In the world of skiing, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis and the Atomic Bent 100 Skis are two top contenders that have been making waves in the 2024 and 2023 seasons respectively. Both skis are praised for their versatility, lightweight design, and all-mountain capabilities. However, they each have their unique strengths and quirks that set them apart. The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are known for their asymmetrical design, excellent carving abilities, and their unique tube light technology that provides stiffness and power. On the other hand, the Atomic Bent 100 Skis are celebrated for their playful nature, excellent carving abilities, and their ability to handle a variety of terrains with ease. While both skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis might be a better choice for those who prefer a more forgiving and lightweight ski, while the Atomic Bent 100 Skis might be more suitable for those who enjoy a more playful and versatile ski.

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. One of the standout features of the Ripstick 96 is Elan's unique tube light technology. This technology involves a carbon rod that runs through the core of the ski, stacked to create stiffness, power, and control underfoot. The regular Ripstick has two rods, while the Black Edition has four rods, making it noticeably more powerful and less forgiving.

The Ripstick 96 is also designed with versatility in mind. It's a common choice for a hybrid binding for a mix of uphill and downhill skiing. The ski even has a notch at the tail designed for skins. The Ripstick 96 is lightweight, making it easier to turn, especially for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to improve their technique in carving, moguls, and groomers.

The ski's asymmetrical design, with a designated left and right ski, and a wide tip shovel, makes it excellent for powder days. The flex of the ski is soft at the tip and stiff at the underfoot and tail, making it a great all-mountain ripper. However, it's worth noting that the ski can chatter at very high speeds and might take some getting used to due to its unique shape.

Atomic Bent 100 Skis · 2023 summary

The Atomic Bent 100 Skis are a versatile and playful ski that can handle a variety of terrains with ease. Atomic claims that these skis are a do-it-all, free-ride, freestyle ski, making them a great choice for skiers who enjoy both on-piste and off-trail skiing. The skis are lightweight and have a 100mm waist, providing a good balance between float in powder and edge control on groomers.

The Bent 100 Skis have a lightweight wood core, making them nimble and agile. They also have a 20% rocker in the tip, 70% camber underfoot, and 10% in the tail, which makes them easy to turn and fun to ride. The skis are also stable at high and low speeds, making them a great choice for skiers who enjoy a bit of speed.

The skis are also designed to be stable on landings, making them a great choice for skiers who enjoy hitting jumps in the park. The new sidewall on the Atomic Chetler series is beefier and feels a bit more meaty underfoot, which definitely helps with landings.

Similarities

Both the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis and the Atomic Bent 100 Skis are designed to be versatile, all-mountain skis that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They both have a 100mm waist, which provides a good balance between float in powder and edge control on groomers. Both skis are also lightweight, making them easy to maneuver and fun to ride.

Both skis are praised for their carving abilities, with experts noting that they can hold an edge well and are quick edge-to-edge. They are also both designed to be playful and fun, with a focus on versatility and the ability to handle both on-piste and off-trail skiing.

Both skis also have unique design features that set them apart from other skis on the market. The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis have a unique asymmetrical design and tube light technology, while the Atomic Bent 100 Skis have a lightweight wood core and a new, beefier sidewall.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and designed for all-mountain skiing, they each have their unique strengths and quirks that make them better suited for different types of skiers.

The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are a great choice for skiers who prefer a more forgiving and lightweight ski. They are particularly good for intermediate to advanced skiers who are looking to improve their technique in carving, moguls, and groomers. The Ripstick 96 Skis are also a good choice for skiers who enjoy a unique and asymmetrical design, and who don't mind a bit of chatter at high speeds.

On the other hand, the Atomic Bent 100 Skis are more suited for skiers who enjoy a playful and versatile ski. They are a great choice for skiers who enjoy both on-piste and off-trail skiing, and who don't mind a bit of a challenge when it comes to maneuverability. The Bent 100 Skis are also a good choice for skiers who enjoy hitting jumps in the park, thanks to their stability on landings.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis and the Atomic Bent 100 Skis, it's clear that both skis excel in different areas.

1. Versatility: Both skis are highly versatile, but the Atomic Bent 100 Skis might have a slight edge due to their ability to handle a wider range of terrains and conditions, including park jumps.

2. Carving: Both skis are praised for their carving abilities, but the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis might be a better choice for skiers who prefer a more forgiving and lightweight ski that's easy to turn.

3. Playfulness: The Atomic Bent 100 Skis are known for their playful nature and are a great choice for skiers who enjoy a fun and versatile ski.

4. Design: The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis stand out with their unique asymmetrical design and tube light technology, while the Atomic Bent 100 Skis impress with their lightweight wood core and new, beefier sidewall.

In conclusion, the winner between the two skis really depends on the individual skier's preferences and needs.

Conclusions

In the end, both the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis and the Atomic Bent 100 Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis stand out with their unique asymmetrical design and tube light technology, making them a great choice for skiers who prefer a more forgiving and lightweight ski. On the other hand, the Atomic Bent 100 Skis impress with their playful nature and ability to handle a variety of terrains with ease, making them a great choice for skiers who enjoy a fun and versatile ski.

Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of skiing you enjoy most. Whether you're carving down groomers, exploring off-trail, or hitting jumps in the park, both skis offer a high-performance ride that's sure to enhance your skiing experience. So, strap on those boots, hit the slopes, and enjoy the ride!