2021 Elan Ripstick 94 W
For the ultimate in light and fun all-mountain skiing, the Elan Ripstick 94 W gets a little boost for 2021, but otherwise carries forward the personality and character that skiers have really enjoyed over the past few years. The big difference is the addition of a carbon strip along the inside edges of the ski which Elan calls Carbon Line Technology. While the skis were asymmetric before, this additional material takes it to another level. By beefing up the inside edges of the skis, Elan increases carving power without sacrificing anything else. Carbon is incredibly light and stiff, and it doesn't take a lot to make a big difference, so this additional material is all positive in our minds.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
PREFERRED TERRAIN
All Mountain, Groomers, Touring
The rest of the ski remains the same-same versatile shape, same carbon tubes that run the length of the ski, same vapor tips, but more fun! The asymmetric shape and profile of these skis is the big story, and it continues into 2021. The rocker of the ski is more dramatic on the outside edges, where the ski should be more playful, while the cambered inside edges allow for a more precise and exacting grip. When we first got on these a few years ago, we were very impressed with the way the skis rolled from edge to edge, not only in powder and soft snow, but also in the firmer stuff. This type of technology goes a long way for a lot of skiers to increase confidence and take your skiing to the next level.
This year, we weren't able to get our own testers on the skis, but we got some valuable feedback from Elan brand ambassador MJ Carroll who skis mainly in the western Rockies. On the 170, she gives the ski all 4's and 5's on the scorecard, with an expected 5 for versatility. These things really do it all, and MJ agrees. "If there's one Ripstick every female should get on it's the 94 W. It automatically has the personality and liveliness you want from a ski. You can feel the ski's construction rip you into the turns with ease and power, but the ski's quickness and responsiveness gives the confidence to go anywhere on the mountain. This ski is ideal for the every-day skier from crushing groomers on the frontside, the nimble 94 underfoot is perfect for carving and precision, while the wider front shovel takes on softer, deeper snow with float and ease when adventuring into the back bowls. It would also make a great light weight, high-performance backcountry setup. I'm always surprised by the fact that this ski is made without any metal. The new strategic placement of carbon truly does enhance the performance of the ski, leaving nothing more to be desired. This ski has been turning heads for years, and the newly updated construction and graphics will not disappoint."
All good things coming from Elan this year, and the new changes make for a beefier, livelier, and higher-performing ski. What was already a fantastic choice for true all-mountain versatility now gets a sweet upgrade that takes the carving performance to the next level.
I am looking for a new pair of skis that rip but are also agile. I am 5’ and 105 lbs. I ski an old pair of volkl kiku 154 primarily out west and some VT. I demoed volkl secret and loved charging on them but found them difficult and heavy to maneuver in trees and moguls (where I typically spend my time). Black crows camox birdie were fun in trees but I fell behind on piste. This elan sounds like a good middle ground but would like some insight and suggestions. Thanks!
Hi Mia!
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bad word spoken of the Ripsticks from us. They, and the 94 in particular, are some of the most well-rounded, fun, and versatile skis on the market today. The 94 is a bit better than the Birdie on-trail, with the carbon tubes really coming to life and offering a lot of energy. The 94 is a bit more directional than the more freeride-oriented Camox, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing in the trees and bumps, where both skis really excel. Other than the Ripstick, we’re also big fans of the Fischer Ranger 94 FR and the Rossignol Stargazer if sizing and availability are issues. Lots of good choices here!
SE
Hi! I am 5’2” and 125 lbs. I just tried a pair of the Elan Ripstick 94. I am skiing out west for the first time. I am just wondering what is the proper length for me – 154 cm or 162cm?
I tried the 162cm length at Blue Mountain in all conditions, including on the ice. They were great in everything!
Hi Kerri,
At your stats, and because you are skiing both East and West, stick with the 162 cm length. A great ski for any coast and a SE Tester favorite!
Enjoy!!
SE
curious about sizing- longtime Volkl Kenja and Kiku skier here looking for a Vermont ski to replace them both- ideally with AT setup for occasional skinning. I’m 5’5″, 160 lbs, skiing 163 on the Kenja and Kiku, though Kiku feels shorter because of tip/tail rocker vs. Kenja’s tip rocker only. 162 in the Ripstick? And for this one-ski replacement of two skis, the Ripstick 94 over the 88? Planning to demo but would love your opinion! Thanks
Hi Vermontgal,
Ripstick 94 all the way for true all-mountain versatility. An a very capable 50/50 resort/touring ski as well. At your stats, 162 cm length.
Enjoy! An SE Tester favorite.
SE
Thank you so much for these reviews– they’re really helpful. I live on the East Coast and ski mostly in VT, with occasional trips out west. I’m looking for a ski that’s fun but can also cope with the ice sheet nature of much East Coast skiing. I like glades and ski all of the mountain, but I won’t be found in the terrain park or spending all day on bumps. On the far side of 40 (though not by too much), I want a ski that responds to an experienced skier but also doesn’t need you to be charging flat-out to get the best out of it.
This year I demoed a couple of not quites: Fischer The Curv RC4 (164cm) was too much ski– it didn’t want to do anything but go extremely fast, and I found the tail shape didn’t work for me. The Volkl Blaze 94 (158cm) was so much fun– but didn’t have enough edge hold in the ice to feel like a good ski for someone who primarily skis the East. The Nordica Santa Ana 84 (158cm) did great in ice and chop but just wasn’t as much fun. I’m hoping to find a unicorn: fun and poppy but also grippy on ice. Is there a chance that the Ripstick might be the one? Or something else I should be looking at? I considered the Black Pearl 88s and the Faction Dictator and would look at Stockli if money were no object.
Hi Lex,
The Ripstick 94 will meet you right in the middle of all of those skis, and you’ll find that it has great edge grip, excellent rebound and energy out of turns, and is very versatile. At home anywhere on the front side of the mountain- groomers, hardpack, steeps, bumps, crud and an impressive floater in soft snow and pow with its rocker profile and wide tip. An SE tester favorite and one-ski quiver of one for many ladies.
SE
Hi! I’m comparing this ski to a DPS Pagoda Piste. I know they’re quite different skis and would love your opinion. I’m 5’7″, 125, and looking for a great all mountain but I primarily spend my time in trees, powder, moguls, and am looking to learn about a/t & backcountry. This is my first time living in the mountains and getting more time on the mountain – for years I’ve visited my family near Wolf Creek and rented whatever was best for conditions. What do you think? And can you advise on length? There’s a 94 womens in a 162 available near me also a 96 Mens available near me in a 170. Your reviews are awesome!
HI Lindsay!
I’d go with the 162 in that ski–my fear is that the 170 will be on the long side. Have fun!
sE