AWARD
Elan Ripstick 96 review 2018
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Elan’s Ripstick 96 is very impressive in this "All Mountain light/Freeride" category, and just missed the top of the podium. Good (no more, no less) weight distribution, versatile, happy on all terrains, it scored well for its great responsiveness that makes it incredibly playful underfoot and great fun in the powder and soft snow. The ski is remarkably accessible, especially off-piste where its flotation, responsiveness and capacity to pivot in heavy snow and crud make the rider’s work so much easier. Its flexibility is a handicap on the groomed slopes though, especially on hard pack where precision and grip may fall short. A good ski for intermediary to very good riders looking for an easy and playful freeride ski.
Measured weight of the model reviewed (ski only): 1595 gr
Review: Pros
- A light, responsive ski
- Good overall behaviour in all snow conditions
- Extremely user-friendly
- Flotation in powder
- Rotation in difficult snow
- Progressive flex
Review: Cons
- Limited performance
- Less grip on packed snow
- Behaviour on piste falls short
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.4 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.2 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.6 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.8 |
| Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
| Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
| All-terrain comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
Praised by ski magazine reviews and professional riders alike, the Ripstick 96 has proved the ultimate freeride ski for riders who wanta light, versatile tool for fluid rides in all snow conditions.
Features of the Ripstick 96
| Brand : | Elan |
| Model : | Ripstick 96 |
| Year : | 2018 |
| Family : | Freeride touring |
| Size tested : | 181 cm |
| Tip size : | 134 mm |
| Waist size : | 96 mm |
| Tail size : | 113 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | Not available |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2017