2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

Size (cm)	154	161	168	175	182	189
Tip Width (mm)	130	130	130	130	130	130
Waist Width (mm)	90	90	90	90	90	90
Tail Width (mm)	108	108	108	108	108	108
Turning Radius (m)	12.8	13.8	14.8	15.8	16.8	17.8
Indiv. Ski Weight (g)					1600

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis	2027 Elan Ripstick 88	—
2026	2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis—Skis with bindings —Skis with bindings	2025 Elan Ripstick 88 2026 Elan Ripstick 88	—
2024	2024 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis—Skis with bindings	2024 Elan Ripstick 88	—

tester:

Lauren Morton

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 132
Days / Year: 30
Age: 36
Years Skiing: 30+

Lifelong skier that's up for anything!

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

Size Tested:

161 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?

Short. Would size up

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

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

Felt light.

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

Soft snow.

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

Very approachable ski for many levels.

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

Heavier.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Megan Papineau

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 120
Days / Year: 10
Age: 38
Years Skiing: 36

Former racer

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

Size Tested:

161 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?

Shirt for me true to size

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

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

I’m not sure why but I preferred this over the black edition, it felt more stable at high speed on firm snow.

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

All terrain.

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

All levels, not beginner,

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

Loved it.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 160
Days / Year: 0
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 37

Flowy, creative, as smooth as I can be.

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 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?

True to size!

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

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

One of my favorite all mountain skis. At my weight it holds an edge just fine and honestly carves great, but then it’s quick and agile in bumps, super easy to ski, and just such a fun loving ski.

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

Really any kind of terrain is fair game the bigger limitation would be really deep snow, but there are lots of wider Ripsticks.

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

Anyone from intermediate to true expert would really enjoy it although I do think there’s a limitation for stability for heavier skiers.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Marc Angelillo

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 150+
Age: 69
Years Skiing: 66

Fluid, technical, textbook, high level of efficiency

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 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?

Short

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

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

Squirrley, difficult to find initiation point.

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

Blues and blacks, variable terrain.

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

Intermediate to low expert.

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

Less rocker and more torsional stiffness.

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 88 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?

Skis true to size! I like this new 175 option.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:9/10

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?

Sweet! I've always liked this ski, and continue to like the new version just as much, if not a little bit more. This new version of the 88 in a 175 cm length is an absolute weapon. So easy to bend and get it to come across the fall line, resulting in some really dynamic turns. I was a bit nervous on it at first being a little bit shorter in its length, but was pretty quickly convinced I could ski it relatively hard. There's a limit to stability, yes, but it's harder to get there than you might think.

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

Groomers, moguls, trees, it's really all in play on the Ripstick 88. Not endless grip on a groomer, but enough, and so intuitive to ski. In moguls it's super quick and agile and really easy to pivot, which are all things that are helpful to me in bumps. Really its only limitations are really high speeds and deeper snow.

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

Intermediates through experts can all enjoy the Ripstick 88, but there's a little bit of variance based on skier weight. At 160 lbs, I feel super comfy on it, but I know some heavier skiers don't find the same consistency and can sort of fold the tip a bit. We're talking 225+, however, so really not a major concern. A heavy, strong, expert skier would likely want more, that's probably the best way to think of it.

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

Doesn't need changing! Offers an excellent and unique option in a very well saturated world of all-mountain skis. Tough to be different, and the Ripstick 88 achieves just that!

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 88 Skis

Size Tested:

175 and 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?

I prefer the 182, skis a little short.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

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

The Ripstick 88 is a ton of fun to ski and sets itself apart from other skis in its category with its incredible maneuverability and capability in tight, technical terrain. In moguls and when making shorter turns on the sides of trails, it's absolutely incredible. It's so light, so quick, and so intuitive. I do think the new version doesn't carve quite as well as the previous version, but only in this 88 width, and I'm not sure why. That said, it doesn't bother me at all, as carving was never really the highlight or focus of the Ripstick 88. It's that quickness and versatility that sets it apart and places it squarely as a true all-mountain ski.

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

Packed powder groomers, softer snow conditions, bumps, trees, spring snow, it performs really well in any terrain as long as you have somewhat soft conditions. By somewhat soft, I just mean the only scenario it doesn't feel great is when you have true boiler-plate ice. It's just not built for conditions like that and doesn't have the best torsional stiffness. Most people avoid conditions like that anyways, so it kind of doesn't matter in my opinion.

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

Intermediates all the way up through lighter weight and/or less aggressive experts will love it. Those that ski really fast or heavier skiers might not find the stability or power they're looking for, but there are plenty of other options for skiers like that, including Elan's Wingman collection.

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

I wouldn't change a thing! It's super fun to ski and I love that it's different in a world of somewhat homogenized all-mountain skis.

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 88 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 loved the 188 last year, and I think the 189 this year will fall into that same boat.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:5/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:8/10

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

The new 88 doesn't feel as turny or carvy as the old one, especially in longer turns. This is a big benefit for those that appreciate mobility and energy in their shorter carves. It's incredibly responsive and easy to turn to go along with endless all-mountain versatility.

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

As an 88, this ski goes great anywhere. I think it's still got a lot to offer skiers who spend a lot of time on groomers, but the bump and tree performance of these skis is off the charts due to the ease of use and quick-turning nature.

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

The Ripstick 88 has a huge range, even going so far as to say that beginners who are progressing will be able to manage the ski. It's main zone is in the advanced level, though, as it combines light weight and high performance--these attributes are highly prized by the typical "advanced" skier.

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

I'd hope for a more responsive turn initiation--I like it when lighter skis bring you into the turn with greater pull.

Read the Full Ski Test →

Megan submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Megan Papineau

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 120
Days / Year: Maybe 20 this year
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 35

Former racer

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

Size Tested:

163? 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?

just right. 5'1" 120 lb expert skier

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:10/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:7/10

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

Fun and easy, I wouldn't trust it necessarily going fast on icy steeps but for mellow groomers super fun!

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

I only skied mellow groomers, it's not super floaty so maybe not best in powder or trees necessarily. It was great for what i skied.

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

I imagine its a great ski for intermediate and an expert skier who wants to take it down a notch. the expert skier who doesn't need to really lay it over anymore but still wants to make reliable railroad tracks on most terrain

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

be more like the black edition :-)

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Allison Ruschp

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 150
Days / Year: 45
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 35

Ex racer who likes to carve but has toned it back

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

Size Tested:

162 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

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:10/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:10/10

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

LOVE this ski, confident on the snow, easy to turn. Overall a fun ski to be on. Stable and light, this ski is for everyone!

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

With the 88 waist its a great option for resort skiing with occasional powder. Light and poppy in the woods and bumps but mainly just a great carving ski.

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

This ski is for everyone, and I mean everyone. One of the most approachable skis on the market, from intermediate skiers to advanced, this ski has a smooth stable ride that makes every skier confident.

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

I would not change a thing! Just remember there is a left and right ski!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jamie O'Brien

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 195
Days / Year: 70-90
Age: 42
Years Skiing: 40+

fast, smooth, and flowy

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 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?

Skied shorter ~178cm. Size up to get the stability without sacrificing quickness and maneuverability. 182 is perfect.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

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?

Light and quick.

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

The Ripstick is true to the genre it was designed for. Comfortable in all conditions, anywhere on the mountain.

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

Intermediate to expert. The Ripstick is confidence building.

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

The asymmetrical sidecut doesn’t provide the benefits required to have L and R specific skis. Just don’t see the advantage.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Spencer Brown

Ability: Expert
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 250
Days / Year: 25
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 30+

Fast Carver

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 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 a little short for conditions. I would say it skis a little short and I would prefer a longer length.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

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

The Ripstick 88 felt light and playful but had enough torsional stiffness to hold an edge really well.

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

I would recommend this ski for a variety of terrain. It preforms well in the bumps and trees, but also feels good, just cruising groomers. There was quite a bit of fresh snow today in spots and it felt a bit under gunned in those situations where the pockets of snow were deeper in the 12+" range, but I would expect that from all of the skis in this category.

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

This ski would be a great option for a new skier who is just starting to venture out on blues all the way up to an expert level skier that likes to ski all over from bumps to groomers. I think it is best suited for someone that wants a ski that is light and playful with a balanced feel. The rocker profile and recommended mounting position is such that the ski pivots really easily and likes to smear turns more than carve turns.

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

I don't know that I would change much about this ski. It fits into a nice place in the line up for mid waisted all mountain skis. It would not be my personal choice if I were to purchase a ski in this category because of my preferred skiing style, but this is definitely a number one ski for many folks shopping for a ski in this range.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Greg Petrics

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 6' 3
Weight: 210
Days / Year: 50+
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 37

I'm a race-trained skier who had a powder addiction, and now is looking for the perfect piste turn.

Ski:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

Size Tested:

180 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?

The ski felt too short for me. I would size up. I would not choose this length for myself.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:7/10

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

I didn't love this ski, and found it tricky to keep from chattering out of a turn. I felt like the carbon layup they've added to this ski is just a bit too much, and they've given up the edge hold the ripstick used to be known for.

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

This ski at 88 mm is aiming for performance all over the mountain, but I found it didn't perform well on piste, and instead would be best suited in the chopped up powder, or off piste. In some sense this ski is much like the K2 Mindbender 86C, which similarly doesn't offer a great connection to the piste, but comes to life with its maneuverability in the trees and chopped up powder.

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

This ski is great for intermediates wanting to ski all over the mountain since its low swing weight (owing to its carbon layup) will enable some forgiving easy turning. Advanced skiers will probably find themselves overpowering the carbon layup especially on piste.

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

I am not a fan of the asymmetric design, but if other folks are into that, great.

Read the Full Ski Test →

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis

GET THIS SKI WITH BINDINGS AND FREE MOUNTING:

2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis with Tyrolia Attack 14 GW Bindings

$1,008.99

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