2027 Elan Ripstick 84

The 2027 Elan Ripstick 84 is a new ski this year, bringing a narrower width to the lineup with a slightly less sophisticated build. It’s fair to say that this ski is an entry or gateway into the higher end Ripsticks as it lacks the lighter construction and amphibio shape that the wider skis have in this line. It will, however, make very quick and agile turns on groomers while allowing for mild to moderate off-trail adventure skiing.

Built with Elan’s Dual Woodcore, the Ripstick 84 isn’t quite as light as the wider offerings, a sign that budget is a part of the process here. Elan still uses Carbon Rods here and unidirectional carbon strips, but the wood is denser and not as energetic. In the 175, we’re seeing a stated weight of 1765 g/ski which makes it feel a bit heftier mass-wise while keeping things quick from edge to edge. Tester Christian Strong states: “I felt like the ski was very quick underfoot with a good small radius turn. I do wish it was stiffer for the snow conditions, but was very forgiving in exchange.”

When it comes to shape and profile, we are looking at a symmetrical ski here, so no right/left ski to worry about. At 84 mm underfoot, this ski slides into the all-mountain category, although there are wider skis that still fall in the wide frontside zone, even within Elan’s catalog. If you want to do more bumps, trees, and off-piste skiing, a Ripstick 84 will be easier to use than a Wingman 86. The 175 has measurements of 125/84/105 that generate a 15.4-meter turn radius. That’s a shorter arc, and will be instrumental in helping intermediate skiers progress in terms of carving and confidence. Strong continues to note that he “would ski this ski on groomed terrain and perhaps soft bumps due to its forgiving nature and soft feel. I would place this as a forgiving ski for both beginners and intermediates. It doesn't take a lot to bend the ski for carving short and mid radius turns. Very light construction made them easy to carry!”

By adding a width and a more budget-friendly build to the Ripstick line, Elan is hoping to gain a new set of fans and followers—skiers who are spending a lot of time on trail but also like a wider platform for additional adventures. In this light, the new Ripstick 84 will help a lot of skiers grow and find out what they like to do on the mountain.