2023 Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition

It only took them over a year to produce a Black Edition Ripstick for the ladies. We’re grateful, for sure, and given the success and our impressions of the Black Edition Ripsticks from last year, the response should be about the same. We get an identical build to the men’s 96 and 106, but in a slightly narrower shape and shorter available lengths. Since Elan builds these skis in an asymmetric manner, the engineers are able to take some freedoms with construction. By using their amphibio rocker profile, they can rocker the outside edges more than the inside, making it smooth and floaty and not at all hooky or grabby. Additionally, their Carbon Line Technology puts more carbon on the inside edges—full width underfoot, but it really adds to the grip of the ski on firmer snow. They also use their Quad Rod technology here, utilizing four carbon rods instead of the two normally found in regular Ripstick 94 W. All of this adds up to a strong and stable build—one that mimics metal quite well but without the weight or dullness.

On the 170, Alli Ruschp noted that it skied true to size, although she like both the 162 and the 170 that she tested. Quite a few high scores here from Alli, giving it 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, quickness, maneuverability, and stiffness. Forgiveness and playfulness got 4’s while flotation got a 3. She notes that “Dreams do come true, a non-metal ski that is powerful and not overly heavy. This would be a great 1 ski quiver option for an advanced lady skier that likes to be able to go anywhere on the mountain. The carbon rods in the construction really dampen the ski and make it stiff when you flex into the turn. Still lighter weight construction than a metal option but this does not take away from its performance. I was really impressed, we skied on a rock-solid icy day and I had no issues getting on edge, no chatter tips. I really felt confident on these! With 94 mm in the waist, not only can you ski ice but you can get playful in some fresh snow, it's responsive and playful when you need. I am hoping to add this ski to my quiver next year!” Maybe some good people @Elanskis can help make that dream become a reality for Alli!

On the 162, Kristi Brown found it to be a tad short, “but the ski still got down to business.” She gave 5’s for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold, and 4’s for overall impression, versatility, and forgiveness. She notes that it’s “Interesting to have the Ripstick Black in the all-mountain category as def more specific front side burner! I felt like molten lava pouring down the hill hugging the terrain with ease. Not super versatile, but a dream medium larger radius turn maker. Surprisingly easy to navigate as the wider shovel eases you into turns and pulls you in & release without effort. It’s the VIP Black Uber Ripstick.” There’s a lot to unpack here, but the main point I think is that the lack of effort counterbalances the stability and strength of the ski. Also on the 162, which she found a bit short, Louise Lintilhac notes that “These skis were extremely fast edge to edge but I quickly found their limits in the chop when I started to push pace. They’re at home with smaller radius slalom turns. Their flotation is good but at times negated but their twitchiness at speed. The tip flop was distracting at times. A good ski for easy morning groomers.”

It’s awesome to see the ladies get a crack at the Ripstick Black Edition skis, we can only hope that they expand into the 102 for next year.