By Evelien Jansen
Elan Ripstick 102 black edition
Quick summary
This Ripstick 102 Black Edition is positioned as an all-mountain freeride ski that excels off-piste while remaining competent on groomers. With a nominal 102 mm waist it offers solid flotation in deeper snow without feeling excessively unwieldy in mixed conditions. Available in lengths from 161 to 189 cm, shorter sizes deliver a playful, agile feel and longer sizes trade that for high-speed stability and increased flotation. It targets riders who want one ski to explore the whole mountain with emphasis on off-piste terrain.
Build and technical specs
The build mixes a TubeLite wood core with multiple carbon reinforcements and flax damping to keep weight down while preserving power. The listed geometry 138/102/118 describes tip/waist/tail in millimeters: a wider tip helps initiate turns and float in powder, the 102 mm waist balances flotation and edgeability, and the tail dimensions influence release and support. Amphibio is a directional left/right rocker/camber system: camber on the inside edge for bite, rocker on the outside edge for easier turn initiation. SST sidewalls and a sintered race base enhance edge transmission and glide.
How it skis
On snow the ski shows its strengths at speed and in open terrain; the carbon-heavy layup delivers lively rebound and torsional rigidity so the ski tracks cleanly through choppy snow and absorbs energetic landings. In powder the rocker profile combined with the waist makes for dependable float while the camber element provides enough grip on firmer patches to make traverses and transitions predictable. On hard, icy groomers it won't match a full-on piste race ski for ultra-fine edge grip, but it remains composed when driven.
Who should buy and comparisons
This model is best suited to advanced to expert skiers who want a single ski to cover steep faces, pow laps and mixed mountain days. Compared to lighter 100 mm all-mountain skis or softer freeride boards, this ski leans more toward stability and rebound thanks to its carbon architecture. Choose a shorter length for tighter trees and quick turns, or go longer for bomb runs and added float. Consider rider weight and preferred terrain when selecting size; weights per ski range noticeably by length.
Verdict: strengths and trade-offs
Pros include high-speed stability, powerful rebound from extensive carbon reinforcement, and a versatile Amphibio profile for mixed conditions. Cons are that the carbon-forward construction can feel a touch stiff for riders seeking playful forgiveness in tight, technical terrain, and it won’t carve like a dedicated piste race ski. Overall, it’s a compelling choice for riders prioritizing freeride performance with a modern, tech-forward construction; mounting slightly rearward and pairing with solid freeride bindings unlocks the ski’s potential.
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