Elan Ripstick 88 Skis
Steeps, bumps, moguls, or trees, these skis can really do it all. It's not just that they can do it all, it's how they do it that's incredibly awesome. For this year, the Ripstick 88 gets a bit of an upgrade in the carving department with the addition of Carbon Line technology. By placing an additional strip of carbon along the inside edges of the skis, you get a good deal more power and grip versus the previous model. Skiers who may have felt the "older" Ripstick was too soft underfoot will definitely like these changes. In addition to holding a stronger edge in a carved turn, the skis are also quicker thanks to this addition, as carbon really livens up the ski, especially underfoot. For quick turns and fans of moguls and trees, the Elan Ripstick 88 offers all you can dream of. They're light and fast with a ton of energy. The wood core combined with the carbon rods that run the length of the ski create an incredible amount of power for such a light weight. This makes bumps and trees totally accessible, and available for mastery for a number of different levels of skier. As a result of the versatile shape and light weight build, the Elan Ripstick 88 for presents a phenomenal blend of all things fun. Suitable for intermediate to lighter expert skiers, the Ripstick 88 is a fun-loving ski with tons of character.
Features:
- Sidecut: 130/88/105 mm
- Turn Radius: 15.4 meters at 172 cm length
- Weight: 1550 grams at 180 cm length
- Tubelite Wood Core
- Amphibio Rocker Profile
- Carbon Line Technology
- Carbon Rods
- Vapor Tips
- Ability Level: Advanced Skiers
Ability Level:
Preferred Terrain
All-Mountain • Groomers


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I've been looking at the Ripstick 88, Kore 87/93, Declivity 88c, and QST 92 as a one-ski quiver for the east coast. I probably ski ~65% groomers / 30% bumps / 5% trees. I do enjoy carving big turns, though I'm not hitting race speeds. So, in short, I've been looking for an all-mountain ski that can carve at decent speeds, play in the bumps, and perhaps handle the occasional foray into the trees.
I demoed the Kore 87 in a 170 last weekend, and while I enjoyed how nimble they are, I found them a bit stiff for me in the bumps. I'm a 5'7", 148 lbs, 45 yo advanced skier. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
I'd go with Ripstick 88. If you liked the quickness of the Kore, the Ripstick does the same but with a better flex pattern for bumps and trees. I'd look to that 88 in a 172. Declivity 88 is a close second.
SE
These days I spend 60-70% of my time making short turns near the edges of blue trails at medium speed skiing with my kids. When left alone, I spend most of my time in the bumps and trees (like 30-35%) and on occasion will still rip a speed run down the mountain (like 5%). I know its the Goldilocks syndrome, but I’m looking for a single quiver NE ski to use in NY, PA and VT. I otherwise have a 110 powder ski for out west, but am looking for a recommendation for a NE All Mountain ski. I’ve narrowed my search down to the Ripstick 88 and Rustler 9 based on the excellent SE reviews. What do you think as between those two skis, or is there something else that you would recommend.
Also, I am in my 40s, 5’11” and 225 pounds - what’s the right length?
Welcome to the club!
For your application, I'd go with the Ripstick. Still a great option for bumps and trees but also amazing on the groomers. Rustler will give you a bit more grip and stability, but it sounds like you just don't need it all the time. I skied the 88 again last week and was reminded at how great and complete of a ski it is, from groomers to off-piste. Rustler is great, and one of the most well-rounded skis out there, but the Elan just has an energetic feel for being so easy to ski. I'd look to the 180 in either model. Have fun!
SE
I think the 96's make a good one-ski quiver, but if you are going to replace the 88's I'd replace with another 88. Especially in a resort setting, I think the 88 is more useful. Have fun!
SE
I've also been recommended to check out kenja,deacons, brahama and enforcers. I'm 27, 5'7" and about 160. I would say I'm between intermediate and advanced. I'll see groomed blacks but would like to be able to get into glades and more variable snow conditions. Not sure if I should go 164 or 172 with these, as the 168 wingman are between my eyebrows and top of head
Thanks for your inquiry,
We would recommend the Elan Ripstick 88 if you want to stick to Elan. A staff favorite one-ski quiver here at SE, it extremely versatile and is a very lightweight, approachable ski that excels in off-piste terrain- powder, trees, crud, slush, windblown, really any condition and terrain that comes its way. It also has no metal in its build yet can still ski groomers quite well.
The Kenja, Decaons and Brahmas all have metal in them and are heavy, front-sided skis like your Wingman, so very similar in front-side performance and weight.
Hope this helps and THINK SNOW!
SE
Took a measurement of the 88's for you and the 164 is actually the closest out of the Ripstick line up to the advertised 164 length at 163.8cm. Based on your info here the 164 would fall into the intermediate category for your height and weight so sizing up would offer more stability at speed if you wanted to ski them a little more aggressively.
SE
I appreciate all of your reviews and insights. I am 32 yrs old and just getting back into skiing after taking 15 years off. I was quick to pick things back up this year and would describe my abilities to be on the low end of intermediate. I stick mostly to blues and was able to tackle a few blacks out west at Palisades. I live in the east and plan to ski mostly in PA/NY, and VT with 1-2 trips out west per year. I am looking for a fun ski that requires low effort overall and into the turns, is energetic, can hold up at a moderate pace (no racing or carving too crazy), and can handle most conditions. I plan to spend 80%+ of my time on groomers with some venturing through trees and off piste. I'm 5' 11'' tall and weigh 170 lbs.
Q1: Would you recommend the Ripstick 88 relative to the Wingman 86 Ti, Rustler 9, Mindbender 90c, Declivity 88c, or similar alternatives?
Q2: Would you recommend the 172 or 180 length? The longest rentals I've skied to date are 156 cm. I'm looking for something that would not be too difficult of a transition at the start while continuing to work well in the coming years as I continue to advance in my abilities.
I look forward to hearing your perspective!
When you mention fun, the Ripstick certainly juts to the front of the list. Declivity 88 also is right there, perhaps with a bit more of an on-trail personality. The 90C doesn't really have a fantastic personality, and the Rustler and Wingman might be on the more demanding side. I'd go with the 180 in the Ripstick--it runs a bit short, or the 176 in the 88C. It may feel like a jump at first from the 156, but I think you'll settle in nicely. Have fun!
SE
I'm 5'9" 175 lbs, 60 years old. I've been skiing with Rossignol Bandit B3 at 160. Absolutely love the ski but it's time for something new. I live/ski in the east and usually take 1 trip out west. I am an advanced skier, love the bumps, groomers and bowls. When out west I like jumping into the trees and skiing some chutes. I've been recommended either the Rossignol Experience 86B, the Blizzard Brahma 82 and the Elan Ripstick 88. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks, David
All excellent choices for a mid-80's underfoot ski.
Out of the three, we would go with the Ripstick. An SE tester favorite, its an incredibly versatile ski. Groomers, bumps, bowls, chutes, trees, any condition (Except deep powder)and terrain this ski does it all and is very approachable.
Go with the 172cm length.
Hope this helps and happy holidays!
SE
We're huge fan of the Ripstick 88. I would say that your height, combined with the light weight of the ski, as well as the fact that the Elan's measure about 1.5 cm short, put you in the 180. QST 92 is a bit heavier and slower, and the K2 is a nice comparison to the Ripstick, just a bit wider with not as high of a ceiling. I think you'll be totally stoked on the Ripstick 88. Have fun!
SE
I am looking to replace a touring setup (Volkl VWerks BMT @ 186cm) I bought several years ago, which are probably the worst ski's I ever skied, especially when it comes to holding an edge in hard/icy conditions. I do a lot of touring in the Austrian and Swiss alps, where conditions can be quite variable. I don't want anything that's too wide, and not too light either; I generally find dedicated touring ski's 'too flimsy' and I rather have something that contains some metal and is a bit heavier and more focused on the descent. I am an expert skier (ex ski-racer), which is I guess also at the root of wanting a ski that 'pushes back' a little bit.
I think (hope) the Ripstick88 would work for me; it's not too wide, its not too light/heavy, but wonder whether I should opt for the 180 or 188cm (I am 6'3" @ 175lb). Alternatively, would you recommend something entirely different?
Looks like you won't have to reach too hard to find a better ski! Ripstick is certainly an upgrade in terms of downhill performance, while remaining light enough for the tour. I'd go 188 and not look back.
SE
The Ripsticks run a little short so the 180 actually comes out to a 177 which would be a good fit for you given the lightweight nature of this ski.
SE
Ive ski true center mounted park skis (line afterbang) since I was 15 which are short 166 (and feel even shorter as more ski is in the back)
My questions are 1) is the ripstick still going to be able to be fun and hit jumps? 2) I’ve never felt chatter on my current skis - is that because they’re short or because I’m not skiing fast? I’ve heard the 88s are rather flexible should that be an issue at my size / weight? 3) I heard the ripsticks run a bit short so I feel like I may be between 180-188cm. Will the jump from my current 166 to 188 be too much to handle or will that potentially better support my size / weight?
Haven’t had a chance to demo but from what I’ve been reading this seems like a good fit. Thanks!
1- The ripstick won't have any issues with side hits and jumps and is pretty fun taking off drops and small woods jumps, but they won't be the best at freestyle tricks and spins.
2- This definitely could be the case, chattering usually starts at higher speeds and you especially see it when carving softer skis through harpack and crud.
3- The Jump up to the longer 188 will definitely be different from what you are used too but you'll find a lot more support and stability out of a longer length, especially with this ski.
Have fun out there!
SE
Am I right to feel like a Ripstick 88 is going to feel like an upgrade for spring conditions and skiing something like Gun Barrel when it's basically one constant mogul? Tighter radius and lower weight are appealing, but it's all in theory for me right now.
I think you're right on the money, the Ripstick 88 is an amazing ski for hitting bumps and woods. With the lightweight build and carbon reinforcements you get some great pop from bump turns and a ton of maneuverability. When you get out onto groomers and hardpack the dedicated inside edge grips but is easy to release when needed. These skis definitely have a top speed but if all you want to do is rip moguls and trees all day then these are the skis to do it on.
SE
I think the drop from a 180 Rustler to a 172 Ripstick 88 would leave you wanting the 180. Even for kids and bumps, I think your stats and application puts you in the 180. We've also noticed through the years of the Ripsticks that they actually measure about 1.5 cm shorter than stated, so that 180 is really like a 178.5. And the 172 is more like a 170.5, so take that into account as well. Have fun!
SE
The 94 is still a pretty quick ski. I think if you're out west and are looking for something with a slightly wider platform, the 94 is a better option than the 88. You'll lose a bit of quickness in terrain like bumps and trees, but overall I think the 94 will work out great.
SE
The Ski's in that list are a wide variety...metal/no metal...but am I on the right track? Could you help me narrow this down? I've watched your 2022 Ski Essentials...and the individual Ski tests on all of these...thanks for posting these!
You're pretty close, there's a lot of skis on that list, and most of them will suit your needs. I'd say the Kore 93 is a better choice than the KoreX, and I'd put that right up there with the Black Crows Serpo as a strong and energetic low-90's underfoot ski that excels on firmer snow but also has softer snow capabilities. Ripstick 88 is a good choice for a narrower and lighter ski that still has amazing energy in and out of a carved turn--I would not overlook that one. I'd narrow focus to Kore 93 and Ripstick 88, with the ultimate decision based on desired width, although I do think that the 88 will be fine for pretty much anything you do. I'd go with the 180 in that ski or the 177 in the Kore 93 (or Kore 87 if you like the stiffness of the Kore but in a narrower width). Have fun!
SE
I think the 180 is the way to go. We've noticed that Elan skis actually measure about 1.5cm shorter than stated, so that 180 is more like a 178.5. At the same time, the 174 ends up being like a 173.5. They're light and quick, so I don't see anything wrong with going for the 180. Have fun!
SE
i had asked last week for some options for my all around ski situation and your advise was the rip 88 the only draw back as you guys can see is it gets a bit chatty at speeds so what speeds are we talking about when you notice it ? and is there anything with all the qualities of the rips that dont have a any issue with speed second question which bindings do you recommend with the rips 190lbs 5'8" good intermediate east cost mostly occasional trip west physical restraints will keep me an intermediate (artificial hips and back surgery) but want be as advanced an intermediate as i could be maybe hit some blacks on smaller mountains thanks so much you guys do an incredible job !!!
At 225 pounds, I find the shovel chatty at about 30 mph, which is pretty darn fast. I think that most skiers who aren't pushing it too hard will never find that limit. We pair them with Tyrolia Attack 13 bindings and they work great. I think it's a great choice for a skier like you. Head Kore 87 is a similarly light ski that's a bit stiffer overall. I'd go 172 in the Ripstick 88. Have fun!
SE