In the world of all-mountain skis, two models stand out: the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Black Crows Camox. Both are designed for versatility, offering a blend of on-piste and off-piste performance. The Elan Ripstick 96 is a lightweight, energetic ski that excels in carving and powder performance. It's a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to improve their technique on various terrains. The Black Crows Camox, on the other hand, is a playful all-mountain ski that offers a carefree ride. It's perfect for skiers who want a ski that's forgiving yet capable of handling advanced terrain. Both skis are excellent choices, but the best one for you depends on your skiing style and preferences.

Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 96 is a versatile all-mountain ski that combines a good mixture of powder performance versatility all-mountain with a lightweight and energetic design. It features Elan's unique technology called tube light, which is a carbon rod that runs through the core of the ski. This technology creates stiffness, power, and control underfoot. The regular Ripstick has two rods, while the Black Edition has four rods, making it more powerful and less forgiving.

The Ripstick 96 is a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who are looking to improve their technique in carving, moguls, and on groomers. It's slightly more forgiving and easier to turn than the Black Edition, making it a great choice for those who are still improving their skills. However, if you're an advanced or expert skier who wants a ski with more power and a charging nature, the Black Edition might be a better choice.

The Ripstick 96 is also a common choice for hybrid binding for a mix of uphill and downhill skiing. It's designed with a notch at the tail for skins, making it versatile for different types of skiing. Overall, if you're looking for a hard-charging, forgiving, versatile, and lightweight all-mountain ski, the Ripstick 96 might be just right for you.

Black Crows Camox Skis · 2024 summary

The Black Crows Camox is an all-mountain freeride ski that has a good amount of freestyle in its personality. It's perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who are looking for a versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions. The Camox is great for both on-piste and off-piste skiing, and it can even handle park skiing.

The Camox has a 19m turning radius, making it not the quickest turner, but it's still a lot of fun and super versatile. It's capable of handling deep powder days and is very stable at high speeds. The Camox is constructed of a wood and fiberglass wrap, making it far from a demanding ski. It won't punish you for less than perfect form, making it an excellent option for skiers looking for a more carefree or playful ride around the mountain.

With a 97mm waist underfoot, the Camox is an ideal daily driver or one ski quiver for folks in Colorado, Utah, or on the West Coast. If you're looking for a one ski quiver that can do it all, the Black Crows Camox is a great choice.

Similarities

Both the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Black Crows Camox are all-mountain skis designed for versatility. They are both suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers and can handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to off-piste. Both skis are designed with a focus on providing a balance between performance and forgiveness, making them great choices for skiers looking to improve their skills.

Both skis also feature unique technologies to enhance their performance. The Elan Ripstick 96 uses tube light technology, which involves carbon rods running through the core of the ski for added stiffness and control. The Black Crows Camox, on the other hand, uses a wood and fiberglass wrap construction for a forgiving yet capable ride.

In terms of dimensions, both skis have similar waist widths, with the Ripstick 96 at 96mm and the Camox at 97mm. This makes them both capable of handling a variety of snow conditions, from hardpack to powder.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Black Crows Camox are versatile all-mountain skis, they cater to slightly different personas due to their unique features and characteristics.

The Elan Ripstick 96 is a great choice for skiers who are looking to improve their technique on various terrains. It's slightly more forgiving and easier to turn than the Black Edition, making it a great choice for those who are still improving their skills. The Ripstick 96 is also a common choice for hybrid binding for a mix of uphill and downhill skiing. It's designed with a notch at the tail for skins, making it versatile for different types of skiing.

On the other hand, the Black Crows Camox is perfect for skiers who want a more playful and carefree ride. It's constructed of a wood and fiberglass wrap, making it far from a demanding ski. It won't punish you for less than perfect form, making it an excellent option for skiers looking for a more carefree or playful ride around the mountain.

In terms of differences, the Elan Ripstick 96 features an asymmetrical design with a designated left and right ski, while the Black Crows Camox has a more traditional symmetrical design. The Ripstick 96 also has a unique tube light technology for added stiffness and control, while the Camox uses a wood and fiberglass wrap construction for a forgiving yet capable ride.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Black Crows Camox, it's clear that both skis excel in different areas.

1. Versatility: Both skis are highly versatile, but the Black Crows Camox edges out the Elan Ripstick 96 due to its playful nature and forgiving construction. It's a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and won't punish you for less than perfect form.

2. Performance: The Elan Ripstick 96 wins in terms of performance. Its unique tube light technology provides added stiffness and control, making it a great choice for skiers looking to improve their technique on various terrains.

3. Construction: The Black Crows Camox wins in terms of construction. Its wood and fiberglass wrap construction makes it far from a demanding ski, offering a more carefree and playful ride.

4. Design: The Elan Ripstick 96 wins in terms of design. Its unique asymmetrical design with a designated left and right ski sets it apart from other skis on the market.

In conclusion, the best ski for you depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're looking for a ski that's forgiving and playful, the Black Crows Camox is a great choice. If you're looking to improve your technique on various terrains, the Elan Ripstick 96 is the way to go.

Conclusions

In the end, both the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Black Crows Camox are excellent all-mountain skis that offer a blend of performance and versatility. The Elan Ripstick 96 is a great choice for skiers looking to improve their technique on various terrains, while the Black Crows Camox is perfect for those who want a more playful and carefree ride.

The best ski for you ultimately depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're an intermediate to advanced skier looking for a lightweight, energetic ski that excels in carving and powder performance, the Elan Ripstick 96 might be just right for you. If you're looking for a ski that's forgiving yet capable of handling advanced terrain, the Black Crows Camox is a great choice.

Remember, the best ski is the one that makes you feel the most confident and comfortable on the mountain. So whether you choose the Elan Ripstick 96 or the Black Crows Camox, you're sure to have a great time on the slopes. Happy skiing!