In the world of skiing, the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and offer a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. The Fischer Ranger 96 Skis are praised for their playful nature, versatility, and ability to handle a wide range of terrain. On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are known for their unique asymmetrical design, lightweight construction, and excellent carving abilities. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

Fischer Ranger 96 Skis · 2024 summary

The Fischer Ranger 96 Skis are a versatile and playful ski that can handle just about any terrain. They are designed to be a one-ski quiver or daily driver for any skier from the East to the West. The skis feature a Titanal metal underfoot, which gives them power on groomers and stiffness to punch through crusty snow. They are super stable and versatile, carving well on groomers and quick to turn and pivot in trees.

The Fischer Ranger 96 Skis have a 20-ish meter turn radius in the mid-nineties width, splitting the difference between very directional and very playful skis. They are stable as long as you don't overload the tip of the ski, with some dampening of vibrations going up through your body due to the Titanal underfoot. They are also light in the tips and tails, making them a versatile, playful ski.

These skis are not a park ski, but they are not super rigid and damp either. They are a powerful ski, and the Titanal metal allows them to punch through chunder and crunchy snow. However, they are a little wider than ideal for skiing on very firm, shorter trails where you want to make a lot of turns. They are recommended for a wide range of advanced to expert skiers, and even a strong athletic intermediate trying to improve.

Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are a unique blend of lightweight performance that can handle any snow conditions. They are designed with Elan's patented "Amphibio" technology, which provides powerful edge-to-edge turns on-piste and is no stranger to big mountain terrain. The skis have a very wide tip shovel and a tail width at 110, making them excellent for powder days. They are also great at carving, providing a fun and unique feeling while carving.

The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are light, nimble, and great for all mountain conditions. They are super easy to maneuver and are often described as just plain fun to ski since they are so forgiving. With their carbon construction, these skis provide the stiffness you need to carve well while keeping the weight low. However, they can be hard to maneuver in close quarters and can chatter at very high speeds.

These skis are recommended for skiers who favor groomers but occasionally venture off-trail. They are not recommended for beginners or for the deepest powder days.

Similarities

Both the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are praised for their versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. They both feature a mid-nineties width underfoot, providing a balance between on-piste carving and off-piste floatation. Both skis are also designed with a focus on stability and control, featuring technologies like Titanal metal underfoot in the Fischer Ranger 96 and Amphibio technology in the Elan Ripstick 96.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they cater to slightly different skiing styles. The Fischer Ranger 96 Skis are more playful and are great for skiers who like a hard-carving ski that can also jib. They are recommended for a wide range of advanced to expert skiers, and even a strong athletic intermediate trying to improve. However, they may not be the best choice for skiers who primarily ski on very firm, shorter trails.

On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are known for their unique asymmetrical design and excellent carving abilities. They are lighter and more forgiving, making them a great choice for skiers who favor groomers but occasionally venture off-trail. However, they may not be the best choice for beginners or for the deepest powder days.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis may have a slight edge due to their playful nature and ability to handle a wide range of terrain.

In terms of carving, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis take the lead with their unique asymmetrical design and excellent carving abilities.

For weight and maneuverability, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis come out on top due to their lightweight construction and forgiving nature.

Finally, for stability and control, the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis may have a slight advantage due to their Titanal metal underfoot, which provides stability and dampens vibrations.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers looking for a versatile, high-performance ski. The Fischer Ranger 96 Skis are a playful and versatile ski that can handle a wide range of terrain, making them a great choice for skiers who like a hard-carving ski that can also jib. On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are known for their unique asymmetrical design, lightweight construction, and excellent carving abilities, making them a great choice for skiers who favor groomers but occasionally venture off-trail. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and skiing style.