In the world of women's skis, the Rossignol Rallybird 92 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are two standout options for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for advanced riders and offer a versatile performance across a range of conditions. The Rallybird 92 is a reliable, intuitive ride that's great for intermediates all the way up to experts. It's not the most ideal ski for deep powder or chunky, crusty back bowls, but it's perfect for those popping in and out of the trees and bumps off the side of the trail, and then back on the groomers to carve some turns. On the other hand, the Ripstick 94 W is a lightweight, maneuverable ski that's great for carving on groomers and surfing over soft snow. It's a ski that doesn't ask too much of you but gives a whole lot in return. Both skis are fantastic options, but the choice between the two will ultimately come down to your personal skiing style and preferences.

Rossignol Rallybird 92 Open Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Rossignol Rallybird 92 is a versatile all-mountain ski that's designed to handle a variety of conditions. It's labeled as an expert ski, but it's also a great option for intermediate skiers looking to progress. The Rallybird 92 is nimble and easy to control, making it a fantastic all-mountain ski that's great on groomers, in the trees, and in the moguls.

The ski features an early rise, which gives it a playful feel, and it's cambered underfoot for snappiness. The ski's Air Tip Technology makes it incredibly light, and despite initial skepticism about its stability, it holds up well on groomers. The ski's shape and profile, along with its 16m turn radius, allow for powerful carved turns and excellent edge hold.

The Rallybird 92 is a do-anything, ski-everywhere type of ski that's suitable for all different levels. It's responsive and gives the skier a sense of control, making it a great option for beginners looking to progress. However, it's not the best option for those looking for a powder ski.

Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 94 W is a freeride ski that's designed for both frontside and backside terrain, as well as resort and backcountry skiing. It's built to be very lightweight, making it a great option for backcountry touring. The ski is flexible with a bit of camber underfoot, making it a good groomer ski, but it also has some rocker in the tip and tail, making it more of a freeride ski.

The Ripstick 94 W features Elan's unique Amphibio profile, which means there's a specific left and right ski. This design helps maximize the performance of edge control and edge hold. The ski is also quite light, making it easy to maneuver and control at speed on groomers. However, it can get a bit wobbly at high speeds off the groomers.

The Ripstick 94 W is a hard-charging ski that's recommended for high intermediate to advanced skiers. It holds up well in bumps and trees, and it's great on open faces and bowls. However, it's not as responsive as some might like in the trees, and it struggles a bit in uneven terrain.

Similarities

Both the Rossignol Rallybird 92 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are designed for advanced skiers and offer a versatile performance across a range of conditions. They both have a playful feel and are easy to control, making them great options for intermediate skiers looking to progress. Both skis are also lightweight and offer excellent edge hold, making them great for carving on groomers. They both have unique technologies that enhance their performance, such as the Rallybird 92's Air Tip Technology and the Ripstick 94 W's Amphibio profile. Both skis are also great for off-piste skiing, offering good performance in trees and bumps.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they each have their strengths and ideal conditions. The Rossignol Rallybird 92 is a fantastic all-mountain ski that's great on groomers, in the trees, and in the moguls. It's a do-anything, ski-everywhere type of ski that's suitable for all different levels. It's particularly good for intermediate skiers looking to progress and explore the whole mountain. However, it's not the best option for those looking for a powder ski.

On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 94 W is a freeride ski that's great for carving on groomers and surfing over soft snow. It's a hard-charging ski that's recommended for high intermediate to advanced skiers. It holds up well in bumps and trees, and it's great on open faces and bowls. However, it's not as responsive as some might like in the trees, and it struggles a bit in uneven terrain.

In terms of persona, the Rallybird 92 is perfect for the adventurous intermediate skier looking to explore the whole mountain and progress their skills. The Ripstick 94 W, on the other hand, is ideal for the advanced skier who loves to carve on groomers and surf over soft snow, but also enjoys the thrill of off-piste skiing.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Rossignol Rallybird 92 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W, it's clear that both skis excel in different areas.

1. Versatility: Both skis are versatile, but the Rallybird 92 takes the edge here due to its do-anything, ski-everywhere nature. It's great on groomers, in the trees, and in the moguls, making it a fantastic all-mountain ski.

2. Performance in Powder: The Ripstick 94 W wins in this category. With a 94mm waist width and a wide front tip, it's designed to float well in powder, making it a great option for those powder days.

3. Carving: Both skis offer excellent edge hold and are great for carving on groomers. However, the Ripstick 94 W's unique Amphibio profile gives it an edge in this category, providing exceptional stability and precision in turns.

4. Lightweight: Both skis are lightweight, but the Ripstick 94 W is particularly noted for its lightness, making it easy to maneuver and control at speed on groomers.

In conclusion, the winner depends on the skier's preferences and needs. The Rallybird 92 is a great all-around ski, while the Ripstick 94 W excels in carving and powder conditions.

Conclusions

In the end, both the Rossignol Rallybird 92 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are excellent skis that offer a versatile performance for advanced skiers. The Rallybird 92 is a reliable, intuitive ride that's great for intermediates all the way up to experts, while the Ripstick 94 W is a lightweight, maneuverable ski that's great for carving on groomers and surfing over soft snow. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to your personal skiing style and preferences. Whether you're an adventurous intermediate skier looking to explore the whole mountain or an advanced skier who loves to carve on groomers and surf over soft snow, both skis are sure to deliver a fun and exciting ride. So, get out there and hit the slopes!