The 2027 Elan Ripstick 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings is the frontside-leaning member of the family, made for skiers who spend most of their day on groomers but still want to wander off the marked runs now and then. It keeps the light, energetic Carbon Deck feel of the rest of the line in a narrower, more carving-minded shape. We paired the Ripstick 88 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:

On edge, the carbon rods and edge bands really come through. There is a crisp, energetic snap here that you rarely get from a non-metal ski this narrow, and the rebound out of each turn is honestly just fun. It is a ski that wants to keep turning.

Who it's for:

Intermediate through advanced skiers who spend most of their time at the resort and want a versatile ski with a frontside bias. It rewards good technique as you progress toward expert, but it forgives the occasional mistake along the way.

Highlights:

At an 88 mm waist the Amphibio profile is the real star: the rockered outside edge makes turns easy to start, and the cambered inside edge bites hard the moment you commit to one. Carbon rods and UD carbon edge bands give the ski its backbone, the source of that precise, poppy feel, while a low-swing-weight Tubelite woodcore keeps it quick edge to edge in tight spots. The sintered base keeps it fast where it spends most of its time, on the groomers. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

Soft snow is where it gives ground to the wider Ripsticks. The non-metal build is a plus for most skiers, but if you want the most damping and high-speed hold on hardpack, the Ripstick 88 Black Edition and its extra carbon is worth a look.

Fit & sizing considerations:

True to length for most skiers. Size up for stability at speed, or down for quicker, shorter turns.