In the world of all-mountain skis, the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 are two top contenders. Both skis are designed for high intermediate to expert skiers and offer a blend of power, versatility, and playfulness. The Elan Ripstick 96 is known for its lightweight construction, excellent carving ability, and versatility in various terrains. It's a great choice for those who want a ski that's both hard-charging and forgiving. On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is a playful all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of styles, terrain, and snow conditions. It's perfect for tackling steep slopes, technical trees, moguls, and even the park for freestyle skiing. While both skis are excellent choices, the best one for you will depend on your specific skiing style and preferences.

Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are a fantastic choice for those looking for an all-mountain ski that combines a good mixture of powder performance versatility all-mountain as well as something that's lightweight and energetic. The ski features a 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 a bit more powerful than the typical 96.

The Ripstick 96 is a common ski that you'll see a hybrid binding on for a little bit of tour mix uphill. It's noticeably a little bit heavier than the regular Ripstick, but it's designed with versatility in mind. It has a little notch at the tail that's designed for skins.

The ski is also known for its unique asymmetrical shape, which provides a fun and unique feeling while carving. It has a very wide tip shovel and a tail width, making it excellent for powder days. The flex of the ski is soft at the tip while being very stiff at the underfoot and tail, making it the ultimate all-mountain ripper.

Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis · 2024 summary

The Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are an all-mountain freeride ski with a rocker tip and tail. It’s a reasonably powerful ski, but definitely something that is playful and fun on the whole mountain. The ski is pretty rockered with lots of rocker in the tip and tail and a relatively centered stance. This means they're quick to pivot and not as much of a carver, but they're also pretty playful and have a pretty poppy tail.

The M-Free 99 is a twin-tip all-mountain ski that you can use in pretty much any situation. The 99 iteration is an East coast, lower snow, daily driver on the west coast, perhaps, but not a powder day ski. They have the 108 and 118 for that.

The ski is very maneuverable in the half a centimeter of fresh snow. And once the day progressed, we did get some slushie snow. It was super fun in those conditions. The ski holds an edge well, and it has nice camber underfoot. It's a really good option for a skier who doesn't want to compromise anywhere on the mountain.

Similarities

Both the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 are all-mountain skis designed for high intermediate to expert skiers. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and playfulness, making them suitable for a variety of terrains and snow conditions. Both skis are known for their excellent performance in powder and their ability to handle off-piste terrains with ease. They both have a rocker tip and tail, which enhances their maneuverability and makes them fun to ski. Additionally, both skis are lightweight and energetic, providing a responsive and snappy feel on the slopes.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and high-performing, they cater to slightly different skiing styles. The Elan Ripstick 96 is known for its excellent carving ability and is a great choice for skiers who enjoy making precise turns on groomed runs. It's also a bit more forgiving, making it a good option for intermediate skiers looking to improve their technique.

On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is more playful and freestyle-oriented. It's perfect for skiers who like to venture off the groomed runs and explore the whole mountain. It's also a good choice for skiers who enjoy freestyle skiing and want a ski that can handle jumps and tricks.

In terms of persona, the Elan Ripstick 96 is ideal for the skier who values precision and control, while the Dynastar M-Free 99 is perfect for the adventurous skier who loves to explore and play on the mountain.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Dynastar M-Free 99 might have a slight edge due to its freestyle capabilities and playful nature.

In terms of carving ability, the Elan Ripstick 96 is the clear winner. Its unique asymmetrical shape and excellent edge hold make it a superior choice for carving precise turns on groomed runs.

For off-piste performance, both skis excel, but the Dynastar M-Free 99's playful and surfy feel might make it a bit more fun in powder and variable conditions.

Finally, in terms of weight and energy, both skis are lightweight and energetic. However, the Elan Ripstick 96's tube light technology might give it a slight advantage in terms of power and control underfoot.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Elan Ripstick 96 and the Dynastar M-Free 99 are excellent all-mountain skis that offer a blend of power, versatility, and playfulness. The best choice for you will depend on your specific skiing style and preferences. If you value precision and control and enjoy carving on groomed runs, the Elan Ripstick 96 might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you love to explore the whole mountain and enjoy a playful and freestyle-oriented ski, the Dynastar M-Free 99 might be the perfect fit. Regardless of your choice, both skis are sure to provide a fun and high-performing experience on the slopes.