Expert Comparison: Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024 vs Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis · 2024

Published on 02/10/2024 · 5 min readCompare Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024 and Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Phil Chandler, Ski Expert
Henry Kvietok, Ski Expert
Scott Odabashian, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Phil Chandler, Henry Kvietok, Scott Odabashian, Peter Locke, Chris D. and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Elan Ripstick 88 Skis · 2024
Runner up
Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis · 2024
Price
from:$419.99
40% off
$324.98
50% off
User rating
5(1)
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The Curated Take

Best for skiers seeking a versatile, agile ski that performs well in all conditions, with a balance of stiffness to weight.

Best for experienced skiers who love high speed, carving, and groomer terrain on icy and hardpack conditions.

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 skiing, the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis and the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are two top contenders for 2024. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, but each has its unique strengths and features that make them stand out. The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are praised for their versatility, agility, and performance in all conditions. They are lightweight and agile, with carbon rods over the edges for increased edge hold and a patented Amphibio design for more material on the inside edge. On the other hand, the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are known for their high speed, carving, and groomer terrain performance. They excel on icy and hardpack conditions, providing stability and a quick edge-to-edge transition. However, they are not designed for off-piste skiing. In the end, the choice between the two depends on your skiing style and preferences.

The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that offers a smooth yet forgiving ride. They are designed with innovative TNT Technology and Elan's unique Amphibio profile, making them agile, smooth, and easy to ski. The skis are lightweight and agile without sacrificing downhill stability, thanks to the carbon rods over the edges and the patented Amphibio design that packs more material into the inside edge of each ski. This design increases edge hold, making the skis ideal for a variety of conditions, including deeper snow.

The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are also optimized for high speeds on harder snow conditions, with minimal chatter. They are a great fit for skiers who want a versatile and agile ski that performs well in all conditions. The skis offer a smooth and forgiving ride, making them suitable for both on-piste and off-piste skiing. The SST sidewalls and TubeLite Woodcore ensure direct power transmission, providing a lively and snappy feel.

The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are a great fit for skiers who want a versatile and agile ski that performs well in all conditions. With a redesigned construction, these skis 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.

Phil Chandler
Ski Expert

The Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are designed for skiers who love high speed, carving, and groomer terrain. These skis excel on icy and hardpack conditions, providing stability and a quick edge-to-edge transition. They are not designed for off-piste skiing, but are perfect for those who want a fast and engaging ride. The Brahma 82 is versatile, making it suitable for both newer skiers looking to progress quickly and advanced skiers who primarily ski on-piste.

The Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are sturdy, with a sheet of Titanal metal over the wood core for strong edge grip and a strong, consistent flex. This design makes the skis approachable for a newer skier who wants something confident and is looking to progress quickly. For advanced skiers who stick mainly to on-piste skiing and want a carving/all-mountain ski, the Brahma 82 is a great option.

If you are looking for a high speed, stiff, and burly ski to really lay down some deep carves and speed records then look no further. This ski is best for icy, hardpack, and groomer terrain. Don't expect to take this one off piste much as the 82 underfoot and heavily cambered ski is not designed for that. Instead, get ready to strap in and hang on for a fun ride. This ski really does like to go fast and it feels most engaged when at speed. It's a bit too stiff to be gingerly skied at slower paces.

Henry Kvietok
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis and the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are designed for all-mountain performance, offering versatility and agility. They both excel in a variety of conditions, including icy and hardpack conditions. Both skis are designed with a focus on stability and edge hold, with the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis featuring carbon rods over the edges and the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis featuring a sheet of Titanal metal over the wood core. Both skis are also designed to be approachable for newer skiers while still offering the performance that advanced skiers demand.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they each have their unique strengths. The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis are more versatile and agile, making them suitable for a wider range of conditions, including deeper snow. They are also lightweight and agile without sacrificing downhill stability, making them a great choice for skiers who value versatility and agility.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are designed for high speed, carving, and groomer terrain. They excel on icy and hardpack conditions, providing stability and a quick edge-to-edge transition. However, they are not designed for off-piste skiing. These skis are ideal for skiers who love high speed and carving, and who primarily ski on-piste.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis take the lead. They are designed to handle a wider range of conditions, including deeper snow, making them a more versatile choice.

In terms of agility, the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis also come out on top. They are lightweight and agile, making them easy to maneuver in various conditions.

For high speed and carving performance, the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are the clear winner. They are designed for high speed, carving, and groomer terrain, making them ideal for skiers who love these aspects of skiing.

Finally, in terms of stability, both skis perform well. However, the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis, with their sheet of Titanal metal over the wood core, may offer a bit more stability, especially at high speeds.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Elan Ripstick 88 Skis and the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis are excellent choices for all-mountain performance. The Elan Ripstick 88 Skis offer more versatility and agility, making them a great choice for skiers who value these qualities. On the other hand, the Blizzard Brahma 82 Skis excel in high speed, carving, and groomer terrain, making them ideal for skiers who love these aspects of skiing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So, whether you're a speed demon or a versatile adventurer, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!

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