2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis—Skis with bindings	2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition	2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Introduction & First Impressions

tester:

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 110ish
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 38

A bit more rigid than I used to be but still trying to be dynamic, smooth, and fluid with varying degrees of success. Skis on the snow, these days.

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied at Pico in a variety of conditions and terrain, but mainly firm and chunky groomers.

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 think it's the right length. The skis are so light. I also have found the 189's to feel unnecessarily long in the past.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:7/10

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

Like the regular 88, this Black Edition is extremely light and quick. There's a lot of energy here as well, and more stability and damping than the regular. It's still not a powerhouse ski but it is confident, comfortable, and composed.

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

This is a true all-mountain ski with tons of versatility built in. You can take it anywhere, so long as it's not super deep powder or super icy groomers. Everything in the middle is totally fine.

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

This ski is totally acceptable for intermediate skiers as well as experts. It's not demanding, but has a high ceiling, so it has a huge range. The mix of light weight and strong character make sense for a lot of skiers.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I feel like this ski should have appeared three years ago! Better late than never.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Matt Stromecki

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195
Days / Year: 140
Age: 27
Years Skiing: 26

Would describe myself as a freecarver (Freeride skier at heart with a love for carving). Any excuse to go drops, cliffs, jumps, spins, etc., I will take. But also very much enjoy pure carving on skis that many would consider far too wide to carve on.

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico, VT - Softening firm granular turning into almost slush with firm under.

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?

Slightly short but felt fine, would go 188 cm for personal use.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

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

Long time coming! Such a great addition to the catalog. Certainly some elevated stiffness and smoothness underfoot compared to the regular with pretty much no change in weight. Better for more aggressive and/or heavier skiers. It's not the strongest 88 out there but it certainly has the most reactivity and energy to weight ratio. Very cool blend of agility, edge grip, and light weight.

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

All-mountain use with loads of versatility.

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

Intermediate to expert.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Its a Ripstick 88 with a slightly higher performance ceiling, great stuff!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Matty Kuhnel

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 200
Days / Year: 50-100
Age: 44
Years Skiing: 40

Smooth, flowing, and fast, but calculated to ski another day

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Firm, blue terrain.

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 thought the length was true to size, but given the nature of the ski and firm conditions, a longer ski would be better for the 200 lbs skier.

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

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

These Ripsticks were great at making railroad track turns. The tails want to stay in a carve, taking some effort to skid out of a long radius turn. They are light on the legs, and the front of the ski is forgiving when hitting terrain inconsistency. At high speeds the forgiveness of the front can chatter a little. Overall, a good balance of playfulness and stay-in-carve charging. These skis like a lot of pressure on the down hill ski.

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

They would be best on groomers, and groomers with chop.

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 entertaining for the expert, but forgiving enough for an upper level intermediate.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

They will save you when you didn’t see that death cookie coming at you in flat light.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Alex Popovych

Ability: Expert
Height: 6’-0”
Weight: 195
Days / Year: 40
Age: 49
Years Skiing: 46

Semipro

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Perry Merrill.

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 length, maybe 182s.

Scores

Floatation:10/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:6/10

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?

Playful.

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

Powder.

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

Advanced.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Ken Marin

Ability: Expert
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 200
Days / Year: 90
Age: 60
Years Skiing: 55

Controlled aggressive

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe Perry Merrill, Lord and Gondolier on top of frozen snow from the prior days thaw.

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?

182 felt short.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:8/10

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?

It skied much better than I expected. It made quick turns and held an edge very nicely and were also very easy to ski in firm moguls.

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

Groomers, moguls. They should also be fun in soft snow in the trees on runs such as Tres Amigos or Chin Clip at Stowe.

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

Intermediate to advanced.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

This would be a fun ski for anyone looking for a versatile, fun and quick turning ski.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Martin Herold

Ability: Advanced Intermediate
Height: 5/4/2026
Weight: 68
Days / Year: 20
Age: 45
Years Skiing: 12

Fun

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe with frozen granular mix, little ice, some groomed areas remaining as early morning.

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?

Great size, feels shorter than it is. I have been skiing a 170 cm ski.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

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

Stable, comfortable, easy. The Elan Ripstick gave an easy feel, not particularly sporty nor aggressive. Comfortable overall.

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

All-mountain all-rounder. Enough for some fresh powder, enough stability for Vermont ice, certainly easy going on groomers.

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

Intermediate to advanced. For skiers not looking to aggressively racey ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Just so easy going and comfortable.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Nate Sugiyama

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'8"''
Weight: 145
Days / Year: 10
Age: 35
Years Skiing: 12 years

Laid-back

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, carried terrain, on and off piste.

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 true to length.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

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

This is a very comfortable and familiar feeling ski.

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

These are versatile all mountain skis, as comfortable on groomers as dense woods.

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

Intermediate to advanced skiers. These are fairly ridged skis but are surprisingly forgiving.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Lauren Morton

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 30
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 30+

Happy to ski any terrain and like to make turns

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

168 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Packed pow on Perry Merril.

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:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

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

This is a solid all mountain ski. Loves to hold an edge at speed. Less playful making shorter turns.

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

A ski for the whole east coast mountain.

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

Advanced and expert skiers will love this ski.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Megan Papineau

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 122
Days / Year: 30
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 36

Former racer trying to hang responsibly with Jeff

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

168 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Packed powder, Perry Merrill.

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?

This skied true to size and was appropriate for me.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

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

Ya know, at first I wasn’t impressed. It felt a little squirly but when I challenged it more with higher speeds and more edge angles it performed way more reliably.

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

It’s a great, gentle, all mountain ski.

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

It’s a good ski for intermediate to expert level skiers.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It’s a ski highly recommended for most skiers.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Benjamin Reilly

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 198
Days / Year: 50
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 37

Fast, smooth. Thinks legs are as strong as they were in 2012 (they aren’t)

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Hard pack. Quad groomers.

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 a little short. I think that’s because I usually ski something a bit longer with less early rise. But I would ski the 182.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

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

This is a super fun ski! It makes all types of turns well. It carves long arcs, rips poppy short radius turns, and loves a slarve.

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

I only skied hard pack but it feels capable of everything

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

Intermediate to advance. It can charge hard but it’s SO forgiving. I think a lot of people would be happy on this ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I was surprised how fun this ski was. It’s really playful and moves between short and long arc turns in a way that helps make a groomer day more fun than normal. It’s not as damp as the Kastle and Stockli—probably because of the carbon and less metal—but it’s still a really confident ski. I might add these to the quiver.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Matthew McManus

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 182
Days / Year: 35-50
Age: 57
Years Skiing: about 40

It depends on with whom I'm skiing. Everything from Toll Road to Liftline (slowly) with my wife, to Centerline bumps/woods/any groomer at speed if alone or with other friends. I calibrate to the worst skier so everyone has fun typically

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

175 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, groomers.

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?

This felt shorter than 175 and this is the length I would likely choose.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

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?

This ski was exceptionally fun, quick edge to edge but also stable in carving turns and held an edge well on hardpack. It's light and very easy to both turn and pivot, but had a lot of energy coming out of turns. Very accessible and fun ski.

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

This was great on groomers, holding much better than I expected a carbon ski to be on very firm conditions. I imagine it would be really fun in bumps and woods, if the powder in the woods isn't crazy deep.

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

While stiff for a carbon ski, it felt very intuitive and accessible, making it a good ski from early intermediate skiers and up.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

These were light and quick, as expected, but the way they held an edge on hardpack and carved when laid on their side was surprising. Very enjoyable skis and a great option for an all mountain daily driver.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jamie Morris

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175
Days / Year: 60
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 43

Fast and smooth

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe quad, variable, firm and fast.

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 182 was a perfect fit for me.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:9/10

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

Looking down at these skis, they made feel very confident. I knew they were going to rip. No pun intended.

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

Frontside groomed and mellow glades will suit this ski best.

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

Advanced intermediate to full blown expert.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Not surprised that these skis ripped. Again, no pun intended.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Hans de Boer

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 210
Days / Year: 40-60...
Age: 42
Years Skiing: 25 years

Turning isn't really necessary until you get scared.

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Nosedive top to bottom before it got too scraped off. Nice edgable hard pack.

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?

They seem to ski true to size, but I could have used the larger 189 size if I were going to get this ski.

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

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

I wasn't sure what to expect. They were lighter then I was expecting for a front side all mountain ski. Very quick edge to edge. They had a lot of power, but they also had a speed limit. Keep them under the speed limit and they can do everything as long as you don't fall too far into the backseat.

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

Keep them on the frontside and you'll have a good time. They'll do great in the bumps, hold an edge even later in the day when the trail gets chewed up. IF there is still some powder hiding out in the trees, they'll be fun for a little side trip too, but you'll find the best turns sticking to the cut trails.

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

I don't think an intermediate skier will appreciate the extra features built into the Black Edition. Advanced and experts will appreciate it, as long as they don't need to set any speed records.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

They were a good time, playful, quick, and also, once you got up on top of them really wanted to make some fun, snappy turns. The frozen bumps with a couple inches of fresh pow were actually fun on these skis. Definitely gave me some confidence to stay up in front to attack them.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

John McLaughlin

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'11"'
Weight: 170
Days / Year: 70+ but I just retired
Age: 68
Years Skiing: 55

Boring. I don't do anything exciting. I just get down making turns. I do like to go fast, but my feet rarely leave the snow.

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Nosedive & Perry Merrill.

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.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

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

It's a hard charging ski. It was quick to turn and held an edge.

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

It was a great carving ski. The conditions didn't lend themselves to going off groomers. I wouldn't hesitate to take these skis 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?

Definitely an expert ski. Still pretty forgiving. Almost but not a race ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I liked them. I like to go fast and make big turns and these were great at that. As I said, more forgiving than other hard charging skis.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

Size Tested:

182 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico, Vermont. Mostly packed powder groomers, but some bumps and softer snow too.

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 skiing the 175 too, but 182 is my preference.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:9/10

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

We've wanted a Ripstick 88 Black Edition for years and it's finally here! I've always been a big Ripstick fan as I just find them so satisfying to ski. At my size, I generally don't find the same limitations as some of my bigger coworkers when it comes to overall Ripstick stability and edge grip, but I still appreciate the Black Editions. If anything, I felt like the 88 kind of needed it most as the normal Ripstick 88 does feel a bit too light to me every once in a while. I generally don't get that on the 96 or anything wider. Similar overall Ripstick performance here with a tremendous amount of versatility and a huge fun factor, but it ticks up the performance when it comes to power, stability, edge grip, precision, etc. All the same benefits we've come to appreciate from Black Edition Ripsticks compared to their "normal" counterparts.

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

It's a truly versatile all-mountain ski. Groomers, bumps, trees, whatever you want, it's all in play on the Ripstick 88 Black Edition. Really its only limitation is deeper snow, in which case the 96 or 102 will outperform it.

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

An intermediate is almost always going to be better off on the normal Ripsticks rather than the Black Edition, but I also don't think it's an expert only ski like some heavier, metal-clad skis in this category.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

So fun to finally have a Ripstick 88 Black Edition! Thanks Elan!

Read the Full Ski Test →

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis

GET THIS SKI WITH BINDINGS AND FREE MOUNTING:

2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings

$1,179.94

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