The 2026 Elan Ripstick 96 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings is a do-it-all all-mountain setup that blends quickness, stability, and precision in a lightweight package. Whether you're carving groomers, darting through trees, or venturing into soft snow, this ski keeps you confidently in control across the entire mountain. Its 96 mm waist is the perfect sweet spot for versatility, and the construction balances responsiveness with just enough dampness for high-speed stability. We paired the ski with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

What stands out about the Ripstick 96 is its ability to feel light and nimble while remaining smooth and composed, even at speed. It's energetic without being demanding, and it thrives in everything from powder stashes to firm groomers.

Who it's for:

This ski is made for intermediate to expert skiers looking for a reliable daily driver that doesn't feel limiting. It’s a great option for western skiers chasing versatility or eastern skiers who want a ski with soft snow potential.

Highlights:

Built with Elan’s signature Amphibio profile, the Ripstick 96 uses distinct inside and outside edges for better grip and more fluid turns. Carbon rods embedded into the core shave weight and boost edge hold, while Vapor Tip inserts in the tips and tails reduce vibration and chatter. This adds up to a ski that’s lively, damp, and confident, whether the terrain is clean or chopped up. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission

Things to consider:

Aggressive skiers who push hard on icy trails at top speed might prefer something with a bit more torsional stiffness. These skis are blem quality, which means small cosmetic imperfections that won’t impact performance or warranty, making them an unbeatable value for skiers who want high-end gear without the high-end price tag.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis run true to size. If you're skiing tight trees or want maximum agility, sizing down is a good call. If you’re after a little more float and high-speed security, go longer.