2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis—Skis with bindings	2027 Elan Ripstick 102	—
2026	2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis—Skis with bindings —Skis with bindings	2025 Elan Ripstick 102 2026 Elan Ripstick 102	—

tester:

Andrew McNeil

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 210
Days / Year: 50
Age: 50
Years Skiing: All of them.

Just trying to keep it smooth.

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

175 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Fantastic ski. Great edge hold. Was able to float on heavy corn snow. Great all around, very nimble, felt like an 88 under foot. Just buy this ski.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Pow and spring.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Nothing, awesome ski.

Read the Full Ski Test →

Chris submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Chris McClelland

Ability: Expert
Height: 6' 4
Weight: 175
Days / Year: 60-80
Age: 28
Years Skiing: 25

Fast and aggressive, I really like to push my equipment to its limit

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt pretty good, might feel better on a 185+

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

It was surprisingly playful for the tail shape and felt really good in softer snow/bumped up terrain. Definitely a great ski to putz around Stowe's woods

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This definitely feels like a ski for softer conditions, be that powder or spring slush. Felt good on groomers but definitely not a high speed carving machine.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This feels like a very appropriate ski for an upper level intermediate looking for one to progress on. There’s more than enough ski there to get you onto some more advanced terrain but experts might be more interested in the Black Edition.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Elan has a very unique thing going with their skis and it works so I can’t really think of anything that would immediately improve the ski.

Read the Full Ski Test →

Bob submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Bob St.Pierre

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 100
Age: 46
Years Skiing: Started at 10 years old, so now been skiing 36 years.

I prefer short turns with high energy equally as long turns with low energy.

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt Short. I'd prefer the 189 mainly because the skis are so light that you need some more material to make up for it.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:5/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:4/10

Versatility:5/10

Overall:5/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The shovels felt a bit soft, and that made it not want to be direct with turn initiation, but this was on groomers, and the skis are more meant to be used in softer and fresher snow. It felt a lot more like a freeride ski for lighter skiers than anything else.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski works great in softer snow and tighter spaces due to the width and weight. This makes it a fantastic tree ski.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

As a wider ski, this would be a good option for a progressing intermediate and advanced skier who's looking for a nice introduction to wider skis. It's not too demanding so even those that aren't quite as skilled will be able to get it around and through more technical zones with ease.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

I'd like more horsepower in this shape since you're probably going to be going fast and through some inclement conditions and terrain. It's a bit light for my liking for how flexible it is.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Brad Schauerman

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 70 plus
Age: 33
Years Skiing: 26

All about having fun and scoring the best turns possible

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

175 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Super surfy quick turns a total blast in fresh snow. Less fun on the groomers.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Glades fresh snow off piste.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate plus.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Make it a little stiffer.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Tim Ryan

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 30
Age: 34
Years Skiing: 30

Racer converted to all mountain side hit/cliff jumper

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

175 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Perfect

Scores

Floatation:10/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:10/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Amazing, it did everything I asked with such grace. Was super stable at high speeds and was so easy to move around.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Any terrain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to expert. It was so easy to move around but also super stable.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Nothing <3

Read the Full Ski Test →

Jeff submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 38
Years Skiing: 36

Playful, smooth, rhythmic, and loose

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size works for me.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:5/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Playful directional powder ski. It almost skis more like a twin tip in this width but with a flat tail. Just super playful and relatively soft. Great float too. Not the most stable at speed but also not too twitchy.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Best in nice powder conditions but handled heavier choppy snow well too.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

It’s pretty approachable for a ski this wide. Could be a good upper intermediate powder ski. Also no reason an expert couldn’t ski it but you should prefer a softer flexing ski.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Could be slightly stiffer but it’s nice having a soft directional this wide.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 38
Years Skiing: 36

Playful, smooth, rhythmic, and loose

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Maybe skis a touch short, but not much.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

I'm a big fan of the new Ripstick 102. It has such a fun, playful feel while still being pretty darn capable at speed. It seems to work better for skiers around my size than those, say, over 200 lbs, so bigger skiers looking for a lot of stability may want to consider the Black Edition that has a little more oomph. For me, however, it's honestly tough to find a limit. No, it's not the stiffest, most powerful ski, but if you have good technique and balance, it's perfectly trustworthy at speed. The real benefit, in my opinion, is its quickness and agility in trees, chutes, and other technical terrain. If you love that stuff, you'll love this ski, and you can still open it up and ski fast from time to time.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It's best on somewhat softer snow conditions. Probably the ideal scenario would be like 6-8 inches of fresh snow, then it would be an absolute dream. You don't, however, need to wait for the right snow conditions to enjoy it. It can really handle anything. The only situation where it feels a little nervous is on steeps with really firm terrain, like ice. That said, there aren't too many 102 underfoot skis that do feel good on ice, and those that do, don't come close to the playfulness and fun factor of the Ripstick 102.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I honestly think a solid intermediate could use it as a soft snow/powder ski. It's not hard to ski at all. Advanced and expert skiers will find it a versatile all-mountain weapon, especially if you're the type of skier that prefer off-piste and soft snow over just cruising groomers. If you're more of a 50/50 split type of skier, the 96 might be better for you as that ski is noticeably better on groomers.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Really nice progression from the previous Ripsticks, I wouldn't go changing anything.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Matt Stromecki

Ability: Expert
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 200
Days / Year: 70 - 100
Age: 25
Years Skiing: 23

Freeride to its definition. Playful but fundamentally sound with an emphasis on style.

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size, could have gone with a longer length.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Super fun soft snow ski! Really floaty and drifty with an easy tail release for powder. Super forgiving and light for agile maneuvering in tight trees and technical terrain. Feels soft for big impacts and when driving the tips hard.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Soft snow off trail, in the trees and back bowls. Does well on groomers but you have to be mindful of the softer tips. The soft tips can be deflected in variable snow.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced to expert skiers who seek a light and agile soft snow ski will get the most out of the 102.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Stiffen up the tips and tails to match the underfoot and aft sections of the ski in a longitudinal and torsional sense.

Read the Full Ski Test →

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis

GET THIS SKI WITH BINDINGS AND FREE MOUNTING:

2026 Elan Ripstick 102 Skis with Tyrolia Attack 14 GW Bindings

$1,118.99

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Q&A

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