By Ethan Sullivan
Elan Ripstick 96
Overview and character
The Ripstick 96 positions itself as a versatile all‑mountain resort ski that handles groomers, variable snow and occasional soft snow with ease. With an Amphibio rocker–camber–rocker profile it balances strong edge grip for carving with enough tip and tail lift to perform in softer patches. The ski’s personality blends lightness and pop with stability at speed, making it a great choice for a skier who wants one do‑it‑all ski for long days on the hill and the odd off‑trail adventure.
Construction and technology
Construction pairs a Tubelite woodcore with UD carbon reinforcements, Carbon Deck Technology and SST slanted sidewalls for direct power transfer. Sintered bases improve glide, while carbon rods and optional flax damping keep weight down without sacrificing torsional stiffness. The result is a lively, responsive ski that still feels composed; you get snap and rebound for playful turns plus enough dampening to stay confident on rough snow without the fatigue of heavier metal‑heavy designs.
On‑snow performance
On snow the Ripstick 96 feels intuitive and communicative. Amphibio asymmetry sharpens edge hold on hardpack so you can carve clean, committed turns, while the rocker at tip and tail softens turn initiation and helps in chopped or variable snow. It’s not a deep‑powder specialist — the 96 mm waist limits sustained float — but it handles short moments of fresh snow and midwinter crud very well. Compared to skis like the Salomon QST 92 it’s more stable; versus heavier freeride models it’s more lively and playful.
Specs explained
Specs explained: a common geometry (for many lengths) is roughly 136/96/110 mm (tip/waist/tail). Tip width aids turn initiation and flotation, waist width (96 mm) is a balanced all‑mountain number that works on groomers and soft snow, and tail width affects release and stability. Turning radius (length‑dependent, ~15–19.5 m) indicates the ski’s natural turn size; shorter skis turn quicker, longer skis track better at speed. Weight (~1480–1790 g per ski depending on length) affects swing weight and agility. Amphibio rocker/camber/rocker optimizes edge grip on the driving edge and forgiveness on the other.
Who it's for & trade‑offs
Who should buy it and drawbacks: the Ripstick 96 suits advanced recreational and lighter expert skiers who want one versatile resort ski that can carve hardpack, romp through variable snow and float briefly in soft snow. Downsides include limited deep‑powder performance and it’s not a dedicated park or big‑mountain weapon. Heavier, aggressive skiers who chase very high speeds may prefer a stiffer, heavier option. Also note model‑year and Black Edition spec changes — check exact measurements for the length you plan to buy.
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Community Opinions
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