2026 Elan Ripstick 88 W

The 2026 Elan Ripstick 88 W is a carryover model, bringing the same light energy and easy fun as last year. Thanks to Elan’s use of asymmetry in the construction, shape, and profile, the Ripstick series is rare and unique, capable of feeling smooth and cohesive while remaining energetic and predictable. The 88, specifically, fits a pure all-mountain skier and supplies them with versatility and great on-trail performance. By combining carbon applications and proven shaping, the Ripstick 88 W has a lot of zip to it which is accessed without a lot of demand.

Built asymmetrically, we get a right/left-specific ski and this frees up the designers and engineers at Elan to be very creative. Starting with a wood core consisting of poplar and paulownia, Elan uses their carbon tubes to create a lot of energy. Below the wood core, they use two strips of uni-directional carbon with one longer than the other, putting more emphasis on the inside edge of the downhill ski. In the shovel, we get a flax laminate placed to reduce vibrations and increase snow contact without adding weight or flex. Overall, these are quite flexible skis, especially in the tips. Regardless, they achieve a nice feel even though it is lighter and more bendy. Tester Megan Papineau notes: “I’m not sure why but I preferred this over the black edition, it felt more stable at high speed on firm snow.”

At 88 mm underfoot, this is a very useful and practical ski. It gets a lot of the smoothness and predictability from the construction, but it also uses shaping in order to create cohesiveness. In the 168, the ski uses measurements of 125/88/104 mm to generate a 14.8-meter turn radius. This is pretty short, and it likes to be in that zone due to the flex—it's easy to find the radius of the ski and make it go shorter and more skidded. The amphibio rocker profile kicks in here, making the ski feel hook and catch-free in any type of turn, whether you’re on groomers or in the powder. Tester Allarie Sullivan states the use case of this ski squarely as “All mountain. It can hold and edge and flex well to get through ice or variable terrain.”

This could be a great option for skiers who are just starting out in exploration and adventure skiing. It can punch above its level when used by advanced and expert skiers, but beginners and progressing skiers will also love the easy flex and mellow skiing character. At 88 mm, this is a true all-mountain ski with very few limitations. The carbon comes alive and promotes faster skiing while the flex allows for shorter turns and easy manipulation of turn style.