Expert Comparison: Head Kore 91 Skis · Women's · 2023 vs Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $418.93 40% off | from:$419.99 40% off |
User rating | 4(1) | 5(3) |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for intermediate to expert skiers who want a lightweight, versatile ski that performs well on and off-piste. |
Ski type | All Mountain | All Mountain, Freeride |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of women's skis, the Head Kore 91 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are two standout options for the 2023 and 2024 seasons respectively. Both skis are praised for their lightweight construction and versatile performance across various terrains. The Head Kore 91 is lauded for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, agility, and ability to function as a touring ski. The Elan Ripstick 94 W, on the other hand, is celebrated for its unique amphibio profile, carving capabilities, and freeride performance. While both skis have their strengths, the Head Kore 91 is better suited for those who value nimbleness and maneuverability, while the Elan Ripstick 94 W is ideal for those who prioritize carving and freeride performance.
The Head Kore 91 Skis have been making waves in the ski industry, and for good reason. These skis are incredibly lightweight, yet they perform exceptionally well. This is largely due to Head's decision to use carbon and Graphene in the core of the ski, resulting in a stiff ski that can rip turns on groomed runs. Despite its stiffness, the ski remains nimble and maneuverable in tighter spaces, thanks to its lightweight nature.
With an 89mm waist width, the Kore 91 allows for easy edge-to-edge transitions, making it a joy to carve with. When there's soft or variable snow, these skis have enough width to have fun and not sink. The carbon in the skis provides the stiffness of a metal ski, but it's forgiving and not too heavy, making for an easygoing ski when you want it to be.
The Kore 91 is an impressive all-mountain ski that Head also says can function as a touring ski due to its lightweight build. This means you can take it on long backcountry adventures without feeling weighed down.
The Head Kore 91's strike an unbelievable strength-to-weight ratio, and are very easy to ski, yet can be pushed hard to your limits.
The Head Kore 91's strike an unbelievable strength-to-weight ratio, and are very easy to ski, yet can be pushed hard to your limits.
Head Kore 91 Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
The Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis are a freeride ski that's good for frontside and backside terrain, along with resort and backcountry skiing. These skis are built very lightweight, making them a great backcountry touring setup option.
Elan's unique amphibio profile means that there's a specific left and right ski. This design helps with carving and enhances performance all over the mountain. The ski is flexible, with a bit of camber underfoot for good groomer performance, and rocker in the tip and tail for freeride capabilities.
The Ripstick 94 W carves well on groomers, but it truly excels in trees and on big mountain areas. It's also easy to control at speed on groomers. Despite being lightweight, the ski is stable on jumps, although it's not designed for the terrain park.
In terms of powder performance, the 94mm underfoot and wide tip give the ski a lot of float, making it suitable for light powder up to 10 inches. The ski also performs well in bumps and trees, although it's not as nimble as some might expect.
These did have some really good edge hold. The stability was good as long as you stayed on the groomers. It was also easy to control at speed on the groomers. As soon as you get off the groomers, they get a little bit wobbly at high speeds.
These did have some really good edge hold. The stability was good as long as you stayed on the groomers. It was also easy to control at speed on the groomers. As soon as you get off the groomers, they get a little bit wobbly at high speeds.
Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Head Kore 91 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are designed for women and are praised for their lightweight construction. This makes them easy to handle and reduces fatigue, allowing for all-day skiing. Both skis also feature innovative use of materials, with the Kore 91 using carbon and Graphene in the core, and the Ripstick 94 W featuring carbon rods through its length.
Both skis are versatile and perform well in a variety of conditions. They can carve well on groomers, venture off-piste, and handle soft snow. They're also both suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers, offering a balance of performance and forgiveness that can appeal to a wide range of abilities.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile, they excel in different areas. The Head Kore 91 is particularly nimble and maneuverable, making it a great choice for skiers who like to navigate tight spaces or want a ski that can double as a touring option. It's also a good choice for those who value a ski that's easy to handle but can still be pushed to the limit.
On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 94 W shines in its carving and freeride performance. It's a good choice for skiers who like to make big turns on groomers or venture off-piste. The ski's unique amphibio profile also makes it a good option for those who want a ski that can help enhance their carving skills.
In terms of persona, the Head Kore 91 would be a good fit for the adventurous skier who likes to explore all areas of the mountain and values a lightweight, nimble ski. The Elan Ripstick 94 W would be ideal for the skier who loves carving and freeriding, and wants a ski that can handle a variety of conditions with ease.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to lightweight construction, both skis excel, but the Head Kore 91 gets the edge due to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
In terms of versatility, both skis perform well across a range of conditions, but the Elan Ripstick 94 W's unique amphibio profile and carving capabilities give it a slight advantage.
For maneuverability, the Head Kore 91 comes out on top, with experts praising its nimbleness and quick edge-to-edge transitions.
Finally, for freeride performance, the Elan Ripstick 94 W is the winner, with its wide tip and tail and rocker profile making it a great choice for off-piste adventures.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Head Kore 91 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are excellent choices for women skiers looking for a lightweight, versatile ski. The Head Kore 91 stands out for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and nimbleness, making it a great choice for those who value maneuverability and the option to use it as a touring ski. The Elan Ripstick 94 W, on the other hand, shines in its carving and freeride performance, making it a great option for those who love to venture off-piste and carve big turns on groomers.
Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style. Whether you're an adventurous skier who loves to explore all areas of the mountain, or a carving enthusiast who loves to venture off-piste, there's a ski for you in this comparison. Happy skiing!
