2021 Elan Ripstick 102 W

As a returning ski with a few upgrades, we're looking for some really nice advances with Elan skiers this year. Over the past few seasons, the Ripstick line has really caught fire, and as a comprehensive ski line, they check a lot of boxes for a ton of skiers. With a range of widths, there's something for everyone and every application, from front side rippers to backcountry bowl skiers. The things that stay the same with the 102 are the tubelite wood core, the carbon rods, and the amphibio rocker profile. In addition to the shape and profile remaining the same, these skis will still have all the goodies necessary for that wider all-mountain/narrower freeride skier. They're light, fun, and playful, as Elan has put a huge emphasis on the notion of fun over the past few years. The new addition to the ski is the carbon line technology that adds an extra layer of carbon fiber along the inside edges of the ski. If they weren't asymmetric enough for you before, this places a new emphasis on the right/left aspect of the ski. Stronger underfoot over the inside edges, these skis are the epitome of smoothness on the outside edge and grippy on the inside.

The Amphibio rocker profile accomplishes a lot of the same things in terms of smoothness and predictability. As a 102, we're looking at some good flotation and soft snow performance out of these skis, and the way they rocker their skis makes a huge difference. As with the carbon line, the amphibio rocker places rocker on the outside edges and camber on the inside, allowing for more precise edge hold and more playful transitions. It works, and if you like that smooth style of skiing through soft snow, this is a great technology to pay attention to.

While we weren't able to get our own testers on the Ripstick 102 W this past winter, we did receive some very valuable feedback from Elan Ambassador MJ Carroll who has used this ski quite a bit. She is on the 170 and loves the size. All 4's and 5's on her scorecard, with 5's given for flotation, stability, forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression. She's a western skier, so she has a fresh perspective on how this 102 mm shape is a great choice for true all-mountain skiing. "I love this ski!! As a skier in the Rocky Mountains, this is the every-day driver for all my needs. At the resort, it is fun, quick, maneuverable, and handles groomers with confidence. But it really stands out on a powder day, with its wide shovel, the ski can float you through anything while the forgiveness of the ski lends to its playful characteristics to quickly maneuver, smear, or scrub speed. The ease in which it exits a turn exactly when you want it to allows you to open up, go fast, or handle tight narrow chutes with confidence. The 102 mm waist width is ideal for any conditions throughout the year because you never feel like you don't have enough ski or too much ski. It's also light enough for a backcountry setup. I have skied the 170 and the 177 length and I prefer the 170 as I feel like it is plenty of ski for my advanced ability. If you are looking for more float, the 177 is a great option. They feel like they ski a little bit longer, which is why I like the 170. The new construction of the Ripstick 102 gives the ski an added punch of performance and liveliness. Highly recommend! Plus, the graphics are fire!"

For the ultimate in light weight fun and versatility, the 2021 Elan Ripstick 102 and its associated changes are a fantastic choice. Skiers from intermediates to experts will find something to like on the 102, making it an ideal choice for a western one-ski quiver or an eastern soft snow ski.