2027 Elan Ripstick 84 W

The 2027 Elan Ripstick 84 W brings agile all-mountain performance to the table with a bit more of a value-oriented capacity. While many of Elan's structural, engineering, and shaping principles carry into the Ripstick 84 W, it's got a more traditional core and a symmetrical style that keeps it on a slightly different playing field than the rest of the Ripsticks.

Built with Elan's dual wood core, the skis are a bit heftier than we see in the Tubelite cores but we still get carbon rods to go into the ski and provide energy and pop. In the 161, the skis sit on the scale at a stated weight of 1600 g/ski, putting them a few hundred grams heavier than the Ripstick 88 W. Tester Alyssa Ringler notes that "These are quick and snappy at slow speeds but terrifying and squirrely at high speeds. Very easy to maneuver. These would be good for packed powder, soft, low angle bumps and maybe some glades. Beginner to intermediate would do well on this ski."

At 84 mm underfoot, the Ripstick 84 W blurs the lines between all-mountain and front side. While they lack the carving power and stability of a ski like the Wildcat, they do have more rocker and taper that makes them versatile and well-rounded in a more adventurous format. The measurements of 125/84/105 mm generate a 13.4-meter turn radius in the 161, so they do like to come across the fall line easily and nicely. Ringler continues to state that "These are really easy to initiate turns in with low effort. I think someone who wants to just play around with quick turns and dabble in the bumps will love these skis. They are not good for deep carving turns, not enough stiffness or length (on this specific pair)."

While they don't have the same levels of sophistication as the other skis in the Ripstick line, the 84 W is still very useful and applicable to all-mountain conditions and terrain. It's a bit heavier but as we've noted in the past, weight can equate to stability, so there's an upside here. Overall, skiers looking at a Ripstick 84 W will be progressing, want to improve, and have a zest for adventure.