2023 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis
Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis
Following in the footsteps of two already great skis in their own right, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition skis blaze a new path forward, and we are totally on board. The Black Edition skis take the carbon uses that Elan is known for to the next level. With the addition of a wider and longer Carbon Line Technology, and the use of QuadRod Reinforcement, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis are as close to feeling like a ski with two sheets of metal without the metal. It's an incredibly successful effort on their part, and the addition of those two additional carbon rods makes a huge difference. The best part is that it does all of this without making the ski heavy or cumbersome. The 180 cm length ski generates an 18-meter turn radius, which is right in that middle-zone for performance, which is also where the shape takes us. The 96 mm underfoot width is right in that one-ski quiver Goldilocks zone, where it does everything really well, while not standing out or completely lacking in any one category. These skis are very well rounded, and with the extra carbon versus the normal Ripstick 96, it separates itself certainly in terms of performance, precision, and responsiveness. If you're looking for a ski that generates a ton of power but in a lighter and more playful package, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition skis should certainly be at the top of your list.
Features:
- Sidecut: 136/96/110 mm at all lengths
- Turn Radius: 18 meters at 180 cm length
- Weight: 1710 grams per ski at 180 cm length
- Carbon Line Technology
- Amphibio Rocker Profile
- SST Sidewall
- Tubelite Wood Core
- QuadRod Reinforcement
- Vaper Tip Inserts
- Ability Level: Advanced and Expert Skiers
Ability Level:
Preferred Terrain
All-Mountain • Groomers


Rocker Profile






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I'd go 188 for sure. They do measure about 1.5 cm short, so it's more like a 186.5. Have fun, fantastic skis!
SE
I'm 190cm and 100kg skier and I'm looking for my new skis. I have a pinnacle 95 with hagan z01 binding. How this skis are in comparison to pinnacle?
Regards,
Mat
Thanks for your inquiry-
Certainly, a more well-rounded ski than the Pinncale 95, as well as being more damp and powerful when things get a bit firm. This ski generates a ton of power but is fairly light and playful as well. If you are using this for strictly touring, would be a nice option. if you want to go even lighter and still get that same performance, go with new Ripstick Tour 94 skis. In general, all of the Ripstick models are fairly damp, stable, and are very versatile and maneuverable. They are great 50/50 resort resort/touring skis that blur the line between both. If you want to ride lifts and tour, go the Black Edition. Strickly earning your turns, go for the Tour 94 model.
Hope this helps and think snow!
SE
chez
SE
I'm 35 years old at 5'10 175lbs. Pretty athletic build.
Thanks!
Coming from a snowboard to skis you are looking for what's more playful with the terrain in skis I would say the regular 96. It does not have the extra carbon rods that make the Black stiffer. The regular 96 is more surfy feeling, where it shines in soft snow and powder where their wide tips just plain on top like a snowboard does. This ski can do it all (With the exception of the deepest of pow days) any terrain, any turn shape at any speed.
With your stats, I would go with the 181 length which we are out of right now. Should be getting a shipment in within the next 2 weeks. Check back with us.
SE
I'm not here to talk you out of a good time! Yes, I skied the 180 and it was the right length for me. The 188 definitely feels on the long side, even though it does measure slightly shorter. If you prefer longer skis and are looking to get stability first and foremost, then go ahead and fire up the 188, but if you're looking for something more well-rounded, I'd suggest waiting for the 180's to come back on line so you're in the better length. Have fun!
SE/Jeff
We'll likely see the 172's come in with our pre-season order in late summer or early fall. Great skis!
SE
We'll likely see that size in the late summer or early fall.
SE
Which Look pivot binding would you suggest for the 188 black edition ripstick 96? 12 or 15 pivot? And I guess a 115mn size ? I’m a 6’3” 280lbs expert skier, I used to have the early gen pivot bindings a while back and would love to ski them again
At your height, we would recommend the 172 for the Ripstick Black 96. We are looking at getting a shipment of these in within the next few weeks. They will go fast, so keep checking back with us on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, we don't take pre-orders.
The Nordica Enforcer 94 is also a very comparable and is in the same miid-90's class as the Black. But beware, this is a much stiffer and more powerful ski than the Ripstick Black, but a true go anywhere do anything ski as a great one ski quiver. It needs to be driven hard and will punish you due to its metal build if you are not on your "A" game. If you can't seem to get your hands on the Black edition, check out the Elan Ripstick 96. Very similar in build and performance as the Black edition, just not quite as damp. A bit more playful in flex than the Black, but certainly enough edge hold for the firm and all mountain capability in bumps, trees and steeps.
Hope this helps and think snow!
SE
Yes, there is. There are additional carbon rods that have been placed in the forebody of the ski, giving it increased dampness, vibration dampening and better edge hold in the newer 2022 version. Having skied both models, I noticed a marked improved in the 22 version, and is by far and away a step up from the 21 model.
Hope this helps.
SE
I watched your review of the the Elan Ripstick 96 Black edition and I am intrigued. I want to buy new skis this year and was hoping to demo, but it appears that, if I want these skis I will have to buy them now (and there aren't many around). I am 73 years old, and I ski 3 months a year, 4-5 days a week, for about 5 hours each day, in the Colorado Rockies. I have been skiing Blizzard Bonafides (180 cm) for about 10 years and I am an advanced skier. I don't want to work as hard on my next pair of skis as I do on the Bonafides, but I need skis that will perform well in Black Diamond terrain (steeps, moguls, some powder). Your review gave me the impression that the Ripsticks would be an excellent choice, but some other reviews made me think that they would still be a lot of work. Can you please comment? Also, I am 5'9" and 200 lbs. The sizing info says I should choose the 172s. Do you agree?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Steve Diamond
The Ripstick Black 96 has 4 carbon tubes as opposed to 2 in the Ripstick 96. This makes the Black a stiffer ski. I would go with the regular Ripstick INSTEAD of the Black. You will get all the great performance qualities that you are looking for, but just in a more approachable user friendly package.
Yes I agree, go with the 172cm length.
SE
96 underfoot is what we like to call the goldilocks zone for true all-mountain skiing,. That being said, the 96 black is a good bump ski, but the regular Ripstick 96 is even better. Not quite as stiff and demanding, but still a great carver, bumper, tree ski and surprisingly good floater at that waist width. Lighter in swing weight too which help that short radius turns and getting out of tight spots.
SE
I’m 5’6’’ and 175 lbs. I’m a 43 year old advanced skier who is about 50/50 on and off piste. I love fast runs on the groomers as well as darting around in the trees and on moguls.
Thoughts on the 172 vs 164s? Would a pair of 164 black editions be an option as well to as some stiffness to the shorter skis?
Thanks for all the info you out out, it’s very helpful.
I'd either go 164 Black or 172 green to get the same stability. It's amazing what those green 96's can do, however, so I'd narrow focus to that in the 172.
SE
Thanks!
The 96 Black edition is going to remain unchanged for the 22-23 season. We should be getting new stock of 180's come this fall so keep an eye out! The only other ski I can think of that would come close to the Ripstick Black edition is the Head Kore skis. They are also a carbon fiber reinforced ski but with a lot stiffer of a build and less dampening. Its an extremely reactive ski but a bit of a bumpier ride than the Ripstick.
SE