2023 Elan Ripstick 96

As a pure all-mountain ski, it doesn’t get a whole lot more sophisticated or fun than the 2023 Elan Ripstick 96. This ski returns unchanged but for graphics this year, so all of that amazing technology carries forward. Built with Elan’s tubelite wood core, we get a light and energetic start to the ski. By adding carbon rods that run alongside the edges, the skis have a unique feel to them, making these 96’s behave a lot lighter and snappier than others, while not reducing stability or power. Normally when a ski is this agile, it has to be sacrificed in other departments, but that hasn’t been the case with Ripstick over the years. Additionally, carbon line technology stiffens the central part of the ski, but in an asymmetric manner. By placing this additional carbon laminate over the inside half of the ski, we get more grip and torsional stiffness on the downhill edge, while leaving the uphill edge playful and smooth. The amphibio rocker profile enhances this smoothness, both in a groomer and soft-snow format.

On the 188, Bob St.Pierre noted it was correct sizing and right on the money. He gave the ski top marks of 5 out of 5 for overall impression and versatility—right in line with where Elan wants this thing. Quickness, maneuverability, and flotation all got 4’s while stability, playfulness, forgiveness, torsional stiffness, and edge hold were all in the 3 zone. Bob remarks that “The Ripstick 96, returning unchanged for 2023, makes a whole lot of sense for a whole lot of skiers. The mid-90's is a great place to be for ultimate versatility, and this Ripstick takes its spot on that list very seriously. It's got a great use of carbon, does not feel chintzy, and is able to make any turn at any time on any conditions or terrain. This is truly the mark of a fantastic all-mountain ski.” We talk a lot about the mid-90's for one-ski quiver shape, and it sounds like this Ripstick 96 continues and pushes that trend forward. Brad Schauerman was on the 180, and found it to be perfect. Almost as if Elan drew it up themselves, Brad scored it all 4’s right across the board, noting that “These skis are super versatile and super fun. Just skied these on one of the iciest days all year and they held an edge great...only washed out a couple of times. These skis are super light and playful and very fun. For a ski with no metal, they handle great on hardpacked snow. They definitely excel off the trail in the trees and in deeper softer snow. All in all, these skis are a blast!”

Rick Randall was also on that 180, and like Brad and the Elan marketing department, scored it all 4’s out of 5 for all categories—a true mark of a pure all-mountain ski. Rick states that the Elan “Ripstick is just a really good all-round ski for something without metal. Shines in the softer snow and bumps and does a good enough job on the hardpack. Their unique rocker profile really does work for turn initiating when tipping the skis on edge. Great Intermediate to Advanced skier option for someone that wants something playful and doesn't need metal in a ski.” A lot of testers are always impressed at the metal-free performance of these skis, and when the lighter weight and higher energy is added to the mix, it makes for a very impressive overall feel and character.

For ultimate fun and versatility, I don’t think many skiers need to look further than Ripstick 96. They have the shape, construction, and profile to make them an ideal choice for advanced and expert all-mountain skiers who are looking for one ski to do it all. You can certainly supplement it with a wider or narrower ski if you so choose, and you’ll get better flotation or carving performance for sure, but for skiers who want one, or just something in the middle, it’s tough to argue against the Elan Ripstick 96.