The Ripstick 96 Black Edition is the muscled-up version of the all-mountain everyman of the Ripstick lineup. It takes the Carbon Deck platform and layers on Elan's Quadrod system and C-Ply carbon frame reinforcement, which brings real added stability and damping to the table without giving up the lightweight, energetic feel that the standard Ripstick is known for.

Why we like it:

The Black Edition transformation is genuinely felt; the ski gets meaningfully more composed at speed and through chop without picking up much weight. If you've ever liked the Ripstick concept but wished it had a touch more authority, this is the one.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who want a versatile all-mountain ski with more muscle than the standard Ripstick. Best for skiers who push the pace and want stability and damping that goes a step beyond what a typical non-metal ski can offer.

Highlights:

Carbon Deck Technology is the foundation of the Ripstick line, and the Black Edition builds on it with two key additions. The Quadrod system runs four carbon rods through the body of the ski instead of the standard two, which makes a noticeable difference in torsional rigidity and edge precision. C-Ply carbon frame reinforcement adds strategically placed carbon where it has the biggest structural impact, giving the ski more backbone without the weight penalty of metal. Underneath all that, the Tubelite woodcore keeps the swing weight low and preserves the lively feel that defines the Ripstick line, while Flax fibre handles vibration damping naturally. The Amphibio profile and SST slanted sidewalls do their usual jobs of making turn initiation easy and edge transmission direct, and the Sintered Race Structured base is properly fast.

Things to consider:

If you want an easier, more forgiving ride, the standard Ripstick 96 will suit you better. The Black Edition is meant to be pushed; it rewards strong technique and active skiing rather than coasting.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to size. Stronger and heavier skiers can size up for more stability; lighter or more conservative skiers can size down.