Elan Ripstick 106 review 2017
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
The Ripstick ski makes freeride accessible to even the least skilled riders thanks to its exceptional handling qualities.
Off-piste, the ski is immediately reassuring. It covers all terrains and its exceptional agility will reassure less experienced skiers, always anxious about braking when rotating. You don't need to have the technical skills of Candide Thovex: the ski rotates without effort, even in crud and wet snow. You just need to steer left and then right and you'll find yourself effortlessly riding the slopes in a cloud of pow, just like a champion!
On the pistes, the ski's comfort and its facility on soft snow is astonishing. Turns may not be the most precise and we're certainly not talking about a Cochise, but the easy initiation, the ski's playful character and the quality of the snow/ski contact guarantees plenty of pleasure.
On the other hand, on hard pack, on the slopes and at high speeds the ski quickly loses its composure. The tip's flexibility makes the ride less consistent, even imprecise, and the lack of grip is unfortunately all too noticeable.
The Ripstick is a playful and enjoyable model for skiers with very few technical skills who want to discover the joys of off-piste rides in the best conditions. This model will let them enjoy themselves instantly, with very little technical investment. Experienced freeriders will probably prefer an Enforcer or a Corvus
Review: Pros
- A playful and user-friendly ski
- Extremely easy rotation and overall handling
- Requires little physical engagement, tolerant
Review: Cons
- Lacks grip and stability on hard pack and at high speeds
The ski review scores
Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.0 |
Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.5 |
Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.8 |
All-terrain comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.8 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
With the new TNT technology that won an Ispo award, the RipStick 106 is one of the new generation of all mountain skis. It's extremely light, but its grip and responsiveness will amaze you thanks to the carbon tubes that make the skis stiffer. When the conditions are right, skiers will be as happy carving on hard pack as riding the powder with the RipStick 106.
Features of the Ripstick 106
Brand : | Elan |
Model : | Ripstick 106 |
Year : | 2017 |
Family : | All Mountain 30/70 |
Size tested : | 188 cm |
Tip size : | 140 mm |
Waist size : | 106 mm |
Tail size : | 122 mm |
Radius for the size reviewed : | Not available |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2016