Ski Reviews
2024 Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition Ski Review
At long last, the Elan Ripstick Black Edition is making its grand debut for the ladies after over a year of pining over the men’s version and let’s just say, it’s about time. The Ripstick collection has received a whole lot of attention over the years, and for good reason. Achieving an ideal blend of stiffness and strength while keeping weight to a minimum, the overall feel and performance of these skis is unparalleled. Through the use of Carbon Line Technology to deliver maximum stability and edge grip, you get a lightweight, powerful ski without the use of metal. Taking it one step further with the Black Edition series, Elan offers a premium version of the notably successful Ripsticks, enhancing the strength to weight ratio through a slightly altered application of carbon, delivering even more power and stability.
In the Ripstick 94 W Black Edition, the same shape and dimensions are shared with the women’s Ripstick 94, yet we see a change in the construction, giving it the exact same build as the men’s 96 and 106. Given the success of the unique and impressionable approach to the men’s Black Edition Ripsticks, carrying forth the construction with only slight alterations to the shape delivers the same high-performance results with shorter available lengths for us ladies. This is great news for those who value the quick and intuitive feel of the Ripsticks but prefer a stiffer, more responsive flex for fast, aggressive skiing. Plus, did we mention the tiger striped topsheet?
AT A GLANCE
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2024 Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition Skis |
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AVAILABLE SIZES |
TURN RADIUS |
SIDECUT |
WEIGHT |
PRICE |
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146, 154, 162, 170, 178 cm |
16.2 m @ 170 cm |
136 / 94 / 110 mm |
1,570 g @ 170 cm |
$749.99 |
Before we get into performance, let’s take a closer look at the construction. To achieve the level of execution and flex pattern while simultaneously keeping the weight to a minimum, Elan focused their approach on high-quality materials and specialized build practices. Looking at the trademark Ripstick line, the use of Carbon Line Technology cohesively blends multiple applications of carbon, with partial carbon laminate distributed along the inside edge in the forebody of the ski. With a lightweight wood core as the base, 3-dimensional Carbon Rods are incorporated, running tip to tail down the length of the ski. Following the arc of the sidecut, the Carbon Rods provide torsional stability and powerful rebound. In the new and improved Black Edition Ripstick 94, we now get QuadRod construction, with the two full-length Carbon Rods down the edges plus the addition of two more Carbon Rods running down the center of the ski, one in the forebody and one in the tail. This exceptional use of additional carbon results in 360-degrees of stability and stiffness, providing precise feedback and next-level smoothness. The overall flex pattern and strong, powerful build truly mimics the use of metal but without the weight or demand.
Up next, we home in on the shape and profile. As we’ve already touched upon, the main difference between the Ripstick 94 and Black Edition Ripstick 94 is the build. Carrying forth the same shape and dimensions, this slightly stronger, more aggressive model features camber underfoot paired with tip and tail rocker. The relatively modest amount of rocker combined with early taper in the tips and tails provides that effortless float and turn initiation we love to see in softer snow conditions. While we tend to see this all-mountain profile across the board in a variety of brands, what makes Elan’s unique approach stand out amongst the rest is their use of Amphibio technology. This revolutionary design is specific to Elan’s skis, integrating both rocker and camber profiles into the right and left skis. The inside edges feature a camber profile, which delivers precise and powerful edge grip, while the outside edges have a rocker profile and provide forgiveness and maneuverability. This unique technology is solely used by Elan, though it won’t be long before the trend catches on. To top it all off, we also get Elan’s Vapor Tip reinforcement, delivering smooth turn initiation, and SST sidewalls for direct power transmission.
This brings us to the fun part—the performance. I had the opportunity to test the Ripstick 94 W at the 2023 ski test and was blown away by its performance. I was particularly impressed by the level of strength and stability, especially given its construction, I found it hard to believe that another ski could top it. Having heard the rumors about this Ripstick Black Edition, I wanted to know what all of the hype was about. How could the Ripstick possibly get any better? Well, it most certainly can and Elan proved that through their approach to the Black Edition. We’ve seen this in a number of cases, where a ski that seems almost too good to be true gets a revamp and somehow returns better than before. For me, this is that exact case. The highly respected Ripstick line is in a league of its own as far as all mountain skis go. Achieving this balance between playfulness and versatility, they also deliver an impressive amount of edge grip and vibration damping. The new 2023 Ripstick 94 W Black Edition not only retains these attributes but also accomplishes an even higher level of performance through its enhanced flex pattern and dampness.
I was truly blown away by how stiff and powerful these skis felt, especially given how light they are. Within my first few turns, I felt an incredible amount of edge grip and precision, yet didn’t feel locked into my turns at any point. Highly maneuverable and responsive, I could energetically release from a turn and powerfully initiate my next turn with total control. While I love a ski with metal in it, it’s hard to find the right balance between strength and playfulness. The Ripstick 94 W Black Edition not only achieves that but it also does a phenomenal job at tricking you into thinking it contains metal. The use of Quadrod construction takes excellent advantage of carbon by taking the tube philosophy to the next level. This level of smoothness that is honestly baffling, and I think the credit can be given to the carbon tubes and overall build of these skis. From firm snow to a few inches of fresh, I felt very confident and in control.
Another takeaway for me as far as performance was the liveliness and responsiveness. I like to find airs, whether off rollers or side hits, and to find a ski that feels poppy and playful on the takeoff and strong and stable on the landing is ideal. I’ve found that skis containing one or two sheets of metal can feel heavy and almost dull in the air, plus it can be a lot of work to maneuver. The amount of carbon in these skis makes for the perfect overall feel and I noticed it right away. I absolutely loved how maneuverable and light they felt, providing that snappy, lively feeling that invites a freeride personality. That said, this quality certainly doesn’t override the level of power and stability. You can really bring these skis up to speed and ski with even more aggressiveness than the original Ripstick 94, I also love. From long and short turns to fast and slow speeds, they initiate a carve so smoothly and effortlessly. Whether it’s the Amphibio profile, shape, or flex pattern, the whole package comes together in a way that gives advanced skiers a truly awesome ski.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about the Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition. As a lightweight, aggressive skier who loves a versatile all-mountain ski, there are so many boxes that can be checked off for me. Maneuverable and playful? Check. Powerful and stable? Check. Smooth and intuitive? Check. It truly encompasses the full package while keeping the weight down and incorporating a unique shape and profile. It’s incredible that Elan was able to improve upon an already amazing ski and take it a step further to enhance performance for ladies who prefer a stiff and powerful ski that is approachable and agile. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love an all-black ski with tiger stripes?
Hi Emily, great writing and great review. What would you say about the Black Edition’s effective edge? I’m 5’6”, weight 130 and consider myself a solid advanced to lower expert skier. I love the tight turns at the top of Nose Dive, even when icy, and its long cruising run. I also love the moguls on Chin Clip and heading to the Bench in the right conditions. I’m not sure if I would want the 154 or 162 size based on the ski’s effective edge. Thank for a great review and I would love to own a pair of skis with tiger stripes
Hi Tigg,
Thank you for the feedback! As far as the effective edge, since they have a decent amount of early taper/rocker in the shovels, it is shortened as a result. I would definitely go with the 162 for your height/weight and ability level. Let me know if you have further questions!
SE
Are these a lot harder to ski than the regular ripstick? I'm an advanced playful skier and I got the chance to get on the 154cm regular ripstick 94w and it was awesome but intrigued by potentially better crud performance in this version just don't want it to be less playful and easy to ski at lower speeds like the regular ripstick. Thanks!
Hi B!
No, the 94 Black Edition is not harder to ski. With the additional carbon in the construction, they provide a more responsive flex and stiffer backbone which when on the feet of more aggressive skiers, they aid to faster, more aggressive performance. Other than that, they still feel just as awesome and playful. I will say as far as enhanced stability on crud and variable snow, the Blacks take it a step further than the regular ripsticks just because of the enhanced construction so if thats what you are looking for, definitely jump up to the Blacks!
SE
I am looking for a good mogul ski. Is the Elan Ripstick 94 women's black edition or the non black edition better for the bumps?
Overall I'd say the regular is a better bump ski as it's a bit more flexible, but if you're an aggressive skier who's looking to get the most out of the moguls and beyond, the Black Edition has more upside. But for slightly lighter and easier turning in the bumps without a huge dropoff in overall all-mountain performance, there's nothing wrong with the regular 94 at all. Have fun!
SE