfect for skiers who demand versatility and performance in every condition. On the other hand, the Playmaker 101 is a freeride and freestyle ski that is playful and versatile. It's perfect for skiers who like to slash, smear, and jump. Both skis are lightweight and feature Elan's unique Amphibio design and carbon rods for increased edge hold. However, they differ in their waist width and performance in different conditions. The Ripstick 88 is better for lower snow regions and hardpack conditions, while the Playmaker 101 offers better float in powder and is more freestyle-oriented.

Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024 is a versatile all-mountain ski that offers a smooth yet forgiving ride. It's designed to be the bridge between dedicated frontside groomer skis and more all-mountain freeride skis like the Ripstick 96. The ski sports everything that makes the 96 version great - carbon rods over the edges for increased edge hold, the patented Amphibio design that packs more material into the inside edge of each ski, and a carbon and wood construction that keeps the ski lightweight and agile without sacrificing downhill stability. All these features are wrapped into a more narrow package, resulting in a phenomenal carving ski that has the liveliness and playfulness to get off-piste as well.

The Ripstick 88 is incredibly light and edges very well on hardpack, ice, and groomers. It still has a bit of versatility for powder, but it's ideal for lower snow regions like the Midwest/East. With dimensions of 130 at the tip, 88 at the waist, and 105 at the tail, there's plenty of ski to float you on top. The ski is perfect for skiers who demand versatility, agility, and performance in every condition.

Elan Playmaker 101 Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Playmaker 101 Skis · 2024 is a freeride and freestyle ski that is playful and versatile. It's designed for skiers who like to slash, smear, and jump. The Playmaker 101 combines a lot of things that make the Elan Ripsticks popular—a Tubelite Wood core for an incredibly light ski, but carbon rods underfoot that increase edge grip—but packaged in a twin-tip, more freestyle-oriented ski. While the Ripstick is content to carve up groomers, the Playmaker is more for the skier who likes to slash, smear and skid their way down the hill; they can still carve, but you can't drive them as hard, they require a more balanced stance for premium carving ability.

The Playmaker 101 is a great one ski quiver. It holds edge great on hard pack with the camber underfoot. The early rise in the tips help these ski in tracked and untracked powder. It's a fun, poppy, and lively ski, just as capable of taking laps through the park, but also skipping through trees and meadows.

Similarities

Both the Elan Ripstick 88 and the Playmaker 101 are all-mountain skis designed for versatility and performance. They both feature Elan's unique Amphibio design and carbon rods for increased edge hold. Both skis are lightweight and agile, thanks to their carbon and wood construction. They are both designed to offer a smooth and forgiving ride, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions. Both skis also have a playful feel and are capable of getting off-piste.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they cater to different types of skiers. The Ripstick 88 is better for lower snow regions and hardpack conditions. It's ideal for skiers who want a ski that can carve well and is agile and lightweight. On the other hand, the Playmaker 101 is more freestyle-oriented and offers better float in powder. It's perfect for skiers who like to slash, smear, and jump, and who want a ski that is playful and versatile.

The Ripstick 88 has a narrower waist width of 88mm, making it more suitable for carving and hardpack conditions. The Playmaker 101, with its 101mm waist, offers better float in powder and is more suitable for freeride and freestyle skiing.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

In terms of versatility, both skis perform well. However, the Ripstick 88 might have a slight edge due to its ability to perform well in a wider range of conditions, including hardpack and lower snow regions.

When it comes to freestyle performance, the Playmaker 101 is the clear winner. Its twin-tip design and freestyle-oriented feel make it a great choice for skiers who like to slash, smear, and jump.

In terms of carving performance, the Ripstick 88 is the winner. Its narrower waist and Amphibio design make it a phenomenal carving ski.

Finally, in terms of weight and agility, both skis are lightweight and agile, thanks to their carbon and wood construction. However, the Ripstick 88 might have a slight edge due to its narrower waist and carbon rods over the edges for increased edge hold.

Comparison Table

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Elan Ripstick 88 and the Playmaker 101 are excellent all-mountain skis that offer versatility and performance. The Ripstick 88 is a versatile ski that excels in carving and offers a smooth, forgiving ride. It's perfect for skiers who demand versatility and performance in every condition. On the other hand, the Playmaker 101 is a freeride and freestyle ski that is playful and versatile. It's perfect for skiers who like to slash, smear, and jump.

Choosing between the two will largely depend on your skiing style and the conditions you typically ski in. If you're a skier who loves carving and needs a ski that performs well in hardpack conditions, the Ripstick 88 would be a great choice. If you're more into freestyle skiing and need a ski that offers good float in powder, the Playmaker 101 would be the better option. Both skis are lightweight, agile, and offer a smooth and forgiving ride, making them great choices for all-mountain skiing.