2021 Elan Ripstick 96

When Elan came out with the Ripstick 96 a few years ago, skiers couldn't believe how well they performed for how light they were. This didn't sit perfectly well with all skiers, though, as heavier and more aggressive skiers found they could overpower the ski at speed. Elan's response was to make the Black Edition, which added a full layer of carbon to stiffen the ski and appeal to the beefier group of skiers. For 2021, they have compromised and met in the middle. Gone is the Black edition for the 96, and added is the Carbon Line Technology, which basically halves the amount of carbon in the Black and adds it to the inside edge of the Ripstick 96. Since they're asymmetrical skis, the inside can afford to be stiffer and more responsive while the outside edge can remain playful and flexible. It's a really smart and innovative way to build a ski, and the compromise seems to appeal to a broader range of skiers. Still using the 3D carbon tubes that run the length of the ski on the edge, the Ripstick is super playful and light, while still holding that edge in tough corners. Basically, they beefed up the original 96, opening it up to a higher-end of skier, and our testers could not be happier.

Phil McGrory skied the 188, the longest length, and had some pretty high scores to throw around. With a 5 out of 5 for versatility and a ton of 4's for the rest of the categories, Phil has a pretty high opinion of the re-designed Ripstick. "The new Elan Ripstick 96 is still a fun playful ski that is more stable than its previous versions with an added layer of carbon to make the ski more torsionally rigid. The Amphibio rocker profile makes the ski effortless to turn and still maintains good edge hold. The 96 is the most versatile version and can ski anywhere on the mountain." Sounds like that extra material in the upgrades really made a difference for Phil and we feel like a lot of other skiers are going to appreciate the stiffer and more responsive ski (especially on that inside edge).

Marcus Shakun was also on the 188, and he had all 4's and 5's just like Phil. Sounds like those consistently high scores reflect just what Elan set out to do with the burlier Ripstick, and Marcus is a fan. "This ski continues to 'wow' me! It's an all-mountain, do-anything with ease ski for a broad range of skiers, from advanced to experts both front side and off-trail. What sticks out most is truly the ease to ski this ski and the performance it delivers with such ease. Don't think by any means it's a slouch in performance. It rips, but it's easy to initiate the turn and it delivers this fun, energetic pop in and out of every turn. Really can get some snap and load the ski up. Very quick edge to edge when you're whipping off some turns on the side of the trail or navigating through the woods. Then when it's wide open it can open up some longer turns at speed and feel confident on edge." For a tall and powerful skier like Marcus to have this long-turn comfort and confidence says a lot about the newfound stability and strength of the re-designed 96.

It's really nice to have a well-developed and innovative ski come to life and actually work the way it is supposed to. With a supremely versatile shape and a responsive and modern build, the Ripstick 96 opens up a lot of avenues for skiers who are looking for that one-ski quiver and don't want something heavy or cumbersome.