Expert Comparison: Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024 vs Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$419.40 40% off | from:$419.99 40% off |
The Curated Take | Best for advanced skiers who want a lightweight, maneuverable ski that performs well at high speeds and in variable conditions. | Best for skiers seeking a versatile, agile ski that performs well in all conditions, with a balance of stiffness to weight. |
User rating | -- | 5(1) |
Ski type | Freeride, All Mountain | All Mountain, Freeride |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of skiing, the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for versatility and agility, with a focus on providing a smooth and playful ride. The Head Kore 87 Skis are praised for their lightweight Carbon/Graphene layup and aggressive yet refined flex profile, making them ideal for skiers who want instant engagement when starting a turn. On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are lauded for their innovative TNT Technology and unique Amphibio profile, offering a lively and snappy feel that performs well in all conditions. While both skis have their strengths, the final verdict will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.
Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024 summary
The Head Kore 87 Skis are a top pick for many experts due to their playful shape and aggressive yet refined flex profile. As the narrowest of the Kore range, these skis are ideal for those who want instant engagement when starting a turn. They retain a bit of the versatility found in their wider cousins, thanks to a bit of taper in the sidecut/rocker at the tip. This design helps them power through variable snow conditions without catching an edge, making them more fun when you find yourself in deeper fresh snow.
The Kore range from Head is a favorite among experts because of its Carbon/Graphene layup instead of Titanal. This not only keeps the weight down but also makes the skis much more lively at lower speeds. At high speeds, you get the damp/stable and torsionally rigid feel of a titanal-rich ski like the Nordica Enforcer series, but at lower speeds, they still pop from edge to edge quickly like a carving ski. This combination of features makes the Head Kore 87 Skis a top choice for skiers who want a playful, versatile, and responsive ski.
This is my top pick for sure. The Kore range from Head is one of my favorites because they use a Carbon/Graphene layup instead of Titanal, which not only keeps weight down, but also makes the skis much more lively at lower speeds. That means at high speeds you get the damp/stable and torsionally rigid feel of a titanal-rich ski like the Nordica Enforcer series, but at lower speeds they still pop from edge to edge quickly like a carving ski.
This is my top pick for sure. The Kore range from Head is one of my favorites because they use a Carbon/Graphene layup instead of Titanal, which not only keeps weight down, but also makes the skis much more lively at lower speeds. That means at high speeds you get the damp/stable and torsionally rigid feel of a titanal-rich ski like the Nordica Enforcer series, but at lower speeds they still pop from edge to edge quickly like a carving ski.
Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024 summary
The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are a versatile and agile ski that performs well in all conditions. They offer a smooth and forgiving ride, making them suitable for both on-piste and off-piste skiing. The innovative TNT Technology provides a lively and snappy feel, while the SST sidewalls and TubeLite Woodcore ensure direct power transmission.
The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are optimized with Elan's unique Amphibio profile, making them agile, smooth, and easy to ski. They are lightweight and agile without sacrificing downhill stability and can handle an array of conditions, including deeper snow. The patented Amphibio design packs more material into the inside edge of each ski, resulting in increased edge hold. The carbon and wood construction keeps the ski lightweight and agile without sacrificing downhill stability. This combination of features makes the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis a top choice for skiers who demand versatility, agility, and performance in every condition.
The Elan Ripstick 88 was built to be the bridge between dedicated frontside groomer skis and and more all-mountain freeride skis like the Ripstick 96. It 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, a carbon and wood construction that keeps the ski lightweight and agile without sacrificing downhill stability-and wraps it into a more narrow package. The result is a phenomenal carving ski that has the liveliness and playfulness to get off-piste as well.
The Elan Ripstick 88 was built to be the bridge between dedicated frontside groomer skis and and more all-mountain freeride skis like the Ripstick 96. It 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, a carbon and wood construction that keeps the ski lightweight and agile without sacrificing downhill stability-and wraps it into a more narrow package. The result is a phenomenal carving ski that has the liveliness and playfulness to get off-piste as well.
Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are designed with versatility and agility in mind. They are both lightweight and offer a playful and smooth ride. Both skis are designed to perform well in a variety of snow conditions, including deeper fresh snow. They both have unique designs that allow for instant engagement when starting a turn and provide a stable and torsionally rigid feel at high speeds. Both skis also use innovative materials and technologies to keep the weight down and enhance performance.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile and agile, they cater to slightly different personas. The Head Kore 87 Skis are ideal for skiers who want a playful shape and an aggressive yet refined flex profile. They are perfect for those who want instant engagement when starting a turn and a ski that can power through variable snow conditions without catching an edge.
On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are great for skiers who want a versatile and agile ski that performs well in all conditions. They offer a smooth and forgiving ride, making them suitable for both on-piste and off-piste skiing. The innovative TNT Technology provides a lively and snappy feel, making them a top choice for skiers who demand versatility, agility, and performance in every condition.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis might have a slight edge due to their innovative TNT Technology and unique Amphibio profile, which provide a lively and snappy feel in all conditions.
In terms of agility, the Head Kore 87 Skis shine with their Carbon/Graphene layup, which makes the skis more lively at lower speeds. This makes them a top pick for skiers who want a ski that can pop from edge to edge quickly like a carving ski.
For a smooth and forgiving ride, the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis take the cake. Their redesigned construction offers a smooth ride, making them suitable for both on-piste and off-piste skiing.
Lastly, in terms of performance, it's a close call. Both skis offer excellent performance in a variety of conditions. However, the Head Kore 87 Skis might have a slight advantage due to their aggressive yet refined flex profile, which allows them to power through variable snow conditions without catching an edge.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are top contenders for the 2024 season. They both offer versatility, agility, and a smooth ride, making them ideal for a variety of skiing conditions. The Head Kore 87 Skis shine with their playful shape and aggressive yet refined flex profile, while the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis impress with their innovative TNT Technology and unique Amphibio profile. The final verdict will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So, whether you're carving up groomers or exploring off-piste, both these skis are sure to deliver a thrilling ride. Happy skiing!
