2023 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

As one of the most versatile and high-performing skis of this, or any, test, the 2023 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition is an awesome choice for advanced and expert skiers who are looking for one ski to do it all. This ski returns unchanged from last year, and honestly, if they kept the same for all time, we’d still be pretty stoked. Built with Elan’s tubelite wood core, the skis get two additional carbon rods versus the regular 96. Complementing the two rods that lie on the inside of the edges, 96 Black gets two more that are in the central chord of the ski in front of, and behind, the binding zone. This gives the ski an extra boost of power and stability that keeps the ski smooth, damp, and strong in a carved turn. Carbon Line Technology is not only used, but also added to, with longer and wider carbon in the laminate that gives the inside edges of the ski more strength and grip. It’s a great combination of technology and construction, and when it’s added to the existing Ripstick 96’s shape and profile, skiers get the ultimate in fun and versatility, and that’s what it’s all about when you’re looking for a truly high-performance one-ski quiver.

Jamie O’Brien skied the 180 and noted it was true to size. He scored it top marks of 5 out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression. We get a 4 for flotation and a 3 for versatility from Jamie. He calls it “tons of fun! This ski rips like a banshee and hops around like a bunny.” Sounds like fun for sure! On the 188, Ryan Daniel calls the length perfect, scoring it 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge grip, stability, and flotation, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility all get 4’s, so we’re dealing with a consistent high end to the scorecard from Ryan, who notes: “I like. Right there between Rustler 9 and Enforcer 94 for overall character and performance. It is another ski that likes to charge!! Basically, another wide GS ski.” For a 96 without metal, I’d think wide GS is a good place to be.

Steve McKenzie notes that his 180 skied a bit short, and we’ve noticed that through tape measurements over the years, that Ripsticks are generally about 1.5 cm short of their stated length, so it’s never really surprising to hear that skiers find them to feel a bit short. It’s mostly due to the flatter shovel shape, and doesn’t really affect the running length, but it’s noticeable just looking at the skis sometimes. Steve gave the skis top marks of 5’s out of 5 for stability, quickness, and maneuverability, with 4’s for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge grip, and flotation. 3’s for playfulness and forgiveness round out Steve’s card, who states that Ripstick 96 Black is “A bit stiffer in the tip and tail- makes you really want those airs with some effort. Super edgeable though, and really an all-around nice ski. I’d consider this for an “every day, all day, any day” ski. Day 3 of test so if they’re fun in these conditions, they’d be a blast in even a below average day.” It’s certainly true that Day 3 was the most challenging from a conditions and visibility perspective, and it is important to feel confident on your gear in that realm.

We’ve loved the versatility and performance from the Elan Ripstick 96 Black ever since we first got on them, and those positions and opinions have not wavered. For advanced and expert skiers who are looking for something fun, sophisticated, and confidence-inspiring, the Ripstick 96 Black is a clear-cut favorite of ours here at SkiEssentials.com.