2021 Elan Ripstick 88

Re-vamped for 2021, the Elan Ripstick 88 gets some extra carbon, and as a result, a boost in performance. All the Ripstick skis get the Carbon Line Technology for 2021, eliminating the need for the burlier Black Edition skis of the past. By compromising, and adding an additional strip of carbon to the inside edge of the ski, Elan stiffens and strengthens the carving properties of the Ripstick 88. Still using the same tubelite wood core with the carbon tubes that run the length of the skis, the Ripstick maintains its light weight and fun-loving personality and brings them into this next season. We always talk about the ~88 mm underfoot range as being the most versatile for true all-mountain skiing, especially here in the east, and the Ripstick is no exception. Skiing as a sport is supposed to be fun. You can challenge yourself for sure, but at the end of the day, it's only you out there, so you should do all you can to make sure your skis and gear line up with your skiing personality. For a lot of skiers looking for a light and versatile ski, the Ripstick 88 is the way to go. With a bit of a tip rocker profile and a moderately tapered shape, the Ripstick 88 loves all types of snow, from fresh powder to firm groomers. They're quick, fun, and easy to ski, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. Our testers loved the upgrades, noting that these skis are going to check a lot of boxes for a lot of skiers. From steeps and trees to bumps and pow, the refined Ripstick 88 will get the job done.

Phil McGrory skied the 180 and while he noted it was a good size, we do often see him on longer skis. Phil gave the ski a 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability, and we're really not that surprised about that, especially in the shorter size. Mostly 4's for the rest of his card, and this shows the high-end of the ski and the supreme versatility that they offer. Phil states that "the Ripstick 88 is quick and nimble with an 88-waist width. Easy to roll over on edge and quick turn initiation from the Amphibio Rocker profile. Ski is very stable on firm snow with an added carbon layer. This makes for a great everyday ski in the Northeast." We certainly agree with Phil here that the additional carbon goes a long way in making this Ripstick 88 an accessible and fun-loving ski with enough edge grip for that eastern skiing.

Bob St.Pierre got to ski the 188, and since he was a fan of last year's Ripstick, he was certainly in for a treat for the 2021. Bob scored the ski 5's out of 5 for playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, and versatility. "For some reason, I just feel like these lighter 88's are the way to go for eastern all-mountain skiing. We see a lot of skiers on these here in Stowe, and while not a whole lot of them are larger or more aggressive skiers, they all seem to be having a lot of fun on them." At 6'2 and 220 pounds, Bob is a pretty big skier, so it's good to hear what the top end of these skis feels like. "Anything under top speed is super-fun. When you really get going, the tips are still on the soft side for someone my size, but for most skiers, it's going to have enough strength to manage some higher velocities. That said, at those medium speeds with a varying turn shape, the Ripstick 88 is a total blast. I felt like the skis really drove through the turns, and were super manageable and consistent. Other than that top-gear, these really have it all." Larger and more aggressive skiers like Bob could likely use a sheet of metal or two in their 88's.

Any trail, any time, the Elan Ripstick 88 is an ideal choice. Whether you're making some nice clean turns on the groomers or zooming through the woods and bumps, the light weight and easy maneuvering of the Ripstick 88 makes the whole mountain your playground.