Expert Comparison: Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 vs Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Skis · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $449.99 40% off | $419.97 40% off |
User rating | 5(4) | 5(1) |
The Curated Take | Best for skiers who enjoy carving on groomers and occasionally venture off-trail. | -- |
Ski type | All Mountain, Freeride | All Mountain |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of all-mountain skis, the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti are two top contenders. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, making them ideal for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain. The Elan Ripstick 96 is known for its lightweight construction, versatility, and unique asymmetrical design, while the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti is praised for its powerful performance, stability, and edge-to-edge response. Both skis have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your personal skiing style and preferences.
Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 summary
The Elan Ripstick 96 is a versatile all-mountain ski that combines lightweight construction with high performance. It features Elan's unique asymmetrical design, with a designated left and right ski, which enhances edge hold and makes turning smoother. The ski's wide tip shovel and tail width make it excellent for powder days, while its stiff underfoot and tail make it a powerful all-mountain ripper.
The Ripstick 96 is equipped with Elan's patented "Amphibio" technology, which enhances carving and turn initiation. It also features a technology called tube light, which is a carbon rod that runs through the core of the ski to create stiffness, power, and control underfoot. The regular Ripstick has two rods, while the Black Edition has four, making it more powerful and less forgiving.
Despite its power, the Ripstick 96 is surprisingly lightweight and easy to turn, making it a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to improve their technique. It's also versatile enough to handle a variety of terrains, from groomers to moguls to off-piste.
The Elan Ripstick at a first glance looks impressive. The unique asymmetrical shaped skis have a designated left and right ski. It have a very wide Tip shovel at 136 and a tail width at 110 witch makes these ski excellent for powder days! As for the flex of the ski the tip is a very soft flex while at the underfoot and tail its very stiff making it the ultimate All-mountain ripper!
The Elan Ripstick at a first glance looks impressive. The unique asymmetrical shaped skis have a designated left and right ski. It have a very wide Tip shovel at 136 and a tail width at 110 witch makes these ski excellent for powder days! As for the flex of the ski the tip is a very soft flex while at the underfoot and tail its very stiff making it the ultimate All-mountain ripper!
Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
The Atomic Maverick 95 Ti is a hard-charging all-mountain ski that's built for speed and stability. It features a moderate rocker profile at the tip, which provides better float and easier turn initiation in soft snow. The ski's backbone is made of poplar wood, which offers superior flex and weight without compromising vibration absorption.
The Maverick 95 Ti is also equipped with two layers of titanal, a type of metal that enhances edge-to-edge response and dampening. This makes the ski stiff and damp for hard pack, but its width and spoon tip give it plenty of float for its width.
Despite its power and stability, the Maverick 95 Ti is surprisingly lightweight, thanks to its poplar wood construction. This makes it easier to control and less fatiguing to ski, even at high speeds.
A ton of things about this ski make it an awesome all-mountain tool. First, ya gotta love the rocker profile this ski has. Rocker just refers to how much or how soon the ends of the ski rise off the ground. The Mav has a pretty moderate rocker at the tip, meaning you are sacrificing contact with the snow on-piste, but you won't find yourself immobile off-piste (that rocker is gonna give you better float and easier turn initiation in soft stuff than skis with minimal rocker). Poplar wood is the backbone of this ski giving it superior flex and weight without compromising vibration absorption.
A ton of things about this ski make it an awesome all-mountain tool. First, ya gotta love the rocker profile this ski has. Rocker just refers to how much or how soon the ends of the ski rise off the ground. The Mav has a pretty moderate rocker at the tip, meaning you are sacrificing contact with the snow on-piste, but you won't find yourself immobile off-piste (that rocker is gonna give you better float and easier turn initiation in soft stuff than skis with minimal rocker). Poplar wood is the backbone of this ski giving it superior flex and weight without compromising vibration absorption.
Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They both feature unique technologies that enhance performance, such as Elan's Amphibio technology and Atomic's titanal construction. Both skis are also praised for their lightweight construction, which makes them easier to control and less fatiguing to ski.
In terms of performance, both skis excel at carving and offer excellent edge-to-edge response. They also both have a moderate rocker profile at the tip, which provides better float and easier turn initiation in soft snow.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile all-mountain performers, they cater to slightly different types of skiers. The Elan Ripstick 96 is a bit more forgiving and easier to turn, making it a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to improve their technique. Its unique asymmetrical design also enhances edge hold and makes turning smoother.
On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti is a bit more aggressive and built for speed. It's stiffer and more stable, making it ideal for advanced skiers who love to charge hard and fast. Its titanal construction also enhances edge-to-edge response and dampening, providing a smoother and more stable ride at high speeds.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Elan Ripstick 96's lighter weight and easier turn initiation give it a slight edge.
In terms of performance, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti's titanal construction and superior edge-to-edge response make it the winner.
For ease of use and control, the Elan Ripstick 96's forgiving nature and unique asymmetrical design make it the top choice.
Finally, for speed and stability, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti's stiffness and stability make it the clear winner.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti are excellent all-mountain skis that offer high performance and versatility. The best choice depends on your personal skiing style and preferences. If you're an intermediate to advanced skier looking for a lightweight and forgiving ski that's easy to turn, the Elan Ripstick 96 is a great choice. If you're an advanced skier who loves to charge hard and fast, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti's power and stability will serve you well. Either way, you're in for a thrilling ride on the mountain.
