As the widest model in Elan’s Ripstick W series, the Ripstick 106 W with Marker Squire 11 Bindings is designed for both resort and backcountry performance, offering a playful and lightweight option for deep snow days. The asymmetrical Amphibio rocker profile ensures easy turn initiation and provides excellent grip and control. The ski's significant use of carbon gives it a lively, poppy feel while maintaining the stability needed to handle a variety of conditions. We paired the 106 W with the Marker Squire 11 because of the Squire’s high performance and dependability for lighter weight all mountain and freeride skiers. With a light weight construction and a safe, reliable release, the Squire 11 is a go to choice to keep performance high and weight low.

Why we like it:

The Ripstick 106 W stands out for its broad appeal to skiers, offering impressive versatility and an energetic pop that makes it exceptionally fun on deep snow days.

Who it's for:

Ladies seeking a ski that performs well both on and off the resort will find the Ripstick 106 W highly versatile. It is well-suited for advancing intermediate to expert skiers, providing ample float and playfulness in soft snow, along with sufficient stiffness and power to handle hardpack on the way back to the lift.

Highlights:

Elan's innovative use of carbon is evident in the Ripstick 106 W, where the Tubelite wood core incorporates carbon laminates into the wood core for a poppy and energetic feel. The addition of Carbon Rods along the ski’s length enhances this playfulness, offering a consistent flex and providing torsional stiffness for improved grip and power. Marker’s Triple Pivot Light 2 Toe and Hollow Linkage Heel systems work in tandem to provide powerful energy transmission to the ski, allowing for maximum edge grip and control of the ski. Lighter weight skiers can rest easy knowing the Squire 11 will be easier than ever to step into thanks to a re-designed heel piece. Perhaps the most underappreciated feature of the Squire 11 is the anti-ice rail, which sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape the sole of your boots clean before stepping in.

Things to consider:

Heavier and more aggressive skiers, or those accustomed to skis with metal, may find the Ripstick 106 W reaches its limits at high speeds on hard snow. The lightweight carbon construction results in slightly reduced torsional stiffness, which can affect performance on the iciest of days, though the 106 W excels in softer conditions.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis are true to size. Heavier or more aggressive skiers might consider sizing up for better performance.