Review: Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024
By Curated Experts
Leo Cocchiara and Maximilian D.
Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024
$449.99
$749.99
40% off
12 photos
The Curated Take
4.3/5
The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are ideal for advanced to expert skiers seeking a versatile all-mountain ski that excels in carving and powder. They are light enough for touring, with big shovel tips for exceptional float in powder. The ski design enhances turn initiation and edge hold, while the amphibio technology provides ease of use and stability. However, they may chatter at very high speeds and the tight tails can be challenging in moguls and trees. Not suitable for beginners, these skis are ideal for those looking for a lightweight, versatile option that can handle various conditions on the mountain.
Ideal for
- Excellent skis for carving
- Light enough to tour with
- Big shovel tips for exceptional powder float
Not ideal for
- Can chatter at very high speeds
- Tight tails can be challenging in moguls and trees
- Not for beginners
Turn Ease
The specific left and right ski enhance turn initiation and edge hold due to what Elan calls "amphibio" tech. It rockers the outside of the ski for catch-free turn initiation...Read more
Due to Elan's amphibio technology, which adds a unique shape and profile to the ski, this is one of the easiest skis on the market to turn. Now, make no...Read more
Playfulness
It's not a very playful ski in the spectrum of options when considering skis with deep rocker profiles. It definitely leans more on the side of a locked-in tail profile...Read more
The Ripstick is a good option for those looking for a ski on the playful side. This doesn't mean skiers should spend all day in the park with it or...Read more
Durability
These skis are about on par with every other modern ski regarding durability. Elan didn't use any special ultra-high-quality material to construct these skis. There are more durable brands out...Read more
High Speed Stability
Reaches a speed limit on hardpack around 50mph that asks skiers to turn to maintain stability and stay in control. The tips experience some chatter at higher speeds and don't...Read more
Don't get me wrong. These are very stable skis, even at higher speeds. However, heavier skiers like me (6'2" and 220lbs) should definitely consider sizing up or going with the...Read more
Carving
It offers better carving than one would expect from a ski with this profile, which is helped by the amphio tech. It’s very traditional in its cut from the mid-foot...Read more
The Ripstick 96 really impresses me with its carving capabilities. Given that it is constructed of carbon fiber and lightweight wood, I expected it not to hold an edge very...Read more
Versatility
This ski epitomizes versatility for the one-ski quiver, especially as a hybrid. Throw a pair of Shift bindings on these, and one gets a ski that can carve, slash, ski...Read more
The Elan Ripstick 96 is the perfect sweet spot for anyone looking for a ski that does it all. At the 96mm waist width, the Ripstick performs well in all...Read more
Flotation
The big shovel tips give me impressive float in fresh snow. I can easily handle 6-8" of fresh powder and arguably even more. The rocker outside of the ski with...Read more
These skis perform great in all conditions. Even in deep pow, the wide tip keeps these skis out of the snow, and the lightweight nature makes them pretty easy to...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Maximilian D.
About the ski gear
- Model: Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024
Test conditions
- When I bought these: 2024
- Where I’ve used them: The Rockies
- How many times I've used it: 3
Expert Reviews of the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis
Leo Cocchiara The Elan Ripstick had redefined the brand and put them front and center in the world of high-tech versatile skis for advanced to expert level skiers looking for that all-mountain one-ski quiver that’s light enough for touring. The specific left and right amphibio tech design follows through by providing catch-free turn initiation on the outside edge and enhanced grip on the inside edge, with plenty of surface area for a fresh 6-8".
Maximilian D. The Elan Ripstick is a great ski for a wide variety of skiers. Its lightweight construction, paired with Elan's patented "amphibio" technology, makes this ski an excellent choice for new and old skiers alike. This ski is ideal for someone who has been skiing for a couple of seasons and needs help dialing in their technique when it comes to carving or looking to increase their confidence on more difficult terrain. This is also for old-school skiers, whose days of setting land speed records are behind them, and they're just looking to jump on a ski that's light, versatile, and easy to turn.
Bottom line: There really isn't much like the Ripstick on the market right now. Its construction is unique, and Elan offers this ski in a wide variety of lengths, widths, and even stiffnesses (the Ripstick Black Edition) to cater to just about every type of skier.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Men's |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | All Mountain, Freeride |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Turn Ease
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 4 of 5 stars. The specific left and right ski enhance turn initiation and edge hold due to what Elan calls "amphibio" tech. It rockers the outside of the ski for catch-free turn initiation and elongates the inside edge for better grip. However, the tails are pretty tight and traditional, so it can take strong technique in tight spaces or come off a little sluggish.
Maximilian D. gave 5 of 5 stars. Due to Elan's amphibio technology, which adds a unique shape and profile to the ski, this is one of the easiest skis on the market to turn. Now, make no mistake. This isn't a beginner ski, but it is an excellent choice for aspiring intermediate and advanced skiers.
Playfulness
4/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 3 of 5 stars. It's not a very playful ski in the spectrum of options when considering skis with deep rocker profiles. It definitely leans more on the side of a locked-in tail profile that likes to carve, though it does offer some really nice performance in power, so it's hard to say it’s not playful in that sense.
Maximilian D. gave 5 of 5 stars. The Ripstick is a good option for those looking for a ski on the playful side. This doesn't mean skiers should spend all day in the park with it or throw tricks off every side hit. I think a better word to describe these skis is forgiving more than playful.
Durability
3/5
Maximilian D. gave 3 of 5 stars. These skis are about on par with every other modern ski regarding durability. Elan didn't use any special ultra-high-quality material to construct these skis. There are more durable brands out there. The Ripstick is pretty much what I'd expect at its price point.
High Speed Stability
3/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 3 of 5 stars. Reaches a speed limit on hardpack around 50mph that asks skiers to turn to maintain stability and stay in control. The tips experience some chatter at higher speeds and don't absorb the vibrations of hardpack particularly well. But skiers have to push it really hard to find the limit.
Maximilian D. gave 3 of 5 stars. Don't get me wrong. These are very stable skis, even at higher speeds. However, heavier skiers like me (6'2" and 220lbs) should definitely consider sizing up or going with the much stiffer Ripstick Black Edition. This is also true if someone considers themselves one of the faster skiers on the mountain. Those who demand a much stiffer, more stable ski should go with the Black Edition.
Carving
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. It offers better carving than one would expect from a ski with this profile, which is helped by the amphio tech. It’s very traditional in its cut from the mid-foot back, so when I get it on edge and really engage through the carve, the tails really keep me in the line.
Maximilian D. gave 5 of 5 stars. The Ripstick 96 really impresses me with its carving capabilities. Given that it is constructed of carbon fiber and lightweight wood, I expected it not to hold an edge very well, especially given my big and aggressive nature. To my surprise, the Ripstick 96 carves exceptionally well, and edge-to-edge initiation is super easy because of the lightweight materials.
Versatility
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. This ski epitomizes versatility for the one-ski quiver, especially as a hybrid. Throw a pair of Shift bindings on these, and one gets a ski that can carve, slash, ski powder, ski moguls, ski trees, and handle long days in the backcountry with ease, whether in the East or West.
Maximilian D. gave 5 of 5 stars. The Elan Ripstick 96 is the perfect sweet spot for anyone looking for a ski that does it all. At the 96mm waist width, the Ripstick performs well in all snow conditions and on most terrain. For many folks, 96mm isn't wide enough for a daily driver, but it has a nice wide tip that helps bring the ski out of super-deep snow.
Flotation
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. The big shovel tips give me impressive float in fresh snow. I can easily handle 6-8" of fresh powder and arguably even more. The rocker outside of the ski with the amphibio tech also helps with that. The skinnier tails do have a bit more drag than a true powder ski.
Maximilian D. gave 4 of 5 stars. These skis perform great in all conditions. Even in deep pow, the wide tip keeps these skis out of the snow, and the lightweight nature makes them pretty easy to turn, especially in deep snow. While they are not as good as a true pow ski, they are better than most all-mountain options on the market.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Leo Cocchiara I really love the carving performance on this ski. From mid-foot to tail, it’s traditionally cut and gives great control in the turn.
Maximilian D. The name of the game with the Elan Ripstick is ease of use. It is easily my favorite part about them.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Leo Cocchiara My favorite moment was at a demo day at Solitude in Utah, where there was a ledge I wanted to hike to to start my line. The skis were so light on my shoulder. I felt like I had extra stamina, and it kept me fresh for more.
Maximilian D. My favorite moment with the Elan Ripstick was towards the end of my first day skiing them, and I still felt fresh, like I could ski another eight hours. The lightweight nature of these skis took away tons of fatigue late in the day.
Why did you choose this product?
Leo Cocchiara There’s a reason why so many people end up on this ski. The tech comes together to deliver that ideal blend of lightweight, chargy, and versatility for various conditions and skiers.
Maximilian D. The Elan Ripstick is quickly becoming a household name in the ski industry, and like everyone else, I was eager to see what the hype was about.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Maximilian D. The Ripstick 96 is toward the higher end when it comes to price. In my opinion, these skis fill a huge gap in the industry and are well worth every penny. Other options aren't as lightweight, easy to use, or versatile. It should be at the top of the list for those looking for a one-ski quiver.
Leo Cocchiara
Ski ExpertMaximilian D.
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