The Ripstick 86W is a brand new ski for Elan that’s designed to deliver all mountain performance for women skiers. It is the narrowest ski in the women’s freeride collection and is built using Elan’s new TNT technology. This construction technology uses a wood core with strategically removed strips that are then filled with vapor inserts. The result is a lightweight ski that retains its solid feel and torsional stiffness through the wood core and fiberglass laminates. Elan’s Mountain Rocker profile is designed to excel both on firm snow as well as in softer off-piste scenarios and the 86 mm waist width is the perfect size to support such a versatile shape.
Kristi Brown skied the 174 cm length and thought it was a “rippin’ chick stick!” Kristi was impressed by the torsional stiffness of the Ripstick 86W, especially considering its weight. She scored it 5 out of 5 for stability and torsional stiffness with the rest of our criteria receiving high scores as well. She commented that it had a “great balance of power and ease-of-use, rewarding you with every turn.” She recommended it for anyone who likes “linking turns, high speed carving, and plowing through crud,” as these ski can do all that and more; a true all mountain ski.
Caroline Kessler also tested the 174 cm length and also found the Ripstick 86W to be very versatile; making a wide range of turn shapes relatively easily. According to Caroline it “holds an edge very well,” and can also “make quick small turns and can handle bigger, more GS-style turns.” Caroline did recommend the ski for “a moderate-advanced skier looking to ski mostly groomers and a ski that can be stable at high speeds.” We agree with Caroline, but we also want to note that there are heavier, more stable skis on the market, and we actually think the Ripstick 86W does pretty well in off-piste scenarios thanks to its rocker profile and subtle early taper. So, we agree with Caroline, but we don’t want you to think it is a complete slouch off the groomers.
Although Carly Monahan skied the 166 cm length, she had a similar reaction to Kristi, giving the ski 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness and stability. We think this is pretty impressive considering there’s no metal in the ski’s construction. Carly described it as “super stable through chopped up soft snow and at high speeds. It wants to go fast and feels burly enough to trust without being heavy, overly damp, or planky.” While Caroline recommended it for those who spend most of their time on groomers, Carly thought it would be great for anyone skiing a range of conditions. “Great for an advanced or athletic intermediate skiers who wants to continue to improve and ski faster in variable conditions.” Carly’s final comment on the Ripstick 86 was that it is both “light and burly.”
It seems as though Elan has achieved what they set out to accomplish when designing the Ripstick 86W. Our testers were all really impressed by the ski’s level of performance and amount of stability despite being relatively light. As you move through the Ripstick line into wide skis they become more and more suited to soft snow, off-piste terrain, and powder, but this Ripstick 86W offers a mix of performance on groomers and off-piste that none other in the line can match thanks to its snappy, responsive performance on groomers and impressive edge hold. With these sticks in your quiver you’ll be ripping faster and harder than you ever thought possible.
