By Ethan Sullivan
Elan Ripstick 88
Overview and intended use
The Ripstick 88 is a nimble all‑mountain ski centered on an 88 mm waist, aimed at skiers who want quick edge-to-edge response and playful behavior across resort terrain. It suits riders who spend most of their time on groomers but like to explore piste edges and occasional sidecountry. The narrower waist and active rocker profile deliver fast turn initiation and good on-piste agility while still allowing controlled speed. It’s a versatile choice for skiers prioritizing responsiveness and rebound over maximized deep‑powder floatation.
Construction and tech explained
The construction pairs a Tubelite wood core with UD carbon reinforcements and an Amphibio profile: camber on the inside edge and rocker on the outside edge, plus tip and tail rocker. Tubelite balances lightness and pop; carbon rods add torsional stiffness and energetic rebound. Amphibio enhances inside-edge grip on hard snow while providing more forgiveness and flotation on the outer edge. Key specs—radius, weight, waist and tip/tail widths—translate directly to feel: shorter radii make quicker turns, lower weight eases handling, and wider tips help float in soft snow.
On‑piste performance
On groomers the ski feels lively and precise: the 88 mm waist enables quick edge changes while the carbon layers offer a snappy rebound for dynamic carving. Sidecut radius varies with length, so shorter sizes favor tight, agile turns and longer lengths bring stability for high-speed, arcing carves. The sintered base and 360° sidewalls support edge hold and durability. Expect confident grip on hardpack and smooth vibration control at speed, making it enjoyable for skiers who like to push tempo on piste without sacrificing playfulness.
Off‑piste and light powder
Off‑piste the ski handles light powder and softened snow well thanks to tip and tail rocker and slightly fuller tip/tail dimensions that boost float compared with a pure piste ski. With an 88 mm waist it’s not intended as a deep‑powder tool, but it performs admirably in shallow drift, trees and variable conditions where quick turns and agility matter. The Amphibio asymmetry helps maintain edge bite on mixed snow, while the carbon‑reinforced construction keeps the ski from feeling overly floppy in chopped or heavy snow.
Who should buy and drawbacks
This ski is best for intermediate‑advanced resort skiers who want a lively, versatile package with strong rebound and nimble handling. Potential drawbacks include limited deep‑powder capability and less forgiveness for extremely high‑speed charging compared with wider, stiffer freeride models. Comparable skis in the 85–92 mm class offer similar tradeoffs: more agility than broad freeride boards, but more flotation and touring efficiency fall to dedicated touring or wider freeride skis. Choose your length carefully for the preferred turn radius and stability.
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